Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 29

NOTES from theStreams
followed along, stayed at a distance,
activated their four-way flashers, and
helped watch for traffic in an effort to
keep the PFBC staff safe. We stocked
all the trout waters, these trout waters
received the same allotment of fish,
and the stocking took place on an
accelerated schedule.-WCO
Jeremy Yohe,Western Bradford and
Sullivan counties.

Do the math

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Having been a WCO for over
two decades, it is rare that I hear
anything new when people are
trying to explain why they are
committing a violation. But, I
recently heard a new excuse.
While on boat patrol with Sergeant
Richard Daniels on Blue Marsh
Lake, Berks County, we observed a
pontoon boat towing a person on a
tube who was wearing a life jacket
that appeared to be inappropriate
for the activity. As we approached
and stopped the boat, we additionally
observed several other problems with
the boat including what appeared to
be a juvenile operator. As we came
alongside to address the observed
problems, the operator stepped away
from the helm and took a seat in the
rear of the boat. Initially ignoring
the adult who stood up as we came
alongside, I addressed the operator,
asking for the registration and his
boating safety education certificate,
and received a blank stare. At this
point, the adult, who was the boy's
father, told me that he was the one
operating the boat.
I told him that when we observed
the boat, his son was at the operator's
station. But, the father quickly tried
to set the record straight pointing
out to me that he was operating the
boat, and his son was only driving it
while he was observing the skier. We
corrected the observed problems and
sent them on their way with a citation
for allowing an unqualified individual
to operate the boat. I can only assume
that the gentleman thought that I
would accept his explanation that he
was the "captain" and his son was only
the "helmsman." I have heard many
excuses over the years, but I now
have a new one to add to the list-the
"helmsman excuse."-WCO Mark T.
Pisko, western Schuylkill County.

Mistaken identity

Anglers often ask other anglers
about fishing gear or unique fishing
techniques. However, to non-anglers,
discussions about fishing gear and
techniques are foreign. The interface
between these two groups is common
at mixed use sites, such as a state
park in my county that sits in Easton
at the confluence of the Lehigh and
Delaware rivers. One day, an angler
asked me, "What is that on the back
of that boat?" I used binoculars and
said, "Those are fishing rod holders,
and that angler is fishing for shad."
The hiker looked relieved and said,
"Oh ok, I do not have my glasses
on, but that boat looks like it has a
machine gun on the back." We both
laughed and he walked away. I took
a photo and was on my way. Later, I
reviewed the photo, and even with
my glasses on, it kind of looked
that way.-WCO Zachary Rudd,
Northampton County.
photo-WCO Zachary Rudd

While on patrol, it is common to
find anglers who fish without first
purchasing or obtaining their fishing
license. I have been given a wide
variety of reasons anglers do not
purchase their licences throughout
my career, but one in particular stands
out. As I approached an angler on the
river, I asked to see his fishing license.
The angler said he did not get a license
yet. I proceeded to obtain his driver's
license and information to issue a
citation. The angler stated he normally
gets checked one time every five or
more years by a WCO. He said the
cost of a license is roughly $33.00 with
a trout stamp. So, if he goes 5 years
without seeing a WCO, the license
would cost him around $165.00. He
continued to tell me that the fine for
fishing without a license is roughly
the same cost if he does not get caught
fishing without a license for over 5
years. In this way, he believes he saves
money. Although it was an interesting
math equation, I issued the citation.
About 1 year later, on the same
river at the same location, I see the
man fishing again. Again, I asked to
see his fishing license. Once again,
he said he did not have a fishing
license. I issued another citation and
asked him how this would affect
his math equation. He dropped his
head, surprised and embarrassed
that I remembered him. He stated it
was stupid, and he would purchase
a license yearly from now on. I have
seen him various times since, and he
always proudly holds up his license
when he sees me on the boat.-
WCO Matthew Kauffman, northern
Westmoreland, southern Armstrong,
and southern Indiana counties.

A new excuse

employees who came out to assist
with the trout stockings this year.
Not only did it give them a small
taste of what WCOs do, but it
gave us a chance to put a face
and personality with, what would
commonly be, just a voice on the
other end of the phone or an email
address. So, thanks for all your
efforts. I would be remiss if I did
not thank the stocking helpers who
come out every year to help. You
are appreciated and were missed.
And to those who showed up, but
unfortunately, were not allowed
to assist this year, thanks to you
as well.-WCO T. Curt Tereschak,
southern Pike and northeast
Monroe counties.

What a year

Trout season 2020 was indeed
an unusual year. I would like to
thank and acknowledge the PFBC
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2020

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020

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