Pensacola Fishing Forum / General Chit Chat / General Discussion / Their getting habitual / Latest Posts

RE: Their getting habitual

Tuna Man — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:25:01 GMT

[quote][b]Hook (7/10/2008)[/b][hr]Can anyone tell me if you need a Tuna permit for Bonita? I was told it was needed and the M.P. does not know.[/quote]

Are you calling Skipjack...Bonita? If so....

NO, Not needed if fished recreational and NOT commercially.

PERMITS FOR 2007/2008 ARE NOW AVAILABLE

This notice outlines the procedure for obtaining a 2007/2008 Atlantic Tunas Permit, which allows you to commercially fish for and/or retain Atlantic Bluefin, Yellowfin, Skipjack, Albacore, and Bigeye tunas; an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit, which allows you to recreationally fish for and or retain any regulated Atlantic HMS (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish, or billfish); or an HMS Charter/Headboat Permit, which is required by vessels taking fee paying passengers fishing for or retaining HMS. The permits issued for the 2007/2008 season will be valid from the date of issuance through December 31, 2008. The permit fee is $28.00,

Other HMS Recreational Limits

The recreational daily swordfish retention limit is 1 fish per person, with a maximum of 4 fish per private vessel, 6 for a charter vessel, and 15 for a headboat vessel. The minimum size for swordfish within the recreational fishery is 47 inches, lower jaw-fork length. You may not keep longbill spearfish. There are no retention limits for Atlantic sailfish, blue marlin and white marlin, but the NOAA Fisheries encourages recreational anglers to release all billfish alive. The minimum sizes for billfish are as follows: Blue Marlin: 99 inches lower jaw fork length; White Marlin: 66 inches lower jaw fork length; Sailfish: 63 inches lower jaw fork length; Spearfish: Retention prohibited. Lower jaw fork length is a straight line measurement from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the caudal fin. The recreational limit on sharks is 1 shark per vessel per trip with a minimum size of 54 inches fork length; plus on Atlantic sharpnose shark per person per trip (no minimum size); plus 1 bonnethead shark per person per trip (no minimum size). None of these fish may be sold. Swordfish and billfish landed must be reported. For swordfish and billfish reporting, call 800-894-5528. For NC and MD landings call 410-213-1531 or 800-338-7804 respectively.

RE: Their getting habitual

Hook — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:09:11 GMT

Can anyone tell me if you need a Tuna permit for Bonita? I was told it was needed and the M.P. does not know.

RE: Their getting habitual

Tuna Man — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:24:37 GMT

[quote][b]FizzyLifter (7/10/2008)[/b][hr] Anyone have a quick reference to what is needed on the boat? What is the law on them boarding your boat? Though in a small 19cc I don't think they'd ask.[/quote]

EQUIPMENT AND LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

The owner and/or operator of a vessel is responsible to carry, store, maintain, and use the safety equipment required by the U.S.C.G. safety equipment requirements.

All vessels are required to have onboard a wearable U.S.C.G. approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person. The PFDs must be of the appropriate size for the intended wearer, be in serviceable condition, and within easy access. The State of Florida urges all people onboard a boat to wear a life jacket.

Vessels 16 feet in length or longer must also have at least one U.S.C.G approved throwable Type IV PFD that is immediately available in case of a fall overboard.

A child under the age of six (6) must wear a U.S.C.G. approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device while onboard a vessel under 26 feet in length while the vessel is underway. "Underway" is defined as anytime except when the vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore, or aground.

Vessels with built-in fuel tanks or enclosed compartments where gasoline fumes can accumulate are required to carry at least one fire extinguisher (depending upon vessel length) which is approved for marine use.

All vessels are required to carry an efficient sound producing device, such as a referee's whistle.

Vessels less than 16 feet in length are required to carry at least three visual distress signals approved for nighttime use when on coastal waters from sunset to sunrise. Vessels 16 feet or longer must carry at least three daytime and three nighttime visual distress signals (or three combination daytime/nighttime signals) at all times when on coastal waters.

The use of sirens or flashing, occulting, or revolving lights is prohibited except where expressly allowed by law.

Vessel Lighting

Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc). The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft. The information provided in the attached link is for vessels less than 65.5 feet/20 meters in length. http://boat-ed.com/fl/course/p4-9_navlights.htm.

