Amateur fisherman Jon Apothaker could face up to a $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail for unintentionally capturing a giant black sea bass, which, due to overfishing, has been a protected species since 1982 and is therefore off-limits to anglers. Apothaker struggled with the sea bass for almost an hour, while a crowd of approximately 45 spectators gathered around him, cheering and waiting to see what he had caught. Eventually the fish surfaced, and with the help of a local boater, the sea bass was brought onto the sand. Once Apothaker realized it was a protected species, he did everything he could to resuscitate the fish and attempted to get the fish to swim on its own. Unfortunately, his efforts failed and the fish ultimately succumbed to injuries. The District Attorney's office is looking into the matter and has not yet reached a decision whether or not to formally charge Apothaker.
Uh oh....Man facing jail time for catching 200+ lb. black sea bass in Newport
3 years ago
Well, hell, man, I hope after all that hubbub that they at least ate the damn thing.
We're talking pound after pound of delicious strips, nuggets and tenders, not to mention the requisite vat of tartar sauce!
Serious gainers only.
3 years ago
Saw one of these while diving in about 30 feet of water in front of the Casino in Catalina. Amazing fish.
3 years ago
If you want to read a good book that talks about capturing these babies via a speargun, read Last of the Blue Water Hunters. Cool book. I reviewed it last summer: http://thewatermanslibrary.com/Site/BlueWaterHunter.html
3 years ago
Judging from that photo, it doesn't seem like the fisherman realizes anything about it being a protected species. Poor fish.
3 years ago
I think Greg Lougainis would do a full gainer if he caught that fish. Pass the tartar.
3 years ago
Mmm, find it hard to believe someone that regularly fishes off those piers (and to land a fish that size, you gotta have the right equipment which you don't just pick up at Wal Mart on a whim) doesn't know that grouper are endangered. Sucks. Those fish are *really* amazing. I've had some incredible experiences with them diving. :(
3 years ago
Yeah I think so....Divers I think have reported that they respond to feeding and petting heh.
EDIT: hehehe
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3 years ago
They have slime on them to protect there skin from leaches and things like that. Hands off would be good too : )
They are rubbing it to much.
Maybe they should get a fine too XD
You would be surprised how many don't know the Fish & Game laws or don't give a damn.
After watching the Youtube The fisherman in the boat grabbed a large treble gaff to " help get this guy some dinner"
They should have cut the line and revived it right then (smart thing to do). Although the air bladder was full on the bass and needed to be fizzed (letting air out), if it was to weak to go back down itself.
They didn't try that hard
