Theft of Red Snapper Leads to Massive Seizure by Texas Game Wardens
Last week, a group of recreational anglers near the mouth of the Brazos River in Brazoria County found themselves in hot water after a run-in with Texas Game Wardens. What started as a routine patrol turned into a major seizure of illegally caught red snapper.
According to reports from the Texas Game Wardens, the anglers attempted to evade authorities by turning their boat away when approached. However, they were eventually stopped and inspected. It was discovered that only three out of the five anglers had valid fishing licenses, raising suspicions.
Upon further investigation, game wardens found the group in possession of a whopping 51 red snapper, well over the legal bag limit. Not only that, but 42 of the snapper were undersized, further violating fishing regulations set by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
For private recreational anglers in state waters, the bag limit for red snapper is four fish per person, with a minimum length requirement. The anglers in question exceeded these limits by a significant margin.
In response, the game wardens confiscated the illegally caught red snapper and issued 50 citations to the group, including penalties for restitution. This serves as a reminder that fishing regulations exist to protect marine wildlife and ensure sustainable practices among anglers.
Remember, it’s important to follow all fishing regulations and limits to help preserve our marine ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.