Fishing law, a story from internet.

"Went to North Jetty on Saturday with my father, caught two Red Drum over 28 inches near the boat cut. Boarded by the Game Warden and given a ticket for one not being tagged. Anybody knows the fine amount ?? Also I thought a person over 65 was exempt from this law."

Some Replys:

1. Fine $ 219.00 dollars will be real close if the warden gives you a brake.I just paid one on a black drum 1 inch to long measured by my son.I had at that time one of those strips with the numbers on it,and it was hard to acurately measure a big fish in a bouncing boat.All in all the warden was very understanding and talked to me very respectful.You will have to wait a couple of weeks to for the paperwork to get to the judge [appell i think]texas city.

2. If you violate fish and wildlife laws, in addition to civil restitution you may:
be fined (Class C - $25-$500; Class B - $200-$2000; Class A - $500-$4000; State Jail Felony, $1500-$10,000);
be jailed (Class B and higher offenses);
face automatic suspension or revocation of licenses for up to 5 years;
forfeit hunting gear, including firearms, used to commit a violation.CIVIL RESTITUTION: In addition to the criminal penalty for hunting and fishing violations, the department will seek the civil recovery value for the loss or damage to wildlife resources. The civil restitution cost is payable to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is in addition to the fine assessed by the court. Failure to pay the civil recovery value will result in the department's refusal to issue a license, tag, or permit. An individual who hunts or fishes after the refusal commits a class A misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine not less than $500 or more than $4,000; punishment in jail not to exceed one year; or both fine and confinement. For questions concerning civil restitution call (512) 389-4630.

3. Red Drum Tag:This tag is required for an individual to take one red drum per license year over the maximum length limit of 28 inches, and is included free with the purchase of a saltwater fishing stamp endorsement or any package that includes the saltwater fishing stamp endorsement. See tagging information. Persons who want to obtain a red drum tag and are EXEMPT from fishing license requirements may purchase an Exempt Angler Red Drum Tag for $3.

4. I was fined for having an oversized black drum years ago. The ticket was $218. The fish was still alive and released. So i would imagine close to $200 plus replacement fee which could be a lot more!!