What To Do When You See Someone Breaking Rules

[Dillo]

The other day, I was fly fishing on the blue river in Breckenridge, CO. I am fairly friendly when fishing and like to discuss the day's success (or often failure) with every other angler I see, so I tried to make conversation with this man fishing with his family. When I got past his very unfriendly vibe, I noticed he was using a bucket of worms for bait. After a while I noticed him pull in a 20+ inch rainbow, shove his fingers up the gills, and throw it on the stringer with another comparable fish. Now I am not a huge fan or keeping fish for many reasons, but I also was pretty sure the river was C&R only and flies and lures only, but I wasn't sure at the time so I said nothing. Later I looked it up and proved myself right. I didn't have the knowledge at the time to confront the guy, but I'm curious about what all of you do when you see someone doing something illegal on the water.

[Choporoz]

To the best of your knowledge, you didn't see anyone doing anything wrong on the water.

Had you been certain, I think you should probably have called DNR.  Confronting a stranger could be risky, I suppose.  Perhaps a friendly, engaging, "You probably are not aware, but...." may get desired result and keep you from getting shot in most cases.

[gardnerjigman]

Honestly, unless it is directly impacting me or my family, I'm just gonna shake my head and let it go. People are freaking nuts out there anymore, with ridiculous temper triggers. I'm not getting shot over a fish. I'm a big believer in Karma, so I would let it go. 

[Turtle135]

I'm not in law enforcement so unless it comes up in casual conversation I do not even mention it. I figure the percentage of anglers who willing violate the law are few and they are likely not skilled enough to do severe damage to the fishery.

 

I do see it all the time. I fish a lot on a lake with a slot. No bass between 11 - 15 inches are supposed to be kept. So of course they always want to show me the 14" bass they are taking home for dinner. 

[Chris S]

I was fishing at a famous lake out this way and saw two guys keeping short crappies, not just one or two but anything they caught. I got checked at the ramp by a Warden I had two Wallys he measured them both and both where legal, so he was cool, I did mention to him what I had seen and where. After loading my boat and getting everything ready for the tow home, I drove across the d**n and saw the Warden down there releasing the shorts back into the Lake pointing his finger at the two idiots. IMO its best to let the Wardens do their job and I do mine but not cheating. I do have the ph# to the Marinas I fish in my phone and one of the local PD's who can get in-touch with a Warden if need be. 

 

Like Jigman said its not worth it to confront them let the Warden handle it. 

[Scott F]

Call the DNR. Get the license plate of their car if you can. Do not confront the poacher. A lot of the people that disregard the size or bag limit regs also never bother to buy a license either. I don't approve of poaching and expect people to play by the same rules. If they ignore them, they should pay the consequences.

[A-Jay]

I love the great outdoors.  I love being in beautiful natural surroundings.  It energizes me.  It reawakens me to being alive and strong.  It gives me a sense of connectedness and vitality.  I feel better right now just thinking about it even though I am sitting in front of a PC.

 

I believe we have a responsibility to be good stewards over nature.  We also need to set the example of stewardship for our children.  Arrogance and ignorance should not go unrewarded, so by calling our local regulating authority, we’re doing our part.

 

A-Jay

[Josh Smith]

I'm not paid to enforce the law, so I don't confront directly.  Were it to escalate into a shooting (not so far-fetched as it sounds) it might ruin fishing for me, and I don't want that.

 

I've talked to the game warden in the past and have his number in my phone.  If I have signal, I might call.  On the other hand, I just don't see folks break the rules a whole heck of a lot, at least not in a way that would effect me or anyone but them.

 

The dumbest thing I saw recently was a family go swimming off the boat ramp at a weed-choked lake.  Lots of folks fish off that ramp and lose plenty of hooks and lines.

 

It's how tetanus and drownings happen.  Haven't seen anyone keeping what they shouldn't, though.

 

Josh

[Fisher-O-men]

I saw a guy the other day fishing with 4 rods.  I said to him, "just in case you are not aware, it is only legal to use 2 rods".  He said I am fishing for Carp.  I said, OK then!

[Abuss55]

I have been in a similar situation, since they were a family with younger kids I decided to just mention it and phrased it as just wanted to let you know b/c I would hate for you guys to get fined by a Conservation Agent. They were kind and appreciative and were just unaware of the special regulations for that section of the river. Now if it is someone intentionally breaking the rules/regs and causing harm then I will get general descriptions/info and notify my local agent.

 

No one ever said it was going to be easy, and we should be glad it is not for that would just be boring!

[Erb]

I saw a guy the other day fishing with 4 rods. I said to him, "just in case you are not aware, it is only legal to use 2 rods". He said I am fishing for Carp. I said, OK then!

[Erb]

Hahahaha

[Bluebasser86]

There's a game violation hotline in KS called "Operation Game Theft". I keep the card in my wallet and I'm not afraid to call.

 

Like others suggested NEVER confront someone about it. It's the GW's job to handle that, not yours. 

[SirSnookalot]

Florida is a gun happy state, not worth the confrontation.

[RAMBLER]

A guy was really happy to show me the fish he caught.  Pulled a stringer up that had more than the 5 bass limit that were all undersized.  He was in the home area of a 13' alligator and the Fish and Wildlife do check boats at that landing.  I just said have a nice day and kept going.  I figured there was a good chance that either the alligator or game warden would take care of that.

[scaleface]

I have called the conservation department a few times if they are blatantly poaching. Sometimes I just let people know that they are doing it illegally and will get ticketed if caught. Recently a man and his boy were putting fish on the same stringer and I told him that was a no no . He thanked me because he didnt know.

 

I once watched this Chinese   guy snagging channel cats and keeping them. He had an impressive sack full. I tried to tell him that this area is patrolled heavily and what he was doing  was  illegal . He just laughed and said "No" he couldnt understand a word I was saying . I'm pretty sure he served these fish at a local restaurant too. 

[Chris S]

I once watched this Chinese   guy snagging channel cats and keeping them. He had an impressive sack full. I tried to tell him that this area is patrolled heavily and what he was doing  was  illegal . He just laughed and said "No" he couldnt understand a word I was saying . I'm pretty sure he served these fish at a local restaurant too. 

That happens here during Trout season, one particular guy will catch his limit, disappear for about 30 minutes into a cove and the next thing you know he is back fishing and most times with a buddy. 

[GodfatherOfSeoul]

It usually catches up with the person. Maybe not that day, but it will

[powerduster]

I won't do anything. Most of them are aware of what they're doing.