| Author | Message | ||
| Charlietuna
Senior Member Username: Charlietuna Post Number: 864 Registered: 7-2000 |
The Fenwick beach access this weekend was full of nothing but bathers and beach partiers. Conservatively, I'd say that one out of ten vehicles was using the beach for fishing, and on a per capita basis, maybe one in fifty people were fishing. It was wall to wall vehicles, music blaring, partying, kites flying, kids in the water rafting, screaming. There are acouple fundamental problems with all this. 1) There is too much development "off the beach" that leaves these people no choice but to get a 4X4 and access the beach in this manner, and 2) the bigger problem: lack of enforcement relative to 4X4s on the beach actively fishing. I wouldn't complain unless I can think of some solutions: 1) We need summer "temporary enforcement officers", like the people employed to check for beach tags in NJ. This would be at a minimum of state cost absorbed by the annual permit revenues, the job being to check up and down the beach, on foot or those little 4x4 recreational motorcycle thingies, to make sure there are lines in the water with bait on them and someone from the vehicles paying attention. 2) At the beginning of next season, tags should be carefully sold, with each one sold being supplied a NEW, ENFORCABLE RULES CODE that includes reasons for violations and fines being administered. These rules will be the basis for the temporary "enforcement officers" to issue citations and hopefully, revocation of access permits. 3) Each beach needs to have a limitation of access policy, whereas only a certain number of vehicles are allowed on the beach at any given time. Serious fishing people have no problem getting there early, as opposed to the looneys that show up at 1:00 pm, still nursing hangovers, and subscribing to "hair of the dog" remedies. 4) Draconian as this may sound, the stickers ought to be given out first to residents of Delaware, then to others, until a certain number is reached. That is not to say only Delawarians, because if you are a PA person, for example, who owns or rents beach property in Delaware, or who has a boat slipped (that qualifies as a residence) in Delaware, then that person is included. Then, if this policy is enforced, I'd say the State could issue "temporary" access passes, like 3 day and one week passes for a fee that anyone, regardless of their residence or circumstance, can buy to surf fish. If, for example, you kept a camper at the Overlord's South Side and wanted a 4x4 permit, you could get one discounted for that period because you are already accessing the park system. BUT the limitation to numbers accessing the beach would still apply regardless of pass type. I am going to start my campaign with the state to DO SOMETHING about this weekend BS. At least, the number that access the beach ought to be restricted, just like AI. It works there, it also promotes a healthier beach, and I'd bet the influential homeowners who watch the weekend carnival on front of their million dollar waterfronts would love to see some sane fishing over the beach blanket bingo BS. | ||
| Beachman
Junior Member Username: Beachman Post Number: 64 Registered: 11-2000 |
CT, Have complained about this many of times to no avail. It is really upsetting when the rangers are out there and do nothing about it. My son questioned a ranger one time and was told that he did not have time to check everyone. Hello, what is your job? I do not feel the state will do anything to alleviate this problem. This is the main reason I only surf fish early morning (6 to 10 am) or late afternoon till evening(4 till dark. Good luck! | ||
| Frankster
Member Username: Frankster Post Number: 122 Registered: 7-2000 |
C.T. If you lobby, one suggestion would be to include denial of future permits to repeat offenders. I.e. you get caught out of compliance, x number of times, and that vehicle can not be granted a permit next year. The worst weekend of the year is the 4th for the non-fishing trucks. | ||
| Beachnut
New member Username: Beachnut Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2002 |
