TWO men caught fishing illegally on the River Kent in Kendal have been prosecuted by the Environment Agency.

Simon Lenihan, of Burland Grove, and Thomas Eland, of Wildman Street, both of Kendal, were each found guilty of illegal fishing in a prohibited area when they appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that both men were caught fishing with a rod and line from Busher Walk by an Environment Agency water bailiff.

It was noticed that they were using lures. In this location anglers are not permitted to use lures or any weighted device because there is a by-law in place to protect fish that are vulnerable to capture by 'foul hooking'.

The court heard that there are two information signs at this location advising anglers of this.

Lenihan and Eland both stated they had not read the signs. In addition to this Lenihan was also found to be fishing without a valid rod licence.

Lee Preston, from the EA, said: “This prosecution should act as a warning to anglers who think it’s ok to fish without a licence and in a way that harms fish stocks for other anglers. Fish, including migrating salmon, in this location of the River Kent are protected because if a fish gets ‘foul hooked’ with weighted hooks or lures this can cause physical damage and distress.

"Foul hooking also can result in reduced mobility to migrate up river, secondary infection, and often death of the fish.

Lenihan was fined £400 for fishing without a licence and £100 for fishing in a prohibited area. He was also ordered to pay costs of £127 and a victim surcharge of £40.

Eland was fined £500 for fishing in a prohibited area, costs of £127 and a victim surcharge of £50.