Typical fisherman

We began using Shad my son caught with a cast net but when we ran out we started using Saltwater Assasins (white with silver tail). They hit them pretty good. By the way, re-did all of my rod tape last night. No more mistakes for this guy. Lesson learned

Make sure your son goes with you. Pay the cost, do not plea "his fault".. teach the son the valuable lesson to be learned, not how to blame. In the end, it is not his fault, it was yours. The judge and everyone else will appreciate the lesson as well.

R

Amen brother.

To the OP, you're not likely to get alot of sympathy. But for many of us a ticket was our learning curve, and so alot of us do understand. I still remember my embarrassment at getting cited for fishing without a license some years ago. It happens, just learn from it.

great point

FYI - I was not meaning to blame. While I have not gotten a ticket, accidents happen. That was what this was. Let us know how it goes and tell your son, we are all rooting that you both get back to fishing and never have another incident.

R

BTW......Don't depend on those "rulers" that are embossed on Coolers either. Also make sure you measure the fish the Right way.

Measuring fish can always get you in trouble if you don't do it right. The most common error is to measure the fish with the mouth open instead of closed. The Texas Parks and Wildlife indicates an angler should "Place the fish on its side with the jaw closed." I recently saw an angler get a citation for possessing fish he measured incorrectly. As far as the restitution goes, that will depend on the judge.

Don't need to keep a ton..One fish is all it takes for ticket time.

$177.59 paid to the court online. It's not worth my time to miss work for that and actually having to go to court. Like I said, expensive lesson

Yup, but you won't make that mistake again, guaranteed..... so, it bites, but there are worse things.

Now, go enjoy your fishing.

R

Thanks for posting the follow-up. That will help us all be more informed in the future.

Civil restitution is a BS deal. It is a way for the state to bilk you of extra money above and beyond the actual penalties.

After Watching North Woods Law, just be glad you were in TX. In the NE they might have impounded your vehicle, confiscated all your rods and gear, and sentenced you to jail time.

Google Chris Fried, the game warden who was poaching deer illegally, I don't remember him having to pay any civil fines. If you go to court I would bring up his case since laws are based on precedents.

https://www.statesman.com/news/2016...n-admits-breaking-law-but-holds-onto-job

can happen here too.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/...s-regulations/laws-penalties-restitution

Penalties

If you violate fish and wildlife laws, you may:

be fined for misdemeanors
Class C - $25-$500
Class B - $200-$2,000 and/or 6 months in jail
Class A - $500-$4,000 and/or 1 year in jail;

be fined for state jail felonies ($1,500-$10,000 and/or up to 2 years in jail);

face automatic suspension or revocation of licenses for up to five years; and

forfeit hunting gear, including firearms, used to commit a violation.