Quote:
Originally Posted by ivanputski
the measly fine every so often is worth the risk for these guys... they will not stop.... having to pay a 500$ fine every few years when you get caught is not going to make these guys stop...the punishment has to be so tough that they wont even want to look at the ocean...
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Revoking their Mass commercial licenses for 5 years for a first offense would be a good start. Lifetime revocation for a second offense. Having a 33-1/2" fish in the box, or getting bagged at 11:45 PM on a closed night when the next day is an open one, is one thing. Keeping truckloads of fish in coolers in a garage, and tr#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g them 30 at a time across 2 states to sell in Mass, is a blatant violation and should result in loss of license.
But DMF wants the revenue. It's so easy to get a commercial license in this state, that it's ridiculous. Even out of staters pay a pittance for it. $100 for rod and reel shore, $260 for a boat under 60', plus $60 for the bass endorsement. They make that back on the first 100 lbs when the price is good.
You can't even get a recreational shellfishing license in my town if you're not a Mass resident, but want a commercial fishing license? Do you swear under penalty of perjury that you paid all of your taxes due from fish sales last year? Step right up.
On another topic raised--lobster poaching at night is at epidemic levels in the Canal. Almost every night that I've fished, regardless of where I'm standing, I see guys on the other side, standing at the water's edge for an hour with headlamps on the whole time, holding nets. I highly doubt that they're netting crabs.
it should be on TV
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