Lets say you are fishing next to a guy you never met before. Aftrer talking for about half an hour, relating fish stories, tactics etc., you tell him where you get your live herring. He says he knows the place and as a matter of fact he takes say 3 55 gallon trash barrels of said species, and sells them to a local bait store who then freezes them, and sells them as bait. Now said bait store is not exactly the one I like to shop at, but I do in a pinch. I also only have second hand info, and who knows if the guy was just bragging or talking horse dung. Any way I know I will never shop that bait store again, but what would you do???

Unless you are sure , you should be careful about propogating the story.

I would stay away from the shop and that guy. If you know they are breaking the law, just keep away. When the Gov't gets ahold of them finally, you don't want you or your name anywhere in their books or record books or anything. I'm sure nothing would happen to you because you've done nothing wrong but why give them a reason to get in your face? Personally, I like to deal with straight businesses. My feeling is, "If they don't mind messing with poaching, how do I know they aren't giving ME a bum deal?"

I think you have your answer. You posted this on the site not to badmouth because you haven't given any names but to come to a personal decision. I have a feeling that you want to get away from that shop and I don't blame you one bit. Just don't go around bashing them or you could have a hefty slander suit on your hands.

That guy is one dumby. You never know when you're going to be fishing next to an off duty officer, CCA member or a reporter.

Tough call. If you had proof of this you and you are certain that this was happening, it might be worth an anonymous letter to the bait shop.

What you don't want to do is get yourself in a physical confrontation with someone alone on the beach... Ain't worth it...

Definitely agree with John, a confrontation is out of the question. I remember the old days (I'm only 31) when a confrontation might just be throwin' down and walking away with some cuts and bruises. Not condoning that, but guys are guys. Most of us have a bit of attitude and ego. Fighting was just part of growing up.

Now, it seems you never know what might happen. I don't know if its just covered more in the media, but it seems that folks are more apt to go over the line for stupid reasons. (i.e. beating someone to death over a kids hockey game, just not cool) Its not worth provoking that type of situation.

If its gnawing on your conscience, maybe contact the authorities and tell them you've seen or heard of incidents at that particular run... but the guy is probably full or BS anyway... maybe he does it some... but not to that degree... hard to say. I generally find that stories like that are overblown and meant to project an image.

Definitely a tough question. Very similar to seeing people take short fish. It really pisses you off, but what are you prepared to do about it?

Interested to hear what everyone thinks.

This happens quite often and it doesn't surprise me in the least. Dropping a dime might help but most guys rarely get caught, the Evirermental Police just can't watch everywhere.

I just won't patronize his shop anymore. That crap just pi$$e$ me off. Thanks for letting me vent. Patrick you are right I did'nt want to bad mouth, just get opinions.

Good move Specialist. Vote with your dollars.

I have to say a confrontation isnt all that great....but why would a law abiding person tell a tale such as that??? anyway.......keep an eye open and prepare yourself by having the local wildlife enforcement's number just in case ......

I have to admit I have met as many "odd-birds" as I have decent people, usually your gut tells you what you need to know......

I'm sure Mr. warden doesn't mind being pointed in some direction good or bad.