THE Environment Agency has been taking action against people caught in a blitz on illegal fishing in the Winchester area, hitting them for hefty fines.
Damian Czadar, 19, of Alresford Road, Winchester, admitted fishing otherwise than in accordance with a licence and during the annual closed season, at Water Lane on April 26.
Czadar was fined £800, a £40 victim surcharge, a £150 criminal court charge and £127 costs.
Bill O'Leary, 43, of Coxford Down, Micheldever, was stopped at the Basingstoke Canal at Odiham on April 25.
Proved in his absence were similar charges. O'Leary was fined £1,200, a £60 victim surcharge, £127 costs and a £150 criminal court charge.