Illegal Night Fishing

[Stephen Lewis]

Got down to Taney a little after midnight last night and headed to outlet 1. There were two other guys fishing but one left shortly after I arrived the other guy however seemed to be doing quite well. I was watching him a little to maybe see what he was doing or using and I first noticed that he seemed to be keeping some of the fish he caught. After watching him a little longer he seemed to be digging in a small white container after each fish which I'm fairly certain was night crawlers. I couldn't ever get a really good look at the whole deal because he was being kinda sneaky about the whole deal from what I could tell. I should have gone over and asked him what he was doing but I didn't and I regret that now. I know there is a number to report that type of thing but I'm not sure what it is. If anyone has it I would sure like to know so in the future I can do a little more to stop this type of thing. Also would they answer in the middle of night?

If anyone is going to be down fishing Saturday night he was driving a green or blue (couldn't really tell in the dark) Kia Sedona minivan with Kansas plates. Maybe someone can watch out for him and report it if possible.

Thanks

Stephen

[Phil Lilley]

Operation Game Theft is one number - 1-800-392-1111

Branson Police 417-334-3300

[moguy1973]

I'm guessing fishing with night crawlers in Taney is a no-no? Is it artificial only?

[moguy1973]

I'm guessing fishing with night crawlers in Taney is a no-no? Is it artificial only?

http://www.ozarkanglers.com/lake-taneycomo/regulations/

i see it now

[Phil Lilley]

Follow up to this post

Talked to John at the hatchery. He went down and talked to the 2 guys fishing with worms yesterday at Rocking Chair. They had 12 rainbows in one stringer, using worms and all were in the slot. Eight of 12 were still alive and they were released. The other 4 were taken by John and are in route to the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield to be fed to the eagles there. The guys didn't take any fish home.

So there... call the hatchery at 417-334-4865 if you see something during their hours of operation.

[Gatorjet]

I first wonder if these guys were ignorant of the regulations, or blatant violators. I think the part in Phil's last post about 12 fish on one stringer pretty well answers that question!

[exiledguide]

Follow up to this post

Talked to John at the hatchery. He went down and talked to the 2 guys fishing with worms yesterday at Rocking Chair. They had 12 rainbows in one stringer, using worms and all were in the slot. Eight of 12 were still alive and they were released. The other 4 were taken by John and are in route to the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield to be fed to the eagles there. The guys didn't take any fish home.

So there... call the hatchery at 417-334-4865 if you see something during their hours of operation.

I have to ask, were they ticketed or arrested?

[LunkerB]

_{Driving a Kia Sedona with Kansas plates and illegally catching and keeping fish is a felony. Or should be}

[ozarkgunner]

Death penalty.

[Phil Lilley]

I have to ask, were they ticketed or arrested?

Neither. The agent wasn't able to get to the guys.