There was a big catch, but definitely no release.
For one angler his prize catch won’t get him released from jail!
According to a Fox News report, a Massachusetts man was arrested after illegally catching and keeping a total of 14 oversized striped bass.
Authorities had received tips about the angler not releasing catches from his boat while he fished off of the coast of New Hampshire near New Castle and Rye, local outlet The Portsmouth Herald reported.
“NH Fish and Game officers conducted a thorough investigation and lengthy interview with the individual that resulted in a ‘caught red-handed’ confession!” officials with the New Hampshire Fish Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief (OGT) posted on Facebook.
Why is was arrested?
Apparently for resale.
“His intent was to sell his catch under his Commercial Striped Bass Permit in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” the post continued.
The man fled the scene after several anglers yelled in his direction, threatening to report him to the fish and game agency.
“As our officers searched, they included Maine Marine Patrol, Massachusetts Environmental Police, and local police to BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect vessel and operator,” the OGT’s post said.
“Portsmouth Police Department successfully located him after he had loaded his boat onto a trailer and was in the act of ditching the fish.”
The fish in question ranged from 37-47 inches in length, which is above the reported legal maximum striped bass requirement in the state of New Hampshire.
“New Hampshire only issues a recreational license for saltwater fishing, which allows for one Striped Bass per angler per day that must be 28 inches to less than 31 inches,” OGT officials wrote on Facebook.
Following the arrest, the Massachusetts angler was charged with licensing violations and taking and illegally possessing the striped bass.
If the man pleads guilty to the charges, he will lose his fishing license in New Hampshire and be fined for each of the 14 illegal fish he caught, Fish and Game Colonel Kevin Jordan told the Portsmouth Herald.
As for the fish?
The illegal fish are currently being held in freezers in case the fisherman goes to trial. The fish may then be introduced as evidence.