A STANDARD COAST GUARD BOARDING
A signal to stop, or commonly to slow on a safe heading, may be by loadhailer, VHF radio, flaghoist, flashing light, or rotating blue light and siren. It should be noted that ships on patrol at sea generally avoid radio use and when used will generally identify themselves by just "Coast Guard" rather than by name.

A boarding party from a cutter will be transported by small boat, generally an inflatable.
The first question generally will be "Do you have any weapons aboard?" The intent is not to confiscate, but simply to identify where they are. Identification for all crew will be requested.

Serious violations can result in arrest and seizure. Generally, they are for drugs, drug paraphernalia, outstanding warrants, vessels configured for smuggling, operating a boat while intoxicated, reckless and negligent operation, illegal aliens or currency violations (over $10,000 in cash without filing a report with Customs), illegal firearms (fully automatic weapons or sawed-off shotguns) or other contraband.
Minor violations are most often the most obvious ones that are easily seen: registration number errors, negligent operation such as "bow riding", or lack of lights at night. Lack of sufficient personal flotation devices (PFD's) and lack of sufficient fire extinguishers are both very common, and potentially very dangerous.

THE COAST GUARD PRIDES ITSELF ON ITS HUMANITARIAN SERVICES - SEARCH AND RESCUE
Even though no one likes to be boarded, most people's experience is that boardings are conducted in a professional and courteous manner, minimizing inconvenience. Although there has been in some instances, cries of "unconstitutionality", it should be made clear that a boarding officer, under law, does have the unquestionable right to come on board a vessel. Most often, as a courtesy, he will ask permission, but it is not required to have the vessel's master give permission for him to board.

Boardings are Not specifically for just safety, zero tolerance or other drug related matters, but are to ensure conformance with all applicable federal laws. These involve, safety, required equipment, environmental issues, drugs,. licensing, firearms, currency, communications, customs and other pertinent laws. Most federal law applies to U.S. registered vessels and citizens wherever they may be. Some laws apply only within U.S. territorial waters.

In most cases, only an inspection is authorized upon boarding, not a search. The difference is significant. The boarding officer may look at those things covered by the applicable law. This may include things like wiring runs or fuel and sewage piping systems as well as safety equipment. The boarding officer may also look into any man-size space to account for all the crew for his own safety. He may NOT search personal gear, people, closed areas, voids, drawers or luggage without the master's consent, or,

THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROBABLE CAUSE.

"PROBABLE CAUSE" TO BELIEVE A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED IS
DEVELOPED AT THE SCENE BASED ON THE FACTS AT HAND.

FWC OBJECTIVES

It is the objective of the Division to utilize Offshore Patrol Boats to accomplish enforcement goals that in

most cases, can not be safely performed by smaller patrol boats as it pertains to the conservation of

resources, enforcement of state/federal laws and public safety.

http://www.floridaconservation.org/law/generalorders/GO30.pdf

RE: Their getting habitual

reelthrill — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:35:57 GMT

We were leading the SKA gulf division one year and were pulling into Dauphin Island with a big fish when we were stopped my marine patrol. We explained to them that we had a fish on board that was worth literally thousands of dollars and only had 15 minutes to get to the weigh in, (which was only about 400 yards away). One of them made a smart remark and said we are going to "slowly" check everything in your boat. Needless to say, we did not make it to the weigh in and they could not find anything to write us a ticket for. I guess it was because we were from Florida but I really don't know.

RE: Their getting habitual

ul412al — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:10:09 GMT

This type of thing should be easy to solve. Somebody set up a "voting" system on a new thread. List all the FWC officers. If you have a good or bad experience - [b]list it with the officer's name.[/b] This way all the good officers get credit and the bad ones can get handled in a more professional manner. Heck, maybe we should give a PFF award to the most helpful FWC officer of the year! :clap

RE: Their getting habitual

FizzyLifter — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:47:41 GMT

I've been stopped one time in the last five years. Little over a month ago. Two young guys, stayed about ten feet off and asked to see two life jackets and that was it. Guess I got lucky. Another officer was beached at 17th and asked "Did you catch anything." I said "nah, just some junk fish" and she told us to have a good day. Anyone have a quick reference to what is needed on the boat? I need to check my fire extinguisher as well. Just those things you never think of, until they're writing the ticket I suppose.