Agree with you here too, CT. When I started hitting the beaches in the 80's, a distance of 30 or so yards between trucks on the weekends was crowded. I believe many of the rangers don't want to get involved with drunk young dudes that could cause a really tough situation. It's easier to just drive right by and not even look. The fact that you can drive on the beaches in DE for $50 or $100 is probably what appeals to many of the summer weekenders. Easier to haul all your junk, kids, etc. out there. Last year, a couple parked within four feet of my Bronco. After a few hours and some beer, the clown's wife starts giving me a hard time about my dog laying on her blanket. Move the d@#* thing - or better yet - move your whole rig. I wish there was a good solution to this problem, but I don't see one. Sorry to hear this weekend will be the worst of the year - I'll be down and I haven't been for about five or six weeks. Any of the bait shops sell blinders? | ||
| Iceismeltin
Advanced Member Username: Iceismeltin Post Number: 236 Registered: 10-2001 |
I used to be a Ranger at Cape for about 5 seasons. Then I was actively involved in DMS. As a very avid surf-fisherman, I have voiced these exact "concerns" repeatedly!! As a Ranger, I did my job!!, until the State took away enforcement powers from Seasonal Rangers. This leaves, MAYBE, 2 full time Rangers in any given beach park at one time. We can piss and moan on this board all we want, but until we get into the political spectrum with our concerns, we are beating a dead fish!! If you know the park system, you realize that ALL park monies go for ALL parks. That means that the 50 or 100 dollars that you spend on your surf tag may go directly into building a new swimming pool in a park in Newark, or a water slide in Dover. I say may, heck, IT DID!!!! If you don't believe me, do some homework!! I worked there long enough to watch that place take in more cars in one day to support a small militant army in South America, but how long did it take to pave the roads at Cape?? Way too long!! They were busy spending it on northern parks in need!! I could go for hours on the beach enforcement issues, but I need my fingers tommorrow...It's up to us to raise the stink fellas...squeaky wheel gets the grease!! Mikey | ||
| Iceismeltin
Advanced Member Username: Iceismeltin Post Number: 237 Registered: 10-2001 |
By the way, the parks fix to legitamate surf fisherman's gripes...."Ok boys, sit at the crossings and pull over every "surf fisherman" coming off that beach, and check for DUI". Please do not doubt me on this!! There are way more "weekend warriors" that are not fishing, buying those tags, than there are of us!! | ||
| Iceismeltin
Advanced Member Username: Iceismeltin Post Number: 238 Registered: 10-2001 |
Another note: We all go to work to make more money every day! Do not think for one second that the State is going to give up any of that easy money! It's too damn easy!! "Sell the tag, tell them the rules, and don't enforce them" .. so they will come buy another tag next year!! This is not an easy battle my friends..I have attempted it!! Perhaps, as an employee of DNREC (although another "division"), Mr. Lesser might have an opinion on this matter!! Mikey <<waiting with bells on to here a great political solution/answer!! | ||
| Roughneck
New member Username: Roughneck Post Number: 41 Registered: 5-2001 |
CT, LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THAT I PROBABLY FISH MORE THAN 99% OF THE GUYS ON THIS BOARD, AND I TAKE MY FISHING VERY SERIOUS!! THOUGH MOST OF MY FISHING IS DONE BY BOAT, I DO SURF FISH ON OCCASION, MOSTLY IN THE LATE FALL (WHEN I'M NOT IN THE WOODS, AND MOST YOU GUYS ARE SITTING AROUND THE HOUSE TRYING TO STAY WARM). MY FAMILY HAS LIVED IN SUSSEX (WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF BEACH) FOR MANY GENERATIONS, AND IF I WANT TO DRIVE ON THE BEACH AND SPEND SOME TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE HASSLED BY THE RANGERS BECAUSE I'M NOT ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN FISHING!! WHEN THE WEEKENDS COME AROUND DURING JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, I DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT TAKING THE BOAT OUT. I DO ALL OF MY FISHING DURING THE WEEK JUST TO AVOID ALL THE TOURIST ON THE WEEKENDS. THEREFORE I SPEND TIME ON THE BEACH WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND DON'T REALLY BOTHER FISHING ON THE WEEKENDS. IF YOU ARE AS SERIOUS AS YOU SAY YOU ARE YOU SHOULD JUST FISH THE EARLY MORNINGS AND LATE EVENINGS AND AVOID THE PARTY CROWD!! AS FAR AS ASSATEAGUE LIMITING THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES ALLOWED ON THE BEACH, THEY DON'T EVEN REQUIRE THAT YOU HAVE A FISHING POLE MUCH LESS BE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN FISHING (MAYBE WITH ALL YOUR CRYING THIS IS WHAT DNREC WILL DO). "TEMPORARY PASSES" HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!!!! LATELY ALL THIS BOARD HAS BEEN IS A BUNCH OF PEOPLE CRYING THE BLUES. REAL FISHERMEN GET OUT THERE AND FISH. LIKE THE SAYING SAYS "SHUT-UP AND FISH" | ||
