In October of 2012, fish poaching in Pennsylvania went from a minor mistake to a very serious offense.
Gov. Tom Corbett signed legislation that may make poachers think twice about breaking the rules. Illegal fish harvesting was once a $200 maximum fine, but on Oct. 25, maximum fines increased to $5,000.
Anglers heading out to their favorite fishing hole will need to keep that in mind when venturing out for the first day of trout season in the state on Saturday.
One of the major reasons for the act was to protect fish from being caught and sold on the black market.
Furthermore, fish poaching isn’t just harvesting fish out of season or keeping more than the legal limit. Illegal harvesting can be as simple as fishing without a license. Even netting and spearing can be considered poaching.
In an article on goerieblogs.com, John Arway, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), believes the new law will make a difference quickly.
“This new law will have an immediate impact on our ability to deter large-scale poachers from illegally taking fish,” Arway commented.
“This new law will have an immediate impact on our ability to deter large-scale poachers from illegally taking fish,” Arway commented.
If a $5,000 fine doesn’t scare poachers enough, the PFBC also has the right to take away fishing and boating privileges from two to five years. Violators can even be sentenced to prison time for up to two years, depending on the offense.
One would believe that the drastic increase in fine amounts would lead to the PFBC needing more revenue, but that clearly isn’t the case. The PFBC and its supporters are just tired of seeing poaching acts take place and the only way to put a stop to it is by cracking down on poachers.
With all being said, fishermen must be extremely aware of all regulations.
Another change the PFBC has made for this year is allowing fisherman to buy multi-year licenses. Since Dec. 1, 2012, fishermen were given the option to purchase either three or five-year licenses. A three-year license is valid through 2015 and a five-year license is valid through 2017. Anglers that choose to buy a multi-year license will be rewarded with a free online subscription to PA Angler & Boater Magazine. Multi-year license buyers will also be given various pieces of fishing equipment and coupons which can be used at sporting goods stores.
Customers will also save money by buying a multi-year license because they eliminate processing and transaction fees. A person who buys a five-year license will save $6.80.
Anglers can also purchase multi-year trout/salmon, Lake Erie and combo permits. These acts will also create expense savings for license buyers.
Also, buyers who purchase their multi-year licenses on the PA Outdoor Shop web site (pa.wildlifelicense.com) or from an issuing agent will receive instructions on accessing their rewards.
If you are interested in buying a multi-year license, they are available on-line, or any place that issues PA fishing licenses. It is also important to remember that licenses can be purchased at county treasures’ offices and many of the PFBC regional offices.
Lastly, the PFBC is also launching a fishing sweepstakes contest. By registering at gonefishingpa.com, registrants will be eligible of winning several different fishing trips throughout Pennsylvania.
