A Massachusetts man was arrested for illegally catching and keeping 14 oversized striped bass off the coast of New Hampshire, near New Castle and Rye, after authorities received tips about him not releasing catches from his boat. New Hampshire Fish and Game officers conducted an investigation leading to a confession from the individual caught red-handed. The man’s intention was to sell his catch under his Commercial Striped Bass Permit in Massachusetts, and he fled the scene when confronted by other anglers. Several law enforcement agencies were involved in the search for the suspect vessel and operator, eventually locating him in Portsmouth as he was ditching the fish. The illegal fish, measuring 37-47 inches, exceeded the legal maximum requirement for striped bass in New Hampshire.
The man was charged with licensing violations, taking and illegally possessing the striped bass, and may face additional penalties if found guilty. He risks losing his fishing license in New Hampshire and receiving fines for each of the 14 illegal fish caught. The fish are currently being held in freezers as potential evidence if the case goes to trial. In the event that the man pleads not guilty, he could face trial in Portsmouth District Court with Fish and Game prosecutors. Law enforcement officials expressed gratitude to the fishing community for alerting them to the situation and thanked local police for their swift response in addressing the abuse of natural resources.
The legal requirements for striped bass fishing in New Hampshire permit one fish per angler per day, which must be between 28 and less than 31 inches. The man in question violated these regulations by catching oversized fish with the intention of selling them. The authorities involved in the case included New Hampshire Fish Law Enforcement Division, Operation Game Thief (OGT), Maine Marine Patrol, Massachusetts Environmental Police, and local police. The OGT’s post on Facebook detailed the sequence of events leading to the man’s arrest, highlighting the collaboration among different agencies to apprehend the suspect and prevent further illegal activities.
The Massachusetts angler’s actions not only violated fishing regulations in New Hampshire but also raised concerns about the impact on natural resources. If convicted, he could face serious consequences, including the loss of his fishing privileges and financial penalties. The fish seized as evidence are being preserved in freezers and may be donated to a food bank or charity if they are not used in court proceedings. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting illegal fishing activities and the role that local law enforcement plays in upholding conservation laws. The case also underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring and protecting marine ecosystems to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings related to the illegal striped bass catches demonstrate the commitment of New Hampshire authorities to enforce fishing regulations and protect marine wildlife. The involvement of multiple agencies and the cooperation of the fishing community reflect a collective effort to preserve natural resources and hold individuals accountable for violating conservation laws. The case highlights the importance of public engagement in reporting environmental crimes and supporting law enforcement efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems. By addressing illegal fishing practices and prosecuting offenders, officials aim to uphold the integrity of recreational fishing and maintain the sustainability of fish populations in coastal waters.
