Nine Out-Of-State Fishermen Charged With Poaching From Choptank River

Natural Resources Police tapes recreational anglers fishing in protected waters

Nine recreational anglers from out of state were charged with fishing for striped bass in protected waters during a weekend sting operation in the Choptank River south of Denton, just one week before the start of Maryland's spring season.

Working on tips from the public, Natural Resources Police officers shot video of the alleged poachers fishing on known spawning grounds and intercepted them as they returned to shore at Ganeys Wharf. Police say one angler caught 20 striped bass.

NRP said it shot video to prove in court that the anglers were targeting striped bass and not accidentally catching them while chasing other species.
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