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‘Crafty Carp’ puts stop to rod licence evaders

The Environment Agency and Epsom & Ewell Council are set to close the net on illegal fishing activity at the popular Epsom Stew ponds and Horton Country Park thanks to their successful ‘Crafty Carp’ operation.

The operation will run throughout the close season for fishing on the Stew Ponds which runs from 15 March to 15 June.
Patrols have been set up in the area with help from CALPAC (Central Association of London and Provincial Angling Clubs), the local fishing club, and police, with volunteers from the club patrolling the sites to fish out those who break the law.

The past three years has seen the partnership make a real difference for the local community, with a marked reduction in antisocial behaviour and damage to the area because of the enforcement presence. Other measures, such as organised coaching events for anglers in the summer, will improve the angler’s skills and their understanding of wildlife.

Carl Rasey,  Fisheries Bailiff for the Environment Agency, said: “Crafty Carp significantly reduces the amount of fishermen fishing out of season on the Stew Ponds each year, and we find people who are there return in the season to fish legally and responsibly.”

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chairman of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Leisure Committee, said: “The council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and in 2005 it introduced its ‘Crafty Carp’ operation with its partners at Horton Country Park and Stew Pond. The Country Park is a No Fishing zone while Stew Pond does allow fishing with a licence. The weekend and evening patrols led to a number of individuals being caught fishing illegally and subsequently prosecuted as a result.

“The problem reduced significantly for the rest of the season each time the operation was completed and it is hoped that a repeat of the operation will produce the same results. This is a difficult problem to solve, but with all agencies, including the Council, Police, Environment Agency and local fishing bailiffs, involved in cracking down on those who flout the byelaws, we hope to put a stop to those who choose to fish illegally.”