I Did The Right Thing. 2024
AJMichigan reply :
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.
JunkYard814 reply :
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.
nycgrip reply :
thats some good work right there.
AJMichigan reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 10:40 AM, JunkYard814 said:
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 reply :
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 reply :
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 reply :
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 reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 10:47 AM, Kevin22 said: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 reply :
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 reply :
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 reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 10:51 AM, aquaholic said: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 reply :
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 reply :
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.
GADawgs reply :
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.
AJMichigan reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 10:56 AM, GADawgs said: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 reply :
Good for you man. I would have done the same.
Darren. reply :
Rest easy, you did what was right.
MichiganFishing1997 reply :
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.
tomustang reply :
I prefer anonymity.
AJMichigan reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 1:12 PM, tomustang said:I prefer anonymity.
I wish i could have remained anyomous, but i couldnt in this situation.
Bluebasser86 reply :
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 reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 1:17 PM, Bluebasser86 said: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.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 1:20 PM, AJMichigan said: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 reply :
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!
slonezp reply :
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.
deep reply :
Yes, I believe you did the right thing.
nascar2428 reply :
You did the right thing and the DNR must have been close by. I usually see them the following week after a call, once the word gets out that they did a sweep, I see fewer people fishing. Makes me wonder just how prevalent the sitiuation really is.(No license, Poaching)
prjavelin reply :
I would not do it, if that will mean I will have to go to court. The lake is my shrine, my peaceful place, I dont want to go there thinking I could get jumped going through the woods. It would have to be anonymous or nothing in my personal opinion. I guess your conservation efforts are stronger than mine. You DID the right thing, go through with it.
Ive had people asked me for fish since I exclusively C&R and I always give them something. Most of the time Its tilapia and catfish when they attack lures never a bass, rarely a blue gill. I always feel bad for the people that dont have anything to eat while others like us have the hobby of catching and releasing what will be food in their case.
tritondriver reply :
great job..
Sam reply :
The local pond by my home no longer has a bass population.
People took the bass.
People don't visit the pond anymore as the bass are gone. I wonder if they wonder where the bass went?
You followed the law and did a good thing. Unless we stop the practice of harvesting illegal fish we will not have to worry about catch and release of anything.
Our Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has only 135 conservation officers covering the state so if you call them the odds of having them show up to enforce the laws is slim to none.
Nice to know Michigan addresses the issue.
Avalonjohn44 reply :
I turned in some folks once. They were seining the creek I was fishing and keeping every single thing they got, including crawfish and minnows. They were obviously fishing for food and were poor as heck. I struggled for a while but in the end I called DGIF to report them. I felt bad as heck when the actual cops showed up and cuffed all six of them and took them away. Turns out they were illegal immigrants. The cops left behind their nets and buckets, so I grabbed them. Got a cool cast net out of it.
Traveler2586 reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 1:15 PM, AJMichigan said:I wish i could have remained anyomous, but i couldnt in this situation.
Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in; that principle gave us our country.
Going to court is not that big of a deal, you can ask to file an affidavit with the court, or arresting officer, in lieu of a court appearance.
Traveler2586 reply :
On 7/14/2013 at 7:51 AM, Avalonjohn44 said:I turned in some folks once. They were seining the creek I was fishing and keeping every single thing they got, including crawfish and minnows. They were obviously fishing for food and were poor as heck. I struggled for a while but in the end I called DGIF to report them. I felt bad as heck when the actual cops showed up and cuffed all six of them and took them away. Turns out they were illegal immigrants. The cops left behind their nets and buckets, so I grabbed them. Got a cool cast net out of it.
Why would the officers leave the evidence behind?
Avalonjohn44 reply :
I dunno.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/14/2013 at 9:53 AM, Traveler2586 said:Why would the officers leave the evidence behind?
If they were arrested for being in the country illegally then their equipment had nothing to do with why they were being arrested. Still, would be very easy for them to cause the officer/agency issues for losing their property by not collecting it.
NEjitterbugger reply :
I think you did the right thing, but who knows, maybe him and his family haven't had a meal in a few days... I know it is still wrong and agree with what you did but I don't think that the guy who did it is necessarily a BAD person..
~Good work
Kevin22 reply :
On 7/14/2013 at 9:53 AM, Traveler2586 said:Why would the officers leave the evidence behind?
