I did not know this.

[Clancy Moped]

Well, a few years ago there was a crackdown on fishing without a license on the rivers around Cambridge and Ely, and you're right that it is a criminal offense. Local sources suggest that the crackdown was triggered by people (mainly eastern European migrant workers) catching fish for food - of course, the policy is mostly catch and release. Operation Lungfish happened in 2021!

Carp, the Polish love it.

 

[Refueler]

Carp, the Polish love it.

And Pike ......

Russians / Balts ... they all love Carp - Pike - Tench ....

My wifes mother used to take Carp or Pike and carefully remove all 'meat' leaving skin intact ....

De-bone ... then mince the 'meat' mixed with carrot etc.

Put the mix back into the skin and sew it shut.

Bake and then present the whole fish on serving dish. You then take slices from it ...

Amazing act of doing ... very good eat !!

 

[Daydream believer]

I was never asked for my rod license ever, which was good because I never had one.

I used to coarse fish regularly & have been asked on a number of ocassions to see my license. I have always asked to see their proof of identity as well & that has been produced quite readily

 

[oldharry]

Nothing new about licensing. My (canvas) canoe needed a license on the Thames way back in the 1950's, and it was checked regularly by Patrols and lock keepers. I think it cost all of 7/6d. (37p). That was several weeks pocket money...