Boat registration in CA

[Hookset5]

I wanted to put a shout out to Larry from Konocti for helping me with my transom saver and another guy named Larry who works for Lake county.

Im a dad first, taking care of responsibilities as they unfold before me. Like that’s easy to do in California in this day and age..
Its important that CA boater registration process streamline its efforts better, with fish and game & launch facilities to educate and inform people of the proper boat stickers needed.. wether that be muscle stamps of not. I was not aware additional registration was required in Lake county but the guy who sold me my boat 5 years ago, left an old lake county sticker on my trailer that suggested, I did.. signifying I knew about the tags but simply didn’t pay for them “this year” makes me look like one of those boaters who isn't responsible.
Ive never fished in Lake county but Ive fished gold country lakes and the Cal Delta, religiously for 20 years. There comes a time when a man has had enough “regulating” of their time & money, and that day occurred this week.
We need to streamline this muscle regulation thing guys. If a county decides to add additional requirements for boaters, unless you're a traveling bass guy, with fishing being the only thing you do, and Clearlake bass competition is how you roll, researching added requirements fall very low on the priority scale in comparison to other things, like parental responsibilities, cash on hand, vehicle maintenance, tires, brakes, camping supplies, traffic, weather, dogs, food, clothing, etc etc. Thanks Larry(s) for making our stay at Clearlake a little bit better. And if you read this, and also need a lake county sticker on your boat, before your 4 hour trip there, you're welcome.

[Pat]

I understand your frustration. The boat inspection requirements vary from county to county and even from lake to lake. It pays to do a little research before you go anywhere these days. Lake county has required an inspection sticker for many years now. It has evolved from an actual inspection of the boat, a fee paid and an inspection sticker given to now just pay the fee and get the sticker, they never even look at your boat. Seems like a simple money grab, but then they pay people to be at the public launches to check for the sticker, so not sure if the county even breaks even. Then some lakes like Pardee or Camanche do a very thorough inspection. If you show up with the plug in or even a little bit of water in the bilge or livewell they won't let you launch until that is remedied. Then at Berryessa or New Melones you have to fill out a paper saying where you launched the boat last and that you have self inspected. Still others like Shasta or Oroville have no requirement at all. The mussel problem is very real, some lakes across the Northern tier of the US have been greatly impacted. Seems each state is taking a different approach. There is also concern about invasive vegetation so some places look closely at the trailer too, to make sure make sure there are no remnants. To compound it the the waters we fish are operated/controlled by many different entities; Federal, State, County, City, water agencies, private owners and contract operators. Sometimes it's combination. My point is, when you do your research on what the fish are biting on, it is a good idea to ask about any special requirements.

[Hookset5]

Its definitely streamlined on my registration renewal fee’s, line item #3 “muscle fee”. I was under the impression that fee was all encompassing for CA because when I received my muscle stamp, there were no “exceptions” or inapplicable areas. Maybe its me, to think it was all encompassing. Maybe its also me to think my fishing license includes, fishing.

Honestly, I cant keep up with the safety protocol of CA when they can’t communicate the protocol past the fees collected, to the counties involved. The linear path of enforcement should be Federal>State>County not County>State>Federal. Again, maybe its me but I do my research more than most average people. It was neat to learn about the development of Clearlake through volcanic activity. I learned quite a bit about the place. Even the bite! MM2 6” roboworm on windblown flats was my only pattern, and I nailed one 4#er. 1 fish for all the trouble was totally worth it.
I take care of my stuff, keep my prop clean and lower it after every use. I know this because that’s what the boys and girls at the inspection stations do.

[stratosman]

As already stated Clear Lake has had this sticker program for years. Started at $10 a month and went to $20 a month a few years later to support having people at the ramp. Then California, being California, saw a way to collect more money by charging a fee. I haven’t seen any evidence of what this fee is being spent on unless it is being spent in Southern California as so often happens in this state.

[Hookset5]

Right, we live we learn and we laugh (hopefully). If I were to do it all over again, id still place my emphasis on the obvious needs of a road trip, first. Theres only so much time between time off of normal life to prepare for something new. I would have spent more time researching if I new I had too, in my own state. I called, asked whats up at the casino, where to go, how to pay, where to park and if they had a launch ramp. I forgot to ask if there are any sub standard bi-laws. Ill add it to my list for next time.

[Hookset5]

While Ive got the bump and if admins will allow, before im done. This company helped me out with an inexpensive transom saver to get me back on the road. Much appreciate not being highway robbery. They were very nice, nice dogs, nice lady, welcoming. Deserves a plug in my opinion.

http://www.mcateesmarine.com/

[Hogbassing]

Each county has there responsibility, Lake county receives there water from the lake and it would be a hug blow financialy to the town's around the lakes if these mussels get into the lake. Most people understand want needs to happen. Most not all and that is why they have to have inspections and teach people the whys.