Texas Game Wardens Uncover Illegal Snapper Operation

A network that allegedly violated recreational fishing regulations to an extreme was uncovered in a two-year investigation by Texas Game Wardens. Nearly 28,000 pounds of unlawfully-caught finfish, mostly red snapper, are alleged to have been illegally sold to 2 Houston restaurants for an estimated profit of over $400,000.

There was a big break in the case last year, when the Coast Guard stopped an unlicensed fishing boat and found 488 red snapper. This is believed to be the largest illegal seafood network of its kind in Texas history, and you can read the whole story here.

Protecting Texas' natural resources is all in a day's work for Texas Game Wardens. Read the latestGame Warden Field Notes for a sample of some of the unexpected things they encounter on the job.