For Release: Tuesday, February 19, 2008

DEC Arrest Four Allegedly Taking Nearly 500 Perch

Four men ice fishing on Lake George were arrested for possessing 294 fish over the legal limit on Feb. 16, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.

Environmental Conservation Officers William Bramlage and Lt. Thomas Caifa said the men had been fishing in a group and were found to have 494 perch. The legal number of perch that can be possessed on Lake George is 50 per day per person, or, in this case, a total of 200.

Thomas Iezzi, 43, and Randy Rivette, 42, both of Queensbury, N.Y., and Patrick Collins, 43, and John L. Fisher, 30, both of Fort Ann, N.Y., were issued appearance tickets in Lake George Town Court for taking fish in excess of daily limits in violation of Environmental Conservation Law. Additionally, Mr. Fisher was ticketed for failure to have a fishing license. The men had fish hidden in a variety of places including their ATVs, shanties, and backpacks. Mr. Iezzi was found to be in possession of 87 perch; Mr. Rivette had 140; Mr. Collins had 160, and Mr. Fisher had 107.