A man from Massachusetts has been arrested for illegally capturing and retaining a total of 14 oversized striped bass.
Authorities received reports about the fisherman who failed to release catches while fishing off the coast of New Hampshire near New Castle and Rye, as per the Portsmouth Herald.
“NH Fish and Game officers performed a detailed investigation and extensive interview with the individual, leading to a confession that caught them ‘red-handed!’” officials from the New Hampshire Fish Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief (OGT) stated on Facebook.
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“He intended to sell his catch using his Commercial Striped Bass Permit in Massachusetts,” the post added.
The fisherman fled after multiple anglers shouted at him, threatening to alert the fish and game agency.
“As our officers searched, they coordinated with Maine Marine Patrol, Massachusetts Environmental Police, and local authorities to BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect vessel and operator,” stated the OGT’s post.
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“Portsmouth Police successfully located him while he was in the process of loading his boat onto a trailer and discarding the fish.”
A Massachusetts fisherman was arrested after catching 14 oversized striped bass in New Hampshire. (iStock)
The striped bass in question measured between 37-47 inches, exceeding the maximum legal size limit in New Hampshire.
“New Hampshire only offers a recreational license for saltwater fishing, permitting one Striped Bass per angler each day, which must be between 28 inches and less than 31 inches,” OGT officials shared on Facebook.
Following the arrest, the angler from Massachusetts faces charges for licensing violations and for taking and unlawfully possessing striped bass.
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If convicted, he will forfeit his fishing license in New Hampshire and incur fines for each of the 14 illegal fish caught, Fish and Game Colonel Kevin Jordan told the Portsmouth Herald.
The fisherman reportedly confessed to illegally catching and retaining the fish to sell them in Massachusetts. (NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief; iStock)
“If he pleads not guilty, he could face trial in Portsmouth District Court, along with Fish and Game prosecutors,” Jordan stated.
The illegal fish are currently being preserved in freezers for potential use as evidence if the case goes to trial.
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“They will keep them frozen for now and may donate them to a food bank or donation center to prevent waste,” added Jordan.
The New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife Department is commending the angling community for promptly reporting the fisherman’s illegal activities. (NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief)
The OGT expressed gratitude to the fishing community for their vigilance in reporting the incident. The agency also thanked local law enforcement for their swift response to address the misuse of natural resources.
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Fox News Digital sought comments from New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife.
