Quote:
Originally Posted by bulletbob
I saw the mates on a blackfish boat keeping their personal fish alive in a big 55 gallon plastic drum with sea water running into and water running out of the drum the entire trip via the deck hose... Only reason for that would be for sale to buyers that want live blackfish... I didn't think much about it, I figured it was their fish and they could dispose of them any way they wanted.... bob
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If the fish are legal there's nothing you can do as far as fishing being retained and kept alive. I witnessed a boat next to us this fall with three guys fishing. They had their live well running the entire time and every short tog went in it and I will tell you they absolutely loaded up with short fish. Called DEC number I have but no one responded. Many of those fish end up in New York's Chinese markets and restaurants. It's a huge problem for this fishery. Even if the fish are of legal size, it's illegal to sell your catch without a proper commercial license. Party boats turning a blind eye to their mates engaging in this practice shouldn't be if they don't possess a license. I don't think it's wrong to ask a mate on board to see their license. If they don't produce one, a call to DEC or F&G is warranted.
