DFG Cites Poacher For Harvesting Giant Sea Bass

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MaxBottomtime

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Location
Torrance, CA
# of dives
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Media Contacts:
Warden Patrick Foy, DFG Law Enforcement, (916) 651-2084
A California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) warden cited a southern California man for an illegal take of giant sea bass.Scott Andrew Carlton, 30, of Corona Del Mar was spear fishing on Friday night at approximately 7:30 p.m. at Salt Creek Beach at Dana Point in Orange County when he harvested a state protected giant sea bass, commonly called a black sea bass.A concerned citizen took a photo of the man and his catch, then notified a nearby CHP officer. The CHP detained Carlton, and notified DFG dispatch. Warden Justin Sandvig arrived and cited Carlton, who claimed ignorance of the law. Take of giant sea bass is a misdemeanor.Prior to the 1950s, a large numbers of giant (black) sea bass could be found in the waters off of southern California, but most of these large creatures were harvested for their value as photographic trophies. Known for their docile behavior, the slow moving black sea bass resides mostly near the shoreline in deep rocky environments and can grow up to 500 pounds and be seven feet long.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse especially when poaching state protected species,” said Capt. Dan Sforza of DFG’s Law Enforcement Division. “Giant (black) sea bass are endeared my many ocean enthusiasts because of their size and docile nature.”
 
And MORE!

That's like "hunting" a cow by walking up to it and shooting it in the head.
 
I'm glad he got caught. It took me several years of diving in our local waters before I even saw one, but once I did, I was transfixed. They are so friendly, docile and curious - like a big slow dog. I can't imagine wanting to KILL one. :(
 
Great catch by a good citizen....I rarley see DFG in oc except on opening night of lobster season and the weekend after. They need to patrol more. They finally have signs up at all the cove stairs in Laguna to say fishing is illegal. Ive seen at least 10 people fishing off of the tidepools since the beginining of the year and wondered if there is any enforcement. In the winter there is no lifeguards to call DFG so in summer im expecting it to get better.
 
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Here you go fellas...
Pond Scum!
 
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse especially when poaching state protected species,” said Capt. Dan Sforza of DFG’s Law Enforcement Division. “Giant (black) sea bass are endeared my many ocean enthusiasts because of their size and docile nature.”

He's right. Under very few exceptions, such as LAMBERT V. CALIFORNIA, you are not innocent because you are ignorant idiot that a law exists. It's up to you to understand that, particularly fish and game laws, if you are going to be hunting and fishing. That said, I don't believe the guy for a minute if he believes he wasn't supposed to be hunting Giant Black Sea Bass.

Kudo's to the guy who notified the CHP officer! My only complaint is that he doesn't receive some jail time, instead of a fine. I hope it's a massive fine at that.

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Great catch by a good citizen....I rarley see DFG in oc except on opening night of lobster season and the weekend after. They need to patrol more. They finally have signs up at all the cove stairs in Laguna to say fishing is illegal. Ive seen at least 10 people fishing off of the tidepools since the beginining of the year and wondered if there is any enforcement. In the winter there is no lifeguards to call DFG so in summer im expecting it to get better.

If you see it, report it. It's the only way we are going to get these people to stop.

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I'm glad he got caught. It took me several years of diving in our local waters before I even saw one, but once I did, I was transfixed. They are so friendly, docile and curious - like a big slow dog. I can't imagine wanting to KILL one. :(

I feel beyond lucky I was able to see one at the Casino Point Dive Park on my 9th Dive! :D
 
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in addition to to the fine, the actor should have to wear the head of the dead fish around his neck for one month. Maybe two.
 
Great catch by a good citizen....I rarley see DFG in oc except on opening night of lobster season and the weekend after. They need to patrol more. They finally have signs up at all the cove stairs in Laguna to say fishing is illegal. Ive seen at least 10 people fishing off of the tidepools since the beginining of the year and wondered if there is any enforcement. In the winter there is no lifeguards to call DFG so in summer im expecting it to get better.

The wardens stated that they didn't have enough personnel to adequately enforce the new MPAs and given the state of the economy in California, I believe they were telling the truth. Therefore we have to help as the citizen did in this case.

I warn anyone I see fishing inside the Casino Point MPA that they are fishing illegally, but can throw their lines in on the harbor side of the breakwater and be fine... rather than fined!
 

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