Fight it! If anything you will get the thing reduced.

I got a similiar ticket on Lake Curlew. We were fishing side by side off the dock. My wife reeled in, I baited her hook and I cast it out for her, I handed the rod back to her and here comes the gamie. He started in with the attitude by talking to me like I was still in puberty. I held my hand up and said if your are going write the ticket get to it and he did. I did break the law and I did not have a problem with the ticket. It's how the gamie presented himself was the problem. I explained my position to the judge by mail and it was reduced but I do not recall by how much.

My wife was pissed and did not fish again for at least 3 or 4 years.

I guess If we would have been fishing for whales we would have gotten off with a $20.00 fine and a warning.

The deep seated feelings I have heard in the replies to this thread should give the state and idea on what is really going on. Like I've said before, it's all about customer service. I have known and met a lot of good game agents. However, there are some out there that just don't get it and probably never will.

Good luck!

Captain