Thread: Rule change proposal...

Originally Posted by Hogman

Sounds to me like some fishermen need to get involved in the process. I keep hearing a one individual thats touting big changes that I have never seen fishing on the pier. Rules will always make some happy and some upset, but regardless, they need to make FISHING sense. I sure hope some of you guys that know what makes sense get involved. Big ideas of single rod trolley versus 2 rod trolly are a prime example of baselessly rules. We all know a 2 rod trolley can be worked around much easier than a one rod trolly, but the 2 rod trolley runs into the rule for using 2 rods. Well, thats where a rule change to make fishing sense can help. Just my opinion, but I hope some TRUE fishermen get involved. If you do please tell them to remove rule 18. Thats a violation of my Liberties guaranteed bu the BOR. Most don’t think thats a big deal, but its the offensive law broken on the pier in my opinion. If they wrote an individual a ticket for something they found opening a cooler without asking, they would lose in court. Im sure they are aware of that and will prob never write a ticket for an illegal search, because that would force them to change the Intimidation rule.

I can't speak for the MRD but DCNR officers in Alabama can legally search anyone engaging in hunting and fishing activities including boats and vehicles. Possession of fishing or hunting equipment or wearing camouflage gives them probable cause to conduct a warrantless search.

Thank you, Chillinfish. I thought that was the case, but wasn't sure. Me, I always enjoyed inspecting Harley Rodgers' fish box---nearly always some trophy fish in there. "Ain't nothing in the shallows. Move on along."

Originally Posted by david lea

I also heard that the volunteer made a point to check all coolers as people came off the pier yesterday. I'm all for a warden or ranger checking coolers if he feels it's appropriate but I'm not comfortable with the idea that anyone else does. If he were to politely ask beforehand I might consider otherwise. Just my thoughts, I don't know the letter of the law but I think that's over the line.

Color me clueless or just uninformed, but why not just tell this "volunteer" no, you're not lookin' in my cooler? What gives him/her the authority to check me? Does he have a uniform or other LEO credentials? Not trying to make trouble, I just want to know...

Would it hurt when using the 2 line trolley if you used Hi Vis line so others that are fishing could see the lines better. Just an Idea don't really know that much about fishing it.

Originally Posted by Robert(Tato)Piteo

Would it hurt when using the 2 line trolley if you used Hi Vis line so others that are fishing could see the lines better. Just an Idea don't really know that much about fishing it.

I definitely use hi viz line for my trolley rigs, both trolley rod and bait rod. I even use a higher test line than normal so it's easier to see. Some people feel the need to use my trolley bait as a casting target, but I normally have little problem----except maybe from some kids who have not developed enough motor control to know where their lure is going. Also, when I hook a king and it heads out around the octi, I start yelling to let everyone know I have a fish on, and don't stop until I'm on the octi and have some chance of getting things under control. I've had other trolley fishermen inshore of me hook up and then get perturbed that I don't get out of their way---heck I didn't know the fish was coming my way---I lost my job with the Psychic Hotline years ago. As a general rule, all the trolley fishermen I've associated with have been friendly and helpful, but ain't nothing perfect (except for that one day I had back in '78, and nobody believes me anyhow).

Respecting the opinions of those learned pier fishermen voiced here, perhaps it's appropriate that this country boy from South Carolina express a view. First, the one rod rule makes little or no sense especially when the bite is slow. Most bottom fishermen can handle two rods efficiently, except when the bite is so prolific that all immediately discard one rod so that our fat asses don't have to move so fast. Nothing is more comical to a sightseer from Ottawa, Canada than stopping to observe an obese septuagenarian risk tripping over his bucket or buggy to get to the second rod. The profanity and the Keystone Cop routine would be a hit on America"s Funniest Videos.
That said, most rednecks like myself simply refuse to be observed by our northern brethren while in a potentially embarrassing situation.
Second, the one rod rule does absolutely nothing to that individual who can barely hit the Gulf from the rail without tangling two fishermen to his/her right or left. We've all seen them.
My solution would be to restrict all rental rods from casting, allowing them to only fish straight down. This way they might actually catch something to brag about. Possibly a croaker, whiting, or just maybe breaking off on a piling.
Spring is coming guys! Tight Lines!

Originally Posted by 9iron

Just what we need. Folks that either have a dangerously limited knowledge of fishing or none at all, establishing rules for us all. Mr Hogman has it right knowledgeable folks need to be heard.

Here's my take on things.
1) I think that the pier should limit involvement of individuals who aren't real employees, but instead are unpaid volunteers. I think that those people may be possibly getting WAY too involved in matters having to do with power (telling other people what to do/what not to do).
2) I don't use bubble-rigs, but I'm certainly not going to tell another fellow how or where to catch his fish. He paid his nine bucks like everyone else.
3) The descriptions of "float" and "drift" fishing are so nebulous as to be totally unenforceable. Does it describe the bait, the presentation, the retrieve? Does "float" fishing require a float? If not, then how would it differ from "drift" fishing? Aren't pier rules, "the law"? If so, then how can they be enforced as law if they can't even be defined by the person enforcing them (which, again, should be a real pier employee)?


So here's my suggestion. I think that everyone who thinks that the proposed rules, as discussed, are misguided should register their objections with Joe, either in person or by email (so that there's a record of your dissatisfaction). I also think that this should be done sooner rather than later, because why wait until the rule is in effect to complain about it? I'll do the same and include my contention about the need to exclude volunteers from any role in rule decision making OR enforcement.

So it sounds like a no bullet Barney. Just with the gun so to speak.

As to the idea that a game warden or ranger has more authority for search and seizure than any other police department. That is a rumor that has been passed around for ages. It is just not true. I will not argue with it and if you think Im wrong show me the Alabama Law that give them the authority to circumvent the 4th Amendment.

I sent a message to Lamar last night explaining the situation with a certain person overstepping his authority. Im not posting public my message to him, but I did include his response below. I just explained with some detail what was going on.

Thanks I was wondering what was going on. This is good information I appreciate it. This will be addressed.

so lets see what happens

Originally Posted by Hogman

As to the idea that a game warden or ranger has more authority for search and seizure than any other police department. That is a rumor that has been passed around for ages. It is just not true. I will not argue with it and if you think Im wrong show me the Alabama Law that give them the authority to circumvent the 4th Amendment.

I sent a message to Lamar last night explaining the situation with a certain person overstepping his authority. Im not posting public my message to him, but I did include his response below. I just explained with some detail what was going on.

Thanks I was wondering what was going on. This is good information I appreciate it. This will be addressed.

so lets see what happens

https://blogs.findlaw.com/blotter/20...-officers.html