Typical Coastie Hassles!

[Lov2Fish]

As usual, on Tuesday's trip was boarded and searched by Coasties. It gets alittle crazy, you head out, time your tide and along comes the U S Coast Guard with nothing better to do than hassle fisherman. The thing that got me was they we in a very small inflatable that was way over loaded and if you look carefully in pic you will see it has a damaged air chamber. And thay are doing safety inspections??? maybe they should start with their own boat!! I'm sure I'll get some grief from this post, just sounding off.

[Bob Parsons]

Five people in an inflatible that size is far from being overloaded. My 17' CC is a small boat and it is rated for five adults and they would not have as much room as was availible in that inflatable.

[Frankie G]

If you have all of your safety gear, a typical inspection should take no more than 15 minutes tops. Once you are boarded and given the thumbs up, the receipt they give you gives you a pass for future safety check related boardings for the remainder of the season. Be polite, don't give them a reason to get in your grill and have all of your safety equipment.

[Perch]

These inflatables are extremely fast, provided by Homeland Security. One stopped me off Race Point last year. Three young, clean-cut Guardsmen boarded my 21-foot Contender. They couldn’t have been politer or more professional. Made me proud to be an American. One young man got a laugh out of me when he told me (quite seriously) that I could continue fly fishing. The whole check took under five minutes. They thanked me for “being safe” gave me a certificate that I can show to the next Coast Guard vessel that approaches me. It will likely result in just a wave and a “Have a Good Day.”

[paulj]

Last year I had the CG do a voluntary pre-inspection on my boat at the dock. If you pass, they give you a large sticker to put on the boat which says, basically, "I've already been inspected and I passed." It's unlikely you'll get boarded for an inspection if you have that sticker.

No hassle at all. It's a great way to check that you're up to snuff and safe.

[relocator]

At least they left us alone while we were hammering the stripers this past fall! Alright, now the important question- any fish?

[Lov2Fish]

Look under post of Almost Time I put latest report there!

http://reel-time.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67368

[itsmoderating]

As of last Saturday there were a mix of small & keeper bass to 18 lbs being caught in the back of both Jamacia Bay & Raritan Bay but you needed to work for them. Heard things broke open the last few days but mostly blues w/ a few bass in the mix
"Go get Them"

How was the fishing ???
ITS ;)

[Onshore]

Here's some grief and, it looks to be deserved, IMHO.

Just be thankful they are around. If you ever get in trouble at sea; you will want them to be there. An occasional boarding(and you can avoid it be getting a voluntary inspection and sticker}; is little price to pay for a safe day afloat.

[Perch]

Onshore: Finally we agree. Well said.

[Petrel]

I have been boarded several times when I ran my own boat down in NJ back in the 1990s. Mostly boarded in the fall by F&G checking for undersized stripers or illegal fish and mostly on my way back to port. Yes, it is a pain sometimes, but they have a job to do. I've politely thanked them for checking and wish them luck in catching those fishing illegally.

The CG only boarded me once while out at sea a few miles off. At first I was wondering why me, but just a routine and random boarding. I was by myself and had all my paperwork and emergency equipment was all up-to-date. They checked for drugs and beer. Again, I am glad they are doing their jobs and making sure I am safe and other boaters are safe. Yes, an inconvenience, but always ended with a nice smile and handshake and safe boating. Been checked a few times at the dock, too. It's part of the process I guess.

What I am saying is that I am perfectly happy they are out there doing their jobs to make sure everyone is following the rules and keeping everyone safe. I pay for my registration, insurance, etc. so I am 100% legit. I hope they catch those with improperly registered boats, etc.

Same goes for when I go hunting. I always have all my licenses and permits and don't mind being stopped entering or leaving the woods. The F&G guys (COs) are doing their jobs and catching those who hunt illegally. I'm glad all these parties are involved in making sure we all follow the rules and have the proper credentials...all of them...F&G, Coast Guard and Conservation Officers.