Items found at Muir Lake

[dipperdan]

I was to Muir lake Sat. night and left quite late (11:45 pm.) and I noticed something under the table. It wasn't RON AND LES and a bottle of Scotch, no it was a pair of ??????. So If you are missing these ????? mail me back and you shall recieve.....

Did anyone witness the great night skies, the twilight was endless. Hope to find out how to submit some pictures SOON!!!!!!

[Scratch]

Spent the day out there today - sorry you had to find them under anything - especially with a bottle of anything...

 

Last night was Noctilucent Cloud night - right until about 1am - watch for those surreal skies again tonight - could be interesting...

 

It was poacher central out there today - too bad they couldn't find the signs... not like we hid them.

 

I caught a few today - and ran off a bunch. The last ones of the day were sitting with their pickerel rigs on shore - right next to the damn sign.

 

I said = " Those your marshmallows floating there? "

 

They say - " Nah - we're using powerbait! "

 

Uhhh... Did you read the sign - the one that says NO BAIT?

 

"We thought that meant live bait..."

 

Bait is bait. NO BAIT means NO BAIT.

[Doc]

If those guys were sitting right under the sign to the right of the dock just past the power box, then call them in to report a poacher. Same guys I caught a few weeks back and they said the same thing... "I thought that ment live bait".

[Scratch]

So - Were these the guys Mike?

 

For all of you - if you see them - don't even bother talking - just call report a poacher.

 

Of course - finding out their licence / vehicle might be helpful... arrgh.. where are F&W when you need them!

 

The guy in Red pulled his line immediately - the other only did after I hung there waiting until they left.

 

 

(image removed - not the same as the individuals mike spotted.)

[Gravity Orange]

Ya, I can see it now......"fishing with a pickeral rig with no bait on it"....boy, Imagine all the fish we will catch....hahaha

[dave robinson]

I'd like to see the release on a "powerbait" caught stockie.

But then I don't expect the ignorant to read the size & number limit either.

It's clear that these boys are meat fishing.

It's also clear they know they are poaching.

Either that or they are illitterate.

In either case,"report a poacher' should be the order of the day.

If necessary, photograph them and all the license plates in the parking lot first.

Then note which vehicle is gone after you run them off.

We all have to take some measures to protect this special fishery.

[Gravity Orange]

Its too bad they had a kid with them though...poor little guy. Teaching a child the regulations as well as the law is vital in helping them become a true fisherman.

[albertabowhunter]

It's clear that these boys are meat fishing.

It's also clear they know they are poaching.

Either that or they are illitterate.

In either case,"report a poacher' should be the order of the day.

 

If necessary, photograph them and all the license plates in the parking lot first.

 

We all have to take some measures to protect this special fishery.

 

I know your all proud of the fishery the club has helped sponsor. But have you ever thought that maybe they just made a mistake? Maybe they did misunderstand the meaning of "NO BAIT", maybe they didnt. I'm not trying to make a case of it, but to accuse someone of something without just cause is not right...Yes your not allowed to use bait at this lake, but how was the situation handled? Did the person(s) who approached them do it in a positive manner? Or, Did they go up and lecture them on the law like a wannabe fish cop? Did anyone actually see them take a fish home? Or is this just the conclusion that you made and stuck it in your head as truth? Maybe they just wanted the kid to catch a fish.... again, I'm not siding with them. But, instead of just photographing them... call F&W. Thats what they're there for. In fact give the photo to the local F&W officer and then they can watch for them, but my-my, arent we hasty to judge... Have you never misunderstoood something, have you never made a mistake? And in case anyones wondering, no, I do not know who they are...

 

Oh, and did anyone actually see the power-bait? Or was this just a conlclusion...anyone ever thought that the may have had a couple of shrimp patterns tied on to that pickerel rig? (just a thought) Yes, I know "they" told you they were using power bait.... but what if they were just saying that to get ya going

 

I have a feeling I've stirred up a hornets nest here.... so, I'm ready...let me have it... it isnt the first time i've stirred up the nest...

[dave robinson]

ABH

Instead of shooting your mouth off, use your eyes first.

Read Scratch's first post closely, then take a look at the gear and setup.

Pickerel rig, closed face spinning reel, rod holder, all sitting unattended.

To paraphrase: "If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck

it doesn't take a genius to figure out it ain't a chicken."

I suppose they could have been just testing out an unbaited bare hook

to see if some fish is stupid enough to bite it.

Or maybe they just wanted to know what Muir Lake fish taste like.

