Morro Bay commercial fisherman must pay $12,000 for violating fishing restrictions, DA says

A Morro Bay commercial fisherman must pay $12,000 for violating fishing restrictions, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

Brad Leage operates The Endeavor — a 55-foot, 40-passenger commercial fishing boat based in Morro Bay that offers sports fishing trips on the Central Coast, according to a news release Monday.

Undercover officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife joined two of Leage’s sports fishing trips in 2019 and 2021, according to the release.

“On both fishing trips, Leage admitted that he inaccurately reported the number of crew fishing on the trip and exceeded legal catch limits,” the release said. “Leage also admitted that some customers exceeded legal fish limits and caused the waste of fish.”

The District Attorney’s Office pursued a civil case against Leage for his violation of fishing regulations.

The judgment ordered Leage to pay $12,000 in civil penalties and to “accurately report the number of fish caught on board during sport fishing trips,” the release said.

The judgment also “prohibits the crew of the Endeavor from fishing on paid customer trips during the 2024 fishing season,” the release said.

The District Attorney’s Office also pursued a criminal case against Leage.

“In the criminal case, Leage agreed to follow applicable commercial fishing laws for the next 12 months and comply with the terms of the stipulated civil judgment,” the release said.

“The opportunity to take fish and wildlife resources in California requires a high degree of mutual trust between the public and law enforcement,” Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth said in the release. “Commercial fishing regulations exist to ensure the health of our coastal ecosystems for the public’s continued enjoyment and for a sustainable commercial fishing industry.”