Date: 7/11/07
Contact: Edwin Lyngar
Phone: (775) 688-1548

RENO RESIDENTS FOUND GUILTY OF OVER LIMIT OF FISH AFTER DISCOVERY OF 185 FISH

Two Reno residents pled guilty to unlawful possession of over limits of fish Tuesday in New River Justice Court in Fallon after being found in possession of 185 fish—155 more fish than they were allowed to possess.

Yao Li and Chi King, both of Reno, were ordered to pay more than $2,100 each in fines and civil penalties for the possession of an over limit of fish. There is a liberal limit of 15 fish per person for the fish the pair had in their possession, which included wipers, white bass, crappie and catfish.

“This was an extreme case of an over limit of fish,” said Rob Buonamici, chief game warden in Reno. “When people take this many, there are that many fewer for other anglers. It is unsporting, unethical and illegal, and I am happy that we caught them.”

The men were fishing aboard a boat at Lahontan Reservoir June 18 while under surveillance by game wardens. Citations were subsequently issued for the gross over limits of fish. Although this type of crime is fairly common, what makes this one unique were the very large numbers of fish that the men possessed.

Game wardens are asking anyone with information on this type of crime to report it to Operation Game Thief (OGT) at (800) 992-3030. Only through the public’s help can game wardens protect wildlife.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.