What is the law on them boarding your boat? Though in a small 19cc I don't think they'd ask.

RE: Their getting habitual

WW2 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:19:01 GMT

Next time report him for littering.

RE: Their getting habitual

alum maverick — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:03:52 GMT

[quote][b]Irri-Tater (7/7/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]Outside9 (7/7/2008)[/b][hr]I would post the guys name if he tossed my fishing licence over! That is hard to believe it happened on purpose.[/quote]

Probably Kieth Clark... he's a joke:boo:looser[/quote]

you guessed it. keith clark he knows me and knows my distguishable boat very well and he makes things awkward when i got to church (hes directing traffic) every sunday morning about things that has happened in the past between us. :looser i ended up yelling at him for being a lazy ass throwing my fishing license in the water

RE: Their getting habitual

sailmaker — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:55:50 GMT

A fews years back I was down for a week in Destin and was checked three times, twice by the USCG. The second CG dude was so bad at handling his boat that he cam into me from the upwind side and slammed the starboard side of his bow against my port side transom corner, which had a big triangular aluminum casting on it. That punched a good sized hole [3" x 4"] in the fiberglass boat he was driving. I could just as easily have been the one with the damage. Not knowing how to handle a boat is bad enough but approaching from upwind just adds icing to the cake. Unbelievable !!!

RE: Their getting habitual

RiverGulfFshr — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:47:08 GMT

I have been fortunate enought not to ever have any problems with the FWC or Marine Patrol. Had one blow up on me a few weeks ago. I immediately asked him if their was anything I could do for him or show him. He smiled and said no. Asked if we had any fish, no we just anchord up. He said have a good day and he moved on. He was kind older, mid 50's.

I think it pretty much all has to do with their first meeting. If you are very cooperative and have nothing to hide, there is usually no problems.

RE: Their getting habitual

nextstep — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:31:23 GMT

here is man that knows (dbyrd2100). thanks to the cc for the job they do.:clap

RE: Their getting habitual

dbyrd2100 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:28:37 GMT

I was in the Coast Guard. Its actually pretty scary how little they teach boarding teams about the laws. We were embarrassed on countless occasions because a Captain new more about the laws than our boarding Officer. Heck, I got the job of small boat driver because I was the only one out of a crew of 12 that had ever owned or driven a boat before joining the Coast Guard. With all that being said, we did save some lives in some shitty conditions and even got one drug bust. For all their ineptness, they do some good when it really counts.

RE: Their getting habitual

Captain Rog' — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:12:39 GMT

I had one FWC officer take a picture of a snowie grouper for their offical fish ID book, last year. I have had to show several of them the way to ID Almaco and Amber jacks and Rudderfish. You have to rember the FWC has the highest turnover rate of all state LEO's. Low pay, high stress, enforcing the law for freshwater, hunting, and saltwater, and out of the area training, these men assume tremdose responsability daily. Ive been told the rising fuel costs have limited their range and very little overtime in the budget. It takes a very special person to do their job. Play by the rules, be courtious and respecfull.

RE: Their getting habitual

Irri-Tater — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:36:39 GMT

[quote][b]Outside9 (7/7/2008)[/b][hr]I would post the guys name if he tossed my fishing licence over! That is hard to believe it happened on purpose.[/quote]

Probably Kieth Clark... he's a joke:boo:looser

RE: Their getting habitual

Outside9 — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:00:58 GMT

I would post the guys name if he tossed my fishing licence over! That is hard to believe it happened on purpose.

