[fishcop]

I recently had a buddy come back from Virgina beach and inform me that almost the entire charter fleet was again fishing outside of the limit. Funny thing is alot of the boats are Maryland Captians who then ***** about the Virgina guys keeping too many fish. I had also heard that several popular Maryland boats have been busted this year by both the Coast Gaurd and VMRC.

My biggest problem with this is almost every day, when the "MAN" comes out these guys dump all their fish in the water wasting them in an effort to not get caught. I have personally seen this!!! How Many fish are being wasted every day??? I challenge everyone on this board and you know who you are if you have fished on a boat that practices this, or know of one that was caught, then do not charter them anymore!!! They are only hurting all of us and have no buisness being out there. Iam very tempted to post the names of those who have been busted this year, but I know how these guys are and will tell you that you can just call the coast guard and ask them. Personally I hope the coast guard takes their captians license.

The irony is that there are plenty of fish inside the limit but they are always looking for the "BIG" bite and "BIRD SHOW", so they poach!!!

 

[goose70]

Fishcop, the most effective thing to do may be for some honest folks to bring video cameras with them and record what you describe. As you know (I assume that you're a cop), no evidence is perfect, but it's hard to beat a video of someone apparently doing exactly what they are denying.

 

[MIKE BURGESS]

Walaaaaa Bring a video camera :clapping2:

 

[fincatcher2006]

I had also heard that several popular Maryland boats have been busted this year by both the Coast Gaurd and VMRC.

What are the penalties to the captain?

 

[MIKE BURGESS]

Close your eye's what do you see ?

 

[fishcop]

I do know that in several of the cases this year the Coast Gaurd did just that and captured several boats dumping fish on camera from helicopters, before boarding the boats. I think maybe next year I might just do that. Head down there for the weekend and film all the charter captains outside the limit poaching, and dumping fish.

 

[flattyfrank]

I do know that in several of the cases this year the Coast Gaurd did just that and captured several boats dumping fish on camera from helicopters, before boarding the boats. I think maybe next year I might just do that. Head down there for the weekend and film all the charter captains outside the limit poaching, and dumping fish.

the problem with that is how do you prove that what is on the film took place in the eez?

 

[goose70]

Film your GPS in the same film segment. And if you're filming guys tossing fish overboard, then that's pretty strong evidence of both knowledge of location and intent to commit a crime (and conceal the evidence).

 

[rocksandblues]

its no secret.
90% of them do it and do it every year.

 

[fishcop]

its no secret.
90% of them do it and do it every year.

I know, Its one of the reasons I havent chartered down there in a couple years, but It just pisses me off, plus to se so many Maryland guys doing it, who then rely on those very fish in the spring, not to mention almost all of them are full of eggs. I think someone should at least contact the coast guard and find out who was charged just to black list them on here.

 

[Rattletrap]

My biggest problem with this is almost every day, when the "MAN" comes out these guys dump all their fish in the water wasting them in an effort to not get caught. I have personally seen this!!!

So, your saying that you have been fishing outside the line with the fleet and witnessed them dumping fish

 

[capt.jc]

Camera must have reliable GPS to be admissible

Fishcop, the most effective thing to do may be for some honest folks to bring video cameras with them and record what you describe. As you know (I assume that you're a cop), no evidence is perfect, but it's hard to beat a video of someone apparently doing exactly what they are denying.

Most video capable cameras dont
My nikon has it but not in video mode
But stills with gps do help

 

[goose70]

Most video capable cameras dont
My nikon has it but not in video mode
But stills with gps do help

Really? Can you please cite any rule of evidence or case law to support this admissibility standard? (serious question). Camera footage is admitted into evidence all the time. I'm not suggesting that a judge never barred video evidence based on a lack of GPS, where other accuracy and credibility factors were also at play, but you typically simply need a frame of reference if location is an issue, or even just the sworn testimony of the camera operator. In some cases, you may need a video expert, but unlikely where the picture of the boat and illegal activity is clear, and the only question is whether you're in our outside of the three mile line. Of course, the defendant's attorney is welcome to try to call into question the accuracy and credibility of the evidence (including the credibility of the operator), and the judge or jury can then make up its own mind about how much credit to assign the video. But that's a lot different then a blanket rule barring non-GPS equipped cameras from evidence.

 

[capt.george]

--One way is to make Virginia , Like Maryland A "NO CULL" state , I believe Culling Is allowed in Va.---Dumping fish from a Livewell Or Stringer I believe Is much like Black Bass Pro Tactics ---I may be wrong & would like a Va. Law Clarafication , from a Acurate Source --geo.

 

[rgminer]

Does the VMRC post their citations/arrest blotter like the MDNRP? If so just post a link...

 

[jnashed]

--One way is to make Virginia , Like Maryland A "NO CULL" state , I believe Culling Is allowed in Va.---Dumping fish from a Livewell Or Stringer I believe Is much like Black Bass Pro Tactics ---I may be wrong & would like a Va. Law Clarafication , from a Acurate Source --geo.

A quick look at the VDGIF website makes no mention of culling as the Maryland website does.

Jim

 

[rhahn427]

I know, Its one of the reasons I havent chartered down there in a couple years, but It just pisses me off, plus to se so many Maryland guys doing it, who then rely on those very fish in the spring, not to mention almost all of them are full of eggs. I think someone should at least contact the coast guard and find out who was charged just to black list them on here.

Then why don't you just do it ...........

 

[ReelSmith]

And where are all the complaints from the parties that were on the boats when they went outside the EEZ???

The blame doesn't just rest on the shoulders of the captains...

 

[drewzim]

And where are all the complaints from the parties that were on the boats when they went outside the EEZ???

The blame doesn't just rest on the shoulders of the captains...

What percentage of charter clients have any clue where they are or what the rules are. If it's 15% I would be surprised and once you take away the small percentage that would give a damn its not very many.

 

[mollot]

One solution to the problem. Open the EEZ! If you think too many fish are being taken then reduce the fish kept limits.