AJMichigan Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 Out fishing today, and about an hour after I get there this guy comes to a spot about 20 feet from me with a cooler and some tackle boxes. Obviously, he's here to keep fish and get dinner. We start chatting from about 20 feet away from each other and then nothing. About a half hour later I see him hook into a bass, and it's small. He takes it and throws it in his cooler. Me: "That bass looked small man, you know they gotta be 14 inches to keep them"him: "yea, oh well" Me: "put it back man, that's not cool." Him: "i've been doing it all year, i can't hook into the big ones so i keep whatever I can catch" Me: "That's really irresponsible of you" Him: "oh well" So I think about it, and I decide I should probably contact the DNR. I go off into the forest like im taking a tick and contact the local PD, who puts me through to the DNR. 15 minutes later the DNR arrives and confinscates this guys' fish, tackle, rod and reel, and everything related to fishing. After the guy leaves after being fined the Officer comes over, tells me the guy didn't even have a license, and thanks me for calling them. He also gets my information because I may have to testify in court against this guy. Would you do the same thing I did? I feel that as fisherman we have responsibilites to uphold, this being one of them. Taking undersized fish is the scumiest thing you can do. 19
JunkYard814 Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 I agree with your decision and I'm glad your DNR cooperated as well. Around here, I have tried to do the same thing several times, but every time I call they tell me how the department is under staffed and they will get around to it. Nothing ever happens. It's a shame that you have to go out of your way to testify in court though.
AJMichigan Posted July 13, 2013 Author Posted July 13, 2013 It's a shame that you have to go out of your way to testify in court though. I have no issue testifying against this scumbag
Tim1212 Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 yuck! Worst fish to eat anyways. I'd rather get a fish sandwich from Mc Donalds than to get fined and getting my stuff taking away just for a bass.
Traveler2586 Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 IMHO you were correct. By your description the guy has no respect for the resources. I hope you don't have to waist your time on this guy in Court though.
Kevin22 Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 You did the right thing, I would have done the same. The testifying won't be much. Just have to dress nice and tell them you witnessed him catch the fish. Simple as that. Nothing to worry about. Does your state have a reward? Iowa has a small reward, something like $200 for a tip leading to a prosecution. $200 would pay for my time to testify against him plus some....
AJMichigan Posted July 13, 2013 Author Posted July 13, 2013 You did the right thing, I would have done the same. The testifying won't be much. Just have to dress nice and tell them you witnessed him catch the fish. Simple as that. Nothing to worry about. Does your state have a reward? Iowa has a small reward, something like $200 for a tip leading to a prosecution. $200 would pay for my time to testify against him plus some.... I'll check into the reward thing, it's not about that for me anyway.
Stren_g Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 You did what I would have done. There's a reason for slot limits. Some people have no respect for the fish, fishermen, or the sport.
aquaholic Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 I wouldnt of. Maybe that makes me a bad fisherman but if i was really concerned i would of never said anything to the man and just called dnr. Although the dnr here are useless so i probably wouldnt of even wasted my time. I don't know what the mans circumstances are. Maybe he fishes to feed his family?
AJMichigan Posted July 13, 2013 Author Posted July 13, 2013 I wouldnt of. Maybe that makes me a bad fisherman but if i was really concerned i would of never said anything to the man and just called dnr. Although the dnr here are useless so i probably wouldnt of even wasted my time. I don't know what the mans circumstances are. Maybe he fishes to feed his family? Then fish for bluegill that taste much better, don't have a size limit, and you can keep 25 of em.
Kevin22 Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 There are a lot easier fish to catch for food than bass. If you need to feed your family then put some meat on a hook and catch a catfish. Or dig up some worms and catch 25 bluegill.
Stren_g Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 And still, if its important enough to need to feed your family then get a license and respect the laws so you can keep fish. 2
GADawgs Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 I think you did the right thing, I would have done the same. I know lots of people in a tough spot financially who do the right thing and pay the $25 for their annual license if they need to fish to help put food on the table. 2
AJMichigan Posted July 13, 2013 Author Posted July 13, 2013 I think you did the right thing, I would have done the same. I know lots of people in a tough spot financially who do the right thing and pay the $25 for their annual license if they need to fish to help put food on the table. Exactly, and License in this state is only 15 for limited species. I think it's everything except salmon and trout.
CPBassFishing Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 Good for you man. I would have done the same.
Super User Darren. Posted July 13, 2013 Super User Posted July 13, 2013 Rest easy, you did what was right.
MichiganFishing1997 Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 Your conscious should be clear. I believe you did the right thing. Its people like that who ruin the sport for the others that respect it. I believe not only me, but most of us would have done the same. That fish will thank you a few years down the road when he's you PB.
AJMichigan Posted July 13, 2013 Author Posted July 13, 2013 I prefer anonymity. I wish i could have remained anyomous, but i couldnt in this situation.
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted July 13, 2013 Global Moderator Posted July 13, 2013 I have no problem reporting people. I follow all the laws and so do a majority of people on the water so he should have to do the same. In my experience those are the same people who trash the lakes also because they have no respect for the water or land around it. As far as going to court, there's a good chance you'll have to go but not testify in my experience. Unless the guy decides to just plead guilty and pay his fine, his lawyer will want to see if you show up because you're the reason the DNR officer showed up in the first place. If you show up for that kind of thing a lot of times you won't even have to testify, he'll just plead out when he's sees you showed up.
AJMichigan Posted July 13, 2013 Author Posted July 13, 2013 I have no problem reporting people. I follow all the laws and so do a majority of people on the water so he should have to do the same. In my experience those are the same people who trash the lakes also because they have no respect for the water or land around it. As far as going to court, there's a good chance you'll have to go but not testify in my experience. Unless the guy decides to just plead guilty and pay his fine, his lawyer will want to see if you show up because you're the reason the DNR officer showed up in the first place. If you show up for that kind of thing a lot of times you won't even have to testify, he'll just plead out when he's sees you showed up. Thanks! I really actually do want to testify, so I hope this scumbag doesn't take a plea. I want him to get the maximum sentence. Which I believe in this state is 90 days in jail and a 1,000 dollar fine for each count. Which if my math serves me right will be 3 counts. #1 fishing without a license, #2 taking over the limit of fish (he had more than the allowed limit of bass) #3 taking undersize fish. People like this deserve the maximum sentence.
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted July 13, 2013 Global Moderator Posted July 13, 2013 Thanks! I really actually do want to testify, so I hope this scumbag doesn't take a plea. I want him to get the maximum sentence. Which I believe in this state is 90 days in jail and a 1,000 dollar fine for each count. Which if my math serves me right will be 3 counts. #1 fishing without a license, #2 taking over the limit of fish (he had more than the allowed limit of bass) #3 taking undersize fish. People like this deserve the maximum sentence. I hope you're right but unfortunately if it's his first offense they'll probably lump them all together and just get one count. Just my experience from dealing with the court systems around here anyways.
quanjig Posted July 13, 2013 Posted July 13, 2013 I think you absolutely did the correct thing. When you purchase a fishing liscense, you also take on the responsibility of being a conservator of your natural resources. Good for you, you have set a great example for everyone here to follow!
Super User slonezp Posted July 13, 2013 Super User Posted July 13, 2013 First, I commend you on your actions to put away a poacher. It's much better to let the authorities handle it than taking matters into your own hands. Depending on the circumstances, things could get dangerous. Secondly, bass tastes good. Yes, bluegill tastes better, but there is nothing wrong with a legally caught deep fried 14" bass filet with a vegetable and a side of french fries. It's pretty good on the grill as well. 3
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