Watch out for the DFG guy.

[driftwood]

Yani and I were checked out by the a DFG official last night as we landed around 9pm. We went thru the usual drill, Yani went first. DFG wanted to see my license, my front and back hatch of my kayak. thank god he skipped the cavity check:reddy:
The only thing i had left over was some bait which i threw on the sand to feed the birds. The DFG guy reprimanded me and said I shouldn't waste bait, since Yani confessed he likes to eat it and I should have given it to him. I have had yani's cooked bait- its good!!!

[Nic D]

Yani and I were checked out by the a DFG official last night as we landed around 9pm. We went thru the usual drill, Yani went first. DFG wanted to see my license, my front and back hatch of my kayak. thank god he skipped the cavity check:reddy:


so just to make sure I don't get nailed for anything lame, cause thats my luck

we have to have:
1) our license
2) a pfd on board
3) nothing illegal

am I missing anything?

[wade]

am I missing anything?

Oh you sure will be Nick...
It's called your United States Constitutional Fourth Amendment rights..
Somehow they go down the toilet once these F&G clowns get their woop-de-do badge..Be ready for the Fourth Reich..

[Hunters Pa]

Should have a net, even if stowed, in case they really want to be a pain

[MrPatrick]

and a whistle

[Billy V]

If you're out at night on the kayak you need some type of light.

Good to carry one because sometimes its dark when you land.

[dsafety]

Maybe some of you were just having a little fun but I doubt the DFG cares about whistles or even PFDs. I am not sure about the net however. I know that is a requirement on some inland waters. Anyone know for sure about the ocean?

Since this is not Arizona, I guess we will not have to be able to prove that we are legal residents. Sometimes I wonder exactly how I would prove that I am legal. A drivers license and credit cards would not do it because anyone can get those. The only thing I can think of that would work for sure is a passport.

Note to self... next time I go to visit my son in Arizona, be sure to pack the passport.

Bob

[Aaron]

I'm happy to get checked by the DFG. Makes me feel like I got my money's worth out of my license. lol.

If you ever have the time, schedule a ride-along with a DFG warden. You'll quickly see why they may be a bit "pessimistic" when they approach you. I got a ticket once for shooting ducks in a poorly marked restricted area on Baldwin Lake in Big Bear and decided I should go on a ride along with the very cop that wrote me the ticket. I quickly realized the BS that they put up with. 90% of the boaters we stopped at random on Big Bear Lake did not have a fishing license. We were lucky if they weren't drunk as well. Then came the excuses...blah blah blah, standard stuff.

If a Warden asks you to open up your hatch, you don't have to. You can ask them to get a warrant. If its not in plain view, you're covered under search and seizure constitutional rights. But why bother? I'll gladly open up my hatch for the guys that are keeping the idiots out of the water that are scooping up 18" WSB and kill everything else in site. I'll gladly take out my fishing license to show that I paid into our fisheries so that Game Wardens can crack down on those that don't. I've been good to those guys and have received some great info that resulted in me shooting more birds and catching more fish. I dunno, maybe I'm weird, but since getting a ticket and going on a ride along I have a bunch more respect for those guys. But I get it that they can sometimes come off a bit harsh.

[Dan]

totally agree with sapdawg. dfg field agents are the good guys.

[robmandel]

totally agree with sapdawg. dfg field agents are the good guys.

most definitely!!! lady up in malibu is very cool. got checked a couple of times, no problem. she isn't power trippy at all. quite the opposite. in fact, I've never had a bad experience with them, ever.

and remember, the warden's association is on record opposed to the MLPA. they've even said there's no way they can or will enforce it. honestly, dfg and us are on the same side. they're good people, doing a tough ass job. we oughta be as cool with them as we can.

[batty1of3]

I'm happy to get checked by the DFG. Makes me feel like I got my money's worth out of my license. lol.

If you ever have the time, schedule a ride-along with a DFG warden. You'll quickly see why they may be a bit "pessimistic" when they approach you. I got a ticket once for shooting ducks in a poorly marked restricted area on Baldwin Lake in Big Bear and decided I should go on a ride along with the very cop that wrote me the ticket. I quickly realized the BS that they put up with. 90% of the boaters we stopped at random on Big Bear Lake did not have a fishing license. We were lucky if they weren't drunk as well. Then came the excuses...blah blah blah, standard stuff.

