Fisheries Patrol Inspectors

[kneebone]

Last weekend a friend and I went down to Donnybrook and headed to the Long Island area to do some drifting and flicking soft plastics for flathead. Befor I left I downloaded the area map from the EPA website. Mid morning 2 inspectors in a patrol boat came along side and proceded to tell us we were in a green zone. So I pulled out my area map and showed them that we were actually still in the yellow zone. After that they admitted that they did not have any maps and were only going from what they were told where the boundaries were, they were happy to actually see a map and understand where the marks are for the area. We ended up getting a couple of Duskies for dinner. On another note someone lost their 4 crab pots which were set in the green zone.;D

[levinge]

Always good to have the maps to back you up as evidence. Imagine how many fisho's would be pinged by these guys and would readily agree.

Strange thing, fisheries not carrying the maps, piss poor planning on their behalf..

BTW nice to hear you got a couple of keepers..

[garman1]

How can that be "we don't have any maps with us",, strueth that would be like being pulled up and busted for being over the limit, when the police officer didn't know what the limit was!!!!!!!!

That would have gone down a treat with a magistrate asking the officer how did they know you were in a green zone..... and they said they were "told" where the boundaries were. I can imagine what the magistrates next words would be....CASE DISMISSED, don't come in front of me again without proper evidence for the alleged infractions.

[CreelReaper]

I actually feel for these guys. It appears that they will be dumped with the extra workload until EPA get on top of things with their new boats etc.
I am lucky that the areas that I fish are not affected but for anyone who is even close I would suggest that you also carry the necessary maps.
Well done kneebone for being prepared.

Shane

[FNQCairns]

Isn't there a moratorium on sticking it to the common man for doing no harm in green zones, happening at the moment? if so then it must have been an educational visit::)

cheers fnq

[ronnien]

not surprised, they cant even tell the difference between a doggie & a Spanish mackerel!

ron.
ps, it will only be a matter of time till you will be able to get the zoning maps from tackle shops.

[garman1]

bcf have got them now............

[castlemaine]

How can that be "we don't have any maps with us",, strueth that would be like being pulled up and busted for being over the limit, when the police officer didn't know what the limit was!!!!!!!!

That would have gone down a treat with a magistrate asking the officer how did they know you were in a green zone..... and they said they were "told" where the boundaries were. I can imagine what the magistrates next words would be....CASE DISMISSED, don't come in front of me again without proper evidence for the alleged infractions.

By the time it gets to the magistrate the story will be air tight and not what you were experiencing, Legal-Eagles would have their hand in it by then, ie you won't stand a chance.

Good idea to take the time, officers name and boat rego and maybe even put in a complaint. I said maybe because I feel for the Officers-in-Charge but if they accused you of being in a 'Green Zone' then all's fair.

This is isn't going to be the first and it will be bigger than 'Ben Hur'.

8-)

[levinge]

Nah, if you think you right, easiest thing is to insist one of them to come on board, view your GPS position, get them to right in down on your Green Zone map, along with their name, ID number and get them to sign it. They'll do 1 of 2 things

Cocky they'll do it thinking their right, or

Not so cocky they will just warn you to be aware of where you are in relation to the maps (ones they don't have!!!)

Nothing like evidence to shut up a Legal Beagle.

Defendant - "Judge here's the evidence as acknowledged, checked and witnessed by the fisheries officer" Case Dismissed.

[RayDeR]

Another one for the SMART State! Q2 get maps for new green zones. Good the fisheries guys have to Q2 !

Ray de R

[jtpython]

Reminds me of last year where Police Officers were pulling people for doing over 40 in a school zone and when they pulled up guy he politely told them that he would not be recieving a fine for speeding as it was a pupil free day and there was no school on .........the officers red faced thanked the guy nicely and proceeded to pack up and leave the area straight away :)

[sleepygreg]

Heard a story about one guy who was approached by fisheries and told he was potentially fishing in a green zone. He pointed out to them that he WAS in a Yellow zone...they said yes...but you are too close to the green..and could be fined for potentially fishing in a green zone. Thats a bit like pulling up ANY one driving a car at or below the legal speed limit and warning them for 'potentially' breaking the speed limit!!!!! FFS....some of these twits have let the power go to their head....lets hope the majority of sensible and reasonable enforcement officers are the ones we come in contact with.

Greg