Keeping every fish caught.

[justfishin]

This is not a poke at anyone. This is a honest statement. We have a slot limit in Maryland and in Pa. at places but, I have been seeing more and more---people----keeping everything they catch fishing from the banks. It infuriates me. Even though they look---not originally from here---they still purchased a fishing license and I am sure got a rule book. In Washington DC its just ridiculous to see all the undersize bass being caught and placed on a stringer or on the bank. I have heard others say the same but, even the DNR police can't keep up with them. I understand that fish is a mainstay in other countries but, we do have rules. Please understand, this is not a hit on anyone in particular but, it is a big problem here. I would like to see a post in the local paper concerning this problem and talked to some DNR Police about it. I think it is their job to place an add in the paper to try to curtail this activity.

[Grey Wolf]

It's rough man , not enough rangers to cover . If it's as bad as you say , you could form a concerned citizens group like the neighborhood crime watch groups we have here in ohio and run patrols and use your cell phones to contact the authorities when you run into ill-legals.

Do not confront them yourselves but you have to get the rangers to agree to respond or your just wasting your time.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

[Bronzefly]

It's really bad here in TN as well - especially below the dams...  

[Flywatersmallie]

Its bad here in east central Wisconsin, certain times of the year. Fortunately enough, its mostly walleyes that go home by the truckload. Those and white bass. Yet when confronted by the DNR as to why they have 43 walleyes and 4 undersized smallies on their stringer and one gets "I dont understand". Yet the understand enough to not put the sheephead on said stringer and stash the sturgeon in the trunk. It happens an awful lot. Makes me sick!

[bigbaitfisher]

Maryland DNR Hotline is 1-800-635-6124

It's on speed dial on my phone because I DON'T TAKE CRAP.  I call WHENEVER I see ANYTHING going on wrong.  I am KNOWN FOR calling DNR at places like Kent Narrows and that place will clear out when I arrive.  It's actually not a bad reputation.  This year alone I have probably called 15 times, and DNR responds everytime.  And they thank me everytime, too.  Without citizens calling these crimes in, it will continue to happen and will continue to destroy the fishery.

The biggest thing is keeping short rockfish.  I mate aboard several boats and can eye an 18" rockfish pretty accurately.  I still measure EVERYTHING because I'd rather not eat then deal with a $500 fine.  I'm not going to question anyone with a fish that might not be 18 by a 1/2 inch.  But I've seen guys keep 14" rockfish and that's not tolerable by any means.

Don't be afraid to call them.  Be nice about it.  But if they don't show up that time...start demanding that an officer comes out.

[justfishin]

Yes, I guess its everywhere guys. You know if I knew a man had to feed his family with those fish I would not say a word, short fish or not but, It seems the same people are there all the time. I understand they are not from here but, they need to know the laws. Trust me, I don't mind calling the infractions in but, to confront them along the bank in Washington DC, nada. I believe they would pop a cap in my little hiney, LOL. Have a good one.

[bigbaitfisher]

Yes, I guess its everywhere guys. You know if I knew a man had to feed his family with those fish I would not say a word, short fish or not

IMO, that's a huge mistake.  For those that need to feed a family, may I suggest a 2nd job?  There's no reason to destroy a fishery by taking undersized and illegal fish home.  Plus the fines associated with keeping small fish makes it completely not worth it.  I don't care if it's my own mother, I'm calling DNR.  

There are some guys who I will go up to and speak with, if we are talking throughout the night, and say stuff like "hey, that fish looks a little short bub, might want to measure it in case DNR swings by".  If it's 17 3/4 I'm not calling, as measuring devices (even golden rules) can be off by 1/4 inch.  If it's short and they don't release, I'm going to the bathroom and making a phone call.

My friend's girlsfriend absolutely hates me for it, saying stuff like "I wouldn't want to pay $500 in fines!'  Great, don't keep small fish and there won't be a problem.  Play by the rules and we'll all get a long.  

Sorry for the rant....it's a touchy subject.

[firefightn15]

I don't keep anything, except for a few pan fish here and there.  Even the stray walleye goes back.  Just me

[J Francho]

If its the law, there's nothing touchy about it.  It either is or isn't legal.  That's what cell phones are for.  We are the eyes and ears for the authorities; they can't be everywhere at once.

[grimlin]

Happens here too...got into a fight 2 years back with 2 older guys using a net and taking everything out.Must have had over 20 bass(most undersized) 30+ walleyes(most undersized) and some 200 crappies and bluegills.They filled 2 coolers.

I went to call the cops and they took off...never saw what they were driving.

Last year i didn't see a bluegill or a crappie in sight.I think i was lucky enough to catch maybe one or 2 bass out of that spot this year.

[simplejoe]

Happens here too...got into a fight 2 years back with 2 older guys using a net and taking everything out.Must have had over 20 bass(most undersized) 30+ walleyes(most undersized) and some 200 crappies and bluegills.They filled 2 coolers.

I went to call the cops and they took off...never saw what they were driving.

Last year i didn't see a bluegill or a crappie in sight.I think i was lucky enough to catch maybe one or 2 bass out of that spot this year.

If they were on a boat next time take a pic of their numbers on the boat then turn it with your complaint.