I went on a party boat and I was applaled at how the mates handled short cod and other fish. first off they tried streching the cod that were 1/2" too short to try and make them keepers they also handled ones that were too short for that pratice by slamming them onto the surface of the water to watch the seagulls eat them.

what could have been done in that situation besides calling DEC. I believe someone made the call already

I would have questioned the behavior of the mates and talked to the captain on the way off the boat. Its short-sighted and ignorant by the crew.

I would have questioned the behavior of the mates and talked to the captain on the way off the boat. Its short-sighted and ignorant by the crew.

I believe the Capt was aware.

Shameful behavior. Unfortunately, sometimes the best you can do is tell people about it and hopefully cost them some business.

Trying to file a formal complaint with DEC may help as well, enough complaints and they almost have to do something - you'd hope.

the sea will take that boat

That's a shame,

I fished on a north-shore boat this week and the mates were excellent. I measured the reference mark's for legal fish and they were even a little long:kewl:. I imagine to prevent the accidental keeping of a questionable fish.

Disrespectful toward the fish, the boat and themselves. I can just imagine their opinions of the fares.