They obviously arrested them for something other than a fish and game violation, since I doubt seining a creek is an arrest-able offense.. The nets/buckets had nothing to do with what they were being arrested for so he didnt collect them.
The officer probably could have gotten in trouble for leaving their person property, but as illegals they are going straight to jail and then back home if convicted of being in this country illegally. That is probably why he left them.
Traveler2586 reply :
On 7/15/2013 at 12:54 AM, Kevin22 said:They obviously arrested them for something other than a fish and game violation, since I doubt seining a creek is an arrest-able offense.. The nets/buckets had nothing to do with what they were being arrested for so he didnt collect them.
The officer probably could have gotten in trouble for leaving their person property, but as illegals they are going straight to jail and then back home if convicted of being in this country illegally. That is probably why he left them.
I got that they were arrested as possible illegal immigrants. But it not like officers to leave behind personal property, even nets and buckets. I believe it's accountable property.
Loop_Dad reply :
You already know this and we don't have to tell you this, but you did the right thing. You stood for what you believe in. Congrats on that! You should be proud of yourself.
Once I came across a situation in special regulation area. It wasn't clear case as yours. I asked my local bass fishing forum what would you do question, so that I would be prepared for the next time. While I got several good advices and information such as to take time to talk to them, educate them if needed, and to find out more of what is going on, I was very surprised to see many people, too many IMHO, said they would just walk away pretend that they didn't see /hear anything. It was kinda sad so many fellow bass fishermen don't stand up.
I now got DFG number on my cell so that I am ready to make a call if necessary. (I am not sure how their response would be thou.)
AJMichigan reply :
I would actually feel bad about them being illegals and me being the one who is getting them more than likely deported. I would feel pretty bad about that. As I would feel bad if I got someone in trouble who was fishing to feed their family. Still illegal, but I would still feel somewhat bad.
The Young Gun reply :
IfI there weren't people like you, there would not be fish in the lake. I'm glad you did what you did, it was the right thing.
jiggerpole reply :
You did the right thing. There's no telling what effect this guys influence may have had on others with his actions. Disregarding the right thing to do is never a good thing. Maybe he will have a change of attitude and by telling others what happened to him in this case could change a mind for someone else down the road.
Traveler2586 reply :
I'm sorry to say I know anglers that laugh at the thought of buying a Wash. D.C. fishing license because they believe D.C. has no DNR and they will never be caught.
I also have people on my block that act like they're poor and need a handout, but they drink beer, smoke, and their kids have up-to-date sports clothing on.
I would report any of them in a hart-beat for poaching and never think twice about it.
If people are so poor they can't feed themselves there are places they can get help, not a handout, but real help; all they have to do is try.
We were poor when I was a kid, but my Dad always had food on the table and cloths on our backs; he never took a handout when many were offered; we took care of ourselves and did what was right. So I give no quarter to sob stories.
AJMichigan reply :
On 7/15/2013 at 7:25 AM, Traveler2586 said:
If people are so poor they can't feed themselves there are places they can get help, not a handout, but real help; all they have to do is try.
Lets not turn this into a political debate.
Brian Needham reply :
On 7/15/2013 at 7:28 AM, AJMichigan said:Lets not turn this into a political debate.
He wasn't .....
BadContrakt reply :
Respect. I would have done the same thing.
gripnrip reply :
I'm not seeing it either.On 7/15/2013 at 7:28 AM, AJMichigan said:Lets not turn this into a political debate.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Sleep well, ya dun good
FrogFreak reply :
I would hope I'd have the courage to do the same as you did. Great job!
PABASS reply :
Everyone wants to play the devils advocate, OP did the right thing, we don't know if the person keeping the fish was poor or trying to feed his family what we do know he was breaking the laws and those are the facts.
wngan9447 reply :
I'm kind of curious on why/how the cops told you they were illegal? Usually people just get arrested and thats the end of it.
To the OP... you had the courage to do the right thing. Some people just need to look a little beyond their normal life. Once the fish are gone in certain lakes, there's a giant consequence that we face. Everything on this earth was put here to create balance. And the bass is put there to eat the bugs that eat me while i'm trying to fish. 
Big Jon reply :
On 7/13/2013 at 10:56 AM, GADawgs said: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.
