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For immediate release: March 16, 2009

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Four South Carolina anglers on hook, 1,268 fish seized



Friday the 13th proved unlucky for four South Carolina anglers when a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer seized their entire catch of 1,268 freshwater fish. The case is believed to be the largest of its kind ever filed in Polk County by the FWC.

Veteran FWC officer Jim Adams received an anonymous tip that led him to seize 1,264 shellcrackers, one warmouth, one spotted sunfish and two undersize largemouth bass from the group of out-of-state anglers fishing on Lake Kissimmee. Each angler is allowed 50 panfish per day, with a maximum of two days’ bag limit in possession. Possession limit violations are a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or 60 days in jail.

Sam C. Shumpert, (DOB 01/01/42), of 1508 McNeil Drive, West Columbia, SC, was charged with possession of 294 fish over the legal possession limit.

Daniel Shumpert, (DOB 04/24/43) of 17 Dunbar Rd., West Columbia, SC, was charged with 294 fish over his legal possession limit.

Richard L. Richenbaker, (DOB 12/08/62), and his wife, Maura R. Richenbaker, (DOB 11/28/62), 54 Rick Road, St. Matthews, SC, were each charged with 340 fish over the legal possession limit.

The four anglers had been fishing out of Grape Hammock Fish Camp on Lake Kissimmee for three days. They told Adams they had been coming to Florida to fish every spring for a number of years and that fishing in South Carolina was never as good as it was here.

“The FWC depends upon partnerships forged with conservation-minded sportsmen to ensure the future of our freshwater fisheries,” Adams said. “Reports to the Wildlife Alert Hotline of potential violations are a key component of that partnership.”

The FWC donated all of the fish to Natural Encounters in Lakes Wales. The fish will provide a six-month supply of food for the birds that Natural Encounters trains for Disney Productions.

Call 888-808-3922 to report fisheries or wildlife law violations. Those reporting violations can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

If you would like more information about freshwater fishing in Florida, visit MyFWC.com/Recreation/FW_index.htm.

That's alot o' fish.

Who would to clean that many dang fish?

Funny thing about that picture. I bet if I looked real hard I could find a picture with me that looks a lot like that picture.

TK, you gotta watch that self incrimination.

idiots...the poachers that is.

But why does FWS take the fish off of ice and set them on the black-top. No use for 1000 fresh panfish....

I disagree with the possession charge. Fine if you catch a person with over the limit in the boat. But to open storage bins at campsites where people have several days of catch to take home...I don't like it.
Are any of you aware that if you have more than one redfish, 5 trout, 5 grouper in your home freezer you are guilty of this possession law and subject to arrest and confiscation? Not to mention the search and seizure that comes with it.

I think some of our laws need to be re-thunk.

JT, the possession laws really don't make any sense but since my freezer is in GA then I guess I'd do time in the Fed. pen.
I'm too pretty to go to prison, that's why I don't catch many fish.

Back in the day, that was just a regular day at Okeechobee when the bream were bedding. We bought worms by the keg to make the trip.

Guys I am not racist, but back in the day people would go down there and pack their car trunks full of ice and fish and come back up here and sell to the black community. Everyone was happy, trip payed for, everyone had fish to eat. I am not saying what those anglers did was right. Little history in my area anyway.

Why would selling fish to Black people be racist?

Selling fish to Black folks goes on around here as well. White folks too.

birddog wrote:Why would selling fish to Black people be racist?

Selling fish to Black folks goes on around here as well. White folks too.

He just can't help being a liberal apologist. Next thing you know, he will start a thread on slave reparations.

BTW, does the fact that I gave 1000 of fish to black people back in the day make me a liberal.

I'm trying to get to a point where I don't say "black" or "white", etc. where it doesn't matter. I'm guilty of saying in the past, things like "I was talking to a black man about...." I should've said, "I was talking to a man about...". Also, I think the government questionnaires which ask your race promote racism. Researchers now say that based on the human genome there is "only one race—the human race.” Just my opinion, others may disagree. But I like that idea of giving fish to folks who are struggling to get by. There's bound to be plenty around these days who would appreciate some free fresh fish from us.