Poach Patrol II

[paddy]

I wanted to go the FRAA meeting tonight after work. However, my son was over rambunctious according to my wife. So him and I took our bikes along the path along the lower farm in the trophy trout TMA section just north and south of the route 4 bridge of Unionville.

On the lower side of the miniature golf/ice cream place I noticed someone fishing. I decided to see how the person was doing. I noticed a plastic bag with fish in it a couple feet from where this guy was fishing.

I questioned him what he was fishing for. He replied, "trout". He told me that a person who sold him his license told him that the trout season started last Saturday. I told him that this section of the river is no kill, catch and release until this coming Saturday. Then this section would revert to trophy trout section with 2 12" being the size and creel limits.

He immediately reeled in his spinner, broke down his rod and walked off with at least two trout in the bag. I was not able to get his license for I was too far down the hill along the river with my son. I guess I need to program the Tips phone number in my mobile phone for future use.

Afterwards, two younger fisherman came down the bank and started fishing. I asked them what they were fishing for and they said trout. They told me that they were intending to exercise catch & release. My son liked to play along the waterline of the river, so I stayed around another 15-20 minutes. The two caught three trout and I was happy to see them release them.:)

I noticed the river is posted right next to the parking lot north of the route 4 bridge. Does anyone know who owns the land that is posting right along the parking lot?

Awaiting your feedback

Paddy...............

[alan18lpl]

I purposely did not go out today, I went out yesterday like most guys and had a good day.
My good day was ruined by a 50 year old man and his girlfriend today. They took 20 fish between them on a big yellow stringer. The kind you use for Salmon in Pulaski.

I wouldn't have been so upset, but the DEP puts fish in the river for everyone to enjoy. As the hairless idiot left with his stringer full of fish on the sly, thinking I didn't notice, two dads with their 5 year old boys came down the bank. As you can imagine, they were not going to have the great time that they anticipated, but they might have gotten a fish or two for the day. Last week, the fish were stacked up like cordwood, and every day someone was in there poaching, cars parked in broad daylight right in front of the gate. And then this idiot comes in and cleans it out like he was fishing for bass in the pro bass tournament. Incredible to watch.

His comment was he had to "work so hard" for a few fish. Whats up with that? The limit is 5 each, that means 10 for 2 people. NOT 20.

I was going to bring my daughter down there to catch a couple of fish and release them, but screw it. This is why kids don't have fun fishing. There is nothing left to catch after the pigs get through with their meat fishing expeditions.

[The Fisherman]

If it were me witnessing the poaching, I would have:

1) followed them to their car and gotten a plate number; and

2) made sure I gave that plate number to the DEP tipline when I called it moments later.

The authorities can't do anything about violations unless they are reported.

[The Patriot]

Alan,

What river did this occur on?

I ask because you said the limit was 5 fish.... if it was the Farmington, it's TWO!

[The Patriot]

Paddy,

I don't know who owns that land, but since that new lot has been paved, I don't think there is an issue about accessing the river. I have crossed that posted land many times, back before the new lot was there. There are also many ways to get to the river from that lot without crossing that "posted" land. Once you get on the water you're golden.

I'm also a bit confused as to where you saw the first "poacher". You mention the ice cream/mini golf. If they were fishing upstream of the RT 4 bridge in Unionville, that is open to catch and release fishing. If they were downstream of the RT 4 bridge in Unionville, that was closed until 6am this morning.

You said, "On the lower side of the miniature golf/ice cream place I noticed someone fishing." That sounds like they were downstream of the bridge, not upstream of the bridge.

[alan18lpl]

Little tiny Leadmine Brook.

I called the DEP 3 times last week. I am sick and tired of calling.

[The Patriot]

Don't give up! Keep calling! And if you don't think there's been a response, next time ask to speak to a supervisor. If that doesn't work, start writing letters.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease! If they have numerous reports of poaching at a location, they'll eventually have to increase their patrols and respond to those calls. And eventually someone will get caught and made an example of....

Keep the faith, brother, fight the good fight!

[paddy]

Fisherman Patriot:

I could not get up the bank fast enough and I had my son with me. He did take off like a bat out of he$$. The poacher was below the mini golf below the rt 4 bridge above the rt 177 bridge. I did call the tips line on Friday. Like you said better to call then not to call.

Patriot - thank you for feedback on the posted property just north of the rt 4 bridge.

I hope everyone had a good opening weekend.

Paddy..

[paul young]

Well, I Was Gently Chided Last Week For Suggesting De-airing A Tire, So How About Parking So As To Block Them In And Removing The Pos Terminal Battery Cable On Your Own Vehicle. When He Tries To Leave, You Just Say Your Car Won't Start.

When The Dep Arrives, Replace It And Move Your Vehicle Out Of The Way While He's Getting His Ticket.

And No, I'm Not Kidding.-paul

[The Patriot]

Paul,

I like the way you think...;)

You must really have a set ;), to be willing to risk taking someone on like that... I like that! :D

BTW, I didn't mean to "chide" you, gently or otherwise... I would just hate to see you or anyone else get arrested or otherwise get in trouble... you're a good guy, I don't want to see anything bad happen to you! :)