A late winter inspection of two Douglas lake commercial fishermen led to multiple violations of state wildlife laws.
On a rainy Tuesday afternoon in late January, TWRA Sgt. Scott Hollenbeck and Officer Cody Young inspected Otey Dewayne Dalton, 48, of 705 Haynes Road, Dandridge and a 16-year-old, also from Dandridge, as they pulled into the boat ramp at Dandridge Access Area.
During the inspection, Officer Young located five catfish measuring over 34 inches hidden among several catfish measuring under 34 inches along with several buffalo and carp. State regulations allow each fishermen to only harvest one catfish over 34 inches while there is no limit on catfish under 34 inches. Their harvest put them in violation of three fish over the daily creel limit.
Both were cited to Jefferson County General Sessions Court for the unlawful possession catfish and appeared before Judge Will Roach this week. Each pled guilty and was assessed fines of $250 plus court costs of $269.