Connecticut § 26-167 - Stealing fish, lobsters or equipment. Penalty.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 26-167 — Stealing fish, lobsters or equipment. Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-167. Stealing fish, lobsters or equipment. Penalty.
Sec. 26-167. Stealing fish, lobsters or equipment. Penalty. No person except the licensed owner, an authorized licensed agent of the owner, the commissioner or authorized agents of the department or law enforcement officers empowered to serve criminal process shall remove or attempt to remove any fish or lobster from any pound, weir, net, pot or other device used for the purpose of taking or retaining fish or lobsters. No person shall have in his possession or set or cause to be set any trap, pot or other device for taking fish or lobsters which belong to another without having written authorization from the owner or his authorized agent. Any trap, pot or other device so set and not identified by the owner's number, which shall be assigned by the commissioner, shall, for the purpose of this section, be considered prima facie evidence of having been stolen or illegally possessed by the person setting the same. Any unauthorized person who lifts, raises, draws or molests, or assists in so doing, any trap, pot or other device set for the purpose of taking fish or lobsters, or steals any fish or lobster therefrom except as provided herein, shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars or be imprisoned not more than six months or both. Any trap, pot or other device and accessories thereto used in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the state and shall be sold or otherwise disposed of by the commissioner or his authorized agent.
(1949 Rev., S. 4980; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 330; P.A. 79-125.)
History: 1971 act replaced references to board of fisheries and game, its director, members and their agents with references to environmental protection department and commissioner and their agents; P.A. 79-125 increased maximum fine from $100 to $200.
Intent of statute is to make fish or lobsters which have been caught the subject of larceny and it is not essential to prove the identity of the owner of the stolen property. 37 CS 809.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 26-167
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 26-167 cover?
Section 26-167 ("Stealing fish, lobsters or equipment. Penalty.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Connecticut § 26-167?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 26-167" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Connecticut law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.
How does Connecticut § 26-167 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.