MM:

Bad deal. I feel for you. I was about 6 miles out or so there last August and got a 90 some dollar fine for having 3 rods in the water(I was setting up the 4th one, and didn't notice them approaching me from the distance!) fishing by myself.

The Pa F&B com was watching me with binoculars from their boat I guess. They also boarded me and did a VERY thorough boat inspection out there too, right down to the date on my fire extinguisher!

I don't really see what it matters, miles from shore, with no one around for miles, whether I catch 5 walleyes with 2 rods or 10 rods. That rule was made years ago for bank fisherman taking up 50 yards of shoreline.

Minor technicalities of the rules will cost you.

I was also fishing out of NE at that time.

At least the criminals aren't jacking guys trucks & trailers out of the lot while they're out on the lake fishing, like they're doing in some places in Ohio.