I agree. We have been in a tight spot here and there for the last couple years, and I donate plasma for extra money. Sometimes it's the only way to get through to the next paycheck. It sucks, but you do what you have to do without breaking laws. The license isn't that expensive.
derekxec reply :
you did good and here bonus is you could get a reward im not sure how it is there though
he clearly knew what he was doing and didnt care and its not like he said he was starving and needed it cause he had nothing else so good job 
roadwarrior reply :
We are absolutely against any form of illegal fishing
and will not allow any such threads or posts advocating such activity. All such posts are deleted.
In addition, any material or posting that advocates or discusses illegal activities, with or without
the intent to commit them, is prohibited.
Please stay on topic.
-Kent
Ratherbfishing reply :
If people regularly reported suspected criminal activity, our police would likely be a much more efficient and effective force. We cannot always just sit on our duffs and wait for someone else to do everything. No one wants to be the "bad guy" but as I see it, the bad guy is the offender and certainly not the person who turns them in.
2063663 reply :
In some cases, you would just mind your own business, but this was the total right thing to do. I lived in my neighborhood for going on 8 years, and that is where I caught my first fish, I remember how clean (no litter), and it had so many fish, but then you have the older rednecks who target neighborhood ponds, and bring a huge cooler with them, this pond was ruined by trespassing scumbags like that guy, who have no respect, take our limited supply, and just crap the place up, I think that fish in an area like a pond, especially with a lot of kids that fish there, because it gives them something to do, like walk with their rod & tackle box, then you see a huge monster truck without a muffler pull up, out comes 2 20-ish year old guys that cuss up a storm, throw every dang fish in their cooler, and throw their candy wrappers, beer bottles, soda cans, everything on the ground, and leave. Why can't all people in the bass fishing community think about the next guy when you catch that 1/2 bass to the 8 lb monster, you can throw him in your cooler, or put it back in for another guy to catch, I wish there were more people like you, AJ.
Saul2Paul reply :
You did the right thing. I kind of doubt the guy was catching bass to feed his family. Catfish and the little guys - like bluegill - would be more sensible.
I personally always catch and release bass. Back in June I was fishing my usual spot and these 2 guys were catching bass under 10-12 inches by the dozens. They ended up leaving with 2 large coolers full. I was ticked! I should have done something in hindsight, but I failed... I mean, these punks put out a minnow trap earlier and came back and used them to catch all of these little guys. They didn't catch one single fish of keepable size.
Sam reply :
We had a very serious problem at the "Pony Pasture" on the Historic James River a number of years ago where people were catching and slaughtering the beautiful large Flathead Catfish that live in the area.
The people would catch the catfish and filet them on the bank and leave the caucus there to rot.
Me and others complained to the Richmond park ranger who knew of the practice and finally, the Richmond City police started to show up and monitor the area and the illegal activity stopped.
Seems people from other countries don't care if they damage or destroy our natural resources. All they want is a cheap source of food.
I have not fished that portion of the Historic James River in a number of years so if any of the Richmond guys or gals decide to wade out from above the Pony Pasture let us know if you see any signs of the butchering still going on.
berwind19 reply :
Where I live they have monthly trout stockings from about November to March or so. You can watch people actually chase the truck and wait for the guys to dump the fish and hit the creek or lake with nets. For those of us who have to work it sucks because by the time we get there, the fish are gone or have sore mouth syndrome and wouldn't hit pavement if they fell out of the truck!
I highly commend you for your actions my friend!
Big Jon reply :
On 7/22/2013 at 8:10 AM, berwind19 said:wouldn't hit pavement if they fell out of the truck!
I know this is off topic a little, but that's the funniest phrase I have heard in a long time.
jhoffman reply :
I always love it when people wanna feel bad for the guy who got caught cause maybe he was trying to feed his family. With the fact anyone underemployed can qualify for food stamps, help from the church, heck I bet if you told a bunch of fisherman you were starving they would catch you fish legally. Theres programs in every state where hunters donate wild game to feed people.
There is absolutely not a single excuse that ever flies for being a scum bag when it comes to nature.
roadwarrior reply :
Well, that's probaby enough.
Good night Irene....
-Kent a.k.a.a. roadwarrior
Global Moderator
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