Caught without a License

[New Bass Man]

It is one of life's simple pleasures for me to go purchase my Fishing license each year.  I usually purchase DC, Virginia, and NC out-of-state licenses so I can fish there too!  It just ain't worth it to get caught without a license.

[bassmasta7]

Srry Avid, I used it the first time so i wouldnt use ne thing worse. And then I quoted every one else that was quoting me. But NE way, I agree with LBH and MGMoore. I understand the fines for avid fishermen (no pun intended) but taking someone's car is crazy. Like Morre said it is just fishing.

[bgbfflochp]

You may be fine with the $50 fine but it is a deterrent and merely a way to document a "first offense". Many times, the guilty angler plans on getting a license but either it's the first time out and they havn't gotten it yet or maybe a whim of the moment, getting out earlier than planned but didn't get it yet. They are not "criminals" persay but now it is documented. When you get caught again that year, you lose $500 and risk 30 days in jail. Still don't care? Still gonna go risk fishing the rest of that season? Not me!

I still don't care, you're right. If I'm that "whim of the moment"/"planned on getting one but the store wasn't open" person, they should just fine me, NOT ban me from purchasing a license for an entire year. I'm not getting any younger...I will fish when I can. When a man can shoot and wound somebody outside of the place I work, and be out on bond and later sentenced to probation because our jails are overpopulated...I seriously doubt I'd ever spend a day in jail. Don't get me wrong, I always have my license, and you can even purchase them over the phone here in SC 24 hours a day, but I refuse to agree that banning someone from purchasing a license for a year is a valid punishment. Some people don't even know you have to have a fishing license. This might be the one time in that last 30 years they've been fishing. Do I think they should be excused from the law? Of course not. But don't tell them they can't do the right thing on the first offense. If worst came to worst, I'd fish off the land with all of the poles on the ground. I don't know where those kids went that were fishing here, I'm a birdwatcher. I know I sound ridiculous, but that policy is just ridiculous. They would learn to hate me. It's like when a child grows out of the spanking stage, they just don't care and it drives the parent mad. I would be that kid. They couldn't fine me enough...but I guess that isn't the case for the ones that don't purchase a license, they probably don't fish enough to be so adament about fighting it. Ahh well, it'll never happen to me since I always carry my license in my wallet, even when not fishing. I just don't agree with part of the punishment. A hefty fine is plenty to deter it from happening again IMO.  Now if they get a second offense...maybe then would I agree that they shouldn't be allowed to purchase a license and fish for a year.

[Other.]

My dad once "forgot his liscince" he was telling me a story of that. They gave him a fine and took all of his fishing gear. luckly they didnet take the boat or the car.

But i thin kthey should do more stuff like that. I mean its for a good reason to have a licsence. Those who try to sneak arround with out a liccence are stupied peopel that we should kill  ;D

[bassmasta7]

I dont like the idea of preventing someone from buying a fishing license after one offense. I see it as if you were caught speeding, going 10 over and it is your 1st ticket and they take away your drivers license. Thankfully, they dont do this. They shouldnt do this in fishing either. It takes many tickets and wreckless things to get your drivers license taken away. To get your ability to purchase a fishing license taken away should not be done until after 2 or 3 offenses at least unless you are also doing something more severe to the hurt the fishing or the fishing area.

[topwaterbob]

Breaking the law results in the offender paying the penalty if caught. Losing fishing privliges for one offense is like shooting yourself in the foot. The tickiting officer should be able to write a license on the spot. That is after a fine is paid. Or give the offender the choice. They still have to write anyway.  One fall a buddy and I were going up to Erie for salmon. That is about a 140 mile trip for me. The place where we were going fishing was gated and had to be opened by a fishing warden. I forgot my license and explained the situation to the officer. He told me to go ahead and fish but stay in the area as he would come back later to check us. Some times it pays to do the honest thing.

Bob

[Kana]

when i lived in oregon, the fine was 500$ and they took all your gear! not worth it to me.  the licence was like 42$ i would rather pay that then risk getting caught and loosing a lot more money when they take my gear! it doesnt make sense that one just couldnt take a few minutes to purchase a license, and if you knew nothing of fishing ask if you needed one!  not only do you escape the wrath of the WFD agent but you help invest into the future of our water and fish that live in them, so i dont mind the fee. however in japan, there is not license, just if you go to "area" fishing spots, you have to pay for teh day, and it could be as cheap as 15, or as steep as 50$.  so i stick to public areas, unless im going ona boat with a friend to a dam, then i dont mind paying.

[fishinyank]

Its simple- suck it up, and buy a liscence.  Theres no excuse, NONE, for fishing without one. Dont like the punishments? too bad, buy the liscence. I only fish once or twice a year- too bad, buy the liscence. But they took all my equipment! AAWW little baby, there there, u should have bought a liscence huh?  :'(

[Guest avid]

All right, let's get a grip guys.

first. Nothing in the initial post said that the ranger took the kids gear.

Second, He's a kid. The judge knows that. So long as he isn't a repeat offender the judge will make him pay a small fine and warn him about not doing it again.

That's all that is going to happen here.

Unless of course he decides to go smart *** with the judge "Whatever"

[grove83]

I dont like the idea of preventing someone from buying a fishing license after one offense. I see it as if you were caught speeding, going 10 over and it is your 1st ticket and they take away your drivers license.

Well all I have to say is that they do take your DL for a first offense...at least here in PA.  I was doing 77 in a 65...lost my DL for 15 days!!!  First offense....never had an accident.....no speeding....NOTHING on my driving record.  I broke the law, so I paid the fine (over $100) and lost my DL, thats what I get.  Do you think I speed now?  HECK NO!  So taking your gear I think is acceptable.  I don't think your friend will lose his stuff if he hasn't already, and the judge can have your gear returned to you after your hearing.  It all depends on the judge and your ATTITUDE!!!  

[bassmasta7]

Well all I have to say is that they do take your DL for a first offense...at least here in PA. I was doing 77 in a 65...lost my DL for 15 days!!! First offense....never had an accident.....no speeding....NOTHING on my driving record. I broke the law, so I paid the fine (over $100) and lost my DL, thats what I get. Do you think I speed now? HECK NO! So taking your gear I think is acceptable. I don't think your friend will lose his stuff if he hasn't already, and the judge can have your gear returned to you after your hearing. It all depends on the judge and your ATTITUDE!!!

Wow, I didnt know they could take ur license by going only 12 over. Most of the time they dont and i dont know all your story so im gonna leave it at that. They definetly did not take the guy's fishing stuff. I doubt he is going to have to go to court for it. He will probably just pay the fine.

[Troutfisher]

In WV, they have two free fishing days in June to expose the wonders of fishing. I am going to renew my own license soon. I think the fine here is around $50.

[grove83]

BM7- The funny thing about the whole incident was that I was doing 80, saw the cop and tried to slow down.  Just didn't get slowed down in time.  The guy in front of me was clocked at 92.....OUCH!!!  I don't know what he got out of the deal but he never even hit the brake pedal.  Two birds with one stone I guess.  The officer had a good day!   ;D  :'(  Live and learn.  

If the warden didn't take your friends stuff then he probably won't lose it, unless he fails to pay the fine on time.  Then that is a whole other story.