09-22-2011, 06:30 PM
I could be wrong, and I'm sure someone will be quick to point out if/when I am - but I believe part of your fishing license agreement waives some of those 'search protection rights' and states that you'd agree to allow your fishing gear, catch-containers and such to be "inspected".
Don't think a fish-cop's gotta get a warrant to look in your livewell, or verify what kind of lures/bait you're using.
It's different - I agree - if you're just in your car driving down the road, but once you expose your rod and start casting - I think it means you pretty well have to let them have a look at your gear if they ask to.
Disappointing to hear they didn't take a reported incident more seriously, or follow through more completely. So what were these folks catching so many of? If it was carp - eh - let 'em have em! If it was a more protected game-fish - well. . .
So were their hands really red, or perhaps some other color? NOT to bring in the race-card, but just in deference to the recent Knolls Cleanup story, especially as it pertains to illegal access of areas, and littering/damage to property. But - bums and crooks come in all colors and ethnicities.
Don't think a fish-cop's gotta get a warrant to look in your livewell, or verify what kind of lures/bait you're using.
It's different - I agree - if you're just in your car driving down the road, but once you expose your rod and start casting - I think it means you pretty well have to let them have a look at your gear if they ask to.
Disappointing to hear they didn't take a reported incident more seriously, or follow through more completely. So what were these folks catching so many of? If it was carp - eh - let 'em have em! If it was a more protected game-fish - well. . .
So were their hands really red, or perhaps some other color? NOT to bring in the race-card, but just in deference to the recent Knolls Cleanup story, especially as it pertains to illegal access of areas, and littering/damage to property. But - bums and crooks come in all colors and ethnicities.