Reiber, so harsh.
It kind of surprises me because the thought of violation did not cross my mind when reading coryandtrevor's report. Dispatching a fish properly when one decides to retain it is a must but we have to realize mistakes do happen, which we would hopefully learn from. The question here is the intent. coryandtrevor obviously thought the fish was dead when he killed it, but it had a few more hops in it and freed itself. All of us have probably seen it happening. I've seen it when steelheading when someone bonked the fish numerous time only to find it hopping back into the river when he turned around for a few seconds.
Intent is a main topic whenever discussions occur at meetings with officers. Although rules are meant to work as black and white, officers do use their judgement when enforcing them. If an officer checks a family and finds the hooks are improperly de-barbed, then education would be a more appropriate action than a stiff fine. On the other hand, if an officer observes someone who obviously knows what he or she is doing and continues to violate, then a fine would be handed out.
By the way, if any of you witness a violation at one of the put and take lakes in the Lower Mainland, DFO enforcement is not the correct agency to call. You need to call one of the conservation offices nearby.
Surrey: (604) 582-5250
Chilliwack: (604) 795-8422
Squamish: (604) 898-2175
If you are not sure which one to call, phone the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) line at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). The main line's dispatcher usually then sends the information to the nearest conservation officers or offices, so by phoning the conservation office, you can sometimes avoid one step and save time by doing so. If it is a violation that does not require immediate attention, you can also use this
web form to report from your home computer.
Good to see some good fishing experience happening after the stockings by the way, the hatchery likes to read that. Several staff do read the forum on a regular basis when they are not feeding fish.