anyone got any info on the eez bust from last week??

Probably come out once they are formerly charged in court. I'm sure there is some scuttlebutt on the docks. RIDEM has been slow to announce in the past - they're probably a little cautious because some in their own dept have been busted multiple times in the past.

bass?

I heard some spicy gossip but it's only gossip
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I heard some spicy gossip but it's only gossip
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same here thats why i asked.

i LIKE SPICEY

17 boats were caught fishing over the fence
Bad boys
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isnt it closed already anyhow??

Bobber it doesn,t matter if your a rec or commercial .. no bassfishing in the EEZ ><>

oh yeah.... thats true. never really tought about it like that.

The boats were photographed over the line and when they returned to their home ports they were informed that the Feds would be getting in touch.
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If proven guilty, Lets hope that for once, a penalty will be given that will truly make people think twice in the future, and the perpetrators feel sick every time the see a fishing rod.

Seriously... no mercy... lets have it.

The boats were photographed over the line and when they returned to their home ports they were informed that the Feds would be getting in touch.
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Photographed?? That's not a bust. That's shark fishing or tuna fishing(likely defense)
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Perhaps they were photographed with bass going over the rails?
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I know they all had bass when they got back to port. Said bass were confiscated.
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I know they all had bass when they got back to port. Said bass were confiscated.
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Must have had some unhappy fares I imagine
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I tell ya...there was one year that Paliaso's dad and his buddy had spreader bars out trolling over some close to home ledges for footballs. They ended up with a 48 pound bass. The GPS said 3.2 miles to port (in Beverly Harbor, I believe). They couldn't decide where the 3 mile limit started. They let the fish go without even thinking about it.

Mail out violations. Sure to stick, hah.
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Um, my guess is they will be summons.
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Just posted on the RISAA Facebook page:

Block Island violators to be charged.
On this past Wednesday night, Environmental Police Officers conducted an undercover operation at the Southwest Ledge area off Block Island to observe fishing for striped bass in the EEZ, a violation of federal law.

As a result, eleven boats were later boarded and the captains will be charged.

Nine of them are being referred to the National Marine Fisheries Service for violations of the federal Striped Bass Act.
Two are being charged in state court.

Names will not be released until all charges are filed.

The Law Enforcement Division will issue a press release later today or tomorrow.

Steve
PS. Those who want to illegally fish under cover of darkness can expect much more of this. From now on, poachers won't know who is watching.

I translate that as only 2 of the boats had an above legal limit of bass, 9 of them hold commercial fishing licenses. A good sign that at the very least only 2 had over the limit of fish.

I could be wrong on my assumption.
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I bet that there would have been a lot more, if no one had cell phones.
After they stopped the the first half dozen.
I think a lot of fish were dump over board.

How hard is it to know if you are in the EEZ or not?

Any idea what would be a violation of state law vs fed. law and why some might be only charged w/state law?

Thanks

the 3 mile line is on every gps I've ever looked at

If you had one fish or more in the eez you are over the limit. People will bash once names are released as they are very well known in the fishing industry. Unfortunately this was a witch hunt for a few individuals. Come mid August there are 50 plus boats over eez every single night most of which are montauk charter boats. There are plenty of rec boats out there from ny ct ri. If they really cared about enforcing the eez they would target all boats not let it go all summer and target select individuals.
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By the way hope everyone is doing well been a while since I've been on here... Seadangles miss me lol:-)
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I would rather see 1 person get prosecuted than none... just sayin
still - they should be enforcing it all summer long, especially when the narrative all summer was "the big bass are offshore"

By the way hope everyone is doing well been a while since I've been on here... Seadangles miss me lol:-)
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Ha,Art and I fish for cod now
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the 3 mile line is on every gps I've ever looked at

True - but when you zoom in it disappears on most. If your trying to do the right thing down there, it's still pretty easy to go OB.

I'm sure the holier than thou internet police are going to have a field day trashing people over this one.
Enjoy biatches.
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This looks like it is going to be fun. Lots of posturing. Feed them scumbags to the lions.
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Circle the wagons!

One of my coworkers got popped. Good kid, not a poacher. He willingly admits he fishes on the line. There is 6 knots of current there and you can't definitively say you weren't over the line. If he went over the line he was back on the other side fast.

