A marine report, was out fluke fishing with a friend today June 19th and had DEP officer pull up along side to check our catch. I have read many posts on negative experiences with the officers doing their job out in the field. Well the officer patrolling off Clinton today was a classy and very respectful gentlemen. He didn't race up and waited for us to clear some lines before approaching. Looked at our catch, exchanged pleasantries before noticing that my buddy didn't have his annual reg. sticker adhered to his boat. Unknown to me, my buddy had the paperwork and sticker inside the cabin but was too damn superstitious to stick it on because of the number "13". With that said, the officer chuckled and joked with us without demanding to see paperwork, even though my buddy had it and he thanked and wished us luck out there before taking off to check on the other boat behind us. We ended up with a few fluke and seabass despite wind-against-tide conditions but heard and saw how courteous he was to all the other anglers. Keep up the good work!
TEAM SERIOUSFISHING TEAM RUMSWIZLER TEAM RED NECK CAMPER TOURS TEAM "NO GUN ZONE" TEAM PANAMA TEAM GEPSIKCEHEHTEREHW TEAM Swizzle
www.joinrfa.com Contact Capt Mike Marro Bluefin Charters, Clinton Ct. 203-245-7742 www.bluefincharters.com As if the colassal middle finger hasn't been jammed up our asses far enough, the NMFS and ASMFC carry on with their daily masterpieces of saving species in peril..........We as recreational anglers serve thanks for all the fine "work" you do........ Fishin Factory III Middletown Ct 860-344-9139 www.fishinfactory3.com www.jigheadlures.com www.castlebaits.com
#1511861 - 07/07/1309:29 PM
Re: Clinton Fluking DEP check
[Re: SteveY]
Conrad G.
Member
Registered: 06/10/02
Posts: 6375
Loc: SOUTHINGTON
Depends on who approaches you...I saw 2 dep guys tear a guys boat apart in old saybrook for nothing in May and it was not pleasant for them, they found nothing but were looking aggressively (held them and us up for 20 mins., now that was pleasant). They went to us next and I basically told him not to bother as we had nothing to hide and are always legal. That seemed to change their attitude and they wished us a good day.
Edited by Conrad G. (07/07/1309:38 PM)
When I come home stinking like fish, I know I`ve had a good day....
You might be right on which officer approaches you but I do believe they are trained to pickup on body language and attitude. You were honest with them and it reflected on how you were treated. Many cop an attitude or are just belligerent causing the DEP officer to investigate further. IMHO, the poor guy that was boarded by 2 officers were either reported on or had prior offenses: I highly doubt 2 officers would tear a boat apart for 'sh!t and giggles'. Unfortunate to lose 20 minutes of fishing time but it's to weed out the poaching, wreckless and inconsiderate bums that are out there.
#1511925 - 07/08/1308:56 AM
Re: Clinton Fluking DEP check
[Re: SteveY]
Riptide
Member
Registered: 07/10/02
Posts: 4680
Loc: Guilford, CT
SteveY- Tell your friend to rip off last years reg sticker, that's what is giving him bad luck... Which got me to thinking, are other states different? Do they do reg stickers for calendar year, or are they like CT and are from April to April?
Every Run in with DEEP for me has been no big deal. Officer Stanko checked us coming in at the launch recently and was a total professional! no issues here.
you do........ 
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