CPBassFishing Posted July 22, 2013 Posted July 22, 2013 A cop came to a pond I was fishing last night. He didn't ask me for my fishing license. He just said he got a call and he was just asking me to leave. He did run my driver's license which is understandable is the pond on private property? If not, the cop had no right to make you leave and whoever called to complain had no right to do that either. If the pond is public, fish on! Quote
Brackish Angler 228 Posted July 22, 2013 Posted July 22, 2013 If you're fishing where pedestrian traffic is prohibited, like an interstate, I understand why they would ask you to leave. That or parking on a shoulder that's meant for emergencies. Other than that, if you're sure it's public land, try and politely ask the officer why you aren't allowed to fish there. The hard part about that is a lot of cops hear "asking politely" and think "getting smart". Quote
Super User AK-Jax86 Posted July 22, 2013 Super User Posted July 22, 2013 is the pond on private property? If not, the cop had no right to make you leave and whoever called to complain had no right to do that either. If the pond is public, fish on! No it is in a community. There are no signs saying that it's private. He told me if I wasn't a resident then I couldn't fish there I knew he was full of ish but I didn't make a big deal. Then he said if I get caught again I get a trespassing warning and after that arrested and go to jail... I was like really for fishing? I think he had a different reason as to why he had a problem that I was there Quote
Revival Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 I think he had a different reason as to why he had a problem that I was there What do you mean? Quote
Super User AK-Jax86 Posted July 23, 2013 Super User Posted July 23, 2013 Don't go there...... Lol yes we won't go there this is a fishing forum Quote
Super User SirSnookalot Posted July 23, 2013 Super User Posted July 23, 2013 Snook, I read something yesterday that stated it was illegal to park on the side of the road along the turnpike unless you are broke down or have an emergencie. Nothing says it is illegal to fish the waters that I can find. I asked the troopers along the St.Lucie and Indian River county sections and got the okay. He just said to pay the tolls. This was approx. 4-5 yes ago. I always assumed the turnpike and the ponds at the ramps were off limits to fish. No it is in a community. There are no signs saying that it's private. He told me if I wasn't a resident then I couldn't fish there I knew he was full of ish but I didn't make a big deal. Then he said if I get caught again I get a trespassing warning and after that arrested and go to jail... I was like really for fishing? I think he had a different reason as to why he had a problem that I was there Gated or not communities are private property, at least areas other than the streets. Gets a little iffy, in a gated community the police will not write a parking ticket because the streets are private, but in a non gated community they have the jurisdiction to do so, the streets are public. Quote
Super User tomustang Posted July 23, 2013 Super User Posted July 23, 2013 AK, You said "a" community, so I'm assuming it's not yours? For the most part I would say it's private and that doesn't need signs Quote
WFFL Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 Policemen risk their lives every day when confronting another person. If a cop asked to see me fishing license I would gladly show him a copy and immediately ask if he fishes and have a nice conversation with him. I'm on the water a lot and if I see any type of law enforcement whether it be marine patrol, policeman or whatever, I will always initiate conversation with them. I appreciate every thing they do for us citizens and realize they put themselves in harms way every time they leave for work. And no, I am not in any type of law enforcement position. And by the way, I have never been asked to show a license or have a marine patrol do a safety inspection. Gee, I wonder why? Quote
Super User slonezp Posted July 23, 2013 Super User Posted July 23, 2013 No it is in a community. There are no signs saying that it's private. He told me if I wasn't a resident then I couldn't fish there I knew he was full of ish but I didn't make a big deal. Then he said if I get caught again I get a trespassing warning and after that arrested and go to jail... I was like really for fishing? I think he had a different reason as to why he had a problem that I was there At this point, I think you only have a couple options. Inquire about the HOA who would be in charge of the property. Ask permission from one of the residents. This is what my son does. He'll ask a homeowner if they mind if he fishes the subdivision ponds and assures them he will release the fish. Or just forget about the hassle and find somewhere else to fish. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted July 23, 2013 Super User Posted July 23, 2013 Policemen risk their lives every day when confronting another person. If a cop asked to see me fishing license I would gladly show him a copy and immediately ask if he fishes and have a nice conversation with him. I'm on the water a lot and if I see any type of law enforcement whether it be marine patrol, policeman or whatever, I will always initiate conversation with them. I appreciate every thing they do for us citizens and realize they put themselves in harms way every time they leave for work. And no, I am not in any type of law enforcement position. And by the way, I have never been asked to show a license or have a marine patrol do a safety inspection. Gee, I wonder why? I got pulled over twice, on the water, this past weekend by the Sherriff. On Friday I get waved over. I think it's because I haven't received my registration yet and have no #'s on the boat. He just wanted to know how the fishing was. 2nd time was on Sunday for going 4mph in a no wake zone.(Sherriff got sneaky this year and they have jet skis now. The patrol boats stick out like a sore thumb but the jet skis blend in with everyone else) Quote
jsc4324 Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 I just read this post and some comments have amazed me. Keeping in mind I may be biased as I am a LEO in the northeast. Where I work We can enforce the laws of the state in which I work. We have a seperate fish and game as well as marine patrol. That being said not only can officers ask for a fishing license but can issue citations for a violation and if necessary make an arrest for a violation. Keep in mind as someone posted above the 4th amendment of the US Constitution protects you against search and seizure. State laws can not be more lax on federal law, only more restrictive. If there are exigenct circumstances that may be how DNR's are entering a home without a warrant. However I question what that exigenct would be because a fish for example is likely dead in your home and not going to swim away causing evidence to be lost. The officer could and should seperate you from your home and apply for a search warrant accordingly. I have never asked someone for their fishing license that was just fishing responsibly and respectfully. If someone is being careless. Reckless etc then I might ask. I treat every person with the same amount of respect you give to me. Don't get me wrong there are defiantly bad cops out there and yes I work with a few that I wonder how the hell they got hired and have not been fired. The majority of the time if you are cooperative and courteous you will be treated the same way. If you are treated unfairly or your rights are violated, the side of the road is not the place to argue such. There are proper ways to do so, and I encourage you all to report misconduct by LEO. I personably have no problem providing an explanation of why I do what I do if it can safely be done. Some points of advice. Know the laws of your state pertaining to your actions before you go out. Don't tell the LEO you know the law because you are going to school for criminal justice, or because you have a friend who has a friend that is a lawyer. If you are illegally cited, arrested etc, use your 5th amendment right and contact an attorney ASAP. Rant over. Quote
Revival Posted July 23, 2013 Posted July 23, 2013 Lol yes we won't go there this is a fishing forum No disrespect. It could have been numerous reasons. I get it now. Quote
Mr_Scrogg Posted July 24, 2013 Posted July 24, 2013 As far as the Private Community lakes that was mentioned, I fish quite a bit of them, When I'm done, I walk around and pick up all the trash, debris and such to clean up the lake. I have NEVER been confronted or asked not to fish in those. If I did, I would explain to them that yes, I do fish the lakes, I do release all fish unscathed, and when I was done, I pick up the majority of the trash to help keep their pond/lake clean and healthy. If they still insist that I don't fish, then I stop going. You have to understand that some people are ********, it's just in their nature, but if you are sincere, polite, and respectful, they just might look the other way. Quote
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