Edited July 6, 2005 by dave robinson

[Gravity Orange]

I definately can see your point ABH, this is a job that should be left up to the F&W officer. And you're right...its all on how you approach them...and some people mistake no bait to mean "No live Bait", I've seen it happen before. Just to avoid confusion and future conflict....maybe there should be a sign that says "flyfishing only!" or "If you ain't using a fly then you gonna die!"

[Pierre]

To paraphrase: "If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck

it doesn't take a genius to figure out it ain't a chicken."

 

ROTFL. :lol:

 

Nice one Dave, I agree with you 100%

[DennisS]

Dave good one.

 

Maybe I have been in fishing to long or maybe my I Q is above a "0" (notice I said maybe) but to me if I was to read no bait my little pea brain would click into the fact that anything slid on to a hook is consider bait even the exquise that I didn't know power bait was consider bait doesn't wash. Bait is bait. There sure not much that you can use any more that called live bait (worms & maggots)

Also I would hope that all of the club members would aproach people in a gentlemanly manner. As for flies only thats not a good Idea as the lake then would be to speacialized and become an elitest tpye lake and thats not the purose. I would hope that because there are a lot of fly fishers that people would start to ask question and that they might give a try to flyfishing.

 

again just my 2cents

 

Tight Lines Always

Dennis S.

[dave robinson]

I tried to keep the reply short, but maybe some additional words are in order.

 

Firstly,

I can't imagine Scratch approaching anyone in other than a gentlemanly manner. His post clearly indicated that he did so in this case.

 

As for other members:

Yes, please be polite when approaching strangers about this.

The whole idea is to first question, get the facts, then educate.

Better we change behaviour through friendly contact that create enemies.

 

If the response is negative, or they are obviously repeat ofenders, then call F&W.

Do not, under any circumstances engage in confrontation.

Leave that to the duly consitiuted authority.

 

As to how to tell if they are fishing with bait:

1. Check for the pail the dead fish go in.

2. Are they casting and retrieving or just letting it sit unattended?

3. Do you see floating marshmallows, maggot bag or can of corn or worms?

4. Do they have a fish bonker atttached to their tackle box or belt?

5. What kind of lure are they using, spinner or pickerel rig.

6. Does their weight look like a small anchor and their float like a channel bouy?

7. Do they make a trip to the car after every fish landed?

8. Do you actually see them put any fish caught back?

9. Do they get red faced or defensive if you ask what they are using.

10. Do they immediatley pack up and leave if approached.

 

And as to what constitutes bait:

Get real! Everybody knows what bait is, if they read their regs that is.

Remember that ignorance of the law is not a valid defense.

Try telling the judge you thought in only meant live bait.

He'll remind you, as he's hitting you with the appropriate fine,

that if it meant live bait the sign would have said "live" bait

and that you should read the regs before guessing.

 

I also agree that fly fishing is best promoted, not mandated.

Muir is designed to be a trophy fishery, hence the size and limit restrictions.

A bait ban is needed anytime there is a minimum size restriction

to ensure undersized fish are released with as little damage as possible.

It says so right in the front of the regs.

Real close to the definition of what constitutes bait.

If you haven't read your regs recently, maybe its about time.

[RangerBob]

ABH

 

Instead of shooting your mouth off, use your eyes first.

 

No comment.

[Scratch]

I know your all proud of the fishery the club has helped sponsor.

 

Sponsor, Labor, and in many cases - Live. Yes. We're proud of it.

 

But have you ever thought that maybe they just made a mistake?  Maybe they did misunderstand the meaning of "NO BAIT", maybe they didnt.

 

This is indeed true - which I why I chose to educate, rather than criminalize. One might however review the following - a section from the 2005 Alberta Fishing Regulations - a document outlining the minimum standard of conduct for ANY and ALL anglers in the province:

 

Fishing with Bait

 

Bait - the definition of bait (see Bait in important definitions) includes, but is not restricted to: corn, cheese, marshmallows, meat, maggots, mealworms, earthworms, wax worms, gammarus shrimp, leeches, terrestrial insects, the larvae, pupae or adults of aquatic insects (e.g., stonefly, mayfly, caddis fly), bait fish, parts of fish, fish eggs, scented baits, power baits and all additives that scent or flavour artificial baits and lures.

 

Bait Ban means - where bait bans are in effect only unscented lures may be used. In some streams, only maggots may be used as bait during certain times of the year to allow anglers to fish for mountain whitefish with less impact on trout populations. In some lakes, only maggots and mealworms may be used as bait to allow anglers to fish for perch and lake whitefish with less impact on pike populations (see Important Defiinitions).

