Environment Agency Fisheries enforcement officers will be blitzing Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and West Norfolk waterways between July 27 and 29 to make sure those enjoying the sport are licensed.

There is a wide variety of excellent waters available for keen anglers from trout reservoirs and gravel pits to commercial fisheries and smaller ponds.

During a similar blitz in June (Operation Garda), 510 licenses were checked across Lincolnshire and 21 anglers found unable to produce a licence. They were issued with offence tickets and will almost certainly end up in court.

Now the same approach is being used again across the three counties.

Lesley Robertson, environmental crime team leader, said: “Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officers will be patrolling waters in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and West Norfolk and anyone found fishing illegally may face prosecution and a hefty fine.

“All anglers need a valid Environment Agency rod licence which allows them to use up to two rods. Rod licences run from April 1 to March 31 and fishing without one can lead to a substantial fine.”

An annual rod licence for the 2012/13 season remains at 2011 prices, costing �27 for non-migratory trout and char and freshwater fish and eels or �72 for salmon and migratory trout. Concessionary licences, which cost �5, are available to juvenile anglers (aged 12-17). Anglers under 12 do not require a licence.

Anglers over 65 and anyone with a Blue Badge parking concession or in receipt of Disability Living Allowance also pay the concessionary adult rate of �18 (non-migratory trout and char and freshwater fish and eels) and �48 (salmon and migratory trout).

One to eight-day licences for occasional anglers are also available for �3.75 and �10 (non-migratory trout and char and freshwater fish and eels) or �8 and �23 (salmon and migratory trout).

INFORMATION: Licences may be bought from post offices, via the Environment Agency website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish) or by dialling 0844 800 5386.

Alternatively, they can be obtained from any Post Office or via the internet at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence

Anyone caught without a valid rod licence can expect to be prosecuted and face a fine of up to �2,500.