If a Warden asks you to open up your hatch, you don't have to. You can ask them to get a warrant. If its not in plain view, you're covered under search and seizure constitutional rights. But why bother? I'll gladly open up my hatch for the guys that are keeping the idiots out of the water that are scooping up 18" WSB and kill everything else in site. I'll gladly take out my fishing license to show that I paid into our fisheries so that Game Wardens can crack down on those that don't. I've been good to those guys and have received some great info that resulted in me shooting more birds and catching more fish. I dunno, maybe I'm weird, but since getting a ticket and going on a ride along I have a bunch more respect for those guys. But I get it that they can sometimes come off a bit harsh.
here here i am always happy to see the dfg guys out and about poachers beware i still wear my license in plain sight and mebbe its a bit mean but i love watching them run up on a bucketeer at the bay and whip out that ticket book for no license and undersized fish

[Lord Matthew34]

I'm of the mindset that I have nothing to hide and anyone is welcome to check my vessel. As long as you're following the rules then all it costs you is about 3 min's out of your life. BTW i got stopped by a pretty hot dfg chick last week at the dana launch ramp. Would be cool if there were more of them around :)

[j mo]

The LJ DFG are good folks, doing their Jobs for the most part. They catch "idiots" every season for taking shorts and 1 too many WSB's.

Cardiff State beach park rangers that hide in the bushes and try to pull an "ahhh ha!" on you assuming you've done something wrong are another story...

[Iparker]

Same thing here. Our recent run-ins with the DFG guys have been nothing but positive including getting stopped by a warden in the Apple Valley region when we were chasing Chukar with "Geoffkoop". The warden spent 10 minutes with us chewing the fat, giving us a few suggestions for birds and telling us his opinion on the MLPA. Overall, I think the vast majority of these guys are hunters and fisherman, just like us.

[Kesepton]

Yeah, I never mind when they check me. I see so many people walk away with undersized catches and over limit. Im not doing anything wrong so I dont care if they check everything.

Though, if you are caught, they can take all your gear on site. So... keep it legal.

[peguinpower]

net and ruler. I always forget those :(

/bing

[ken aguilar]

DFG are just doing their job, I respect that. Plus keeping the fear of getting caught taking shorties or too many of any one species is a good thing.

Diving off of Reef Point, I came up with DFG waiting, they asked if I had speared anything I said yes, as the fish was flopping around in my catch bag. They saw it was very much legal, commented on how nice a fish it was and wished me a good day.

note to self, net and ruler..I forget those also

[-scallywag-]

the DFG shorty is my fav!!!

Game wardens are cool, and like the others said they are on our side 100%. Sure they can be a little bossy at first but that's because they deal with guys like the balboa pier duche multiple times a day.

Know the laws, follow them, and be respectful, you might just make a new friend who's job it is to collect all the info that you want to know.

In my experience, especially at the launch in LJ, is that the wardens don't really care about life jackets, lights, booze, dope, exc... unless you start acting like an asshat. I have been asked about a net and measuring devise, but never written up for not having a net.The guys to really watch out for at night are the rookie SDPD guys who will try to arrest you for "driving on the beach". But again, show respect, get respect....

And Wade.....come on buddy, don't tell me you still believe in that so called "constitution" and "bill of rights" do you??? :biggrinjester: Ruger Mini-14's ranch riffles with removable clips are pretty cheap these days, I just picked a new one up from Turners for around 700 and it accepts lots of different hi-cap mags from other riffles. Definently easier to believe in than a 150 year old trampled piece of parchment. Get um while you still can!!!

[sandydiego]

most definitely!!! lady up in malibu is very cool. got checked a couple of times, no problem. she isn't power trippy at all. quite the opposite. in fact, I've never had a bad experience with them, ever.

and remember, the warden's association is on record opposed to the MLPA. they've even said there's no way they can or will enforce it. honestly, dfg and us are on the same side. they're good people, doing a tough ass job. we oughta be as cool with them as we can.