 

(from Important Definitions)

Bait - means any substance that attracts fish by scent or flavour and includes a lure to which scent or flavouring has been added (see Fishing with Bait in the General Sportfishing Regulations section of this site).

 

PowerBait shouldn't be too hard a product to evaluate.

 

Perhaps that fact that it's called Bait should be considered.

 

But have you ever thought that maybe they just made a mistake?  Maybe they did misunderstand the meaning of "NO BAIT", maybe they didnt.

 

Perhaps they did. As their actions showed however, they didn't read the regulations. The regulations are there for a reason. Your right to fish the water is based on your legal use of the area. If you choose NOT to read the regulations, then your ignorance of the regulations is what will get you a charge of poaching. Either way - by malice or ignorance, busted is busted.

 

I'm not trying to make a case of it, but to accuse someone of something without just cause is not right...Yes your not allowed to use bait at this lake, but how was the situation handled?  Did the person(s) who approached them do it in a positive manner? Or, Did they go up and lecture them on the law like a wannabe fish cop?

 

No - you're making a case of it. That's alright. You're entitled. The ONLY thing I accused ANYONE of was poaching. They were using illegal methods in the lake. That makes them poachers. Accusation founded. I did NOT however choose to call RAP - though in retrospect given the action and behaviour of one of the gentlemen, I should have.

 

Positive manner? I asked if the marshmallows floating in the lake were theirs, and they said that they were using powerbait. I asked if they had read the regulations posted on the sign beside them, that clearly explained the special regulations (as reprinted from the Regs. They had not. I suggested that if fish and wildlife came around - that the charges would likely not be small, and that they should consider using a fly under a float, which was more likely to be successful at Muir anyway.

 

Positive manner? I didn't call RAP, and bring a F&W out to question someone whose Kid was there... That's positive.

 

Now - the back turned whispering and quiet chat from one to the other and the refusal of one gentleman to remove his line from the water until his buddy decided to leave - well - that told me that they had no regard for the regulations. So I just stayed in the vicinity working the north shore 40 yards from them until they left.

 

'Lecture them like a wanna-be fish cop' ? If explaining the regs to someone who has ignored or chosen to disregard them is being a wannabe fish cop - then everyone here should be doing just that. Abuse of natural resources in Alberta is the business of everyone who paid for the licence, just as reading the regs is, and pinching down barbs is.

 

Did anyone actually see them take a fish home?  Or is this just the conclusion that you made and stuck it in your head as truth?

 

Irrelevant. The offence was committed the second that pickeral rig (or lindy, or watever) hit the water.

 

Maybe they just wanted the kid to catch a fish.... again, I'm not siding with them.  But, instead of just photographing them... call F&W.  Thats what they're there for.  In fact give the photo to  the local F&W officer and then they can watch for them, but my-my, arent we hasty to judge...

 

Maybe they did want to catch a fish for the kid. But the kid wasn't fishing - he was playing in the woods. He didn't cast the line, and didn't bait the hooks. He didn't set a line in the water illegally, and he didn't refuse to take that line out of the water once aware of the regulations. I want a picture of me with Angelina Jolie - can you go kidnap her and bring her to me for photos? It's all well and good that the intentions are good - but you don't think it's reasonable for someone to break the law to do so... do you?

 

As for photographing them - I did so that:

 

1. There would be record of their identity and actions should it be required by F&W if they did not cease and decist once informed of the regulations pertaining to the water.

 

2. To allow OTHERS responsible for the continued development of the waterbody to identify possible repeat offenders.

 

As is - since they were in a public place, I have the right to take the photograph, and display it - so long as I do not recieve commercial compensation without a model release. I'm not making a nickel - so - I posted it. I will however take it down once it is either confirmed or refuted that this is the same group seen by other individuals at the lake in a similar situation.

 

Have you never misunderstoood something, have you never made a mistake?  And in case anyones wondering, no, I do not know who they are...

 

Yes - I have - many times. But if I decide to clean my gun in a park and a kid get's shot - should I expect that my misunderstanding of gun cleaning practices should get me off?

 

I have made mistakes - and lived with the consequences. I've never asked to get freebie aquittals.

 

My only hope is that by forcefully educating those who choose (or mistakenly choose) to disregard the regulations - we'll not see it a second time. If we do - then we have another issue.