RE: Their getting habitual

Dylan — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:32:15 GMT

[quote][b]Matt Mcleod (7/3/2008)[/b][hr]

I don't think this is bashing at all, I have had some bad experiences with some fwc guys and people should know about it. It is not all of them; some of them are very professional and courteous like the last guy who stopped me. Young guy new to our area from Fort Walton. I have never had a bad experience with the Coast Guard, always professional. The biggest problem I see is that if you ask five fwc officers the same question you will get five different answers, and that’s just damn ridiculous! And unfortunately I got a $250 ticket before because one of them gave me bad information. I once got into an argument with one because he told me my 8 mangrove snappers were cubera snapper, are you serious, 8 damn cubera snapper in Pensacola? In my experience it’s the older guys, the ones that have been around here the longest that are the worst, the younger guys that are coming here from other areas seem less angry when they pull me over. I in know way have a problem with authority, but these people work for us. And if some of them are not doing a good job we should let them know through the proper channels. [/quote]

I totally agree...The younger guys have always been very nice and helpful...I have too heard the cubera crap..I have also had 3 fishing license thrown in the water by them(2 mine 1 buddies) because they were too lazy to hand it back...also after working at DBM i think i can drive a boat better then most of them

RE: Their getting habitual

Matt Mcleod — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:26:04 GMT

[quote][b]Sequoiha (7/5/2008)[/b][hr]I agree they are not very consistent in there interpitation of the law. [/quote]

Isn't the law their job? What if you were "not very consistant at fixing boats" ? I agree that we need these people out there, but they are not doing us a favor, this is there job that they get paid for! If they are not good at there job they should have the same consequence as if one of us were not good at our job.

RE: Their getting habitual

johnsonbeachbum — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:37:48 GMT

[quote][b]Spanky45 (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]I was near Sand Island this morning and CG was next to a boat video taping the action. The CG was talking to the fisherman and it was being taped. Not sure what it was all about so just kept going. At least they weren't bothering me. Spanky[/quote]

That might have been us in a deckboat east side of the island just before lunch. I think the FWC officer cut us some slack and issued us a warning for not having a throwable onboard. The camera crew may have saved us from a ticket. The reporter knew my buddy and the camera guy lives down the street from me.

I think I inadvertantly left the throwable on the boat I sold :banghead.

RE: Their getting habitual

Fifty-Fifty_2 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:53:11 GMT

:doh

RE: Their getting habitual

seapro86 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:32:22 GMT

Most of the fwc officers I've encountered have been curious and professional, but one time we were coming back into bayou texar under the train trussed in a 28ft. Grady White and was stopped. He said his reason for stopping us was that we were putting off to big of a wake. If we would of been going any slower the boat would of stopped completely. He then proceed to check our license and measured the fish about twice trying to find something wrong. One of the guys on the boat had an outdated license and got a ticket. It just seems like you have some good officers and some bad. I have never been stopped by the Coast Guard but from what I hear I don't want to be either.:nonono It also seems to me that the new fwc guys all more professional, most of the older ones think that they are the kings of the water and everyone must bow before them.:boo

RE: Their getting habitual

Sequoiha — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:31:28 GMT

I am by no means trying to make it personal... and Im sure there are lots of real stories to go around, I was just trying to make a point, Im sure for every 1 bad experience a fisherman has, the officer has 20. Im not saying there arent bad officers or bad cops,, sure there are,, but by the same token there are many good ones. just like in any other field or job... I just know that I have heard many horror stories by the officers about the people they stop,,, I agree they are not very consistent in there interpitation of the law. and Im sorry you feel that what I have to say is a load of crap,,, but I am very glad to have them out there,,, doing their job.:usaflag

As far as the fire extinguisher,,, it doesnt matter if it is a violation or not... if you are going to carry it around, maybe have to use it on your boat or someone elses.. why not make sure it is up to date and functional... kind of like toting a unloaded pistol. doesnt do ya much good if you need it...:usaflag

RE: Their getting habitual

Brant Peacher — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:17:42 GMT

[quote][b]fishitall (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]I'm not trying to rub anyone the wrong way but this isn't about having law enforcement on the water or being checked. IT'S ABOUT COMPETENCY. Getting your order wrong at McDonalds is one thing, but this is a way different matter. I don't think anyone wants a hanging, just a raised level of expectation on an extremely consistant basis. The things they should know is not difficult or overwhelming.[/quote]

You said it perfectly!