I totally agree.

[T Bone]

I have sharpied a ruler on both sides of my kayak with marks at 13-22-28"

I think they should crackdown on all guys fishing on the breakwall in NPH.they have no licence and keep everything regardless of size-season-etc.You all know who I am talking about...

[jimbo]

I believe the CA law requires you have a net if you are targeting halibut. It's been a long time since I read that Reg and it never made sense to me b/c how can you prove you are or are not targeting a specific species. Maybe somebody else who has it fresher in their memory or somebody with a law degree can set the record straight.

I don't think PFD, horn, flares, type IV (throwable), and light requirements apply to yaks b/c it's they are not technically a "vessel" but rather a water sport device(that's why they don't require CF #s). But I definitely think lights are great idea voluntarily - it can be hard to see yaks from a boat. OEX sells waterproof Scotty lights that fit in the deck and are easily removable and pretty cheap. They don't require any wiring - 2 alkaline batteries. You could even clip a glow stick to a rod tip.

[467echo]

Ran into them a few times this year @ LJ, just wish I had a reason for them to inspect my license if ya know what I mean!!:( They seem pretty chill to me.

[Hunters Pa]

most definitely!!! lady up in malibu is very cool. got checked a couple of times, no problem. she isn't power trippy at all. quite the opposite. in fact, I've never had a bad experience with them, ever.

and remember, the warden's association is on record opposed to the MLPA. they've even said there's no way they can or will enforce it. honestly, dfg and us are on the same side. they're good people, doing a tough ass job. we oughta be as cool with them as we can.


Yep Rob, I remember her at the Kahuna series. I was so impressed that I went into the DFG office in Cypress & filled out a commendation form for how well she fit in and the courteous manner she did her job. Her name is Cindy Wood, and having a commendation in her file due to her interaction with the kayak nation ain't gonna hurt our future interactions.

I'll complain when it's warranted, but I try to make the effort to make sure management gets the good feedback that is usually earned but never rendered

[sdfisher]

I went fishing today with my buddy at mission bay for his b-day, the DFG guy came and I realized I did not have my license on me, the one time I forget it I get a ticket, and I have bought a license every year since I was 16... no animosity towards him, he was just doing his job, but there are a lot of scumbags out there who poach, fish with out licenses and follow none of the regs.
bummer hopefully the fine will not be as much since I have a license. Lesson learned, do not even touch a pole if I do not have the L with me

[Gino]

Maybe some of you were just having a little fun but I doubt the DFG cares about whistles or even PFDs. I am not sure about the net however. I know that is a requirement on some inland waters. Anyone know for sure about the ocean?

Since this is not Arizona, I guess we will not have to be able to prove that we are legal residents. Sometimes I wonder exactly how I would prove that I am legal. A drivers license and credit cards would not do it because anyone can get those. The only thing I can think of that would work for sure is a passport.

Note to self... next time I go to visit my son in Arizona, be sure to pack the passport.

Bob

When you buy a fishing liscense, the vendor is supposed to check your drivers liscense and compare it with what you have written on the fishing lisecense. A fishing liscense can be a form of pseudo Identification.
Not sure how Arizona has anythign to do with DFG asking for your liscense.

[Gino]

I went fishing today with my buddy at mission bay for his b-day, the DFG guy came and I realized I did not have my license on me, the one time I forget it I get a ticket, and I have bought a license every year since I was 16... no animosity towards him, he was just doing his job, but there are a lot of scumbags out there who poach, fish with out licenses and follow none of the regs.
bummer hopefully the fine will not be as much since I have a license. Lesson learned, do not even touch a pole if I do not have the L with me

Just go to Court, with your lisecense and tell the judge, you made a mistake and forgot it. Hell reduce your fine to like $100...(usually $250+) Witch isnt to bad.

[dsafety]

Not sure how Arizona has anything to do with DFG asking for your license.

Sorry, just a lame attempt at some political humor. I will drop that one from my next standup routine.

On a more serious note, I would really like to know if we are supposed to pack nets when fishing in the ocean. I could not find anything on the DFG site so I sent them an email. Today was a mandated furlough day so no one was working at the DFG today, (does this make sense to anyone?).

