Watch out for the DFG guy.

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by bellcon

Gino
the DFG surveyors I have talked to in the past, have told me that they do NOT enforce any of the DFG regs.
One of them even told me that when doing a survey he came across 2 short halibut.
When he called in a warden and the warden reprimanded him.
The wardens point was that the surveyors are there strictly to survey.
And if they were to start trying to enforce the DFG regs. that the public would no longer volunteer to participate in the surveys.

Yep it is voluntary to participate in those surveys.
That's why they say... "can I ask you a few questions?"
I have only said no one time, and apologized because I was running late and didn't have time.

I figure be nice and helpful if you can... These guys and gals are most likely the next batch of DFG wardens, and someday may have a badge.

As far as the DFG goes, I respect them and comply when asked, just as I would with any peace officer.

Last thing we need is a few pin heads giving Kayakers a bad name.
I like it when they say, "I have never had a problem with the kayak fishing community"

I agree with Gino. A few years ago I was bottom fishing the 150 reef on my boat and caught my limit of rock fish. When I arrived at the launch (Davies) I was greeted by a young kid in DFG uniform asking the usual questions. I allowed him to board my boat and inspect my fillets while I fastened things down. According to what he said he found one of the fillets looked like that of a Canary Yellow Rock Fish http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/canary_id.pdf and starting asking me questions regarding fish skin color, special markings, fins, etc. He asked if he could keep it for further inspection, I agreed and we both moved on. He never gave me any indication that I was in any trouble. He was kind enough to walk to his car, pull out the current DFG regs handbook, show me what a Canary Yellow was and even gave me two books for me to keep. Had he been an actual officer I'm sure the outcome may have been different.