SERIOUS fines for fishing in closed area

[yak-aholic]

OK, let me start by saying this came through a friend from a friend of a friend. You get my point.

A guy was caught fishing in a closed area and claims that he was issued 2 citations totaling somewhere around $10,000.00. I don't know what he was charged with or any of the specifics. Just that he said his boat wasn't worth that much and he wished they would have taken his boat instead.

Only reason I thought to post this is for anyone who may have been thinking about pushing their luck. Don't do it.

[Yak-a-Lou]

I believe someone told you what you've repeated. I don't believe what you were told. Not for one second.

The fine in state waters is about $300 or less (Class II violation + court costs).

Not sure about the fine in closed federal waters.

[Psycho Joe]

OK, let me start by saying this came through a friend from a friend of a friend. You get my point.

A guy was caught fishing in a closed area and claims that he was issued 2 citations totaling somewhere around $10,000.00. I don't know what he was charged with or any of the specifics. Just that he said his boat wasn't worth that much and he wished they would have taken his boat instead.

Only reason I thought to post this is for anyone who may have been thinking about pushing their luck. Don't do it.

I guess that story grew a life of it's own, depending on how many fishermen the story went through. But what do you expect from FISHERMEN!!!

[yak-aholic]

Thanks for the clarification Yak. Fines seemed pretty outrageous to me, that's why I worded it like I did. Still not worth the fines or anything else to fish in an area that is closed.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

Thanks for the clarification Yak. Fines seemed pretty outrageous to me, that's why I worded it like I did. Still not worth the fines or anything else to fish in an area that is closed.

Roger that.

[Kurt_Loup]

A guy that I know told me today he was fishing the Breton area last weekend and was stopped for fishing in a closed area. He told me he was told to leave. No citation given.

[yak-aholic]

I didn't think the Breton area was closed.

[snake doctor]

:) Did they make him withdraw the money from an ATM at gunpoint? That is always a dead giveaway for folks that are not really with DWF. :)

[Yak-a-Lou]

A guy that I know told me today he was fishing the Breton area last weekend and was stopped for fishing in a closed area. He told me he was told to leave. No citation given.

This is the most common way things are handled by a loooooooong shot. I know they take into consideration such things as: how long that particular area has been closed; the perceived familiarity they believe the fisherman may have with the area; their perception of how capable the fisherman might be with internet access to daily changes, etc...

One thing they've been doing is... all fish caught must be returned to the waters, dead or alive.

On the other hand (this doesn't really apply to we paddle fishermen) A motorboat might launch in a closed area, travel to an open area, then travel back through a closed area without a problem. Potential problems only arise when someone is found FISHING in a closed area.

[Yak-a-Lou]

:) Did they make him withdraw the money from an ATM at gunpoint? That is always a dead giveaway for folks that are not really with DWF. :)

But, but, but, they had big bellies and they were eating doughnuts! You mean to tell me... Awwwwww carp! ;)