Another Fishing Compliance Patrol In Westchester Nets 38 Tickets

Anglers hid illegally-taken striped bass in rocks, under leaves, and even in a potato chip bag, NY environmental conservation officers said.

Lanning Taliaferro,Patch Staff

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — During the overnight hours of March 26 and 27, five officers with the state Department of Conservation conducted a fish compliance detail on the Hudson River, investigating reports of fish taken illegally in Westchester County during the closed striped bass season.

They turned up quite a few violations, with anglers hiding illegally taken striped bass in rocks, under leaves, and even in a potato chip bag, DEC officials said.

The operation followed on their weekend sweep of March 18-19, when environmental conservation officers checking on recreational anglers found violations including possession of out-of-season fish, fishing without a valid license, unlawfully targeting out-of-season fish, using an improper hook while fishing for striped bass, and illegal possession of fish. They issued 134 tickets over the two days.

The season for striped bass in the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge opened April 1 in New York State.

The ECOs working the overnight operation spotted a bright light coming from a small boat along the shore. The officers approached the vessel, and found three fishermen on board with five common carp and catfish.

The anglers claimed they shot the carp and catfish with bowfishing equipment.

However, bowfishing season is only open from May 15 to Sept. 30 for carp and is never legal for catching catfish, the DEC pointed out.

By the end of the detail, the officers had seized numerous striped bass, carp, and catfish. A total of 38 tickets were issued, all pending in multiple courts throughout Westchester County.

To stay up to date with New York State fishing regulations, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website.