Brant Peacher
tackle rep

RE: Their getting habitual

fishitall — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:44:54 GMT

Kenny, what a load of crap. Are you feeling nurturing today? Coast Guard said fire extinguisher was not a violation. My nephew works for the FWC, he loves the job as do all the others I have spoken with. Why aren't you an FWC officer? Because you have another job maybe. How about if I'm the garbage man and twice a week I miss the truck with the garbage and it lays in your driveway, you should just get over it? Maybe you repair someone's boat and they don't pay you, just get over it! "He does a good job at his work". The people who have posted real incidents are sharing valuable information. For those who might be a touch slow; BEING THERE O.K., CHECKING/INSPECTIONS O.K. Didn't mean to make this personal but implying I don't want to do the right thing is ridiculus.

RE: Their getting habitual

wrightackle — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:07:42 GMT

I rest my case. They must have been close by harassing somebody at the nine mile mark.

RE: Their getting habitual

sealark — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:39:01 GMT

[quote][b]wrightackle (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]Probably shouldn't jump back on this thread but it bothers me when people say "just think what it would be like out there if they weren't doing their job". It would be absolutely wonderful. What do they do? They certainly aren't safegaurding a dissapearing fishery. They are not going to help you if you are in trouble. If you do find yourself in trouble on the water it will be a fellow fisherman bailing you out.[/quote]

Wrighttackle you don't know what you are talking about... I located the boat on the freighter that two people drowned on and picked up the two people from the water on the boat that was on fire. (yes I am a fellow fisherman that was on the scene first) However at both incidents the coast guard, Alabama Marine patrol and Florida Marine patrol were on scene within minutes after being notified to assist.

RE: Their getting habitual

Tuna Man — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:58:45 GMT

I have been pulled over and boarded.....reason was...."going too slow":banghead

RE: Their getting habitual

wrightackle — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 21:54:39 GMT

Probably shouldn't jump back on this thread but it bothers me when people say "just think what it would be like out there if they weren't doing their job". It would be absolutely wonderful. What do they do? They certainly aren't safegaurding a dissapearing fishery. They are not going to help you if you are in trouble. If you do find yourself in trouble on the water it will be a fellow fisherman bailing you out.

RE: Their getting habitual

Sequoiha — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 21:30:10 GMT

[quote][b] Case#3 Anchored in bay, same thing with license, he gave up trying to figure out the dates, said he was to write me a ticket for fire extinguisher being out of date. I had to inform him that a portable tank in a jon boat does not require a fire extinguisher to be on board. He conceded and left. I could tell you more but they're longer more dangerous cluster f--ks the CG and FWC worked together on. Has anyone else had occasions with their ineptness?[/quote]

Just so you know,, even though a fire extinguisher is not required on a john boat,, If you have one in your possession it must be legal and current... If you are not going to keep it current and up to date, do not have it in your posession...

Yes there are good and bad officers... but just think what it would be like if there wernt any,,, so what is so hard about obeying the law, and being respectful. I got a better idea,, why dont you apply for the job and do it better,,, Ill bet it wont be long and you will be just like the ones your are complaing about... They are trying to do a job that obviously you dont want, so get over it and have a great day,, fish on......:usaflag

RE: Their getting habitual

John B. — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:57:56 GMT

i've had them tell me that the black snapper i had were dog snapper..... i busted out the ole fish ID book and proceded to educate the man.... he apoligized after about 20 minutes...

RE: Their getting habitual

OBsession — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:55:33 GMT

got busted once by fwc when the guy said that the 10" lane snapper I had were dog snapper and minimum was 12". I explained that these were not dog snapper as they live in tropical waters and this was too far north. he said that he could tell because the canine teeth were 1/8" shorter on one side than the other. I said I could hardly see the teeth on a 10 " fish so how could he? wrong thing to say, got ticketed for 9 fish. went to court with pictures for the judge, lane snapper and dog snapper. also info on ranges for both. "Not Guilty". If you're right, stick to your guns and go the distance. These guys need to study up or listen to the locals who know their fish.

RE: Their getting habitual

fishitall — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:31:58 GMT

I'm not trying to rub anyone the wrong way but this isn't about having law enforcement on the water or being checked. IT'S ABOUT COMPETENCY. Getting your order wrong at McDonalds is one thing, but this is a way different matter. I don't think anyone wants a hanging, just a raised level of expectation on an extremely consistant basis. The things they should know is not difficult or overwhelming.

