Watch out for the DFG guy.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Gino

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!

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by bellcon

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.