The post you are reporting:
I could be wrong but I was under the impression that anyone under 12 had to be accompanied by an adult with a valid rod licence. Nonetheless, I believe that unless one is the riparian owner of the stretch of water being fished, any fish caught is technically theft.
It would be helpful if the EA could publish, or indicate exactly, what the Dour Byelaws are. This information is near impossible to find, and virtually everyone you speak to has a different opinion as to what is, and isn't legal.
I wouldn't have a problem if people fish for trout, and put them back. However, sometimes they are simply dumped, i.e. totally unnecessary killing. Some of the local kids have even admitted that they pass them to local restaurants in exchange for cash (as it's a public forum I won't state which establishments I know engage in this).
Of course fishing is fun, and it is a good day out for young people. But if they wish to take up this pastime, why not obtain a rod licence and go legally sea fishing off the pier or Shakespeare Beach where the stocks are plentiful?
To me, eel fishing is more of an environmental concern than trout. A couple of homemade eel traps have been found in the Dour recently in the centre of town, and I personally have observed late night illegal net fishing. Unlike trout, eels are in real trouble - critically endangered even, and the last thing their population needs is to be hammered. Dead eels are sometimes found dumped on the paths, presumably by kids trout fishing who do not know what to do with them once caught.