Coast Guard Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing in Texas Gulf

There are many people that believe illegal fishing is a victimless crime, but here in Texas there are some serious consequences if you’re caught not following the laws. 

We hear about these fisherman fishing illegally on a somewhat regular basis and the Coast Guard continues to do their best to shut down the illegal activity. 

Gigantic Load of Red Snapper and Sharks Seized Recently 

Earlier this month there were 1,595 pounds of red snapper along with 9 sharks that were caught illegally in federal waters near south Texas.  

In total officials detained 11 fisherman and all the red snapper and sharks they found on board of the lanchas.  

Lanchas are normally 20 to 30 feet long and used to transport illegal narcotics and fish illegally in federal waters.  

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The Coast Guard took all men ashore, and they were sent over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for processing.  

Multiple Crews Helped with This Massive Seizure 

This was a group effort as there was assistance from the Coast Guard Station South Padre Island boat crew, the Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi watch standers and the Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aircrews. 

Illegal Fishing Will Continue to Be a Fight 

Illegal fishing has been going on for a long time and there is no reason to believe that the illegal activity will stop anytime soon. But law enforcement would love your assistance. 

If you witness suspicious or illegal fishing 200 miles offshore, you’re asked to contact the U.S. Coast Guard immediately by calling 361-939-0450.