| Seablast
New member Username: Seablast Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2002 |
I have to agree with Roughneck. I fish a lot. I surf fish less than from a boat or jetty (Usually just in the fall)but I do take my family to the beach on the drive over beach durong teh summer. Yes we do put a line in the water but do i actively fish that line, NO. I am trying to get away from all of the out of towners that have come to take over my beach. Does someone else have more of a right to be on the beach than me. I don't think so. I live here and have lived in sussex county within 5 miles of the beach my entire life. My taxes pay to maintain these state parks. I pay the yearly fee. And darn it I just want to enjoy what is in my back yard. I don't see where there is any thing wrong with that. Maybe someone can explain it to me. I also like to surf. In order to surf during the summer,m I have to go to northside or wait until after 5:00 or before 10:00 to surf on a guarded beach. My suggestion is to let surffisherman use 3R's during the day and otherwise fish before 10:00 and after 5:00. That seems like it would solve your problems. I could go on and on about the dumb shet that I have seen surffisherman do over the years and why they are a danger to the beach goers but i think you all know that. Yes that is the few. But, hopefully you get my point. there are always going to be a few who cause problems. There will be more during teh tourist season. So if you don't like it don't go during the summer. I think RN put it perfectly. Shut up and fish | ||
| Billyg
New member Username: Billyg Post Number: 29 Registered: 3-2001 |
CT, we carefull what you wish for, limited access- forget it, I surf fish 5 days a week, love the spring and fall, Fenwick is most likly the worst place, try to stay clear of it. Mostly have always found a place where I can be almost by my self, even if it is not the place I want to be, after all it is only for 3 months and the fishing is pretty bad at those times. Maybe if they raised the fee to $100 and $200 it would help, Not really | ||
| Mrbreeze
Member Username: Mrbreeze Post Number: 129 Registered: 1-2002 |
Guys,,I'am not taking any sides or trying to start an arguement, but think of this. People crowding onto your beaches is no different then when you & your buds haul down to Chincoteague & fish for flounder, or down in the Chesapeake. I'll bet theres a forum like this in Va.,talking about "them northerners invading the south".They never forget..Its give & take!! Good luck to all......Jim | ||
| Seablast
New member Username: Seablast Post Number: 10 Registered: 6-2002 |
MR You are correct. But I am very respectful when I go other places. I don't tell the people that what they are doing is wrong and they need regulations. I don't complain. I am happy to go to VA where they let the rec fishers have a fair shot. I figure if i don't like something in VA then I dont have to go. The problem is that people come down here and think I don't like something so lets change it. Who cares about the people who live here and have done this for a while. Lets change things to me MY needs. I do try to think of others. I realize that the world doesn't revolve around me. | ||
| Striperswiper1
Senior Member Username: Striperswiper1 Post Number: 1083 Registered: 7-2000 |
Roughneck, your opinions are well taken on the beach tags and access, but the rest is pretty COCKY for some of the company your keeping with on the board. Mark J | ||
| Mrbreeze
Member Username: Mrbreeze Post Number: 131 Registered: 1-2002 |
Seablast, I think you just cured the entire problem & many more--RESPECT !! If more people had it....Well, you know the rest....GOOD FISHING TO ALL!!..Jim | ||
| Mrbreeze
Member Username: Mrbreeze Post Number: 132 Registered: 1-2002 |
PS...Again,I'am not taking any side--you talk of changing things- that can be a good thing! I'am sure its very frustrating to put up with people like me crowding you--I just want a small slice of the pie !!..RN wrote about being hassled by the rangers for not being activly engaged in fishing..Just because your a resident of the state, (me,you,any state),does not give us that right to break a law that we don't like-- come on! Get the law changed. I'am lucky (for me anyway) that I have my time off midweek to do my thing. I couldn't putup with me on the weekends either!! I promise I'll be quiet when I leave!! Hey,lets go fishing--see you @ B buoy....Jim | ||
