My Inspection At Casitas Today

Dwayne · Post by **Dwayne** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:07 pm

The Ranger allowed me to video the inspection the morning as a training aid for those who desire to fish at Lake Casitas. I know a lot of us have been turned away but like Doug said, clean the crap out of your boat and things will go much smoother. I can't post this correctly here, so copy and past it to your browser.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meuMIxkufO0[/url]

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:34 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meuMIxkufO0

Bill Brown Jr. · Post by **Bill Brown Jr.** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:37 pm

Great Video Dwayne,

I personally didn't see anything wrong with the way the Ranger inspected your boat. She seemed very accomodating in explaining what she was looking for and what to do.

Boat looked great also.

We just all need to do our part to try and keep the lakes open and if it means having to maintain our boats better and keep them clean then so be it. Better to be inconvenienced and still be able to fish than to not be able to fish at all.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:48 pm

Great video Dwayne, nice Park Ranger to

I'll me heading to Casitas Monday

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:51 pm

Wow, there is nothing in that boat...

Simply amazing what one has to do to fish Lake Casitas...

D.

Dwayne · Post by **Dwayne** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 7:12 pm

Thanks Dave for the help with the link. Yea I had everything out of the boat, perhaps overkill but I wanted to see if they really ment clean or no fishing.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:39 pm

I must say that you guys who fish Casitas have extreme patience.

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 12:21 am

That will be the day I take everything out of my boat to fish. Hey Kev, lets trade in the Z-20 for a 12' aluminum with no lockers.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:22 am

Dwayne,
Did you put all your stuff in your truck, and put it back in after inspection?
Did they check out the stuff in your truck?

drew · Post by **drew** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:23 am

I'm just playing the devil's advocate here. Don't you think they could have found some dirt or debris on your rig and denied you? What if you were scrutinized extra close? What if was raining or there were puddles on the road? I saw dirt on your tires, whats behind your bumper and under the spare tire cover. The point I'm making is just because they did not abuse this new regulation today does not mean they won't tomorrow.

Dwayne · Post by **Dwayne** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:42 am

Drew, I truly believe anyone can fail at anytime for some crazy reason. By using the Lakes inspection sheet, this is how I cleaned my boat, and it was spotless. So in my mind, I knew if they failed me it was because they want no boats on the lake, which is not the case.

DAKINE198 · Post by **DAKINE198** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:44 am

hey wheres all the fishing tackle. I understand clean and dry but I have to empty rod lockers completely??????

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:54 am

DAKINE198 wrote:hey wheres all the fishing tackle. I understand clean and dry but I have to empty rod lockers completely??????

No, you don't. Not sure why some of you guys are making such a big deal out of this. Just clean and vacuum your boat and put all your stuff back in. Have your bilge plug out and have some towels in your livewells.They aren't going to turn you away unless you have some major gunk hanging from your truck or trailer, and you plug is in, and you have water in your bilge or livewells.
If unsure, pull over just outside the park and double check your stuff. It isn't that tough, and you will like your boat better when clean and organized.
Nobody is crazy about it but guess what, get used to it, or don't bother coming here. It is what it is.
If you all spent as much time cleaning your boat as you do bitching about it, your boat would be pristine!

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:55 am

Ah boy will I be in trouble!!!!!
Guy Williams

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 10:43 am

Your boat must be amazing Doug

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 2:10 pm

That's my point Brian, it's a 12 year old boat. But thank you for the compliment. I think your boat is amazing too !!

If I can get mine to pass, then everybody else should pass easily. My main point is that any water shows, you are done.

Put towels in the livewells and keep your plug out.

Rob Cummings · Post by **Rob Cummings** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 2:59 pm

There is more to it than towels and drain plugs. After what I saw today it depends on which Ranger checks your boat. If you get the Ranger with common sense and professionalis than you are ok. If you get the guy that makes his first stop the inside lip on the rear truck bumper...good luck.

Cmarkfish · Post by **Cmarkfish** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:15 pm

Doug,
No issue with the clean boat, my boat was so clean you could eat off it. It was three drops of bleach and the back area. They do not use any common sense god gave them. They let them film the video to try and make some good. It maybe a start or a snow job.
Then they let a boat go in with fiberglass shavings in the boat. They stop others for pine needles, so much for treating everyone the same. Sure I am bugged about this who wouldn't be. We spend all this money for a boat, rods,etc.... Just because we might get these critters. My boat passed four times before and they have it on record and I go in cleaner than the time before and fail. We have other lakes that are going the same way. It is easier for me to get by homeland security than Lake Casitas.
Chief on the War Path sorry doug i am just ticked.

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:12 pm

I hear ya Mark, I suppose the day I don't pass I'll be upset too.
But tell me, if you had towels in your livewell / bilge area, would you have passed?

