Help

[Searsontom]

I'm looking for some help here with a problem I ran into on the current just below Montauk. I had fished from the wire to the first cabin when a man came out and was asking about the regs on the river. I thought he was just making conversation but Suddenly he accused me of tipping (I assume that means putting dough bait on the hook). I was totally floored. He claimed a buddy of his saw me doing it about a month ago. My first thought was he had me confused with someone else but I'm a pretty big guy and assume there are not a lot of guys my size down there. That is my favorite stretch of river to fish and am just sick about the accusation. There was no convincing him otherwise. I fish there about 4 or 5 times a year. It definitely ruined my day and now anytime I go down there im going to be thinking about it. Is this a normal thing? Is there something I can do to fix it?

[Mitch f]

I would just ignore it and forget the guy. If you're innocent don't let it bother you! You're a lot nicer than me

[Gavin]

Don't let him ruin your day. Tell him to report you and fish on.

[2sheds]

Next time, continue the discussion that (like him) you are dedicated to following the fishing regulations including proper lures and limits. Show him the fly/lure you are using. Ask him what he likes to use. Show him that you do not have nature bait in you flybox. Offer him one of yours if you've got an extra that is working well. Agree with him that it is unacceptable for folks to abuse the regulations. Encourage him to report those who are not true sportsmen.

Build allies for our cause !

[ness]

Well, if the evidence is his friend saw you doing it a month ago, you're dealing with an irrational person. Even more reason not to let it affect your day.

[ozark trout fisher]

To me, it sounds like he was trying to scare you off the water in front of his property. This is nothing new, but it doesn't mean the guy has a leg to stand on.

Nothing you need to do. Ignore him and keep fishing, or if it's ruining your day, move on. There are plenty of folks out there that think owning a cabin means you own the river, and it's an issue that's become a real problem.