Trimming a Tail Could Lead to Jail Time for Fisherman

Trimming a fish tail could lead to jail time and or fines for a Wise County fisherman.

Terry Keith Long has been indicted by a Wood County grand jury on a third-degree felony fraud charge. He is accused of cheating in the McDonald's Big Bass Splash fishing tournament on Lake Fork.

So how bad is it? Third degree felonies in Texas are a more serious charge than state jail felonies and misdemeanors. Punishment involves prison time of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Community supervision also may be involved.

The bass Long brought to weigh in at the tournament on Sept. 22, looked as though the tail of the fish had been trimmed. Long appeared to have done this so that the fish would fall within the size limits for Lake Fork, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in a report by the Longview News Journal.