Cmarkfish · Post by **Cmarkfish** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:18 pm

I am sure i would have. But I had just check it at the market. I will know better next time. I will buy my live well diapers.
Chief

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:13 pm

Well I'm going Monday morning. My boat hasent seen water in 3 weeks (last on Casitas), its been stored bow up to drain any water. It is SPOTLESS to say the least. Every compartment, every rail, EVERYTHING is clean including the trailer, I spent an hour alone just on the trailer.

The only problem is the truck, the wife takes it to the horse ranch and as you might guess there is mud under God knows what. I did clean it today and tryed to get all of it off but who knows what Kirk will find.

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:55 pm

Remember guys, you have the right to appeal to a higher ranger, if a junior ranger tries to boot you for a small technicality.
But any water will pretty much guarantee your 28 errrr 29 days of other lakes.

Lance, I would bet that your boat gets through with flying colors.
Remember to put your towels in the livewells for that mystery drop of water.

Morris · Post by **Morris** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:12 pm

and what happends on foggy monrings pea soup?

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:13 pm

You have the right to appeal...intresting...

The day I went, when it was rainning...I was inspected by Erin...he was unreasonable and on an ego trip...When I asked for the new policy in writing, he gave me a phone number...

When I asked for a second opinion...he said you will have to call Brian Rooney...on moday...great!

To let everyone know how that second opinion went...I called Brian Rooney and after 20 mintues...I was wrong for having a wet boat when its rainning.

Then just yesterday I get a letter from the Casitas people and they said my request for refund for the 28 days was denied. No reason given. Signed by Brian Rooney.

Am all about the inspections...I surpport all those involved trying to figure this issue out...but cleaning my boat for 5 hours, everytime I want to fish Casitas...I just don't know if its worth it....

It's a lottery pick...I might make it in and win...I might not and lose...

FOr those that are tired of me and my bitching...I did clean my boat for the last 2 days...and when I get back from Texas I will make an honest effort to make sure my boat is close as it can be to the condition of Chief's boat...I'm not here to fight and I'm not here to kiss @ss to fish...I'm just here to fish...

See you in a few months

D.

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:33 pm

Have a good time David, I'll be looking for a few Texas reports soon eh?

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:13 am

Wow very interesting.
I have dealt with over 100 boat inspections.... I have seen now 3 rangers. 1 ranger did boat inspections before the checklist and that was livewell plug and coolers.
The other was over the top and this one was inbetween. There needs to be a set way by all rangers in my opinion.
Also this second opinion thing. It will not work for tournaments. There will be no way to get a second opinion at 4 a.m.

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:55 am

Why do they need to inspect non-water contact compartments such rod lockers and tackle storage? Unless your boat is submerged for a period of time, the mussels won't be in those areas. They have NOTHING to do with Quagga mussels. Heck, why not inspect swimbaits and other lures in your tackle boxes while they're at it... in fact those items have more of a chance to be in contact with infested waters than a rod locker or a storage compartment would be. IMO, going thru those compartments could be considered illegal search.

DL · Post by DL » Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:00 am

Thanks Brian, give them another reason to think we are looking for a fight rather than a solution.

If you dont want your boat inspected, or you have something to hide, stay home. I spent all day cleaning my boat yesterday so I can pass inspection, and practice for Top Stick. If that is what it takes for me to not "infect" the lake, then so be it. Yes it is a pain, but look at the bigger picture: We dont have that many lakes to fish, and one closure leads to many.

Some may feel it as invasion of privacy, I do not.

Brian, let me ask you this: Why do you let a tournament official inspect your livewell for livewell check? Isn't that an invasion of privacy???

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:07 am

But, tournament livewell inspection is different. There is no need to inspect those areas. The process doesn't seem to be that well thought out. More like trial and error. Where in the scientific data that the biologists and DFG folks provided does it state that those areas need inspection?

Not necessarily looking for an answer or solution... more of an observation.

DL · Post by DL » Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:16 am

I know we voluntarily go thru livewell inspection, and I may be begging the question. But not all boat's rod lockers are 100% "dry storage" and most of the inspecting officers don't know which mfg's are and which aren't. The locker search seems a little extreme I agree, but they have their reasons. Much effort is being put into the education of the lake staff and CMWD, so I will play the game while the officials debate the route to which they will take to prevent an infection...

If you're worried about those pink camo shorts, take 'em out of the boat and leave 'em at home

drew · Post by **drew** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:28 am

I believe you are underestimating the situation and are ignorant of the facts. The lake officials have implemented regulations that offer little utility at a specific groups expense.

There is no reason to impose a 28 day quarantine on a boat that has not been to infested waters. A boat that was mussel free, that could be cleaned thoroughly with vinegar to guaranteed it is mussel free within 24 hrs. The only reason is to abuse or punish the owner.

There is no reason to inspect compartments that do not come in contact with lake water. Except to infringe on the boat owners privacy. It is an invasion of our privacy.

