No, this isn’t a recipe post—it leaves a far worse taste in my mouth.
Last week, I fished a popular spring spot I only visit every few years. Between the crowds, the generally small fish, and the drive, it’s not somewhere I make a habit of fishing. But every so often, the urge to chase a spring weakfish wins out, and I make the trip—only to be reminded why I don’t come here often.
This year’s outing wasn’t especially eventful. I landed one very small schoolie and had another dozen or so hits. What stood out most, though, was the amount of poaching I witnessed—specifically, the harvesting of undersized striped bass. It was a stark reminder of how widespread the problem is, and how understaffed most Northeast states are when it comes to environmental police presence at heavily trafficked spots.
I’ve reported poachers many times. While I’ve rarely seen officers respond in the moment, I’m always told that filing a report still helps by informing future patrols. It might not stop the violation right then, but there’s a chance it leads to enforcement down the line.
Lock the following numbers into your cell phone, make the call when you witness violations, and do your part to conserve our beloved striped bass.
Maine – 1-800-253-7887 (1-800-ALERT-US).
New Hampshire – 1‑800‑344‑4262
Massachusetts – 617-626‑1520
Rhode Island – 401‑423‑1923
Connecticut – 860‑424‑3105 / 800-842-4357
New York – 844‑332‑3267 / 855-648-8477
New Jersey – 609‑748‑2050 & 877‑927‑6337
Delaware – 302-739-4580
* I hate to feel the need to add this, but any comments which might be considered offensive, racist, or in any way inappropriate will be deleted.
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It’s very frustrating. I have called the number dozens of times and nothing is done.
People are rotten out there. Leaving trash is another problem..
It’s the reason I want to fish alone..
Yes indeed, is a problem if I see it being done I will say something and I have b4 to the point we almost started fighting
I agree with you guys 100%. Poaching is a no-no. Thank you for the number, and I will definitely keep these numbers. If I personally see it being done, I will say something. I don’t care who it is or who they are with.
It sure would be helpful if all these northeast states had a common number to call that routed you to the right place based on your location, like 411 or 911 or *POACHERS.
So helpful to have these numbers. Thank you.
And thanks too for asking your podcast listeners to catch and release all striped bass, including slot size ones. I completely agree with you guys; I’ll cease keeping even one slot bass per season for the table.
The Surfcast Podcast doesn’t necessarily ask listeners to release all striped bass (well, the under and over slots we do.) We do, however, STRONGLY support proper handling of all striped bass intended to be released regardless of size.
To report anything in Delaware the number is 302-739-4580 for Fish and Wildlife Police.
Added, thanks!
It looks like the better number for New Jersey is:
Operation Game Thief
1-855-OGT-TIPS (1-855-648-8477) to anonymously report hunting, fishing and trapping violations.
Added, thank you!
Burns my ass when people poach to a point when I want to step in but conflict never leads to a good solution but I’ll just report and be a dick by trying to flash lights at them and make it known that behavior is not cool