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Fish Chaser · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:08 am Post subject: Game Wardens and common sense?

Was out fishing today with the wife and kids and got a citation today for an untagged red fish. I know, before I get bashed, I had the tag torn from my license and marked with the month and date, but somewhere in the excitement, the tag stayed in my jacket pocket. The 28.5" red was laying in plain sight on the deck of my boat when the warden pulled me over. It seems that the wardens could use a little judgement in certain instances where someone is trying to do the right thing but instead is written a citation on a technicality. Anyone had anything similar happen to them????

Rudy · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:20 am Post subject:

ironmanstan · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 4:53 am Post subject:

How much was the ticket? I always tag my mine as soon as it leaves the measuring stick no matter how fierce the bite is at that time. It only takes a 2 minutes to get the job done. Those wardens hear every excuse in the book , and I'm extremely courteous when they are talking to me no matter how rude or stern some of them can be. They have a tough job to do, even though most of the time its giving poor folks tickets. Confused

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chuck · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:02 am Post subject:

it would be nice if the warden took that event as a teaching moment to educate on "how it should be done" sometimes a little generosity goes along way

so what is a good way to tag one, when on the water with limited supplies?

Netboy · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:32 am Post subject:

I don't keep reds that big cause to me they are not very good to eat. I would much rather have a lower slot red for the table. I haven't used my redfish tag in years.

If you do keep one then cut a piece of mono about 10" and thread it thru the hole left from the punched out date and tie it around the tail.

Sorry about the ticket, but I guess he was just doing his job. Maybe the JP will cut you some slack.

landlocked beachbum · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:39 am Post subject:

Various sized zip ties kept in the old tackle box would make quick work of this.

I agree with IMS on this one. Wink

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Dave

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits". Albert Einstein

o_brother · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:15 am Post subject:

Well fish chaser, I see it both ways and agree with IMS... Common sense tells me to tag it as soon as you decided to keep it.. The other side is that the GW is doing his job by the book.. All though he could have given you the two minutes to tag it while he looked over the rest of your boat.... Different people have different levels of common sense and some have little to none....

Mike
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landlocked beachbum · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:34 am Post subject:

I know this.................................. I wouldn't be inclined to being patient if I was a warden because as IMS said, they've heard it all and sooner or later the BS has to stop and the regs have to kick in.

No offense Fish Chaser, JMO.
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Dave

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits". Albert Einstein

Uncle D · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:51 am Post subject:

I think a lot of it depends on the GW. While duck hunting with a friend and his 2 boys, the three GW's that work St. Joe's checked us very thoroughly and found that one of the boys forgot his wallet with the license. One GW teased him some but that was it. They did their job but also showed that they didn't have a stick up their ----. Laughing

D.

Fish Chaser · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject:

I understand that the fine is between $25.00 to $500.00. The exact amount is determined by the judge. I got the impression that these guys just wanted to write a ticket for something. I politely explained to the officer that I was not trying to take more than my fair share of fish, but instead made the mistake of not tying the tag to the fish immediatly when caught. After this incident and having my boat boarded 6 times last summer for no reason, I have a completely different view of these guys.

CopanoCruisin · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:14 pm Post subject:

That game warden is doing just like we do when we go to work, doing his job. If that is what the regs says, how could he be wrong? I really think the judgment call in this issue is ,"was the fish over 28" as the regs state".
This is just my honest opinion.........

txluke · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:17 pm Post subject:

You must look suspect if you were boarded 6 times last summer.
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ironmanstan · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:53 pm Post subject:

THE_BLUFF_RAT · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 2:39 pm Post subject:

i tag my fish the second i choose to keep it. and i know they are doing their job...but to be a game warden, or any other position of authority like that, you should be able to determine the people who honestly made a mistake and those who just try to get away with it by making excuses. yes, they hear excuses every day...but that proves my point. they should be able to know who is being honest and who isnt. stress is part of their job..and if they cant handle it, and start handing out citations for anyhting and everything no matter what...when they get to the point that they already know they ARE GOING TO WRITE A CITAION, before they hear the situation...maybe they need a career change....
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Fish Chaser · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 3:08 pm Post subject:

A new boat with two children and two parents is suspect? Maybe it's the fact that I acknowledge them with a friendly wave whenever I come across them? I thought that it was common to be stopped on almost every outing, but after asking around, it isn't that way for everyone.