 

Oh, and did anyone actually see the power-bait?  Or was this just a conlclusion...anyone ever thought that the may have had a couple of shrimp patterns tied on to that pickerel rig?  (just a thought)  Yes, I know "they" told you they were using power bait....  but what if they were just saying that to get  ya going

 

That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard, or read.

 

Maybe the robber at the gas station 'said' he had a shotgun - just to get the cops going. Maybe Homolka just 'said' said she killed her sister - just to get the feds going. Hey Bowhunter - Next time you're at an airport - tell them you have a bomb in your backpack.... just to get them going.

 

Being that stupid simply gets Fish and Wildlife out - and get a big red flag on your licence. Out of curiousity - do you ever fish chironomids on a pickeral rig? Does it work? It might - I don't know. But they didn't tell me they were fishing chironomids on the line - they told me powerbait - (yes powerbait) - so I informed them of the regulations...

 

I have a feeling I've stirred up a hornets nest here.... so, I'm ready...let me have it... it isnt the first time i've stirred up the nest...

 

No problem - your entitled to stir the pot. But expect certain results, and react / behave accordingly.

 

This was a clear case of (at the very least) someone fishing illegally because they didn't read the regulations that were all to clearly presented, and they left after being informed that their actions were seen, and that they would be monitored.

 

At the worst - this was illegal fishing that was done intentionally - with intent to catch fish in a manner prohibited by the regulations, and while they didn't get any fish (that I saw...) they got away with it.

 

I don't know which one it was. What I do know is that either malice or ignorance continues to challenge our success at Muir Lake, and while the infraction was perhaps 'minor' in your estimation - those of us who care to protect what resources we have, will do so wherever and whenever we can - for as long as it takes.

[albertabowhunter]

It's clear that these boys are meat fishing.

It's also clear they know they are poaching.

Either that or they are illitterate.

In either case,"report a poacher' should be the order of the day.

 

If necessary, photograph them and all the license plates in the parking lot first.

 

We all have to take some measures to protect this special fishery.

 

I know your all proud of the fishery the club has helped sponsor. But have you ever thought that maybe they just made a mistake? Maybe they did misunderstand the meaning of "NO BAIT", maybe they didnt. I'm not trying to make a case of it, but to accuse someone of something without just cause is not right...Yes your not allowed to use bait at this lake, but how was the situation handled? Did the person(s) who approached them do it in a positive manner? Or, Did they go up and lecture them on the law like a wannabe fish cop? Did anyone actually see them take a fish home? Or is this just the conclusion that you made and stuck it in your head as truth? Maybe they just wanted the kid to catch a fish.... again, I'm not siding with them. But, instead of just photographing them... call F&W. Thats what they're there for. In fact give the photo to the local F&W officer and then they can watch for them, but my-my, arent we hasty to judge... Have you never misunderstoood something, have you never made a mistake? And in case anyones wondering, no, I do not know who they are...

 

Oh, and did anyone actually see the power-bait? Or was this just a conlclusion...anyone ever thought that the may have had a couple of shrimp patterns tied on to that pickerel rig? (just a thought) Yes, I know "they" told you they were using power bait.... but what if they were just saying that to get ya going

 

I have a feeling I've stirred up a hornets nest here.... so, I'm ready...let me have it... it isnt the first time i've stirred up the nest...

Dave I dont want to be rude, but "I" think you would deseve it.

 

A: Read my message again... "I ' m *N o t* s i d i n g w i t h t h e m"(i wote it slower so you could understand this time... yes I'm being sarcastic :lol: )

 

B: I never said they were'nt using bait.

 

C: Lighten up dude before you have a stroke....

 

 

Sheesh

 

I agree that anyone not following the rules should be delt with.... I think that is what I said, but.......Notice the "BUT" maybe they didn't understand...

 

Anyway, did anyone actually see them keep a fish? If so then ok... crucify them, punish them, burn them at a stake made of bait casting rods and treble hooks .... but wow... If they never kept any how the heck can you actually come to the conclusion that they were going to.... do you have ESP? If you do, right on...

 

Oh, and I'm not shooting my mouth off, and I did use my eyes...and I dont see any fish, so "I" cant come to a conclusion that they actually intended to keep any.... and like I said what if they had a couple of flies attched to that pickerel rig? would that have made you feel better? (again "what if") (oh, and notice the I? that means me... ) What if they dont have fly rods? Maybe all they have is spinning gear? Is that a crime?

