Anglers were appalled at the reports of the number of trout being released when caught on bait and the over-limit fishing that was going on at Rufus Woods Reservoir last fall and winter. It is good to hear that increased enforcement efforts have nabbed many violators and that the courts are helping with stiff penalties for these infractions. On July 26th, this past summer, WDRW officer cited Pedro Martinez of Moses with two counts. He was cited for possessing 13 rainbow trout, 11 over the two-fish catch limit and for failing to display his catch for inspection to officers when requested. The criminal violations cost Martinez a $250.00 fine and the loss of his boat, boat motor, boat trailer, cooler, and fishing rod and reel. A Washington state hearings officer recently finalized the forfeiture of the equipment, valued at $2,500.00. “This case is a good example of how a fish and wildlife violation can end up costing much more than a standard fine,” said WDFW Sgt. Jim Brown of Okanogan. “Loss of equipment for serious intentional violations is a strong deterrent to others.” I know anglers are happy to learn that stiff penalties are being put in place for violations at Rufus Woods.