[tombanjo]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

As I said, at that instant, i didn't think much about a "crime"...
More confused until an hour or so later when I started to think more about it.

Secondly, the boat was not really "unfamiliar" to me.. I go out out on it once or twice a year, for the past several years.. always liked the main captain, seemed like a decent guy. However, the mate was one in a procession- like many boats, they never seem to be there all the time over several years.

I would be hesitant to ask for weights in a fish etc, its just not really how i am wired, and checking personally is a good way to get a fist in the face.
Checking the scale?.. how exactly?... Its not my property, and I am pretty sure most captains would not want a guy they don't know handling it...

As i said, past several years, I have seen a LOT more good fishermen, lots of old timers like me included, refuse to enter the pool.. Might be a pattern here that I should be aware of..
Most people are more aggressive to defend themselves in matters such as this than I am, and might well be more cynical and less trusting. I am typically quieter than most in situations like this, trusting those that are running the business to do the correct thing.. thats my weakness for certain, I can offer no real defense, except to say that next time , IF I enter a pool, I will ask at least that the mate level the scale with both fish, and possibly reverse them... bob

Someone said I was a bit harsh. People who pull this shit get me pissed off so it wasn't really directed at you. The pool is gambling. They used to shoot people for cheating. Things may have calmed down a bit since then but the cheaters count on the inherent intimidation those in charge have built in plus the challenge of bringing the confrontation of the accusation. Ever been faced with someone coming back at you aggressively shouting, "You calling me a liar?!!" Most back of searching for a more diplomatic solution at that point rather than saying yes, I am. Balance scales are easy to check. Make sure each arm is exactly equidistant to the center. It's an old trick easily thwarted by insisting on switching sides.