| Gofish
New member Username: Gofish Post Number: 20 Registered: 5-2002 |
Roughneck, I respect most or what you wrote! The first paragraph sounds to me like you have a little bit of an EGO problem or you just got out of the wrong side of the bed. You come across like an A?@%*>" when you insult 99% of the board members. I hope you can fish as good as you think you can, we can all learn a great deal from you ! Hope to see you in late fall when it gets cold, it is a great time to fish. | ||
| Frankster
Member Username: Frankster Post Number: 123 Registered: 7-2000 |
First of all, if RN, or anyone doesn't like what their TV, Radio, this Computer is talking about, Change the channel, don't tell people to shut up. You don't have the right for that. We respect your right to state your piece of mind, and I certainly don't deserve to be told to shut up when I express mine. Secondly, no one, whether local, tourist, President of US, etc. has a birthright to do as they please and violate this permit or any other law. The permit is for access to the beach to surf fish. So anyone who drives out with no poles, etc. is in violation of the permit, and should be hassled. Now, to be honest, most of this doesn't matter. The times the beach is crowded with parties, is when you're not going to catch any fish anyway. When the fishing is good at night in summer, and all during Spring/Fall the beach is clear. Families are good. Spending time with Loved ones on the beach is, and should be available to everyone, DE resident, Tourist, etc. However, there are designated areas for different types of recreation. If common sense is used, then blending them is ok, if not, it causes problems. I'm not going to drive my truck out and surf fish on Bethany Beach 7/4 right under the boardwalk clock at high noon. I also don't expect a truck to come out to 3R's, make 5 trips to go get 35 people and never put a pole in the water. I'll modify the statement to: Just State your opinion, respect each other and the earth, and GO FISH. | ||
| Iceismeltin
Advanced Member Username: Iceismeltin Post Number: 239 Registered: 10-2001 |
The magic word has been said: RESPECT!! I do my share of partyin' and hangin' with friends on the beach...but I don't infringe on others. It burns me when we get to the beach at 6am at high tide and park 2 or 3 campers right at the birdnessting fence just to have a bunch of idiots show up at 1pm when the tide is lower, and park between us and the water right under our lines!! They usually say there is no other room...well that will happen when you show up that late. Or how about when your sitting in a chair enjoying a sandwhich and the black lab from four trucks down comes up all cute and playful, then takes a dump 2 ft. in front of you. Bet that wouldn't happen if he was on a leash like the huge signs say. The best is when people walk up and read the no entry signs for the nesting areas. Then you watch them talk it over....usually one of them is saying something like, "oh that sign must mean everybody but us, that whole stretch of desserted beach must be ours". Then they step over the strings and keep going. Then when you try to tell them, they usually let you know that your number one with a different finger. I don't really think anyone here is crying...more like asking others to go by the rules like most of us try...so it doesn't get ruined for all. Mikey | ||
| Duckman
New member Username: Duckman Post Number: 16 Registered: 6-2002 |
How would a lottery system or first come first serve system for beach access be any friggin different than what the local state and federal refuges do for hunting. If you're skeered, say your skeered. | ||
| Roughneck
New member Username: Roughneck Post Number: 42 Registered: 5-2001 |
SS1, "COCKY" YOU KNOW IT!!!! GOFISH, AS FAR AS UNSULTING 99% OF THE BOARD , THATS NOT HOW IT WAS MENT TO BE TAKEN. I WAS JUST STATING HOW SERIOUS I TAKE MY FISHING (AND I DO TAKE IT VERY SERIOUS) AND THAT SOMETIMES I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE ON THE BEACH AND ENJOY TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WITHOUT HAVING TO BE "ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN FISHING". I'M NOT TYRING TO BREAK ANY LAWS , BUT FEEL LIKE I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DRIVE ON THE BEACH AND JUST PUT A LINE IN THE WATER AND NOT HAVE TO BE WORRIED ABOUT BEING "ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN FISHING". I AGREE SOME PEOPLE ABUSE THIS AND MAKE IT BAD FOR US ALL. BUT WHEN THE RANGERS START MAKING PEOPLE REEL IN THEIR LINES, CHECKING FOR BAIT, I THINK THIS IS GETTING A LITTLE CARRIED AWAY. WE ALL KNOW SUMMERTIME SURFFISHING REALLY $UCK$ BUT JUST PUT UP WITH IT FOR THREE MONTHS AND WHEN SEPTEMBER ROLLS AROUND WE CAN HAVE THE BEACH ALL TO OURSELVES. FRANKSTER, I AGREE THE BEACH SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE , BUT ITS LIKE SEABLAST SAID I'VE LIVED HERE ALL MY LIFE AND I DON'T THINK ITS PROPER FOR SOMEBODY TO COME DOWN HERE AND TRY TO CHANGE THINGS BECAUSE THEY DON'T LIKE HOW THINGS ARE. RESPECTFULLY, ONE COCKY A?