Massachusetts Environmental Police charge individuals for illegal use of fishing net

Recently Officers were informed of individuals illegally utilizing a net to capture fish at Coe’s Reservoir in Worcester. Upon arrival, the Officer located the individuals in question as they were preparing to leave. When nearing their vehicle, the Officer saw in plain view a net containing a large amount of fish.

An inspection found the net to contain 54 White Perch, 32 Bluegill, 2 Calico Bass, and 2 Carp, resulting in the following charges:

– No Freshwater Fishing License
– Illegal Method of Take (Gill Net)
– Failure to have Permit to Net Carp
– Failure to Produce Fishing Equipment Upon Demand

The fish were found not fit for human consumption and subsequently destroyed.