Dozens of anglers across the north-east of England have been caught fishing without a valid licence.
During May, the Environment Agency said it prosecuted 53 people in the region, which resulted in fines of �2,478 and court costs of �3,365.
The action in the North East is part of a crackdown on illegal fishermen across England and Wales.
The Agency said money raised through rod licences was invested back into fisheries work.
Fisheries enforcement team leader Kevin Summerson said: "Fishing without a licence is an offence and anyone caught fishing illegally faces a tough penalty."
He added: "Around �19m is raised each year through rod licences and invested in fisheries work benefiting all anglers, fish stocks and waterside environments."
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