2 people were charged with Lacey act violations. Those were the 2 they were after.

I'm a habitual speeder when I drive... good guy, not a criminal.
I sometimes catch myself going 85-90, but quickly slow down after.

When I get pulled over by the cops, I dont call "witch hunt" because thousands of other guys speed all summer long without getting a ticket.

Everyone knows there is a 3 mile limit. Everyone.

Speeding is a great analogy to fishing the EEZ, a lot of people do it but it is still against the law.

Car Theft compares a bit to the Poaching.

I don't see how this is a witch hunt, witches (supposedly) don't exist. People fishing in the EEZ - happens all the time.

I'm not a boat guy and I'm curious as to why boats have to crowd the line or go over? With all the good fishing areas around Block why would anyone need to take the chance? I'm sure a lot of these guys are pretty good fishermen and know how to fish other areas. Easy fish? Black market fish? Why don't honest boat fishermen call these illegal boats and captains out?

Its my experience that almost everyone knows, at least approximately, where the line is. But when someone fishing around the sub buoy starts catching everyone just chooses to ignore the line. Good for the DEM to begin enforcing it again.

This is George W Bush's fault!!!
(One of the few things he got right)
:rotfl:
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Based on hearsay, I understand a fleet of boats regularly fish federal waters. Perhaps DEM should make an impression on all segments of the fishing community that seek stripers beyond the 3 mile limit. This bust seems to have targeted commercial fishermen exclusively.

Ha, there really is no "on the line" there is however a conga line. Especially in July and August when it is not uncommon to see a 60' party boat fishing on the line. They tightened it up a bit this year and the MA comm guys who were going there found that out via clipped fins at the dock upon returning from fishing. I also know of at least one boat that was boarded coming back to MA that was overeating. Excuses are like a wholes but some are just insulting. I am sure all who were caught are thought of as good kids by some. Darkness is good.
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I love how Cowhunter only shows up on here when there's some controversy he feels the need to throw his 2 cents in about. One of the biggest hypocrites on here, calling this a witch hunt, when he's called out other people for similar things But no, this is a witch hunt because it doesn't seem to affect him in any way, ie the Striper Cup.

No one gives a #^&#^&#^&#^& about your opinion...Go back to slaughtering bass because the law allows it.

I am sick and tired of this bull. I would bet that everyone on this board knows someone either recreational or commercial knows someone who skirts the law. Commercial guys who fish on non commercial days and ice fish for the next day to sell, recs who take extra fish and knock on restaurant doors. Saying that someone who violates the law is a good kid is BS. Lets cut the crap a thief is a thief. And a bass thief is the worst because he is stealing from all of us. I hope they hang them. There is no need to cross the line just keep a reasonable distance and you wont get in trouble. Cant wait to see who is on that list. Hope they are humiliated, but I doubt it as people who violate game laws are generally lowlifes and don't care about any thing but them selves. and yes I am angry

The thing is out of the 30 some odd boats that were stopped that were fishing the eez zone why we're just the commercial guys singled out? All the rec and charter guys that were stopped did not have their fish confiscated. If your going to enforce it don't be selective. Any different than arresting all the black guys and letting the white guys go ???? So in the mean time the montauk charter fleet and everybody else will continue fishing out there. You crack down on everybody it ends. My issue is just labeling commercial guys when the rec and charter boats are doing same.
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I agree that the enforcement should be equal, regardless of what kinda license (or no license) everyone had.... once people started getting nabbed, I'm sure radio and cell phone calls went out to everyone out there

BUT- the comm's that got pinched have been profiting from their abuse of the law, and doing it on regular(ie-daily) basis.

if you're gonna grab somebody, grab the guys who are the biggest offenders, no?

