Troller fined, charge against crewman dropped

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 2/8/16 Braden Jay pled guilty in Sitka District Court after a plea agreement was reached with the Juneau District Attorney's Office. In exchange for a guilty plea the charge against deckhand Justin Swindler was dismissed. Jay was found guilty and sentenced to a fine of $4,000 with $2,000 suspended, 30 days in jail with 30 days suspended, and two years of probation. The proceeds of the seized king salmon were forfeited to the state. On 6/30/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers patrolling the summer troll fishery observed the F/V Brena in the area of Puffin Bay engaged in fishing. Investigation revealed Jay, 28, and deckhand Swindler, 33, both of Sitka, were attempting to catch king salmon prior to the legal opening of the season. Five king salmon were seized and both men were cited for fishing in a closed period.