@%*>" WITH AN EGO PROBLEM | ||
| Skeeterbait
New member Username: Skeeterbait Post Number: 34 Registered: 6-2001 |
Once saw a jeep pull up with a bunch of gals in it who looked like they were there for a sorority reunion or something. I'm talking makeup, jewlery, the whole 9 yds. Anyway the one gal pulls out a rod and tosses about a 6oz sinker into the surf - no hook and sets up shop. They didn't catch many fish that afternoon but the view was nice from where I sat. | ||
| Snapper
New member Username: Snapper Post Number: 45 Registered: 10-2000 |
Wow! I love a good debate. I'll put in my 2 cents. I've tried the letters to DNREC, talking to representatives, etc. None of it has worked so far. My idea was "share". Designate certain beaches or sections of beaches for recreational bull only and other sections as fishing only. Charge more for recreational only tag so that DE can make big bucks off out of staters who use our beaches for other than fishing. Then use all of that money to improve all the beaches for tourism and fishing. It sounded workable to me, but what do I know? | ||
| Warden
Intermediate Member Username: Warden Post Number: 173 Registered: 8-2000 |
Snapper....I didn't know that only out-of-staters used the beaches for other than fishing!!! Imagine that! Skeeter, I had the same thing happen a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure what the relationship was there, but all five girls improved the view. The leader got out with a boat rod, sort of threw the line in the wash and that ended the fishing. The only thing I didn't like was their music. As far as I'm concerned, the only music that should be on the beach is the sound of the gulls and the waves. An exception could be made for a little soft mood music while you and your lady sip champagne on a cool, moonlit night but other than that....leave your boom box at home! | ||
| Tarpon1
New member Username: Tarpon1 Post Number: 50 Registered: 4-2001 |
There are as many from De as other states. I am from Pa and I agree that there is too much other stuff going on in an area designed for fishing. I do fish as much as many and there are times that I know not to go to certain beaches but can go to others. I use Power Pro on my rods and it worroies me some bather is going to get cut. I was on the beach the other day and someone had dug a hole in the area above the high tide line. That will wake you up quick. | ||
| Captbob
Advanced Member Username: Captbob Post Number: 205 Registered: 8-2000 |
Well, as a member of the enforcement fraternity, I completely aggree with Iceismelton. He sumed all up when he said you got to get into politics to get anything done. Where I work all it takes is a phone call or newspaper article and everything changes to keep the public happy. The bosses will never admit it but thats the way it all works. Good luck men, Bob | ||
| Onebluelew
Member Username: Onebluelew Post Number: 131 Registered: 8-2000 |
I agree with roughneck. Who's right is it to decide who should or shouldn't be allowed to use the beach or not. We all paid the 50 or 100 dollars. If there is a problem just fish during the weekdays. Just like with the sussex coalition against dev. Most of these people were from pa or D.C. and now they have moved in they want to shut the doors. Who says we wanted them here and now they want to dictate policy. The areas growing and only going to get worse. Just my 2 cents. | ||
| Roughneck
New member Username: Roughneck Post Number: 45 Registered: 5-2001 |