If I get an answer, I will post it here.

Bob

[GregAndrew]

Yes, a net is required by the DFG. It is supposed to have an opening of at least 18 inches. In practicality though, they rarely ask if you have one and really do not care if it is a bit smaller than 18 inches.

I don't think that the DFG will enforce the PFD requirement, but the Coast Guard and Harbor Police can and do.

I am fairly certain that a single white light is required on your yak at night, but also not enforced by the DFG.

[dick fabulous]

so just to make sure I don't get nailed for anything lame, cause thats my luck

we have to have:
1) our license
2) a pfd on board
3) nothing illegal

am I missing anything?

I'm just saying

[Hunters Pa]

Pretty sure the net is a requirement, which is why I bought the folding Promar. Makes you compliant. I'll look for the reg later today if the kids let me

[bubblehide]

I also like to see the DFG out there and feel like my license money is being utilized appropriately when there out there; only problem is that I hardly ever bump into them. But considering their proportion to the population hardly seeing them is understandable, there low numbers are not.

Years ago I had a few bad run-ins with a particular DFG officer; I was never in violation, so I was assertive but cooperative with him and everything always ended fine. But I would rather have them treat me (as they usually do) and anyone with dignity and respect until the situation calls for something different.

[driftwood]

I did have the privilege to speak with some of the the DFG guy's at a couple of the MLPA meetings and they told me they were on our side 100%.

But, does anyone know if the DFG officers have to meet a daily quota like the CHP officers?

The last two times i got checked out by the DFG, they seemed to be very disappointed that they had nothing on me. Why is that?

Has anyone else experienced this too? Or is it just me?

[roadx]

2010-2011 regs for nets



28.55 or 28.27, respectively.
(d) No gaff hook shall be used to take or assist in landing any finfish shorter than the minimum size limit. For the purpose of this section a gaff hook is any hook with or without a handle used to assist in landing fish or to take fish in such a manner that the fish does not take the hook voluntarily in its mouth. No person shall take finfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without having a landing net in possession or available for immediate use to assist in landing undersize fish of species having minimum size limits; the opening of any such landing net shall be not less than eighteen inches in diameter.

[danny]

The DFG here is not bad at all. The ones in WA state suck just plan a holes. I had never been fishing there and was trying to catch a trout and got a ticket for salmon. I was at fort lewis and had never fished there before. The guys here are great I have got some great tips from them. They are state workers and have plenty to be pissed about.

[dsafety]

2010-2011 regs for nets



28.55 or 28.27, respectively.
(d) No gaff hook shall be used to take or assist in landing any finfish shorter than the minimum size limit. For the purpose of this section a gaff hook is any hook with or without a handle used to assist in landing fish or to take fish in such a manner that the fish does not take the hook voluntarily in its mouth. No person shall take finfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without having a landing net in possession or available for immediate use to assist in landing undersize fish of species having minimum size limits; the opening of any such landing net shall be not less than eighteen inches in diameter.

Thanks for finding the reg. So I guess I will be packing the net from now on. I have one, it has just never touched a fish. I release most of the fish I catch while they are still in the water and have never found the need for using a net. I bet I am not alone.

Bob

[Lets_Fish]

I did have the privilege to speak with some of the the DFG guy's at a couple of the MLPA meetings and they told me they were on our side 100%.

But, does anyone know if the DFG officers have to meet a daily quota like the CHP officers?

The last two times i got checked out by the DFG, they seemed to be very disappointed that they had nothing on me. Why is that?

Has anyone else experienced this too? Or is it just me?

Back in January while fishing SD Bay, when I landed I was checked by 2 DFG agents next to the boat ramp at Shelter Island. They then checked every kayak and the one paddleboarder but not one PB! Now what's up with that? They did not even go over to the pier and check those people fishing. I'm guessing they were looking for all those seahorses that we were harvesting!:biggrinjester:

[Hypoxic1]

3 weeks ago I was off the point and saw the big aluminium DFG mothership hovering off Scripps pier. They hit every boat on the water. Me first:). I had inadvertantly left my wallet with my license in the truck which is rare for me but they gave me a pass while at the same time saying "never again". They did hit every boat out there though and continued down the coast. They also indicated that this is going to be a regular thing all year long. I will never roll without my license again. Overall they seemed like pretty nice guys just doing their jobs.
I think attitude plays a lot in interaction just like everywhere else.

