Fishy business: Beagle Bay angler’s avoidance tactics backfire, land $3700 fine

A 62-year-old Beagle Bay man has been ordered to pay more than $3700 in fines and costs after he was caught hook, line, and sinker fishing without a licence in July last year. Broome Magistrates Court heard on February 22, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fisheries and Marine officers attempted to inspect a boat with eight people aboard after smelling something fishy on July 11, 2022. A 62-year-old man refused to let the fisheries officers board his vessel and allegedly became aggressive, threatening to throw one of the officers overboard. A second attempt to board was once again thwarted by the man who refused to stop his vessel and drove away from officers. Officers followed the man to shore at Beagle Bay where they were finally able to board the craft, finding three mackerel and one bluefin tuna. All fish were seized as none of the men aboard had a recreational fishing licence. Supervising Fisheries and Marine officer Andrew Gatt, who prosecuted the matter, said all anglers were required to allow Fisheries and Marine officers to board their vessels for inspection. “WA fishing laws are in place to ensure the sustainability of the State’s fish resources. I urge everyone to report suspected illegal fishing to FishWatch on 1800 815 507,” he said. The man was ordered to pay a total of $3764.30 in fines and costs for threatening an officer, failing to facilitate a boarding, failing to stop, for an excess bag limit and not possessing a licence.