RE: Their getting habitual

Spanky45 — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:49:47 GMT

I was near Sand Island this morning and CG was next to a boat video taping the action. The CG was talking to the fisherman and it was being taped. Not sure what it was all about so just kept going. At least they weren't bothering me.

Spanky

RE: Their getting habitual

John B. — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:21:48 GMT

one time an FWC person (no way he was actually an 'officer') walked on the pier and demanded that everyone shows their fishing and driver's license.... and then he threatened to arrest me after i said that the admission to the pier covers the license to fish.... he didn't have a clue.

RE: Their getting habitual

Outside9 — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:37:17 GMT

The FWC and USCG do a very good job! I understand none of us like to be checked but when it happens we should be polite because they have a tough job to do with little pay. In addition they should be polite and professional, if they are not there are proper channels to address your concerns. The USCG is always getting new recruits right out of their basic training so I'm sure if you watched any USCG station for long you would see a lot of training that looks pretty sloppy.

If it were not for these two agencies it would not be safe to get out on the water during a busy weekend. The reason you don't see many sheriff's boats is because it drains their budgets and boarding influential people out on the water is not a good thing when you are an elected official.

I for one like seeing them out on the water and if I have an emergency with my family out on the water I will be real HAPPY to see them.

RE: Their getting habitual

FishnLane — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:52:57 GMT

agree with Brant. Since it has been posted that we do get stopped ALOT, i will clarify that many of the officials are professional. In fact, one approaches and realizes he stopped us "yesterday" and will say " oh hi, carry on". Unfortunantly it is the other guys who think they OWN the water that make the headlines and spoil the reputation of the others. OH WELL, getting ready to load the boat and have all the necessary equipment within easy reach as I'm sure we will be show and tell later today. FISH ON!!!!

RE: Their getting habitual

kingfish501 — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:48:58 GMT

Several years ago I passed about two hundred yards off an FWC boat just sitting in the bay.I was running from a storm and had my little flatsboat at full throttle...running between 60-65 mph.I had been docked long enough to unload my flyrods into the truck and was checking a sluggish trim tab....when the FWC boat pulls up...blue lights and all.The guy is redfaced and stuttering.Tells me he is going to give me a ticket...for speeding in the bay.I explained it very nicely...no speed limit in the bay.Then he says the ticket will be for not watching behind me.At the timme..there were only four boats I knew of that could outrun me.So I explained, again nicely...that at the speed I was running, I look ahead and beside me...and that his was not one of the few boats that could catch me.That is when the inspection started.I don't think he was happy with that, either...5 lifejackets on a 4 man boat, 2 extinguishers(on a 15 foot boat)hand held flares, a flaregun, dye markers...whistles and lights for the lifejackets.When that didn't work, he measured my fish...not once, not twice...but three times.He was fried...but couldn't find anything wrong...but the next boat coming in caught pure T hell.

RE: Their getting habitual

nextstep — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:46:38 GMT

guess i have been lucky have been pulled over many times and never had a problem. they are people too and there are bad ones and good ones. some got in a fight with their wife before they left for work some of them got a kiss good bye. the biggest problem i have is the redundancy of cc, fwc, and even the sheriffs dept has a small fleet. and we all know the sheriff doesnt know his hunting and fishing regs. with all the budget cuts maybe they should consoladate and save all us tax payers some money.

RE: Their getting habitual

wrightackle — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:13:21 GMT

All this fun is being brought to you by the folks that are going to be giving safe boating classes! The FWC could be eliminated from the state budget altogether and it would be no great loss.

RE: Their getting habitual

Framerguy — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:04:00 GMT

I was kayak fishing down by the Coast Guard station in East Pass awhile back and witnessed the strangest thing at the CG dock! These 4 guys, all looked to be CG employees, were backing a CG patrol boat out of its slip and then pulling it alongside the dock! They would riccochet off the dock sometimes or throw the boat in reverse and gun the engine so strongly that I could hear it clearly out past their jetties. They did this for almost an hour and I always wondered what they were doing??

Now I know, .......... they were practicing their "crash" maneuver for CG approach to a fishing vessel!!! :doh

RE: Their getting habitual

X-Shark — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:17:15 GMT

Now that Really sucks shanester.

Had it of just been some Yahoo, I bet you would have picked the rod up and beat the crap out of them with it. :(