Onebluelew, THATS THE POINT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET ACROSS. IT REMINDS ME OF THE OTHER DAY, I WENT TO ONE OF MY "HONEY HOLES" TO CATCH SOME SPOT. WHEN I GOT THERE THIS OLDER GENTLEMAN WAS THERE CATCHING SPOT. I COULD TELL HE DIDN'T LIKE ME BEING THERE. THE FIRST WORDS FROM HIS MOUTH WERE "WHO ARE YOU CATCHING THEM FOR" I TOLD HIM I WAS CATCHING THEM FOR MYSELF, THEN "WELL WHO TOLD YOU ABOUT THIS AREA" AND HE PROCEEDED TO TELL ME ABOUT HOW EVERYONE WAS MOVING IN ON HIM. WHEN I TOLD HIM I HAD BEEN CATCHING SPOT THERE FOR 4 OR 5 YEARS YOU COULD TELL IT BOTHERED HIM. AFTER SOME CONVERSATION WITH HIS WIFE I FOUND OUT THEY JUST RECENTLY MOVED HERE FROM PA. AND HAD JUST LEARNED ABOUT THIS AREA. TO TOP IT ALL OFF HE WAS SELLING THEM TO ONE OF THE TACKLE SHOPS. | ||
| Pounder
Junior Member Username: Pounder Post Number: 87 Registered: 2-2001 |
Yeah, why should we have to obey any of the laws if we dont like them? sheeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssh | ||
| Tarpon1
Junior Member Username: Tarpon1 Post Number: 51 Registered: 4-2001 |
I guess "your honey hole" is not an exclusive honey hole anymore . | ||
| Mdcrabs
Senior Member Username: Mdcrabs Post Number: 254 Registered: 7-2000 |
This is a classic thread, so I will join in. This is an age old debate. The bottom line is this. Some politicians decided that public access by vehicle would be permitted on the beach if and only if they were fishing. Fair enough. What is fishing? I like the fact that these "tourists" are not activelty fishing. It improves my chances. When they are dumb and rude, like IceSmeltin puts it so strongly, you need to personally address them. If I am there before them, I will get the preferred spot where there is a nice cut in the beach. They can fil in around me. If they or their kids swim in my "zone", I will kindly let them know. I have yet to meet a beach lover who is disrespectful of my space. I don't let their presence bother me. As I near in on four kids, two in car seats, I appreciate the convenience and benefit of being a four wheel drive owner with a love for fishing. I get access to the beach, I can teach the kids about fishing, and flying kites, and digging holes, and finding sand crabs, whenever and where ever. IF a fish happens to bite, excellent. If not, oh well, I promise to stay out of your way. And if one of my kids strays into your zone, which I doubt will happen, kindly let them know you are fishing there, and I am sure it won't happen again. | ||
| Gosh
Junior Member Username: Gosh Post Number: 60 Registered: 9-1999 |
Well put Mdcrabs! That is the best response I have read yet to this thread! | ||
| Snoshuz
New member Username: Snoshuz Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2002 |
Seems like the more alcohol is consumed, the respect and parental control seem to fade. Last year I almost hit a child, riding waves north of navy crossing, with a 5 oz. weight when casting out. I was told to be more careful when I cast out? | ||
| Jay_little
Moderator Username: Jay_little Post Number: 101 Registered: 6-2002 |
Good Discussion!!!! Many valid points of view with mutual respect. The beach is changing so much and so fast that I thought that a view from 1938 to 1997 would be food for thought.... Thank you Dr. Mackenzie of the U of Del..... http://www.udel.edu/FREC/spatlab/oldpix/geomovies/bethss.swf | ||
| Tomr
Member Username: Tomr Post Number: 132 Registered: 7-2000 |
I side with those saying the laws should be obeyed. A lot of beach areas have many swimmers which precludes fishing. Setting aside areas for fishing only seems fair. With all the SUV's out there soon fishing wouldn't be allowed in the ORV areas, because they are getting in the way of others. Either enforce the fishing only rule or get rid of it. Why preclude those who feel they should follow fishing only regulations. You are punishing those that think they should follow the regulations. I was talking to my wife's cousin today who just likes to drive his SUV on the beach and sit down and drink with his buddies. He also doesn't like to have to carry all the beach stuff when he brings his family. He said one of the guys he hangs out with states he hasn't changed his bait in 5 years. Maybe we should have SUV access areas that are just available to swimmers and partying. | ||
| Mdcrabs
Senior Member Username: Mdcrabs Post Number: 255 Registered: 7-2000 |
Maybe the rule should be "actively engaged in [b]hardcore[/b] fishing". Then there would be no doubt. | ||
| Hatterwayne
Senior Member Username: Hatterwayne Post Number: 319 Registered: 4-2000 |
