DFG Cites Poacher for Harvesting Giant (Black) Sea Bass in Dana Point
World’s record Giant Sea Bass, 428 pounds, caught by John I. Perkins on June 31, 1905 at Catalina Island.
Scott Andrew Carlton, 30, of Corona Del Mar was spear fishing on Friday night at approximately 7:30 p.m. at Salt Creek Beach at Dana Point in Orange County when he speared a state-protected giant sea bass, commonly called a black sea bass. A concerned citizen took a photo of the man and his catch, then notified a nearby CHP officer. The CHP detained Carlton, and notified DFG dispatch. Warden Justin Sandvig arrived and cited Carlton, who claimed ignorance of the law. Take of giant sea bass is a misdemeanor.
Prior to the 1950s, large numbers of giant (black) sea bass could be found in the waters off of southern California, but most of these large creatures were harvested for their value as photographic trophies. Known for their docile behavior, the slow-moving black sea bass resides mostly near the shoreline in deep rocky environments and can grow up to 500 pounds and seven feet long.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse, especially when poaching state-protected species, said Capt. Dan Sforza of DFG’s Law Enforcement Division. Giant (black) sea bass are cherished by many ocean enthusiasts because of their size and docile nature.
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Excellent catch! Glad that a citizen stepped up and got the wardens involved.
Although ignorance is no excuse, a big part of conservation responsibility we believe is lacking from the State of California in cases like these. The DFG before issuing a fishing license can have a questionaire, test-pass or fail-with clear images and videos of what species are endangered or no take, specific to waters where the license is obtained for. I hate to say this, but to obtain a CDL you must pass a written exam, I have the feeling it’s because dead motorist cannot contiunue to pay taxes. So are the fish here such as GSB not worth the education needed to identify them, and prevent accidental killing? The Regulation handbook, sure, it is descriptive, yet confusing, by having so much material written in so many different ways, so is the dfg website. A tiny computer monitor at the local sporting goods store with a chair, and test program-this fish would still be swimming today. A yearly examination.