 

Now leaving the rods unattended? I think they are both right there, from what I can see in the picture anyway. Do you ever put your flyrod in a rod holder on your float tube or PT boat? If you check the regs about how close you mut be to your line you'll see that legally they would be close enough to their rods to be considered attended... (yes I know thats not the point) but if i remember correctly it's about 50 feet..(not exactly sure... I havent read that section of the regs for a while)

 

Alllllrighty then... maybe we should get ahold of Ace Ventura... maybe he can solve this little problem...

 

anyhow ... Dave, Lighten up man, You probably right, they probably did delerberatly disobey the sign, they probably were gonna keep the fish, and to what I can tell they were using bait.... so, hang 'em right there on shore for all other bait chuckers to see and be warned....

 

All i'm trying to say is dont be JUDGE and JURY Dave...It's not you job. Your job is to call F&W or go up to them and show them the sign (thats the no "NO BAIT" sign)and error of there ways. If they dont then listen or tell you where to go and how to get there, let the authorities deal with them... Take their picture, get their license plate, and deal with it... Maybe you could have gone over with you fly rod and let them try that... kind of be a promoter of the sport... explain the reasons of the "No bait" regs. But yes I know it's easier to criticize <-- (cant remember how to spell that... I'm so confused) isnt it... anyway.

 

May I offer a word of caution to all. If you do go up to someone who is fishing illegally be prepared for what could happen. I've heard of cases where fights have started... so be curtious and cautious... It may save your skin.

 

 

Anyway have a good night...

 

oh, and Dave... Smile, have a scotch and have one for me too ... you may feel better ... chill dude chill

(I'm just looking at the other possibilities)

[albertabowhunter]

Scratch.

 

I agree with you whole heartedly...except for one thing in particular. I've seen people many times use a fly on spinning gear. So how is this stupid? My dad did it until we bought or fly rods many years ago. Not everyone in the world can afford fly rods, reels, and all the accessories. Some people have to make do with what they have. Is that a crime?

 

Again, I'm not making excuses for them... I agree they were poaching if they were using bait. And they probably were.

 

I'm gonna comment on something else, and I dont want to be shredded over it, I'm just making an observation about the law (which I dont fully understand so I dont know if I'm correct but I'm gonna say it anyway) but... Isnt it illegal to post/print someones picture judging them of something without an actual trial? Innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, or something like that?

 

And yes, I know ignorance of the regs is not an a excuse. If you want to fish you should know whats allowed and not allowed. All I'm saying is that they made a mistake. When you told them of it they left. And yes they probably were'nt to happy. But again they left... and Yes they may have not been polite but... they left.

 

I'm not trying to cause problems here or upset anyone... but it seems some have taken major offence to what I say... I have never condoned their actions. In fact I side with you both. All i'm getting at is dont judge anyone befor you have all the facts...

 

And for scratch and his attitude, I dont know Scratch or his attitude. But I'm sure he is a wonderful person.... and I'm sure he did approach them as he says.... but as for the comment about cleaning guns in the park.... well, that is completely as different as it isnt. I understand what you're saying here but that is a common sense matter as much as it is a law. Most everyone one old enough to past grade 6 should know guns are illegal in rural areas(not including the ones you have registered and at home in your safes...(ei, I know the gun laws so dont lecture me on guns). That law never changes. However fishing regs change from season to season and from lake to lake. And yes they should read the signs posted by the lake. But they didnt. and Scratch, you did the right thing by informing them. Good job. but comparing this to a shooting, come on.

 

It probably hasn't been the first incident at the lake and most likely wont be the last

 

anyway, I'm sure I'll hear more...

 

One good thing...this topic has gotten alot more interesting to read....

[RangerBob]

I want a picture of me with Angelina Jolie - can you go kidnap her and bring her to me for photos?

Okay, comment.

[albertabowhunter]

Whats on scratch's head? see above picture...and I'm not refering to his hair...

[RangerBob]

Whats on scratch's head?  see above picture...and I'm not refering to his hair...

 

http://forum.nlft.org/index.php?showtopic=...findpost&p=7923

[oshorokoma]

it sounds like there were poachers at muir. Why is ABH even questioning it. They were photographed. They admitted it!!!

 

What if they were using chonomids under a flaot...well I guess they were fly fishing...But...they said they were using powerbait.

 

 

signing off (sounding off?)

 

ok thanks for listening hope I didn't hurt anyones feelings

 

JRR

[RangerBob]

Was it a bag of marshmallows under the table? Yeah... that must be it.

