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Went to sardis sat to troll cranks for the first time. Thought if the boat motor was running you had to be wearing you life jacket. After burning up for most of the morning, we noticed everyone else out there wasn't wearing theirs? We gladly took ours off. Looking back now, were we in the right or wrong?
On a side note, I would like to thank everyone that shares their expertise and wisdom on this website.... Just proves fishing is a gentleman's sport!
Rangers I have talked to say you can troll with it off. Wear it when on plane.
Good question, I would definitely agree with feelay. I would also add that it is probably up to the ranger to make a judgement call on this and it pays to be respectful and courteous.
Heres what the COE rules say..........................................· All persons must wear a Type I, II, or III US Coast Guard-approved life jacket on powered vessels 16 feet in length to 26 feet in length whenever under power by the main propulsion unit. (This does not include when the vessel is powered by a trolling motor or is stationary.)
· All persons must wear a Type I, II, or III US Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times on powered vessels less than 16 feet in length or on non-powered vessels, regardless of length. (Non-powered vessels include, but are not limited to canoes, kayaks, flat bottoms/johnboats, sailboats and paddleboats.)
The new requirements will be in full effect beginning May 22, 2009 on the waters of Arkabutla Lake, Sardis Lake, Enid Lake, and Grenada Lake. For more information, you may contact the Mississippi Project Management Office at (662) 578-3873 or the lake field offices: Arkabutla Lake (662) 562-6261, Sardis Lake (662) 563-4531, Enid Lake (662) 563-4571, or Grenada Lake (662) 226-5911.
Key words are 16 ft. Over 16 ft.....only have to wear when running big motor.........under 16 ft. Have to wear all the time.
What if you got a 16ft boat:)Quote:
Originally Posted by "G"
Has anyone ever had the life jacket law enforced on them for not wearing a life jacket at all times on a boat under 16' while trolling? I understand them making you wear one while running the big motor just not how they expect you to wear one at all times on an under 16' boat
If they see you they will ask that you put it on, never heard of a citation being written.
It's not a LAW.... This is a COE rule. I have only heard of warnings being issued. Only Rangers enforce the rule, game wardens could care less, not their jurisdiction.Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulL
What was the fine G??Quote:
Originally Posted by "G"
Dont know John......I will ask him next time I see him
But if you have a big A$$ ski boat full of people then you can ride in circles around people that are fishing and you dont have to wear a life vest and you can drink beer too !!!
It must be ok I see it happen way too much on COE lakes
Nope, it on all vessels LESS than 16 ftQuote:
Originally Posted by "G"
Might depend on the Ranger....dunno......neighbor got a ticket tho
How is it measured? Back in the day tracker bass boats among others measured around the curve of the keel. My 17'10" pro craft was longer than the 18 ft tracker.
When he ask for your registration card it will be on there, he won't be carrying no tape measure!
Well John....neighbors registration card said 16 ft. 4 in. The ranger did have a tape and measured from bow point to stern and it read 16 ft. I am just glad I have a 18 ft. boat. I have never been checked for anything on a coe lake tho.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rees Guide
Its only on vessels less than 16ft. Why he get a ticket then? Dont make sense.......Quote:
Originally Posted by "G"
He said he tried to argue that his registration card said 16 ft. 4 in. the guy told him that his boat registration was wrong. Cost more to fight it I guess than to just pay it and go on.
G...sounds like someone was being and arse, your friend or the Ranger. Maybe both.
Only ticket I have ever gotten was a life jacket ticket and it was like 125 dollars. There were 3 of us in a 15 ft boat being powered by a trolling motor and the game wardens came up to us. They checked everything they could possibly check. It was all there. One of the life jackets had a tear in the seam and when he picked it up he tore it open and dumped out the foam and said this jacket is not usable. He gave us of one of there's and then wrote me a ticket. Since then I have gotten a few that go around your waist and they do not get in your way when fishing if you want to wear it. In my opinion those guys can find something to write a ticket for on 99 percent of the boats out there. Just be nice and cross your fingers.
I wear mine all the time because 99% of the time I'm out there by myself. However my boat is <16 ft.