Lake Washington

[Pistolero]

Fellas, just wanted to cover a couple of things I've noticed already this year. Of course, the complaints are always the same when I get to the boat ramp: unattended yo-yo's, overlimits, freezers full of fish going back up north to be sold, etc. This is in no way an accusation against OOS anglers as I have met some super nice Yankees this year and I hope that if I should ever decide to go hunt deer in Illinois, pheasants in the Dakotas or ducks on the Great Lakes, I'd be just as welcome there as I am in my home state (which may not be very welcome at all depending on who you talk to around here Rofl.)

We've been working the lake pretty regularly this spring and I listen to any and all complaints. Looks like about 1 out of 10 people we check is in violation, which says to me, the majority of anglers are abiding by the law, but for every complaint I get and citation I write as a result, there seems to be a louder outcry about someone being harassed or the officers not showing any leniency. We're paid to enforce the law and I liken it to being an umpire in a ball game. Every decision usually leaves someone unhappy.

Yo-Yo's: I counted in the neighborhood of 1,500 (possibly 2,000) yo-yo's on the lake two weekends ago. This last weekend the entire south end and west end were yo-yo free and I guesstimate there were only 4-500 yo-yo's hanging. We made quite a few cases on unattended yo-yo's and there were dead fish hanging from those lines. Heard a couple folks say that they had just left to go to the bathroom and come back but when I see a catfish's head that is dried out from being there for many hours, I wonder how long of a bathroom break it was. Yo-yo's don't have to be attended at night, but if you choose to leave your hooks down all night it would be a wise decision to be sitting there with them at daylight the next morning. Yo-yo's must also be LEGIBLY tagged with something WATERPROOF and your full name and address with zip code must be on there. Had one case this weekend of a fella using mailing labels on his with his first name on some and his middle name on others. He didn't have more than 25, but we were counting every one of them. Mailing labels aren't waterproof. Remember that when it rains and your labels fall off. Also have seen some unintelligible scribbling on some yo-yo's and this is not legal.

PFD's: Everyone in the boat must have one that is wearable and in good condition and it should be readily accessible. Too many times I see people searching for their PFD's and having to unlock a compartment and take the plastic packaging off of them. If your boat is 16' or longer, you must also have a throwable. A throwable is not a substitute for a wearable. Inflatables must be worn to be legal. Kids 12 and under must have a PFD ON at all times if the boat is not anchored, docked or beached.

Nav Lights: You need to make sure your red/green and all-round white lights are working if you boat between sunset and sunrise. Most people have the red/green but neglect the white light. Also, your white light should be 3.3 feet higher than your red/green. Case in point was a incident with two boats coming across the lake a few weeks ago with no visible whitle light until they turned and we could then see it. The white light was so short that it was blocked by the body of the angler driving the boat. Also boats with no white lights are nearly impossible to see at night when approached from behind. We watched one boat crank up and leave the trees only to completely lose sight of it as it moved in front of us. This is a dangerous situation. A situation in which the angler without a white light could pay for this violation with his life if another boat runs up the back of his.

10" MLL: The limit on crappie is 30 PER DAY with only 5 10" or under. I have not seen a problem with this so far but remember those dead fish on your yo-yo's go against your limit.

Transport Limit: There is a possession and transport limit of 7 daily limits per person. You cannot have a possession limit on the water.

Registration and Numbering: Make sure all of your numbers/letters are on your boat and are of a contrasting color from the boat background. Your registration sticker should also be attached to the hull and you should have your registration card or papers with you. If your decals or numbers are missing and you don't have the paperwork to prove the boat is properly registered, you'll be in a jam.

Alcohol: There is zero tolerance for a boat driver who has consumed alcohol or is under the influence of any drug. If you are under the influence of either you can be charged for reckless operation of a vessel. The legal blood alcohol limit for BUI is .08, the same as DUI. We have field sobriety tests we use on the water just like cops use on the highways. BUI involves a trip to the jail and loss of priveleges. The main concern here is the safety of you and everybody else on the lake.

Littering: Not sure what all those beer cans on limbs mean, but I pull off every one I see. Also please pull off your flagging tape when you get through with whatever you're flagging. We have a beautiful lake to enjoy and it just makes me sick to see all those beer cans in the Gator Hole, flagging tape on limbs and trash blowing across the lake.

I haven't discussed every law or regulation but just thought I'd hit the high points. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable fishing season!

If you have a complaint, feel free to send me a pm or you can call 1-800-BE-SMART for immediate action.

Thanks,
Rob Heflin

[biggerjigger]

Thanks Rob, Im sure everyone needs a regulation refresher from time to time. Wasnt aware thet inflatables had to be worn to be leagle, thanks I learned something.

[Double D]

That seems pretty fair. I think most folks try to do right and I also think if you wanted to, you could probally find something. If a guy is out there and trying to do right, Most lawmen are pretty good.

[Rees Guide]

Rob, thanks for what you do. Have a question for ya tho. If I understood rite a inflatable life vest is only legal if worn, in other words if you pull up on me and mine is under the console I am in violation.
Thanks again.

[Pistolero]

Rob, thanks for what you do. Have a question for ya tho. If I understood rite a inflatable life vest is only legal if worn, in other words if you pull up on me and mine is under the console I am in violation.
Thanks again.

If it's the only wearable PFD in the boat, yes, you would be in violation.

[Rees Guide]

Thanks, good to know, havent heard that before.

By the way welcome to Crappie.com, hopefully you will post often and straighten some of these guys out.

[Cray]

Thanks for posting that good information. Some people may complain but hate to think what it would be like without you guys doing what you do. Be safe.

[tritonman]

Thanks for stepping up the presence there. I certainly appreciate it!!!!

[luvpt]

You guys in MS do a great job. The times I've been checked over there were very pleasant and courteous. I for one appreciate your posting these reminders....it shows your dedication and the fact that you are not just out to write tickets!!!! That is the right attitude to demonstrate and you have my full support!!

[majflyboy]

Thanks for the post Rob and hope you continue to "referee" here as well.