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Assateague Island National Seashore Rangers Troll Internet For Big Catch

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Published Date

December 18, 2007

Assateague Island National Seashore. Fishing is legal...as long as you obey the regulations. NPS Photo.

The Internet can be a fascinating place, but for one boastful angler it proved her undoing. The woman in question made the mistake of bragging about catching smaller-than-allowed striped bass from Assateague Island National Seashore.

Ranger Dave Rapp noticed the brag on a popular Internet discussion board used by anglers who visit the national seashore.

According to the National Park Service's Morning Report, Rapp "noticed one entry in which the author wrote that she had caught 22-inch and 24-inch stripers (rockfish) on Assateague Island - a violation, as Maryland state law establishes a minimum length of 28 inches for this species.

"The author also wrote that she was 'keeping this baby for dinner!' Included in the entry was a photograph showing the angler holding up the fish. Rapp noted that the entry was only a few minutes old and that the photograph appeared to have been taken inside of the park. He located, recognized, and contacted the angler, who was still on the beach within the park. She produced a 21-inch striper, and reported that she'd utilized a Wi-Fi Internet connection to post her entry from the park. A violation notice was issued for the undersized fish. "

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Comments

Submitted by admin on December 31, 2007 - 10:34am.

Good work constable!


Submitted by admin on December 31, 2007 - 11:53am.

Way to go Officer!!! The stupidity of violators never ceases to amaze me. Kudos to the ranger for playing a hunch. Nice collar.


Submitted by admin on December 31, 2007 - 12:30pm.

Excellent work and thank you!


Submitted by admin on December 31, 2007 - 9:17pm.

HAHAHA!!! What an idiot...both for keeping the fish and posting the picture. What a moron.


Submitted by admin on January 1, 2008 - 7:12am.

Stupid IS as Stupid Does!! would love to have seen the look on her face as the ranger pulled up.. Priceless!


Submitted by admin on January 1, 2008 - 2:37pm.

Way to go


Submitted by admin on January 1, 2008 - 3:51pm.

great job should have fine her more


Submitted by admin on January 3, 2008 - 5:53pm.

Did anyone ever think the lady thought she was right, Agreed she broke the law and must pay the penalty but I don't think she could have been fool enough to brag, with a picture, if she thought she was in violation.


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