The State Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) said they arrested four fishermen Tuesday who had a large number of smaller striped bass in their possession.
The four — Hydri Cenkoli, 60, of Woodbury, Daniel Cenkoli, 32, of Waterbury, Bilbil Cenkoli, 57, of Waterbury and Gurali Cenkoli, 46, of Woodbury, were arrested with 38 striped bass in their possession. The state’s daily creel (per fisherman) limit is one striped bass. In addition, all 38 fish were less than the minimum required 28 inches in length, EnCon said.
In Connecticut, anglers are allowed to fish for striped bass year round.
EnCon said it was responding to a an anonymous complaint from someone who had seen the fishermen catching several dozen smaller striped bass.
An EnCon dog sniffed out the illegal catch, which police said was hidden in bags in nearby rocks and bushes.
The four men face misdemeanor charges and will be in court April 12 in Derby.
