So if we were to suddenly start poaching stripers, our fine would be, what, about a nickel?
Using this story as a base line for "appropriate fines" for poaching, 5 - 10 cents would be proportionately correct.
It's asinine, plain and simple. Where the hell is the "deterrency factor" if the fine is grossly disproportionate to the amount of fish involved.
Notice that this was the second time in less than a week. That tells me these a$$holes are laughing in the face of the law.
Maybe if the laws regarding illegal fishing were stricter and actually imposed, maybe these poachers would finally get the message.
They should confiscate the boat and everything onboard, and levy a heavier fine than what they have been.
Hit them where they live, and they probably won't be back.
