The problem with trespassers and poaching is not only limited in the USA, have the same problems in Thailand. To steal a man's cow is a lynching offense, to still a man's fish is almost a joke. Shame it has to be that way!
We all love what we do and particularly those of us that monitor and communicate on this site. Our fish are our pride and joy, though some may not depend on the ponds for critcal substenance it's our property and raised on our land, our creations at our own expense.
The worst thing that we can do when we notice trespassing and poaching is nothing, if the hole in the fence is not repaired...than it is assumed that we are not concerned about the property.
Don't know so much about the States and ponds, but in Thailand the police usually only get involved when money in their favor is concerned. Most of my trespassing/poaching is a nightime occurrence, if I'm on the road and the wife notices a problem we pay a neighbor to patrol, a couple of dollars a night there, sure considerable more in the USA. For folks that have a remote pond it is for sure more difficult and glad to see so many different ways to counter the theft posted, gives us all more ideas
Since my poaching comes at night, one thing I am grateful for is the fact that PB (peacock bass) are inactive at night, may lose a snakehead, catfish or two...but no major loss as they are part of the food chain.
Sometimes...sure wish I had a couple of large gators!
