Closed waters
Posting this just because I think it might be helpful. Stopped by Lake Musconetcong during the week on my way to Lake Hopatcong. Musconetcong is closed to fishing until the opener. In the parking lot next to the dam near Bait and Boat, there were two guys with 4 rods fishing from shore. On the opposite side of the lake there were five people fishing from shore. Even worse, in the boat launch parking lot, there were five trailers already launched, one fishing the dam, one I could see fishing the island and three fishing some where else on the lake out of sight from where I was. Also saw two kayaks getting ready to launch.
In total, there must have been 20 people fishing closed waters. I mentioned to each of them the waters are closed and you can imagine the looks and responses that solicited. So I called 1-800-WARN DEP, spoke to a gentlemen who in turn communicated it to a CO who called me maybe 20 minutes later. Said he would swing by but the boats in the lake would be an issue since their boat wasn't accessible right then. The first guy I spoke to did however ask for the plates of the cars with the empty trailers in the parking lot so maybe they followed up through other means.
Couple points, I found only one tree posted with last years regulations, that's not helping. Maybe if F&G reads this post there's a better way to get the public involved posting these waters. But that aside, there's no way in my opinion five guys fishing bass boats and two guys fishing kayaks don't know the regulations and deserve to be fined. The one boat fishing near the dam when I told them the waters were closed did haul out. I walked one of the two guys fishing the parking lot area over to Bait and Boat to confirm with the owner it was indeed closed which she confirmed and offered up that she tells everyone who comes in it is but they fish it anyway. Those two guys packed up and left as well.
Anyone fishing it when it's closed and taking trout away from kids or anyone else fishing legally and waiting until 4/6 deserve to be fined. Places have to be posted as much of a challenge as that might be but that's my point for getting the public involved. Maybe send flyers to local bait shops or volunteers to help in that cause. If posted and someone fishes anyway, fine them $500 and guarantee they'll think twice before doing it again. I found it particularly brazen to see the five bass boats launched and two kayaks, there's no excuse there, they have to know or at least should know the regulations.
I'm not one to call DEP on people, but when they're told the waters are closed and they essentially flip you the bird DEP is going to get a call. I'm also not necessarily a fan of the pre-stocking closure but understand the need. Either way it is the law and should be equally applied and followed by everyone.
Last edited by dakota560; 03-30-2019 at 01:03 PM..
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03-30-2019, 12:21 PM
Re: Closed waters
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