THE coarse fishing season is now underway - and the Environment Agency is urging anglers to "play by the rules".

Following a successful blitz on illegal anglers, the agency will have bailiffs throughout York and North Yorkshire, to ensure anglers have a valid rod licence.

Although only 1.9 per cent of anglers checked in North Yorkshire failed to produce a valid licence - compared with the national figure of eight per cent - fishing without a licence could lead to a fine of up to £2,500.

Fisheries team leader John Shannon, said: "In their enthusiasm, some occasionally forget to purchase a licence, however we would strongly advise them to make sure they have one before they start to fish."

A valid rod licence costs £22 and can be bought at any post office or through the Environment Agency on 0870 166 2662 or at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish

Updated: 09:12 Tuesday, June 24, 2003