On just the second day of the black sea bass fishing season, two boats of fishermen were caught by harbormasters with nearly 300 more of the black sea bass than allowed in the recreational limit.
The Wareham Harbormaster Department alerted the Massachusetts Environmental Police to the two boats on Sunday at the Tempest Knob Public boat ramp.
When officers inspected the first boat, which had four people aboard, they found multiple coolers that contained 225 more black sea bass than the recreational limit allows, Environmental Police said. Fifty-nine of those fish were smaller than the 15-inch limit.
The black sea bass fishing season is from May 20 to Aug. 29. The limit is five of the fish, which have to be at least 15 inches, according to Environmental Police.
That boat also had 98 more scup than legal possession limit, as well as two undersized tautog and one 17-inch striped bass. All four people have been summonsed to appear in Wareham District Court.
Inside the second boat, which was at the courtesy dock, the driver dumped all the contents of a cooler into the water when officers requested to see inside. Officers were able to recover most of the fish that fell out of the cooler.
That boat had 68 more black sea bass than the recreational limit and 17 of them were undersized, Environmental Police said. Some of the fish were hidden on the boat.
That operator was arrested and his boat was towed to a holding facility.
None of the fishermen were identified in a statement from Environmental Police.
Because the fish were not on ice, they could not be let back into the water. The fish are being donated to the Buzzards Bay National Marine Life Center to be fed to recovering marine mammals, Environmental Police said.
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9 Unwritten Rules of Fishing on Another Person’s Boat
#1 – Do not bring bananas on the boat
Let’s repeat that, do not bring bananas on the boat, ever! While this may seem silly to some, it is widely considered the worst thing anyone can bring aboard a boat. Bananas are said to bring misfortune and bad luck. Regardless of whether you believe in superstitions or not, respect the boat and bring an apple instead.
#2 – Compensate the captain
This should be a “no-brainer,” but always offer the captain some form of compensation for their troubles. Whether it’s paying for gas or bringing the drinks and food, this will give you a better shot at getting a second invite.
#3 – Buy bait
This ties in with compensating the captain, but make sure you offer to pick up bait for your trip. If you know what bait you need and the captain says not to worry about it, buy some anyway as a backup in case you run out.
#4 – Prepare for motion sickness
If this is your first time going on a boat or you know you might get sick, do everyone a favor and prepare beforehand. Whether you need to take Dramamine or eat hours before you go, don’t cut the day short for everyone else or make it a miserable trip for yourself by getting sick.
#5 – Clean up
If there is garbage on the floor, find a bag and clean up. Offer to help put the boat away to make it go faster. Don’t be the person that just says “thanks” and leaves.
#6 – Be the first mate
The captain is most likely taking you to his spot and using his gear. Whether it’s running a trolling program, dropping anchor or just asking the captain what he needs from you, this will speed up the process and put fish in the boat faster.
#7 – Listen once
This is a big one for a lot of people, but keep your ears and eyes open. Make sure it sticks when the captain teaches or tells you something new. You are the copilot, so keep your eyes open for floating debris and anything else that could ruin an otherwise great day.
#8 – The captain is always right
The only reason this would not be true is if they put you in danger. When it comes to the fishing and layout, follow what the captain says. It’s their boat and that gives them the power. If you have a disagreement, talk about it when you’re on dry land.
#9 – Enjoy the trip!
No one wants to fish with the sad guy or be stuck on a boat with him. Everyone is there to enjoy a day of fishing, so stay happy! (How could you not?)
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