Ken - I think its perception. So many charter captains who also commercial fish hide behind the "recreational/charter" label because it makes them appear better in public. To me you're either a comm or a rec and shouldn't be both on the same trip. Over the years it's our (recreational fishing) communities own fault for not distinguishing charter guys who are R&R comms for who they really are. I have friends, like you, and others on this site, in both groups. I think the divide is now becoming more pronounced, not only with R&R comm groups, but with the charter industry in general based on this past winters striped bass war regulations. The greater recreational community was finally seeing that not everyone included in the rec umbrella was looking out for the best interests of the bass, in the case of RI and Mass charters more like the best interest for themselves. This woke everyone up. If the comm and charter guys would just report who the bad guys are when they see illegal activity they would get more respect. Turning the other cheek to law breakers just puts all of your group in the same boat in public perception. I wouldn't consider someone a rat for turning in the bad guys, I'd say they were a patriot. If everybody in the industry knows what's going on illegally by certain captains - report it or call them out. It will help the industry as a whole by weeding out the bad guys who give the entire industry a bad reputation.

DZ, if you've seen SW ledge on any given night you see majority of boats from montauk and Rhode Island there. Mostly Rec boats, then the montauk Rhode Island charter fleet and then your dozen Rhode Island com boats. You don't see a single boat fishing inside 3 miles on ny side or RI side come mid August and on. It's been that way for the last 3-4 years now. How many "big busts" they have? It's a rather very small area to enforce and the fish are concentrated. On any given night there are 50 boats piled in there and on a weekend it looks like nyc. All I'm saying is that people are extremely hypocritical and quick for a public hanging of the dozen com guys that were specifically targeted while allowing the others to carry on day in and day out. I know a lot are expecting a public hanging or something but the reality is that the worst they get is a $100-$200 per fish or maybe just a warning. I can't speak about the individual that had a double limit as was not a first offense and is also facing state penalties. Most that were caught in the "sting" have fished over 40 years violation free. We don't have com guys in NJ, so every year when recs get busted fishing eez here in NJ it's no big deal cause it's recs and of course they can target striped bass in protected waters because it's catch and release or they didn't see the 3mile line on gps lol. There are a lot of Rec guys, some from this site that fish SW ledge on a reg basis illegally.
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Who's to say this isn't the first of more. You have to start somewhere and they started the other night.
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NUMEROUS VIOLATIONS OF STATE AND FEDERAL MARINE FISHERIES LAWS FOUND AS A RESULT OF DEM INVESTIGATION INTO ILLEGAL STRIPED BASS FISHING ACTIVITY (http://www.dem.ri.gov/news/2015/pr/0923151.htm)

News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: September 23, 2015
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

NUMEROUS VIOLATIONS OF STATE AND FEDERAL MARINE FISHERIES LAWS FOUND AS A RESULT OF DEM INVESTIGATION INTO ILLEGAL STRIPED BASS FISHING ACTIVITY
PROVIDENCE - Over the past two months environmental police officers from the Department of Environmental Management's Division of Law Enforcement conducted a multi-day operation targeting illegal striped bass fishing activity. The effort uncovered numerous violations of state and federal marine fisheries laws. "I am extremely proud of the dedicated men and women who serve in DEM's Division of Law Enforcement and their collaborative efforts with our federal partners to protect Rhode Island's marine resources," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "DEM is working hard to ensure the health and future of the striped bass population, and it is essential that we go after illegal activity to protect this valuable natural resource."

On August 12, 2015, DEM environmental police officers and agents from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office for Law Enforcement (NOAA OLE) apprehended Raymond Jobin, age 72 of Charlestown for possession of striped bass during Rhode Island's closed season and attempting to sell these striped bass in Massachusetts. Jobin faces potential administrative charges in Rhode Island and has been cited for violation of the federal Lacey Act by NOAA OLE. On September 7, 2015, two commercial fishermen were arrested for exceeding the daily limit of striped bass. David M. Fewster, age 48 of East Providence and John E. Linton, age 65 of Narragansett both face administrative penalties by DEM.

Additionally, seven other fishermen were identified by DEM environmental police for fishing for striped bass in the federal waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends from three to 2oo miles off-shore. DEM and NOAA OLE are working closely together on this ongoing investigation. Striped bass are illegal to take in federal waters. A total of 42 striped bass were seized during this operation. . . .


It looks like this "witch hunt" nabbed some real witches.

