A CRACKDOWN has begun on illegal fishing along rivers including the Aire.
More than 450 volunteer bailiffs from the Angling Trust will be patrolling the river network during the close season, which runs until June 15.
They will report any suspicious activity to the Environment Agency (EA) and police.
Anyone caught and prosecuted could be landed with a fine of up to £50,000.
An EA spokesman said: "The message is simple – don't run the risk of a fine and a criminal conviction.
"Last year our enforcement officers operated 670 close-season patrols, reporting 122 anglers for illegally fishing.
"The chances of being caught out are even greater this year, thanks to the support of the Angling Trust volunteers."
Most still-water sites and canals will remain open for coarse fishing. People are advised to check local by-laws for a list of sites.
Volunteers are still being recruited. E-mail karen.sarkar@anglingtrust.net for details.
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