Fireman allegedly sells catch illegally after sportfishing expedition into Mexico

As tempting as it may be for anglers who return from long-range trips into Mexican waters with mountains of tuna, it's against the law to sell the fish commercially.

Scott Harper, a captain with the Redondo Beach Fire Department,  is under investigation for selling sport-caught tuna from the back of his truck, according to the Daily Breeze.

Harper had been fishing aboard the Red Rooster III, one of several San Diego-based luxury sportfishers that carry anglers on multiday excursions in search of giant yellowfin tuna. The vessel returned to port on Feb. 3.

The case against Harper opened last week in San Diego. The misdemeanor charge could result in an $8,000 fine.

"Anything you catch is for personal use or to give it away to friends or family, but you can never sell," Andrew Hughan, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Game, told the South Bay newspaper.

Long-range fishing trips out of San Diego are famous for producing catches of yellowfin tuna in excess of 200 and sometimes 300 pounds.

Harper reportedly caught a 293.6-pounder to earn big-fish honors, and landed two others at 200-plus pounds.

Two other fire fighters were on the same trip, but Harper appears to be the only angler to have landed in hot water.

-- Image shows Scott Harper with a 293.6-pound tuna caught aboard the Red Rooster II out of San Diego. Credit: Bill Roecker / Fishingvideos.com

Comments

[rich]

Mr Hall, it's illegal to recreationally fish and sell your catch on the east coast too

[frank hall]

Most states on the east coast allow you to sell your catch
it's mostley on the west cost where it it's ileagle

[the holy grail]

This officer who carries a badge as a captain of a famous city has enjoyed fishing with friends, and abusing the laws against fish and game. He probably has been doing this for years, compensating his trip and expenses at the cost of committing a crime.He should have caught and released if he had enough for himself, yet he is a greedy firefighter who isn't happy with a lucrative pension and a six figure salary, it makes one wonder if any or all of the fishing trips have paid with funds diverted from the coffers of the department by giving them a free ride on the backs of taxpayers. This statistic needs to be investigated and shared with the public. To all those who are honest within the fire departments we salute you with honor and integrity, but to those who need to cheat to get ahead I pray for you and your families.

[JPAL]

Jackal, there are lots of good reasons why it is illegal to sell sport caught fish.

[Jackal]

Let him sell the damn fish. It's already dead - the gov't has to stick their dick in everything they can.