Oh boy
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Yes Raymond Jobin aged 72, hard core criminal, be sure to set bail so he doesn't flee the state lol and trust me I never got along with the guy. Guess dimensia caught up:-((
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Just saying if it was this huge sting why let all the other boats go with bass caught in the EEZ?
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Is anybody alive that has caught more striped bass than Ray J?
Never mind what his bosses think.

Wait til you hear the other names that come out soon
RISAA hotshots
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Trump fence/wall?

Wow. Some big names so far. Hmmm.

Shocked (OK, not really)

Based on my information, I can say that new technology is going to be exploited to enforce laws and regulations on marine fish! Poachers beware.

I'm not on the list I swear
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Jack was popped a few years ago for having a few over the limit, and now this. Very disappointing
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Jack was popped a few years ago for having a few over the limit, and now this. Very disappointing
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Yep. Disappointed to see his name there but not surprised. Long way in a little boat.

RISSA Hotshots?? But will RISSA act accordingly??

His boat isn't so little anymore. It's a sweet McKee craft.
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Well, I know all three - and not a surprise. You know what really gets my goat? Two of these guys have been involved in RI bass fisheries management decisions for years. I served with both of them on the RI Striped Bass Advisory Committee. They always "talked the talk" but obviously didn't "walk the walk". I never trusted them but they had the ability to to pull the wool over the eyes of many others.

"Integrity is not something you show others, it is how you behave behind their back."

I am wondering why the entire operation took 2 months to put together. Hopefully each operation doesn't require 2 months worth of work to implement.
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I am wondering why the entire operation took 2 months to put together. Hopefully each operation doesn't require 2 months worth of work to implement.
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My guess - vhf chatter was recorded. Radar positions were recorded.. Number of infractions. Possibly the dem followed fishermen on land to Mass to prove that they were selling in mass.
All things to build a solid case and to eliminate the "it was an accident" excuse.

Just a guess....
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It would be great if they can bust some of the buyers as well if they can prove the fish were knowingly illegal and bought. Reducing demand is another way to slow down the black market. I am in the market for a new boat would love to get a steal at auction with built in mojo. I wonder how long it will take for the other names to be released.

I love how Cowhunter only shows up on here when there's some controversy he feels the need to throw his 2 cents in about. One of the biggest hypocrites on here, calling this a witch hunt, when he's called out other people for similar things But no, this is a witch hunt because it doesn't seem to affect him in any way, ie the Striper Cup.

No one gives a #^&#^&#^&#^& about your opinion...Go back to slaughtering bass because the law allows it.

i was typing this same post but retracted it. :claps:

I don't care how old ray is he is a crook, or a thief which ever sounds better. Time to end the BS while there are some fish left. Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

Nobody is loosing their boat, nobody is going to jail worst case a summons just like a speeding ticket.
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Worst case a summons just like a speeding ticket.
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The fact that after being caught over the limit, multiple times,is the reality, sucks.

And one is a former DEM employee. That department has a terrible track record of employees/former employees that break the law. Some repeat offenders. Fines aside, at the very least I'd like to petition the licensing board to permanently take away the R&R permits these guys have carried for many years.

And one is a former DEM employee. That department has a terrible track record of employees/former employees that break the law. Some repeat offenders. Fines aside, at the very least I'd like to petition the licensing board to permanently take away the R&R permits these guys have carried for many years.

A former DEM employee !!! LMAO!!!!

let me guess.. he fell down on the job and his uncle who is a DR made sure he is on disability... :angel::angel:

I think it's great but I also would like to see DEM start checking restaurants as all bass bought have to have a tag or paperwork as far as I know. It might stop the back door sales that we all know is flourishing in every city and town.

I think it's great but I also would like to see DEM start checking restaurants as all bass bought have to have a tag or paperwork as far as I know. It might stop the back door sales that we all know is flourishing in every city and town.

I'm thinking the sting is still on going with this problem. Next time you see it on a menu (usually its a special) ask the server for the tag number of the fish and tell them you want to know if its legal before you order it. If they can't provide the number ask for the kitchen manager. If they can't provide it call enforcement. If everyone of us did this it would clean up some of the back door dealing.

