Question for Bill Couch

[Richard]

Bill,

Is there a number I could call to report violations while I'm fishing on the Hooch and get a timely response (so people are caught in the act)?

The last several times I've fished below Hwy 20 near the area where you can walk in at the creek on the Forsyth side, there have been persons of a foreign persuasion fishing with bait and multiple poles. It's always early in the morning. When you try to talk to them, they either pick up and leave with their buckets of fish or claim they don't speak english.

Just wondering- maybe a cell phone could be useful for something after all.

[Jeff Jones]

Me too, Me too,. . . I haven't noticed any wardens at Smith creek and there is all kinds of illegal fishing going on.... How can I report someone? . . . I don't think to say" those people in the waders and hat" would help. Should I spy on them as they leave and get their tag # ?

[Drifter]

Richard types,
"The last several times I've fished below Hwy 20 near the area where you can walk in at the creek on the Forsyth side, there have been persons of a foreign persuasion fishing with bait and multiple poles. "

The Drifter responds:
I too have witnessed "persons of a foreign persuasion" (also known as Mexicans), bait fishing in the artificial only sections of the Hooch. One family unloaded their minivan (without paying the $2.00 daily use fee) and hauled 6 to eight rods down to the boat ramp at Abbott's Bridge. "Garden hackle" appeared to be the bait of choice.

I have also noticed Mexican poachers at the Medlock Bridge Boat Ramp also. These two guys gave me stupid looks when I asked if they were using live bait. I then told them that the "Policia" was checking "licensia" in the parking lot and they beat a hasty retreat.

My dos pesos.

The Drifter
Flyfishing with cellphone

[Bill Couch]

Richard, Jeff and Drifter,

I called for some numbers, that should help, and was told that rangers will respond to violations in progress.

The DNR Turn in Poachers Number (TIP) is:
1 800 241 4113 it is answered 24 hours a day.

You may get faster response during normal working hours by calling one of the following:

Gaineville DNR Law Enforcement (7 days/week 8:00am-5:00pm-not manned during lunch on the weekends):
770 535 5499

Forsyth County Sherrif's Dept (they will forward calls to DNR rangers)
770 781 2222

Gwinnett County Sherrif's Dept (they will forward calls to DNR rangers)
770 513 5100

Cobb County DNR Law Enforcement (7 days/week 8:00am to 4:30)pm):
770 769 9680

Cobb County Sherrif's Dept (they will forward calls to DNR rangers)
770 499 4600

I hear complaints about violation along the Chattahoochee, especially at the Richland Creek/Chattahoochee River area, all the time. I often give out phone numbers and advice. However, I rarely hear if or how problems are resolved. I would greatly appreciate anyone reporting in progress fishing violations on the Chattahoochee River to let me know if these numbers helped, how, and if the problem(s) was/were resolved.

Hope this helps,
Bill

[Drifter]

Bill,

Thanks for the numbers. I'm printing a copy and placing them in my boat.

Richard,
Can you give me your e-mail address? Thanks.

The Drifter

[Richard]

Bill

Thanks for the info- It just gets really frustrating to see this kind of thing on a regular basis and the lack of law enforcement on the river. Maybe DNR should post more signs along the river, and make them bilingual. It's probably only going to get worse as that part of the river gets more and more accessable from the shore.

Drifter,

I'll e-mail you my e-mail address.

[Mr T1]

Aaron -- You might want to put those numbers, at least the DNR numbers, in some obvious place on the information pages so we have them for future reference.

Mr. T

[Jeff Jones]

I second the motion. ( please) http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

[NGTO]

will do. Sorry I have been behind lately, started a new job and have been putting a lot of time in.

Aaron