Summer fishing fines could become a whopper

WASILLA -- Each year mighty king salmon forge the way as the first of their species to wriggle up Valley rivers and streams. As they do, fishermen strap on waders, grab hearty poles and mounds of gear to head for the teeming waters. Unfortunately, a number of these fishermen don't play by the rules and when they are caught, their summertime fun translates into hundreds of dollars in fines, confiscated gear an,d for some, even jail.

The most common fishing violations, according Capt. Randal Hahn of the Alaska State Troopers, are: Fishing without a license, falsely claiming to be an Alaskan resident, taking more than the limit, failing to record king salmon landings, fishing in closed waters, using bait where it is prohibited and using illegal gear.

The average fines range between $100 and $300, depending on the species of fish and the number taken. Illegally caught king salmon, for example, will cost a fisherman an extra $150 per fish, on top of any original fines.

The Alaska Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement uses 81 ABWE troopers statewide to protect fish and wildlife resources.

"We are using foot patrol, boat patrol and aircraft patrol to address violations on rivers and streams," Hahn wrote in a recent e-mail to the Frontiersman.

Despite the recent controversial merging of Alaska State Troopers with Fish and Wildlife Protection, Hahn does not believe wildlife protection has suffered.

"We still have all the same tools available to us, post merger," Hahn said. "There has always been a duality of roles for all Alaska State Troopers across the state. Today is no different. A patrol trooper who is conducting boating safety patrols on Big Lake will also be looking for fish and wildlife violations."

One of the more common fishing violations involves king salmon fishing, and it can easily be avoided. Immediately after removing a king salmon from the water, fishermen are required to enter the date, location and species of salmon on the back of their fishing license. Failure to immediately write down this information has already cost many fishermen in the Valley a hearty $100 fine per fish.

Hahn encourages everyone who plans to fish this summer to consult the regulation book for their area. Regulations are available on line at www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/SF_home.cfm.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.