Three Texas anglers received citations for numerous fishing and safety violations on the Neches River, Tyler County, after a surprise check by a Texas Game Warden. The warden, who initially was monitoring for duck hunting activities, overheard a boat and subsequently observed the anglers for around two hours before engaging them for an inspection, as reported by KHOU.
During the inspection, it was found out by the warden that they had 118 crappie, 43 over the legal limit, and had also kept multiple undersized fish. Wardens noted the anglers were short on the required safety equipment as well, including life jackets, a fire extinguisher, and a certificate of number for the boat, as per the narrative from Chron.
Citations were handed down to each fisherman for not only exceeding the crappie daily possession limit but also for violating size restrictions on the captured fish. Additionally, they received warnings for failing to present a proper fishing license when requested and for not being able to produce identification.
"Plenty of crappie. Short on everything else," was the quip from the wardens in a social media post regarding the incident. Taking the conservation efforts seriously, the 43 crappie that tipped the legal count were promptly released back into the Neches River. These cases underscore the ongoing enforcement actions taken by Texas Game Wardens early in the year, including a recent citation issued to duck hunters for overkilling near Axtrell, as described by the Chron.
This string of violations and citations reflects a broader commitment by the Texas Game Wardens to uphold wildlife regulations and preserve local ecosystems. From the overlimit catches of crappie to the indiscretions of duck hunters, the authorities are actively striving to deter illegal activities and foster a respect for the natural resources of Texas.
