MA Comms Apprehended poaching in NH in a coordinated MA/NH EPO Operation

too bad NY DEC can not seize "equipment."

To be clear, I support these and any other poacher to feel the full wrath of the law. But I have some concerns about our current approach to poaching enforcement. We have multi-state operations with expensive equipment, manpower, and boats rigged to the max, all deployed to basically accomplish little in terms of actually helping restore our bass populations. Does anyone think that reading about these arrests will do anything to stop the next poacher?

More bass were likely killed that day as bycatch in a gillnet or dragger.

The government loves showing off their efforts by locking up these offenders on social media. We all applaud, and then they get more equipment and staff.

While I was out yesterday, I once again saw a local SCPD boat boarding the few boaters and fishermen that were out there. They completely ignored the packs of jet skiers and decided to stop and frisk the few people out on the water to enjoy themselves.

Dealing with a boarding throws a real monkey wrench in your relaxing day. Even when everything is in order, it can be intimidating and ruin a nice day on the water. We're paying for all of the expenses of the boat, equipment, and manpower for what? Certainly not for the fish or the boater. It seems like we're footing the bill for our own harassment.

You bring up a good point.
I see Jet Ski operators running full speed in Port Jefferson all the time.
Port Jeff is a no wake zone inside the harbor
The harbormaster and SCPD seem to look the other way

I would welcome an explanations as to why this is allowed