I think it's great but I also would like to see DEM start checking restaurants as all bass bought have to have a tag or paperwork as far as I know. It might stop the back door sales that we all know is flourishing in every city and town.

its crazy how much of this goes on, having been in the restuarnt business for 20 years Ive seen it a lot, from fish that are under sized, closed season, no season, shellfish with no tags, guys selling beef/meat from their farms with no paperwork, eggs,chickens, etc.

I think it's great but I also would like to see DEM start checking restaurants as all bass bought have to have a tag or paperwork as far as I know. It might stop the back door sales that we all know is flourishing in every city and town.

That would include tuna😎
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All you have to do is ask the fisherman to see a receipt for his Chinese food order.. No receipt = poo poo platter for keeper trade :rotfl:
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I'm thinking the sting is still on going with this problem. Next time you see it on a menu (usually its a special) ask the server for the tag number of the fish and tell them you want to know if its legal before you order it. If they can't provide the number ask for the kitchen manager. If they can't provide it call enforcement. If keveryone of us did this it would clean up some of the back door dealing.

I don't know Dennis. You'd then have a hard time getting served at any Newport restaurant.
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This group wants this, that group wants that, no one wants the other group to get more than them. Blackmarket, poaching, stacking, undersize fish by recs. Seems gamefish status would end all the bickering and mistrust and the winner would be the fish. I lean closer towards this decision every year.
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This group wants this, that group wants that, no one wants the other group to get more than them. Blackmarket, poaching, stacking, undersize fish by recs. Seems gamefish status would end all the bickering and mistrust and the winner would be the fish. I lean closer towards this decision every year.
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:claps::claps::claps::claps::claps::claps::claps:: claps:

It's a gamefish in New Jersey and more fish get killed here by recs than any other state and more fish get sold black market than any other state. We still have a two fish limit plus bonus tags lol oh but wait we are a gamefish state with no com fishing
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Every time you see Chilean sea bass on the menu well you know.... And you can catch me 9-10 months a year if you want
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gamefish to me means no one keeps anything. Catch and release. Enjoy the sport of fishing. No selling of bass in restaurants, no rec keeping of fish. No one keeps anything. How can it be a gamefish in NJ and recs keep 2 a day?

It will never happen. Too many hands in the cookie jar.
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Professor, Maine and NJ are only striped bass gamefish states lol. The recs just define gamefish differently than you
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And it's 2 a day plus bonus tag so really it's 3 fish
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This reminds me of cow hunter spouting off on how great the bass stocks were.
Where is that guy these days anyway?
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72 years old? Guess he's getting a lifetime achievement award for killing breeders for the on the water striper cup.
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It will never happen. Too many hands in the cookie jar.
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on a different topic ......
which we won't go into here because it's political
that's just what hillary said (nebe)
to basically :point: avoid the issue entirely

Nebe, I only run charters out of New Jersey / NY in spring and fall. I can't run up to New England like I used to as I spend time with the family over the summer with my kids, don't want that time to pass me by while they are young. I had a great spring and great fall last year. I have no problems limiting out over 90 percent of my trips. You have to be adaptive and not do the same crap as the fishery is always changing.
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That I agree with.
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And it's 2 a day plus bonus tag so really it's 3 fish
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And they consider that gamefish status? Wow
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Nebe, I only run charters out of New Jersey / NY in spring and fall. I can't run up to New England like I used to as I spend time with the family over the summer with my kids, don't want that time to pass me by while they are young. I had a great spring and great fall last year. I have no problems limiting out over 90 percent of my trips. You have to be adaptive and not do the same crap as the fishery is always changing.
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So basically you'd still kill every bass in the ocean if you're weren't being a good family.

You're singing a different tune here only because it appears that some of these guys might be your buddies who are fishing different waters, not competing with you. I'm sorry, but you're still full of #^&#^&#^&#^&.

