Geomike Loc: Forest Ranch, CA

I recently had a dispute with one of my neighbor friends about following the fishing regulations versus poaching. We had gone fishing a couple of times and only caught some dink trout so we released them. We went on one more trip together and caught many good size trout 12-16” on a nymph and indicator rig. I released all but one fish but my fishing buddy was keeping all of his fish and was soon over the legal limit. When we left the fishing spot he said “remember tell the game warden that some of these are yours so I don’t get a ticket”. I didn’t immediately say anything because he was driving and we were about 60 miles from home. (I don’t like hitchhiking)!

He came by about a week later and wanted me to fish with him again and I refused. He asked why and I told him that I didn’t want to fish with him because he didn’t follow regulations and asked me to lie to a game warden. He made several excuses about how Fish and Game sets unreasonable limits and that he didn’t believe anything they said. It was obvious that he hates being regulated. I replied that everything he said didn’t matter because the bottom line is that he broke the law and tried to make me an accomplice. He then stormed off mumbling and hasn’t spoken or even looked at me since.

My father raised me to follow the fishing regulations, release small fish and to be courteous to wardens and other fisherman. I had a similar experience with a friend when I was a kid. My father told me “well if he doesn’t follow the rules then don’t fish with him anymore”. I also believe that wildlife management is necessary especially these days when there are many more hunters and fisherman competing for the resources.

What is your opinion?

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

You did the right thing IMO. Rules are meant to be followed. If you don't like them try and change them.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

MHO, I haven't kept a trout is sixty years nor have I fished with anyone who has kept a trout in sixth years. I would have made that clear before we started fishing. I have done some guiding, and that is the first thing i tell them. It is not a problem.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Hey buddy, you did the right thing.
I probly wouldn't have said anything at the time either for the same reason.
However, when the time came for y'all to go together again you made it clear that you have higher standards than him.
Good for you for standing up and tellin him so.

EasternOZ Loc: Kansas City Metro

Your Father knows best.

Whitebass Loc: Wanatah indiana

I take my hat off to to you. So many people now days value friendship over their morals and ethics. You sir did the honorable and correct thing. You did not compromise your morals or ethics.

Whitebass Loc: Wanatah indiana

I take my hat off to to you. So many people now days value friendship over their morals and ethics. You sir did the honorable and correct thing. You did not compromise your morals or ethics.

teabag09 Loc: Chesapeake, Virginia

Right the heck on, you the MAN! Mike

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Mike you did exactly the right thing. As Saw said,I probably wouldn't have brought it up the first time either,for the same reason (long way from home). I believe fisheries management sets up regulations to the best of their ability. They can't know how much is poached,or released with mortal injuries, so the results are not always 100% as planned. I have worked with a guy for 30yrs, who is like your buddy. Once I found out his habits,I won't fish with him, and advise other,honest fisherman not to either. We have a T.I.P. program in CT, that pays rewards to Turn In Poachers. As far as I'm concerned, poachers steal from you and me. The undersized, or over bag limit fish, won't be there tomorrow, or next season, for you or your family to catch and enjoy.Nothing but a COMMON THIEF!

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Totally agree. Do the right thing.
Honesty is not the BEST policy;
It’s the ONLY policy. Lombardi

bric Loc: Helena, MT

Yeah right on, Mike. We have a TIP Montana program too, Fred. We as sportsman are true conservationists, our license fees etc contribute greatly to fish and wildlife management. Without the regs and bag limit s we wouldn’t have the fish and game we have today. And it’s our responsibility to help ensure that for others and the next generation.

Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

Mike, I think most fisher folk would agree with you. And isn't it an interesting comment on human nature that rather than apologize and acknowledge his mistake he was embarrassed and reacted with anger.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

IDK if he was embarrassed or insulted. Thinking he's not done anything wrong. Such a shame.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I agree with all of you that the regulations serve a purpose and we should obey the law. But I'll play devil's advocate here. If you and I are fishing in California we are each allowed to take 5 trout. If you catch 5 and I catch 5, we've obeyed the letter of the law. What if you catch 10 and I don't catch any? We've still just taken a total of 10 fish, which we're allowed to do. Does it really matter which of us caught them? The purpose of the regulation is still served. I'm still on Mike's side here, but it is something to think about. Isn't it?

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

If we wanted/needed to take the fish home to eat AND I was havin trouble catchin my fish, I could see it.
Had the friend even asked if he could catch some for him so he would have more for the freezer I could see it, MAYBE.
But to not even ask and then TELL him that the extra fish were to be claimed by him if a game warden stopped them ain't cool at all.