Six arrested at Santa Monica Pier with 34 illegal lobsters Play

Six people were arrested last week at Santa Monica Pier, caught red-handed with 34 spiny lobsters hidden in duffel bags, backpacks, and a baby stroller.

The 34 lobsters, including several egg-bearing females, were returned to the ocean.

The six fishermen and women were charged with exceeding the daily bag limits of lobster, taking undersized lobster, hooking lobsters on fishing lines, and possessing more than triple the daily bag limit of lobster, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Violating these rules can carry penalties of up to $1,000 per violation or up to one year in jail, authorities added.

California's last spiny lobster season closed on March 18. The upcoming season starts Oct. 2. During that period, licensed fishers can take up to seven spiny lobsters a day.