[Aaron]

But, does anyone know if the DFG officers have to meet a daily quota like the CHP officers?

The warden that I went on a ride along with definitely had a quota. But he made it sound like it was so low that he could barely work and still meet it, so it wasn't a driving factor in how operations were being conducted. I believe his quota was set up so that he had to write a set amount of "no fishing license" tickets but that everything else was a bit open ended.

[1Flatfish]

Something else to think about: How many times do you just tell the DFG that you caught nothing to avoid any hassle? I am sadly guilty guilty of it. Then they think nobody is catching anything. Then others say there are no fish out there to catch, because nothing is being reported. Then they whip a little MLPA on us because the fish counts are so low. Is there anything to this? I don't know. But I am honest about what I catch now. Keep or release. Better information is better for all.

[Drew]

I was checked yesterday after scuba diving in the LJ Cove. He checked my weight pockets, probably looking for shells? Abalone? I did see 3 abs - all more than 12" across...mmmmmmm.

I'm always open and helpful with these checks - it's like others have said. I follow the rules and want them to find the bad guys. After the check he was very friendly, shared some chatter about the red tide and other dive locations he's seen that were cleaner than the shores.

By the by - the cove dive was good - open vis and no red tide around the corner near boomers. Hospitals was clear on Thursday but covered when we checked it Saturday. Anyone seen Cardiff? Is it clear?

[Gino]

Something else to think about: How many times do you just tell the DFG that you caught nothing to avoid any hassle? I am sadly guilty guilty of it. Then they think nobody is catching anything. Then others say there are no fish out there to catch, because nothing is being reported. Then they whip a little MLPA on us because the fish counts are so low. Is there anything to this? I don't know. But I am honest about what I catch now. Keep or release. Better information is better for all.


Or you tell them what you caught and where you caught it. Then they use that Data to determine were the majority of fish are being harvested. target that area for a closure. No telling how they use that Data.

The guys that do the fish surveys arent DFG. I think they are swore in and could write you a violation. But I was told they are college students doing some sorta DFG survey for them. Hired part time or soemthing.

[bellcon]

The guys that do the fish surveys arent DFG. I think they are swore in and could write you a violation. But I was told they are college students doing some sorta DFG survey for them. Hired part time or soemthing.

Gino
the DFG surveyors I have talked to in the past, have told me that they do NOT enforce any of the DFG regs.
One of them even told me that when doing a survey he came across 2 short halibut.
When he called in a warden and the warden reprimanded him.
The wardens point was that the surveyors are there strictly to survey.
And if they were to start trying to enforce the DFG regs. that the public would no longer volunteer to participate in the surveys.

Yep it is voluntary to participate in those surveys.
That's why they say... "can I ask you a few questions?"
I have only said no one time, and apologized because I was running late and didn't have time.

I figure be nice and helpful if you can... These guys and gals are most likely the next batch of DFG wardens, and someday may have a badge.

As far as the DFG goes, I respect them and comply when asked, just as I would with any peace officer.

Last thing we need is a few pin heads giving Kayakers a bad name.
I like it when they say, "I have never had a problem with the kayak fishing community"

[Gino]

Thanks for clearing that up Don, I was told they could be sworn in to enforce regulations, I know in other states they do that. My source was wrong! :rolleyes:

[gilrockit]

I have sharpied a ruler on both sides of my kayak with marks at 13-22-28"

I think they should crackdown on all guys fishing on the breakwall in NPH.they have no licence and keep everything regardless of size-season-etc.You all know who I am talking about...

Just last week I saw some guys at NPH from my kayak taking short Halibut! it ticked me off! Whats the number to fish and game for poachers!!!!!

[fishinkid2010]

Whats the number to fish and game for poachers!!!!!

1888 DFG-CALTIP
18883342258

When it comes to polluters, DFG is useless. I called them once to report a ton of pollution in the SD river in Santee, and they simply told me its not their problem, and that I should contact the city. :mad:

[Gino]

Gil, was it guys in a rental skiff? The guys on the jetty as well as the Rental skiff guys are pretty damn bad.

