Fishy

We recently dealt with a handful of Fishing Without a Licence cases. I don't understand why they have to come to court rather than being dealt with by fixed penalty, when offences of violence and theft are deemed suitable for out-of-court disposals.
The Environment Agency prosecutor helpfully handed up a list of the various licence fees to help us in assessing fines, and I was amused, as ever, to see the distinction between coarse fish and eels (£26) and salmon and sea trout (£70). The Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal has its pleasant stretches, but the salmon fishing is rubbish, so I wouldn't suggest you waste money on a licence to catch them. There are nice ones on offer in Tescos anyway.