Lacey Act violations are federal and involve violation of interstate commerce, meaning big fines, loss of licenses and equipment, and the potential for jail time. As an example, the charter boat captains down in Virginia that were fishing in the EEZ and were busted faced serious penalties that were prosecuted and enforced; if you go online, you can look up articles about the crimes and penalties imposed there.
Basically, any fishery violation needs to be taken out state jurisdiction since there are really no penalties and there is so much corruption and opportunity for corruption in state fisheries agencies. How can you have an EPO fishing commercially? They do in Massachusetts and imagine in other states as well. I once asked a Florida fisheries officer is he could fish commercially and he looked at me like I had two heads because, as he said, "that would be a conflict of interest." You think? But not up here.
By the way, the "conservation equivalency" BS that New Jersey pushed through the ASMFC Striped Bass Board allows them three fish because somehow in the world of fisheries management, three equals one - and please don't give me the hollow argument that be going for a larger size limit, you are keeping the number of fish killed down. Remember that allowing a state to keep more fish if they have a larger size limit means they are killing more brood stock - and how does that help anything?
There is no excuse: cheating is cheating and it affects all of us. And I don't want to hear how these commercial bass guys are good people; 99% of them would kill the last bass if they could. And that goes for charter captains who participate in the commercial sector using paying customers to do their dirty work.

RI has @ least one DEM officer that fishes commercial ><><

If his bosses have no problem with it & he isn,t breaking any laws .so be it ><>

So basically you'd still kill every bass in the ocean if you're weren't being a good family.

You're singing a different tune here only because it appears that some of these guys might be your buddies who are fishing different waters, not competing with you. I'm sorry, but you're still full of #^&#^&#^&#^&.

Bart I kill my limit. I take recs out and guess what none of them release....and yeah you wouldn't be happy with my annual poundage. A different tune I don't sing Im not on here crying lol
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Throughout time, respect and rewards went to the anglers who could find the fish, especially the bigger fish. This applied to all, be they rec, comms, or charter. Successful captains were successful because they caught, and reaped the benefits be it money, prizes or booked schedules. These were respected jobs. If the statutes allow them to operate and take fish, I have no problem with them, or the jobs they pursue. Changing the statutes is another issue altogether. But if those choosing these professions also choose to skirt the law, they will get what they deserve, if caught. We are talking professionals, making money, putting their boats in an area. Indiscriminate enforcement does not make a witch hunt.

I just want to point out that the NJ 3rd fish (bonus tag program)...IS THE NJ COMMERCIAL QUOTA...NJ has simply decided that their commercial quota is more valuable to give to recreational anglers. The suggestion that NJ treats Striped Bass as a Gamefish is simply but, BULL #^&#^&#^&#^&. NJ harvests its commercial quota, it just doesn't allow those fish to be sold. They are the fish in the bonus tag program.

NJ's first two fish limit meets the scientific analysis and as an advocate who pushes conservation viewpoints based on the same science, even if I don't like it, I accept it.

That makes more sense. Thanks
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I don't want to hear how these commercial bass guys are good people; 99% of them would kill the last bass if they could. And that goes for charter captains who participate in the commercial sector using paying customers to do their dirty work.

Do you really expect people to take you seriously with a post like this?
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I know Dave and he has a very good perspective and I can't argue with what he said either. There is a lot of truth in there.
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Seems gamefish status would end all the bickering and mistrust and the winner would be the fish. I lean closer towards this decision every year.
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Paul, I have written articles about game fish status. I have been preaching this mantra for 5 years as have a bunch of other organizations. Game fish status ends the black market, the "grey" market, poaching, commercial take, illegal selling the whole mess.
Unfortunately, the PAC groups and special interest sector is too strong for us to ever win this in our life times.

Piemma. The probable truth is that if the fish was made a true game fish, you would see some people loose their boats, maybe loose their houses, marinas would loose dockage, bat and tackle stores would loose business, etc. I think that the black market is so prevalent and I also think that there are some people who are doing it so well, that they are making a chit-ton of money off of it...

That said, I'm all for it, but I think it would make for some serious wake up calls and ramifications.
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I know Dave and he has a very good perspective and I can't argue with what he said either. There is a lot of truth in there.
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I guess I have a hard time with the "99% would kill the last one if they could" opinion...the problem is the rule breakers make a bad name for all the good ones that follow the laws and are responsible...he lost me with the 99%
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I agree he may have gone to high with that percentage and painted everyone with the same brush. I know lots of comm guys and I do know plenty of them are only about the money but I do know lots that do care about the fish first.
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I guess I have a hard time with the "99% would kill the last one if they could" opinion...the problem is the rule breakers make a bad name for all the good ones that follow the laws and are responsible...he lost me with the 99%
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In retrospect, I'm glad you called me on this and that Paul also called me on it. I should have said that "99% of the commercial striped bass folks that I know would kill the last one if they could" and I know that for a fact given our "discussions." As far as the charter sector that functions as commercial, when I have to listen to a "captain" out of Falmouth Harbor register concern about the fishing and then find out that he sold 256 pounds of bass that his charter caught and left behind for him, I have no patience for that type of BS.
I will, in the future, be very specific in calling folks out rather than using the paint brush technique; I agree that it does lump the few good ones in with the less than honest ones.

