John Anderson led the Burton Trent Partnership, Sting 9 along the Trent through Burton on 15th March 2025. It was the first day of the closed season for coarse fish on our rivers which runs from midnight 14th March to midnight 15th June.

We were there to deal with any illegal angling activities, most of which are covered by The Theft Act, Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Acts (SAFFA) and National byelaw 6. Breaking the above laws can land you in court with a hefty fine.

After a briefing we covered many of the hotspots for illegal angling on the Washlands in Burton on Trent. Whilst out, the team dealt with many issues other than angling related issues including one of the PCSOs removing people from the new playground and securing it and reporting litter including a dumped fridge freezer.

Bailiffs from Coors Angling Club, Ferry Bridge Angling Clubs, Angling Trust VBS and of course the Environment Agency will be making regular patrols throughout the area looking for illegal angling practises including crayfish trapping, fish trapping, fishing without club or EA rod licences and out of season fishing.

Many angling crimes accompany some very cruel acts. Recently John had to rescue a tethered swan on the Trent. Bailiffs work hard and are out every day dealing with many issues to help keep the area free from these heinous crimes.