What a weekend! . . . people, traffic, people, traffic! . . .whew! :-( . . . anyway here’s some food for thought, The bottom line here is that the "actively engaged in fishing" requirement is a badly written prerequisite at best. It's a subjective matter. I don't need bait on my line. Who is to say that I am not fishing if I have a bucktail on my line and I'm letting it "jig" in the surf as Dr. Sax does? . . . My rod is just sitting in the spike? . . . I'm taking a break,. . . my arm is sore from casting so much. . . get the point? :-) . . . Think any officer would want to try that in a court of law? . . . if it wasn't immediately dismissed, he'd lose. As long as the "fishing equipment" is present, there's not much that can LEGALLY be done. Don't believe it? . . . give me a scenario :-) Now the better approach to this situation would be to have officers start from each end of the beach and do a check for the required vehicle equipment. (tow line, board, shovel, etc) :-))) It may be surprising how many "beach people" don't have the equipment.Issue citations with the appropriate fine. Hopefully all the fishermen would have theirs :-) | ||
| Jay_little
Moderator Username: Jay_little Post Number: 102 Registered: 6-2002 |
I don't know Wayne, How about this famous quote .... In 1964, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously said he couldn’t precisely define actively engaged in fishing, “but I know it when I see it.” Well maybe I took some liberty with his quote.... Your point about setting criteria would help in dispensing with a arguably ambiguous situation. | ||
| Hatterwayne
Senior Member Username: Hatterwayne Post Number: 321 Registered: 4-2000 |
yeah Jay :-) . . . and good luck to the person or persons who have to set the definitions! :-) | ||
| Dlh
New member Username: Dlh Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2000 |
If opinion counts.....I guess we all wish it could be the same as it was. I spent my pre-teens and teens in Dewey and was able to fish and crab at my liesure. What i would give for those days!!!.....ok I am getting off subject.....I just recently read article that the peak WINTER traffic NOW is the same as the PEAK summer traffic in the early 80's. My opinion is that Delaware shore line is getting smaller for the amount of people coming down. Just way to many people!!!! It aint the same as it was!!!! I also do not like belly boarding under my lines. Maybe they should propose no swimming times?? If this photo works it shows a weekend from the end of last summer at 3RS.  | ||
| Weezul
New member Username: Weezul Post Number: 23 Registered: 4-2002 |
Grew up on the beach. Got too damn tired of weekends lookin like that picture up there myself. Met a country gal from the West side and moved to Laurel. Catchin half pound bluegills all day today in Trap Pond on my new ultralite, had a blast, no crossed lines, no anger, just the peaceful sound of the spillway. Might see y'all in the surf in the fall. I would definitely support a first come first serve limit like Assateague. | ||
| Wrangler
New member Username: Wrangler Post Number: 26 Registered: 10-2001 |
For what it's worth, I think there are plenty of beaches around to sit and enjoy the sun and sea if you're not fishing. Bethany is nice, though I've always had a fondness for Fenwick. As much as I hate to say it, there seesm to be a common thread among "locals" that they should be excluded from the rules because they live near the beach or grew up near the beach or their family is from the beach, etc. Many of those same people however, tend to get upset at us New Castle-countians and the members of the PA Brigade when they feel other rules aren't followed, i.e. limits, size regs, etc. I'm not trying to pick a fight with anyone or be the least bit disrespectful, it's just an observation. My Mom's and her family grew up in Sussex county and I've lived in DE all my life. Have spent almost as much time in Sussex (between Seaford, Blades, Bethany, Longneck and Fenwick Island) as I have in Newark where I've lived all my life. Why is it so hard to just get out and fish? You're on the beach, you're with people who's company you enjoy- why not fish? Just to say you don't have to because of X-Y-Z? I don't get it. I'd give up several vital pieces of anatomy to be close enough to the beach on a regular basis and fish. What if left-handed people never stopped for stop signs just cuz stop signs are always on the right-hand side of the road? 'Nuff said. I'm goin' to bed. Tight lines to all. | ||
| Tuna2bite
Junior Member Username: Tuna2bite Post Number: 69 Registered: 12-2000 |
Nothing else to say here.. Roughneck well said.. At least you speak your mind.. I think others at times just need a large box of tissues.. & Roughneck as for honey-holes I'm the president of the secret hole patrol..  Later |