Breaking The Law

[hambone80]

We've had dozens of discussions about c/r vs c/eat. There are always going to be differing views on the subject, whether it's bass, trout or walleye- yes even walleye. People are passionate on both sides... both sides are within the law and both have every right to do as they wish (without ridicule, I might add). You can discuss it but be respectful.

As far as enforcement- agents can't be everywhere all the time. Greene County has 2 agents(?) and even if they get a call on a violation, depending on where they are and if they are on duty, they may not be able to check out each report.

I would say below the dam is considered James River and keeping bass would be illegal until opening day. These no mention in the regs about a special area below a dam which would be considered part of the impoundment above the dam.

I know it sounded like I was angry that he was keeping the bass for dinner, and I am. The thing I was ranting about was breaking the law. The regs there state it and when I called the MDC they confirmed. Yeah, I kinda knew the agent wasn't going to do anything because the MDC gave me their personal number and said you'll probably have to leave a message. If people want to eat any kind of a fish, so be it. I like my fish too. Of course, when you're in the wrong in keeping the fish then you're in the wrong. Sorry some of you thought that I was bashing people who keep bass. I have relatives who keep whatever they catch, so long as the fish are legal. Sure, I don't like eating or keeping the bass I catch, but that's my opinion and not disrespect!

[Dutch]

Me thinks that you guys need to get out more. There is a blatant reguard for regs. out there no matter where you wonder.

[Wayne SW/MO]

It was illegal, and I don't blame you for telling him so. You can at least hope he saw you on the phone and will think twice before doing it again.

[zander]

If you go up to the Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina there is the park officer there named Justin. If you ever see something like that again, you might want to give him a call as he's usually around.

[RSBreth]

These days I take pictures of the people doing whatever the infraction is, their license plates or boat registration, and send that to MDC. I try not to confront people directly because I tend to get, uh, riled up.

[Trav]

Reg Enforcement is a joke in this state. I actually had to make an appointment a week in advance to get a motor inspected and that only got done then because they were here to baby-sit one of Phils tourneys. The Master one I think. I actually told that agent that I hadnt seen a DNR or Water Patrol boat in over 5 years on this end of the lake and he said flat out, that they dont go below Branson unless there was an issue, and he added that Taney in general dont have any routine patrols at all other than the occassional weekend or holiday. Its nuts.

So if you wanted to fish without a license, in an unregistered boat, keep illegal fish, steal all the ropes off everyones Anchors(dont laugh, someone stole the rope off my anchor Wedsnesday), drink beer on private docks and leave litter all over the place, then Lower Taney is the place to do it. I am thinking about getting a pair of RottWeilers and train them to eat tourists myself.

As far as the C&R debate, EAT FARM FRESH TROUT! Let those Bass stay home.

[Al Agnew]

The guy was apparently illegal. Maybe the best thing you can do is back off to where he can't easily come and get you, but can still see you, and try to make sure he sees you making the phone call. Another thing I've done when I see somebody actually catch an illegal fish, or if I see them with illegal fish on a stringer that I think will survive if released, is first tell them in a friendly manner that it's illegal to keep those fish, and then tell them conspiratorially that I just saw the "game warden" upstream or at the nearest access, heading this way. The majority of the time, they then release the fish, although I've had a couple of people just start looking for a good way to hide them.

Nothing inherently wrong about killing and eating legal bass, but the fishery would probably be better if everybody kept smaller ones and released the big ones. I really like eating 12-14 inch bass, but when they get bigger than that the taste goes downhill fast. I don't keep smallmouths because in a lot of the waters I fish they need all the help they can get. But I eat spotted bass from the streams where they are a problem (if they aren't too wormy) and I eat a LOT of largemouths out of a couple of private lakes where they need to be thinned. But I won't keep anything over 13 inches or so.

[Trav]

right on Al

But you still cant beat those farm raised fish-tank trout! Good eats!

[ozarkgunner]

right on Al

But you still cant beat those farm raised fish-tank trout! Good eats!

Most people don't think of calling 911 for game violations, but the dispatch is linked to MDC. If you would call 911 for a rear ender I would call them for someone who is breaking the game laws. Trust me they will send someone quicker then the gamethief number. Don't be scared to call them, it's what it's there for. If a medical or something comes in they will put you on hold.

[crappiefisherman]

Hey , anyone want a chunk of rope, I got one cheap.It appears to only have been used on sundays.