Two Northern Territory fishermen have forfeited their cars and a boat, and been fined $2,500 each for exceeding fishing bag limits.

Alice Springs based Paul Coffey and his stepson Scott Davenport were caught red-handed in December 2006 with 80 barramundi and 61 golden snapper after an extended fishing trip to King Ash Bay, near Borroloola.

The pair were fishing with Davenport’s son and legally the trio were allowed 15 of each species in total.

The defence argued that the men had done what lawfully two fishermen in Darwin could catch over 8 days, so long as they returned home each night.

Magistrate Vince Luppino said he was initially troubled by the case because of how easy it is to thwart the intention of the legislation.

The men also have to pay $590 each in court costs and a $120 victims levy.

Source : ABC Northern Territory