Did you use your scuba gear on the illegal charters???

for all the MSSA backers that are turning this into a "ban all nets" campaign, do you really believe that banning all nets will stop "ILLEGAL POACHING WITH NETS"? It is illegal, I mean, they aren't doing it legally now, so why would they stop if you ban netting?????? Because it would be illegal?? REALLY??

I agree on this, its like banning guns to eliminate murder. There needs to be much tougher penalties and an incentive for self policing by waterman and buyers.

Why the personal attacks?

That's a joke right?

Reds it was not meant as a joke. Skip is the last guy who would set nets, and the back and forth is not getting us anywhere. I know you do not think its a waterman and respect your opinion. I am not calling for a ban on nets because that would hurt the honest guys. It also would not stop the illegal netting. Whoever set those nets is screwing every person who fishes for stripers regardless of whether its for a living or recreation. Lets hammer the people who set the nets and not each other.

I'd be glad to hammer them. Tell me who they are???? MSSA?, CCA?, Poachers?

DNR doesn't know, so my guess is as good as anyone else.

What I see are 2 lawsuits coming out of this.
one for the DNR selling the rockfish and keeping the money instead of giving it to charity.

The second for closing the rock season, with no proof, of who set the nets.

reds- there is actually a law (or laws) that allows the Law Enforcement Agency to Seize and sell the proceeds of "Illegal" activity. Like when the cars and trucks of Drug Dealers (with no valid income) are seized, sold and the money is put right back to the seizing agency. Also the cash that is seized in raids and such is put right back to the agency (actually it's not 100% but a large portion) that seized it.

The whole thing sucks for everyone. Not sure who screwed the pooch, but I bet the legal waterman are not happy about losing the rest of the season.

Sounds like a gray area here, because there are no persons arrested and the nets should have been pulled when discovered, instead of being put back.

If they don't catch the poachers, they get to keep the proceeds from the sale.
Looks like an inducement to leave the nets over as long as possible.