KENT fishermen are urged to respect the close season or face prosecution.
The Environment Agency promises to be "out in force" on the county's rivers from now until June 16.
During this time anglers must not catch any species of coarse fish except trout and salmon. And they may only fish for these with a fly or lure.
Chris Conroy, from the agency's Kent fisheries team, says there is no excuse for fishermen breaking the rules, as many lakes and ponds were legally open for business in the close season.
He added: "Agency officers will be actively targeting waters to ensure the minority of unscrupulous people do not inflict long-term damage on fisheries."
April 29, 2003 10:00
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article