I love my fishing, especially as I don't get as much time as I would like to wet a line. Also though, a couple of my friends live in Monmouth, and now and again, we have taken canoes out on the Wye and had a brilliant day out. It has also helped me spot some likely fishing spots which I would possibly have missed on the bank, Phil pays for membership to the rowing club. He also fishes, and has his E.A. license, as do I. I suppose it's doubtful that the rowing club contributes financially to the E.A. but they do help keep the banks and pathways clear, and accessible.
Maybe the idea of introducing a river access license wouldn't be rejected out of hand by those who are serious about the waterways. Of course there will be some who will refuse, and buck the system, but penalties for not having fishing licenses were higher last year than ever before, so the policing is in place, it would just need to be extended.
Am I completely naieve, or just stupid? I know I don't have rose coloured glasses, maybe my eyes are simply bloodshot