What, the rules don't apply to the fish cops?

[Band]

I made my annual pilgrimage to Lake Wilderness with a few hundred of my closest friends for the fish opener this morning and found that, as usual, the fish cops were there in a big boat checking that all boats had life vests on board.  Out of more than 100 watercraft they were the only one with a gas motor (2 of them, actually) and they were using one of them to run up and down the lake all morning.  The problem is that Lake Wilderness does not allow gas motors.

I can see using the gas motor if they need to chase someone down but otherwise they should be on an electric motor or oars.  What gives?

[Elkaholic daWg]

probably no more than the cell phone or distracted driver laws apply to traffic cops

[buckfvr]

By being on the big motor, it will allow them to write 3 times the citations they may otherwise not have gotten to on an electric..................

Do as they say, not as they do..................

[IBspoiled]

It must not be hunting season because, people start complaning about every little thing that wdfw does.  Really

[SCRUBS]

Of course not, they are part of the elite ruling class...

[jackelope]

Did you question them or anyone at WDFW for an explanation?  I think a note should be sent to WDFW for an explanation.

Griping about it on here does nothing except furthers the negative attitude that the whole forum has this time of year.  Way too much complaining about virtually everything lately.

[jackelope]

I emailed WDFW to find out what the heck.
Will report back.

[washelkhunter]

Did you call them out on that whilst they were checking you out?

[jackelope]

I emailed WDFW to find out what the heck.
Will report back.

I was just informed that was not a WDFW boat at all. Looks like it was a King County Sheriff Dive Team boat.

Apparently you were misinformed about that boat being a WDFW boat.  In fact, it was the King County Sheriff’s Department dive team boat.  Since that no motor restriction is a King County ordinance, you’re going to have to take that up with them.
 
   Sergeant
Kim Chandler

[Band]

I emailed WDFW to find out what the heck.
Will report back.

I was just informed that was not a WDFW boat at all. Looks like it was a King County Sheriff Dive Team boat.

Apparently you were misinformed about that boat being a WDFW boat.  In fact, it was the King County Sheriff’s Department dive team boat.  Since that no motor restriction is a King County ordinance, you’re going to have to take that up with them.
 
   Sergeant
Kim Chandler

Thanks for checking.  I can tell you that this boat is doing the same thing opening day at that lake every year.  The fact that they aren't WDFW explains why they never seem to check fishing licenses.  They catch a lot of people without life jackets but I haven't seen them hand out any citations, only verbal warnings.

In years past they have exclusively used their oars in this boat.  This year they were on the motor every time I saw them, and I'm not sure the usual set of guys were in the boat today.  In my opinion they have a lot to learn about setting an example.

They didn't approach me, probably because they could see from a distance that I was in compliance.  I thought about yelling over to them but I decided not to because too many cops find ways to hassle people who might do such a thing.  Next time I'll speak out even if they don't approach me.

[ICEMAN]

Never met a cop that wasn't bad and looking to hassle and bust folks huh? This attitude is a bit disappointing.

If someone drown in the lake...

When cops are performing normal everyday job tasks, they stop people, write tickets, etc...all designed to save lives. This is their job.

[Happy Gilmore]

I'd hope if my boat sank, a friend had a medical emergency they'd show up with a gas motor not an electric. 

[MtnMuley]

Good report band and good follow up, jack. Good thing I wasn't on that lake or it definitely would have gotten outta hand. Idiots without valid reason really piss me off these days.

[ICEMAN]

What would you have done to LEO's performing their job? LEOs drive over the speed limit to catch violators, carry guns into banks, bars, etc.... They have a whole bunch of extra's they can do that you can't. Is this what is bugging you? Not sure I get your anger...

[jackelope]

I emailed WDFW to find out what the heck.
Will report back.

I was just informed that was not a WDFW boat at all. Looks like it was a King County Sheriff Dive Team boat.

Apparently you were misinformed about that boat being a WDFW boat.  In fact, it was the King County Sheriff’s Department dive team boat.  Since that no motor restriction is a King County ordinance, you’re going to have to take that up with them.
 
   Sergeant
Kim Chandler

Thanks for checking.  I can tell you that this boat is doing the same thing opening day at that lake every year.  The fact that they aren't WDFW explains why they never seem to check fishing licenses.  They catch a lot of people without life jackets but I haven't seen them hand out any citations, only verbal warnings.

In years past they have exclusively used their oars in this boat.  This year they were on the motor every time I saw them, and I'm not sure the usual set of guys were in the boat today.  In my opinion they have a lot to learn about setting an example.

They didn't approach me, probably because they could see from a distance that I was in compliance.  I thought about yelling over to them but I decided not to because too many cops find ways to hassle people who might do such a thing.  Next time I'll speak out even if they don't approach me.

Probably would have not had any issues if you didn't feel the need to "yell" over to them. A polite question goes a long ways these days. Just sayin...nice gets you nice. P.S. They're totally able to check fishing licenses.

I asked Sgt. Chandler if the KC Sheriff can check licenses...

Yes, they can and do check licenses all the time as well as doing vessel safety checks…..PFD’s & other equipment requirements.

 


   Sergeant

Kim Chandler