Poaching????

[JayW]

How big of a threat is poaching (illegal fishing, keeping more fish than under the law and also undersized fish) to the whole ecosystem of a lake/ocean/river environment. This doesnt really get discussed much but also what can we do to stop people who are in the acts of it?

[noresman]

It depends on the body of water but it pisses me off when I see it happen. You can try calling the EPO's but they are spread so thin by the time they get there the perpatrators are gone. A perfect example is Crescent lake in Enfield Ct. A few years ago word got out that an 8 1/2 lb largemouth was caught there. Then the Urban fishermen came out and kept everything they caught. Ruined the pond for a few years. But once they run out of easy fish to catch they leave it alone and in a few years it comes back.

[tacoma]

I have seen it ice fishing this year! Guys out with 20 tipups and there is only two guys! And they are both jigging on top of it. Kind of sucks when you try so hard to follow the rules and some idiots ignore them so easily!

[fisher16]

Here's the number to call in case you run into a problem on the water.
Enviromental Police toll free number: (800) 632-8075

I agree with you guys they are spread really thin, and sometimes other calls for service take precendence. But if there are alot of calls for service in one area sooner or later people breaking the law will be apprehended and dealt with accordingly. You can remain anonymous or give your name its up to you. I have done it in the past and seen them in action in certain spots after phoning in tips. Being a police officer and seeing people break the law gets me a little upset. So you never know who is watching Wink1 .

[arlow]

Put both these numbers in your cell phone.

800 632 8075

800 525 5555

If you witness illegal activity call them to report to Mass Enviro Police immediately.

[Massbowhunter1968]

Very good Numbers to have in your Phone i have used them a Few times during Bowseason.

[ryan311]

I've used them from time to time myself, and they responded rapidly.

[knotreelly]

thanks arlo, won't name the group, you should see them at the canal at the cape.

[Fishstory]

It depends on the body of water but it pisses me off when I see it happen. You can try calling the EPO's but they are spread so thin by the time they get there the perpatrators are gone. A perfect example is Crescent lake in Enfield Ct. A few years ago word got out that an 8 1/2 lb largemouth was caught there. Then the Urban fishermen came out and kept everything they caught. Ruined the pond for a few years. But once they run out of easy fish to catch they leave it alone and in a few years it comes back.


I only live about 2 miles from Cresent Lake, I always heard stories about monster bass in there but have yet to fish it. My understanding is that pond is private and owned by association members only. Can anyone fish it? I guess that doesn't matter since the quarry behind my house is private and that got fished out when a large bass was caught, I went to the pond one day and " people" had a 5 gallon bucket with about 20 bass in it from 8 inches to 14 inches, I called EPO and they didn't get there in time! Why do some people have to keep everything they catch???

The worst part was the "people" that did fish the quarry left behind large amounts of trash and broken beer bottles. I now pretend I manage the property and throw people out myself, but only had to do it twice!

[Massbowhunter1968]

I only live about 2 miles from Cresent Lake, I always heard stories about monster bass in there but have yet to fish it. My understanding is that pond is private and owned by association members only. Can anyone fish it? I guess that doesn't matter since the quarry behind my house is private and that got fished out when a large bass was caught, I went to the pond one day and " people" had a 5 gallon bucket with about 20 bass in it from 8 inches to 14 inches, I called EPO and they didn't get there in time! Why do some people have to keep everything they catch???

The worst part was the "people" that did fish the quarry left behind large amounts of trash and broken beer bottles. I now pretend I manage the property and throw people out myself, but only had to do it twice!I know what you mean My friend i bass fish at a lake i will not name but i bring a garbage bag to clean all the areas when i get done Fishn this is awful that People who fish Leave alot of Junk behind i called the Person(s) in charge and now they have Trash Barrells evrywhere like that is going to help wish people would buy there fishing Licences also that Pisses me off.

[YOTE BUSTER]

Only one reason for being like that. There PIGS.It's a deep quarryEyeball Roller

[grizbear13]

Notsure They would leave an oil slick on the surface and kill the fish..Swear1Fishing1

[noresman]

I have the advantage of working for the CT Dept. of Corrections so I have access to one whole side of the pond. The largest Bass I ever caught there was 4 3/4 lbs. I get out of work about 2:15 every day if you want to meet me some time to fish it send me a pm. If you try and drive in the State property the patrol vehicle for the prison will kick you out.