As far as the charter sector that functions as commercial, when I have to listen to a "captain" out of Falmouth Harbor register concern about the fishing and then find out that he sold 256 pounds of bass that his charter caught and left behind for him, I have no patience for that type of BS..

That's a pretty good tip
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Piemma. The probable truth is that if the fish was made a true game fish, you would see some people loose their boats, maybe loose their houses, marinas would loose dockage, bat and tackle stores would loose business, etc. I think that the black market is so prevalent and I also think that there are some people who are doing it so well, that they are making a chit-ton of money off of it...

That said, I'm all for it, but I think it would make for some serious wake up calls and ramifications.
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Eben, I understand what you say but must respectfully disagree.

There is empirical evidence, ( the Snook and Tarpon in Florida)that, while there may be a immediate downturn in revenue for the sport fishing community, there is a decided upturn in revenue in the long run.

The Snook and Tarpon sport fishery in Florida is a world class fishery that draws anglers from all over the world. Both species have game fish status.

We are pandering to the community that sells fish legally and illegally. I have no problem with making a living fishing when the stocks are healthy. That's the catch phrase. "when the stocks are healthy". Only a greedy money monger would think there is no problem with the striped bass stock.
We are not at the stage where a moratorium is necessary but it will come if we continue on the current path.

Paul, I have written articles about game fish status. I have been preaching this mantra for 5 years as have a bunch of other organizations. Game fish status ends the black market, the "grey" market, poaching, commercial take, illegal selling the whole mess.
Unfortunately, the PAC groups and special interest sector is too strong for us to ever win this in our life times.

it's the only way imo.

There is empirical evidence, ( the Snook and Tarpon in Florida)that, while there may be a immediate downturn in revenue for the sport fishing community, there is a decided upturn in revenue in the long run.

The Snook and Tarpon sport fishery in Florida is a world class fishery that draws anglers from all over the world. Both species have game fish status.
I think the big difference here is that striped bass is something people actually want to eat so it has a secondary commercial value beyond sport fishing. Additionally there is a farmed product that could confuse the regulation. You don't have either of those factors with snook or tarpon.
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I think the big difference here is that striped bass is something people actually want to eat so it has a secondary commercial value beyond sport fishing. Additionally there is a farmed product that could confuse the regulation. You don't have either of those factors with snook or tarpon.
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Valid point.:humpty:

Actually it is not, snook is absolutely delicious.
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Actually it is not, snook is absolutely delicious.There is a slot for them.
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Actually it is not, snook is absolutely delicious.
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I've read that it is, but is there a market? Never seen snook on the menu down south or anywhere.
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Well, when is the last time you saw tautog on a menu up here,or even Black Sea bass? There is no commercial fishing for snook, so you won't see it on a menu. If however,you were to catch one,then you could enjoy a tasty fish.
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There is no commercial fishing for snook, so you won't see it on a menu. If however,you were to catch one,then you could enjoy a tasty fish.
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Aha, fair point.

Snook is definitely a tasty fare.
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Any idea when the other offenders names may be released? Also, where would the information be?

^^ good questoin.... where are the names of these "good guys"?

they have federal charges / they take longer , so the names won,t be released until they are offically charged //

Snook is definitely a tasty fare.
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they'll be up here soon enough

Probably because they already released the names they wanted to.
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Mike . the names that were released one was Federal but the arreat was 2.5 months old the other two were state arrests ><>

I saw those... still wanna know who these other guys are(?)


and.... just did a quick google search. the 48 yr old guy mentioned in the paper has 2 child molestation charges.


he's DEFINITELY one of the good guys...........