There is no reason after x amount of time that the mussels have been in, the states (20yrs), on the west cost (2+yrs) to all of a sudden impose this knee jerk policy. These people are reacting in a very irrational manner at our expense.

Have they proven without a doubt that boaters are the sole reason for the spread of the mussels? Do they know without a doubt they don't already exist at the lake?

DL wrote:Thanks Brian, give them another reason to think we are looking for a fight rather than a solution.

If you dont want your boat inspected, or you have something to hide, stay home. I spent all day cleaning my boat yesterday so I can pass inspection, and practice for Top Stick. If that is what it takes for me to not "infect" the lake, then so be it. Yes it is a pain, but look at the bigger picture: We dont have that many lakes to fish, and one closure leads to many.

Some may feel it as invasion of privacy, I do not.

Brian, let me ask you this: Why do you let a tournament official inspect your livewell for livewell check? Isn't that an invasion of privacy???

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:40 am

had access to a very capable advisory board where they could have enlightened them about the anatomy of a typical bass boat and the habits of a bass fisherman. It doesn't seem that they took any of that into consideration, or if they did, they ignored it.

Now, where is that dead horse.

DL · Post by DL » Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:59 am

There are two more guys I wont have to wait in line behind the next time I go to Casitas. My wait just got shorter thanks to Drew and Brian....

Dwayne · Post by **Dwayne** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:23 pm

Brian, Do you think the slogan as your signature has anything to do with the extreme part of CLEAN and Dry?

drew · Post by **drew** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:42 pm

It's a shame you can't just give away your own rights and freedom. This country was not founded by a bunch of overly compliant sheep.What about the future generations, our kids? We need to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

DL wrote:There are two more guys I wont have to wait in line behind the next time I go to Casitas. My wait just got shorter thanks to Drew and Brian....

DL · Post by DL » Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:29 pm

I am in no way giving away my rights. The utilities in this state, the water companies to be exact, were set up to supply water. They were not started so we could fish, water ski, and swim. Their job is to get the water to the public. Yes, we are the tax paying public and there are lakes that were impounded to distribute water, AND there are agreements between the public and said lakes that guarantee us access to them. NOT every lake in the state of California has this resolution or law applied to it. And it is these lakes that this agenda and fight is for.

I am amazed at how some people think by working with the state agencies and the powers that be, we are somehow caving in and becoming sheep to big brother. Yes, it would be great to hire and attorney and pound the hell out of the government. But who has the bankroll to do it? You? Me? someone else? Your scorched earth policy may work on the playground but it doesnt work in this case. There is a process that is going on here and I dont think it helps when there are guys in the back screaming for a revolution when the guys in the front are working toward a common goal and a solution that works for everyone.

One other thing, whom exactly do you think John, Ron, Ray L, Doug H, Lane, and every other person working on this issue are fighting for? Future access to ALL the lakes in the state for our children and their children. So before you get off blasting us "sheep," take a good look at your boat, because if this goes the way it is now, you will have to move to Texas to take your kids fishing.

drew · Post by **drew** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:19 pm

We need to pressure them to base their decisions on scientific facts and not emotions. I believe making decisions that are fair and practical are not too much to expect.

Brian D. · Post by **Brian D.** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:38 pm

my simple question got misconstrued and turn into a life of its own. I concur with the energies and efforts being done to help spread the word on the prevention of this infestation. Yes, Iâ€™ve even passed out C&D stickers. I also know that there were a few bumps in the road that could have been â€œpossiblyâ€

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:45 pm

Well my inspection today at Casitas went well. I asked the guy at the gate if he had his white gloves on and he laughed....so good start. I opened all of the lids, even dry storage. I dont really care about my "rights", I just wanted to fish, not to mention I took all of my Playboy Mags out of dry storage so I woulnt be embarrassed. He proceded to tell me that to this day he hasnt seen a cleaner boat

I told him I'm pretty picky. The guy I had (dont know his name) was the older guy with grey hair and glasses, he's very cool.

Bassin · Post by **Bassin** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:19 pm

Forget about the inspection....Lance you keep Playboy mags in your boat?

That explains everything!

Lov Ya man....

Dwayne · Post by **Dwayne** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:44 pm

Lance, isn't your boat like 2 months old?

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:47 pm

Close the lake

M. Warner · Post by **M. Warner** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:49 pm

Hey guys, you can also use this quagga muscle cleaner made from phillips fishing, Tom Phillips. His website is phillipsfishingproducts.com, and his phone number is 951 371 3138. I use it here in nevada to keep my boat clean also. I think its great that you guys are taking a strong approach on this issue. It seems like these people that fish mead dont really care, plus there already here. But even though I fish mead alot, you guys have really helped me keeping my stuff clean also. I just wanted to throw this product out there some may be using it and some may not. Just one more thing to try and help you guys keep your lake CLEAN.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:51 pm

Its like 3-4 months old, but my 05 Triton looked showroom clean to, just ask Bassin

P.S. Playboys are older

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