OUR VIEW: Report overfishers

We were happy to see this report: Recently an angler went fishing near Rainbow Gardens in Ogden. The limit for trout is four.The angler caught 28 trout that day.Fortunately, the greedy angler was caught by Utah Wildlife Resources officers. The man was fined $650 for his offense. He also lost his license.Poaching in the Ogden River is no minor offense. As Division of Wildlife Resources Northern Region conservation manager Phil Douglass aptly puts it, "it's stealing from other people."We have a message for fish poachers -- there are other anglers watching you. They will report you if you catch more than the law allows."It's a social thing. We value the wildlife and the fish in Utah, and when someone sees someone breaking those laws, they report them. The thing they should worry about is that people are watching. Not only the officers, but the citizens will turn them in," Douglass said.Although it's supposed to be a secret when the Ogden River is re-stocked via a hatchery truck, it seems that some overfishing trolls have figured out when it comes. These thiefs try to quickly catch as many fish as they can. The irony is, says Douglass, is that fish kept in a freezer catch "freezer burn" and are wasted.There are various reasons why people succumb to the greed of poaching. One is the need to appear to be a superior angler and show off to friends and families. Another reason is simply a disrespect for the law. One more reason may be ignorance. The offender may not know that there is a limit.There needs to be an equal playing field when we enjoy what the Top of Utah fishing spots offer us. If you spot a poacher at the Ogden River or elsewhere, we urge you to call the Utah Turn in Poachers hotine (UTiP) at (800) 662-DEER.