[Scratch]

Scratch.

 

I agree with you whole heartedly...except for one thing in particular. I've seen people many times use a fly on spinning gear. So how is this stupid? My dad did it until we bought or fly rods many years ago. Not everyone in the world can afford fly rods, reels, and all the accessories. Some people have to make do with what they have. Is that a crime?

 

Again, I'm not making excuses for them... I agree they were poaching if they were using bait. And they probably were.

 

I'm gonna comment on something else, and I dont want to be shredded over it, I'm just making an observation about the law (which I dont fully understand so I dont know if I'm correct but I'm gonna say it anyway) but... Isnt it illegal to post/print someones picture judging them of something without an actual trial? Innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, or something like that?

 

And yes, I know ignorance of the regs is not an a excuse. If you want to fish you should know whats allowed and not allowed. All I'm saying is that they made a mistake. When you told them of it they left. And yes they probably were'nt to happy. But again they left... and Yes they may have not been polite but... they left.

 

I'm not trying to cause problems here or upset anyone... but it seems some have taken major offence to what I say... I have never condoned their actions. In fact I side with you both. All i'm getting at is dont judge anyone befor you have all the facts...

 

And for scratch and his attitude, I dont know Scratch or his attitude. But I'm sure he is a wonderful person.... and I'm sure he did approach them as he says.... but as for the comment about cleaning guns in the park.... well, that is completely as different as it isnt. I understand what you're saying here but that is a common sense matter as much as it is a law. Most everyone one old enough to past grade 6 should know guns are illegal in rural areas(not including the ones you have registered and at home in your safes...(ei, I know the gun laws so dont lecture me on guns). That law never changes. However fishing regs change from season to season and from lake to lake. And yes they should read the signs posted by the lake. But they didnt. and Scratch, you did the right thing by informing them. Good job. but comparing this to a shooting, come on.

 

It probably hasn't been the first incident at the lake and most likely wont be the last

 

anyway, I'm sure I'll hear more...

 

One good thing...this topic has gotten alot more interesting to read....

I'm tired from all this writing about things that aren't fun - so I'll make this quick.

 

ABH

 

Here is the statement of facts: There were marshmallows floating down from their spot on the lake - and no others were there. So - whatever.

They stated plainly that they were using bait (powerbait to be specific.)

 

Had they said "Nah - we're using hares ears on a pickeral rig" - I'd have asked to see it - just to know how they did it - and this whole thing wouldn't have gone further.

 

As for the photo declaring them criminals? No. It does not state that they are criminals. The fact that they are fishing with bait in restricted waters is just a regulation, and based on the images - there were 2 infractions. Did I convict? No - I'm not entitled. I gave them a suspended sentence by not calling F&W.

 

As for your point about their mistake - and leaving? Yes - they did, and they left.

 

So - if you are out there tomorrow, and you see them with their pickerel rigs int he water - was it still a mistake? Or was it something else? I don't expect that - I'd hope that they would be more interested in how to get into some of those fish - with or without spin gear - legally...

 

Lastly - my comment about guns in the park, and bombs in airports were hyperbole. Taking the exact same scenarios - and jacking them up to see if they make sense. The point I was trying to make was this: ignorance of the law does not buy your aquittal regardless of the 'significance' of the crime/or apparent crime. (and the second point I was making was that your suggestion regarding lying about the bait to rile us up was ridiculous.)

 

Punishments fit crimes (sometimes...) If the punishment most people get for not reading the regs is us (as concerned anglers) telling them the regs, and their choices - well that's just fine by me. Until the second time.

 

These guys were simply (to the best of my knowledge) ignorant of the rules. They were informed, and left. That's just what it was. Nothing more, nothing less. Except that we see it all the time - we need to find new ways to convince people to read the regs that they are obligated to follow, and more effective enforcement. (Takes 2 days for F&W to followup... what good is that going to do?)

[Gravity Orange]

Maybe F&W should be doing a better job and checking some of these lakes, especially the ones with bait and size restrictions on a more regular basis...or maybe I'm wrong?

[RangerBob]

Maybe F&W should be doing a better job and checking some of these lakes, especially the ones with bait and size restrictions on a more regular basis...or maybe I'm wrong?

Given budget constraints, we know this isn't very likely. Why a program like RAP exists in the first place.

 

http://www.ab-conservation.com/your_dollar...k/rap/index.asp

 

See also (GRiP)

 

http://www.apos.ab.ca/outfitting_in_albert...ip_overview.htm