Fisherman Busted For Hiding Undersized Fluke In SUV: DEC

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - A local fisherman was busted for hiding undersized fluke in his SUV at Captree State Park earlier this month, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

On June 8, officer Chris DeRose responded to a complaint about a fisherman keeping undersized fluke on the main pier at Captree State Park.

DeRose watched the fisherman before talking to them. The fisherman told the officer he did not have any luck.

DeRose returned to the parking lot and waited for the fisherman to pack up his equipment and leave. When the fisherman opened the rear hatch of his SUV and the officer approached to ask about bags of empty cans in the vehicle.

He found that one bag was heavier than the rest and held three undersized fluke - the largest only 13 inches long, significantly shorter than the minimum length of 19 inches.

The three fish were seized, and the fisherman was issued a summons for possession of undersize fluke. The summons is returnable to Suffolk County First District Court in July.