Poaching Scum Busted

[Brandon-K]

From the Fishing Wire:

NATURAL RESOURCES POLICE CHARGE TWO WITH MULTIPLE STRIPED BASS VIOLATIONS

CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND - The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) have charged two Dorchester County men with multiple commercial striped bass fishing violations. The incident, during which over 1,200 pounds of striped bass were seized, occurred on Tuesday, February 10 in the Ragged Point area of Brooks Creek.

"Those who violate our striped bass regulations are exploiting a treasured public resource, as well as the rights of both commercial and recreational anglers who abide by the rules," said NRP Superintendent Col. George F. Johnson. "Pursuing and prosecuting such offenders is a priority of our agency."

Christopher M. Weber, 31, of Cambridge was charged with failure to have striped bass tags in possession; failure to have commercial tidal fish license in possession; failure to tag striped bass prior to landing; maintaining more than 600 linear yards of striped bass drift gill net; exceeding the daily/weekly allocation for striped bass; and six counts of illegal possess striped bass.

Dean C. Price, 34, of Woolford was charged with failure to tag striped bass prior to landing; maintaining more than 600 linear yards of striped bass drift gill net; exceeding the daily/weekly allocation for striped bass; and six counts of illegal possess striped bass.

NRP officers patrolling the area checked a vessel occupied by Weber and Dean at approximately 8:15 p.m. During the course of the check NRP located 128 striped bass that were tagged with tags belonging to other individuals not on the vessel. Officers also located 60 striped bass onboard that were not tagged. NRP seized as evidence 1,218 pounds of striped bass.

A court date of April 22 has been scheduled for Weber and Dean in Dorchester County District Court.

Media Contact
Sgt. Ken Turner (410) 260-8003, (443) 534-5598 cell or kturner@dnr.state.md.us