Illegal fish in LFS... how do I get them to believe me?

[attackfish21]

Hello, I recently visited a LFS that was selling Florida Gar. I live in Washington state, and I am pretty sure ALL gar species are illegal here.

The lady there told me that it was just the Alligator Gar that is illegal here, an that the Florida Gar is perfectly legal. SO, in my attempt to find out for myself, I called the local Fish And Wildlife and sure enough, they confirmed that I was right. So after that I called the fish store and just simply said they should look into it, and the fish are still there.

Basically I gave up, and continued on with my life until I saw ANOTHER LFS that is selling the same type of Gar. So I asked the manager and he said he would look into it, and I called Fish and Wildlife again... I talked to a new person, that told me the same thing, ALL Gar/ Pike species are illegal in Washington state...

I am frustrated cause I REALLY like these two LFS and I don't want to see them go down for keeping illegal species... What can I do? Or should I just do nothing at all.... I know it is not my responsibility to save these stores, I just wish they would listen to me and AT LEAST look into it themselves.

Oh well...

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

dont worry about it. all gar are illegal in ur state.

 

[attackfish21]

Listen, please don't take this the wrong way, but do you really think that some game warden is really going around to fish stores and checking their stock for illegal fish? No, I don't think so. Leave it alone and ignore it. Why do you want to be the FISH POLICE? If you keep calling the Fish and Wildlife Department, you're going to get them in trouble. Let it go. As a matter of fact, go buy yourself a florida gar.

Lol, I know thats why I asked, no I do not want to be "fish police", but there has been two stores shut down in the last couple years for the same reason... So I got worried, and when I call, I don't give any names. I don't even say that a LFS has them, I just say I want to know cause I want one.

I just really want to make sure these guys stay in the business. Cause there IS a warden for Fish and Wild life that checks stores here about once or twice a year, I only know that cause my friends mom is dating one of the officers that works for them. Otherwise I wouldn't worry at all.

 

[koop171]

Look you can be that guy that turns the place in to fish and game. Or, you can get the correct info to prove that the fish is not legal in you area and take it to them so they do what they want then. Or you can be quiet about it and let someone buy it.


But keep in mind the fact that if they decide to get rid of it that means that most likely it will be killed.

 

[phillydog1958]

Lol, I know thats why I asked, no I do not want to be "fish police", but there has been two stores shut down in the last couple years for the same reason... So I got worried, and when I call, I don't give any names. I don't even say that a LFS has them, I just say I want to know cause I want one.

I just really want to make sure these guys stay in the business. Cause there IS a warden for Fish and Wild life that checks stores here about once or twice a year, I only know that cause my friends mom is dating one of the officers that works for them. Otherwise I wouldn't worry at all.

Well, think about this: If either of those stores ever get a visit from a fish and wildlife dept. person, I'm sure they would probably assume that you're the one who might've reported them, because you're the only customer who comes in talking about illegal fish. Be careful . . .

 

[cichlid fiend]

I wouldnt say nothing!!!

Dont let it bother you, hopefully they go to a good home!!!!

Better yet hopefully they go to a MFk'er!!!!

 

[attackfish21]

You guys are acting like I am bad for caring that the store survives... Like I said in my last post, I am not turning them in, I haven't even said their names on the phone, Nor have I even mentioned that a LFS has them...

I love gar. Jeese... I try to do something seemingly right and get bashed... I don't see how wondering what I can say to these people to possibly save their business is wrong.

Oh well.... If people want to buy them that is fine with me.. thats not the point I was trying to make... I was simply going off of what I have heard, and what I have seen happen to stores with illegal species. But instead I get told to "SHUT UP"... Thanks guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[attackfish21]

Well, think about this: If either of those stores ever get a visit from a fish and wildlife dept. person, I'm sure they would probably assume that you're the one who might've reported them, because you're the only customer who comes in talking about illegal fish. Be careful . . .

I have thought of that... but I have never reported them. I hope they never get caught. Well thanks anyways. I will just leave it alone.

 

[attackfish21]

OH, and Thanks for replying everyone.. even though it wasn't quite the response I was hoping for, it is at least all honest opinion that have helped me decide to just leave it be. I just really hope nothing bad happens to these guys is all.

 

[Danzig86]

Dont apologize for your thread and your actions dude. If its illegal it should be illegal period, these guys kicking up a stink cant see the forest thru the trees like you can, dont ever stop asking questions.