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Anglers Busted After Livestreaming Fishing Violations in Washington
Two anglers fishing the Quillayute River in Clallam County, Washington, made a critical mistake: they broadcast their fishing violations in real time on a livestream.
After Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer McOmber received a tip about the broadcast, WILDCOMM dispatchers helped locate the stream. Multiple clips showed the men illegally removing fish from the water and displaying them to viewers. Officer McOmber immediately headed to the location.
By the time the officer hiked downriver to the drift boat’s position, the anglers were still actively fishing and streaming. When McOmber signaled for them to row ashore, the livestream abruptly ended. One angler was observed discarding his fishing gear despite being instructed not to.
The livestream showed one angler continuing to fish after reaching his daily limit and failing to record his catch. Photo: WDWF Facebbok
During questioning, one fisherman admitted to using a barbed hook, which the officer recovered. Further investigation revealed that one angler had already reached his daily limit of adult salmon but continued fishing anyway. He also failed to record his catch on his card and violated freshwater salmon handling rules by removing fish from the water to show on camera.
According to WDFW regulations, it is illegal to completely remove salmon, steelhead, or Dolly Varden/bull trout from the water if they are not legal to retain or are intended to be released. This rule exists to reduce fish mortality from improper handling.
What started as a fishing livestream became evidence of violations including the use of barbed hooks and improper fish handling. Photo: WDWF Facebook
Under Washington law, these violations constitute unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree, a misdemeanor offense. Those convicted face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Additionally, fishing with barbed hooks in violation of department rules and failing to immediately record catches on a catch card are infractions punishable under state law. Multiple violations within a ten-year period can result in a two-year revocation of fishing and hunting privileges.
Both anglers will be cited for their violations. WDFW officials emphasized that following fishing regulations is essential to maintaining sustainable salmon fisheries across Washington state. The incident serves as a reminder that conservation rules exist for important reasons, and violations can carry serious consequences, whether or not they’re caught on camera.
The post Anglers Busted After Livestreaming Fishing Violations in Washington appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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Anglers Busted After Livestreaming Fishing Violations in Washington
Two anglers fishing the Quillayute River in Clallam County, Washington, made a critical mistake: they broadcast their fishing violations in real time on a livestream.
After Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer McOmber received a tip about the broadcast, WILDCOMM dispatchers helped locate the stream. Multiple clips showed the men illegally removing fish from the water and displaying them to viewers. Officer McOmber immediately headed to the location.
By the time the officer hiked downriver to the drift boat’s position, the anglers were still actively fishing and streaming. When McOmber signaled for them to row ashore, the livestream abruptly ended. One angler was observed discarding his fishing gear despite being instructed not to.
The livestream showed one angler continuing to fish after reaching his daily limit and failing to record his catch. Photo: WDWF Facebbok
During questioning, one fisherman admitted to using a barbed hook, which the officer recovered. Further investigation revealed that one angler had already reached his daily limit of adult salmon but continued fishing anyway. He also failed to record his catch on his card and violated freshwater salmon handling rules by removing fish from the water to show on camera.
According to WDFW regulations, it is illegal to completely remove salmon, steelhead, or Dolly Varden/bull trout from the water if they are not legal to retain or are intended to be released. This rule exists to reduce fish mortality from improper handling.
What started as a fishing livestream became evidence of violations including the use of barbed hooks and improper fish handling. Photo: WDWF Facebook
Under Washington law, these violations constitute unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree, a misdemeanor offense. Those convicted face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Additionally, fishing with barbed hooks in violation of department rules and failing to immediately record catches on a catch card are infractions punishable under state law. Multiple violations within a ten-year period can result in a two-year revocation of fishing and hunting privileges.
Both anglers will be cited for their violations. WDFW officials emphasized that following fishing regulations is essential to maintaining sustainable salmon fisheries across Washington state. The incident serves as a reminder that conservation rules exist for important reasons, and violations can carry serious consequences, whether or not they’re caught on camera.
The post Anglers Busted After Livestreaming Fishing Violations in Washington appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...