Redondo Beach firefighter allegedly sold catch from fishing trip illegally
By Larry Altman Employees Writer
Posted: 02/14/2012 05:38:54 PM PST
Up to date: 02/14/2012 06:21:26 PM PST
A Redondo Beach front fire captain who caught more than 800 pounds of tuna on a current sportfishing trip off San Diego is beneath investigation for allegedly marketing some of it from the back of his truck, authorities said Tuesday.
Capt. Scott Harper may have violated state laws that prohibit activity fishermen from offering their catches.
"Anything you catch is for personal use or to give it away to pals or family, but you can in no way sell," mentioned Andrew Hughan, a spokesman for the condition Fish and Game section.
Hughan declined to discuss the scenario that was opened final week in San Diego.
"The Department of Fish and Match has an ongoing investigation into this incident and we cannot comment more until eventually the investigation is full," Hughan explained.
Harper could not be achieved for remark. He could perhaps experience a misdemeanor that could consequence in an $ eight,000 good, officials explained.
Redondo Seashore Fire Chief Dan Madrigal mentioned Fish and Recreation authorities notified him of the scenario on Monday.
Madrigal said he would open his very own investigation. Fish and Game authorities had not supplied him any information about the situation, which occurred while Harper was off-duty.
"I have been contacted and they are searching into this allegation at this time," Madrigal stated. "I’m not mindful of expenses towards any of my staff. I am unaware of any monetary transaction that occurred."
Harper was the "star of the trip" aboard the Red
Ad
Rooster III, which docked at H&M Landing in San Diego Feb. three following a fifteen-day Bluefin Jim and Pelagic charter, according to the site, Redrooster3.com.
The journey produced eighteen tuna weighing more than two hundred kilos and about 100 wahoo.
Harper, the internet site said, caught the most significant fish, "a 293.6-pounder, on a double squid bait on Mustad 20/ circle hooks beneath the kite with the boat’s kite rig."
"My very best fish prior to this trip was a 160-pounder," the website quoted Harper as declaring. "I obtained him in fifteen minutes on that rig."
Harper also caught two tunas weighing 270 and 252 pounds, the website mentioned.
Madrigal called Harper a "very excellent employee, very supportive of the career and the city’s Fire Department’s policies and techniques."
Also on the trip was Division Chief Paul Lepore, who caught a 204-pound tuna, the internet site explained. A 3rd firefighter also was on the excursion.
The Red Rooster III, a 105-foot sportfishing yacht, operates journeys from Lee Palm Sportfishers in San Diego into Mexican waters.
People who fish in Mexican waters must have Mexican fishing licenses. Mexican regulation also makes it unlawful to receive financial acquire from fish caught while sportfishing.
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