Can Harbor Patrol enforce Fish and Game regulations? Poachers at Newport are rampant.

[Aaron]

A lot of the surveyors are associated with NOAA and not the DFG and thus no fear in reporting your catch. But there should be no fear anyways. You should know the regs well enough to not break the rules with whatever it is you're doing.

Its a big deal that they get accurate catch information. At a conference I was at recently, they were talking about the problems associated with not haven't a level of precision in data collection for the recreational take of fish like they do for the commercial fleet. Its like anything in science, as the "n" gets smaller, the standard deviation most commonly gets bigger and the tendancy for the California legislature is to use the most "conservative" estimate (most restrictive) when deciding on matters such as the MPA's. There was even talk of using sportboat daily reports as a means of data collection. Its a good thing those are NEVER inflated :rolleyes:. Be as precise as possible with those people. Accurate data beats the absence of data every time for us as fisherman, takes a lot of the leeway out of bending data during decision making.

[gilrockit]

Gil, was it guys in a rental skiff? The guys on the jetty as well as the Rental skiff guys are pretty damn bad.

Can Harbor Patrol enforce Fish and Game regulations? Poachers at Newport are rampant.

No, the guys I'm talking about are always on the short pier in the main channel, I know its a fishing spot by the cost guard station. I watched them take short fish back to their cars many times. It fires me up:mad:!!!!!!

[Hunters Pa]

No, the guys I'm talking about are always on the short pier in the main channel, I know its a fishing spot by the cost guard station. I watched them take short fish back to their cars many times. It fires me up:mad:!!!!!!


I have heard of people having their vehicles confiscated as well as their gear when they do this

[Siebler]

I have only had run ins with 1 warden who for some reason decided He did not like me, see him at least once a year (usually hunting) and he does everything short of a cavity search. Even though i dont care for him I still let him check everything because It is nice to see these guys out there doing their job and protecting our resources.

For those of us that do support the 385 wardens that patrol our state may I suggest this: http://dfg.ca.gov/WardenStamp/

[Aaron]

For those of us that do support the 385 wardens that patrol our state may I suggest this: http://dfg.ca.gov/WardenStamp/

$5 is pretty cheap for a get out of jail free card. I'm ordering at least one

[Siebler]

$5 is pretty cheap for a get out of jail free card. I'm ordering at least one


That was somewhat my thought too. One for the truck and one for the duck boat....

[jorluivil]

Gino
the DFG surveyors I have talked to in the past, have told me that they do NOT enforce any of the DFG regs.
One of them even told me that when doing a survey he came across 2 short halibut.
When he called in a warden and the warden reprimanded him.
The wardens point was that the surveyors are there strictly to survey.
And if they were to start trying to enforce the DFG regs. that the public would no longer volunteer to participate in the surveys.

Yep it is voluntary to participate in those surveys.
That's why they say... "can I ask you a few questions?"
I have only said no one time, and apologized because I was running late and didn't have time.

I figure be nice and helpful if you can... These guys and gals are most likely the next batch of DFG wardens, and someday may have a badge.

As far as the DFG goes, I respect them and comply when asked, just as I would with any peace officer.

Last thing we need is a few pin heads giving Kayakers a bad name.
I like it when they say, "I have never had a problem with the kayak fishing community"


I agree with Gino. A few years ago I was bottom fishing the 150 reef on my boat and caught my limit of rock fish. When I arrived at the launch (Davies) I was greeted by a young kid in DFG uniform asking the usual questions. I allowed him to board my boat and inspect my fillets while I fastened things down. According to what he said he found one of the fillets looked like that of a Canary Yellow Rock Fish http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/canary_id.pdf and starting asking me questions regarding fish skin color, special markings, fins, etc. He asked if he could keep it for further inspection, I agreed and we both moved on. He never gave me any indication that I was in any trouble. He was kind enough to walk to his car, pull out the current DFG regs handbook, show me what a Canary Yellow was and even gave me two books for me to keep. Had he been an actual officer I'm sure the outcome may have been different.