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Snapper
 
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I know it's really easy to bash someone or something but sometimes the facts are facts and that's how it goes. So far this summer I've been checked by the FWC or Coast Guard several times while fishing. That's really no big deal, but the ability to do a proper and lawful inspection is lacking. Case #1, CG pulls up while I'm anchored/fishing in the bay; takes several minutes to manuever close enough to inspect( grab on, let go, throw rope, take rope back etc.) Then have to have discussions over regulations among themselves, argue and finally cut short and politely say good day. Case #2 FWC pulls up in shallows around mouth of Escambia. Has hard time controlling and maneuvering his boat, can't figure out fishing license date, says it's expired, I had to show him how it worked. He ask if I have all my required gear, no inspection and then procedes to ground himself. Case#3 Anchored in bay, same thing with license, he gave up trying to figure out the dates, said he was to write me a ticket for fire extinguisher being out of date. I had to inform him that a portable tank in a jon boat does not require a fire extinguisher to be on board. He conceded and left. I could tell you more but they're longer more dangerous cluster f--ks the CG and FWC worked together on. Has anyone else had occasions with their ineptness?
If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way. - Bertrand Russell |
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Grouper
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Snapper
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| From my post in this section on 6/22/08 "FFLW Agrees to Pay for Damages to Boat. ["In July '05 FFWL agents crashed across the bow of our Cape Horn jamming the trolling motor onto the deck and knocking out a chunk of the jellcoat. Of course, they denied liability and I fumed and fussed, and let it slide. Shat happens. Couple of months ago, FFWL crashes us again, this time knocking the rub rail off the port bow. Not gonna let this one slide. Then, delay, delay, in getting an inspection; then delay, delay, delay in getting answer. Finally, second inspection;then, hemm/haww/stutter about liability. Well, after a well drafted demand letter, plus a request for public records of "all" the boats that FFWL has crashed in the bay, they have agreed to pay for repairs, towing, and loss of use. Does anyone want 835# of public records/damage reports in which FFWL has crashed into citizens' boats? We post this only to let you know that if it happens to you, and they are at fault, don't roll over, you have remedies.] "Lane and I get checked roughly 20 -25% time we go out. Our routine is a heck of a lot smoother than theirs; First sighting..."DH approaching"... reel in all lines; I grab life vests, throw, and fire extenguishers; Lane starts getting catch ready for inspection - if we have caught anything, each of us grab our license. By the time they get anywhere near us we have everything lined up for viewing. However, after you have read our recent posts you will understand why we have added bumpers and push poles to the routine. If anyone ever needs a good attorney, I have a friend who specializes in Military and Maritime law. Keep a sharp eye, and don't take any crap!
===================================="Sharks are no longer at the top of the food chain!"
"If Mondays were fish, I would throw them back!" Team “Ms Dixie” – a/k/a Mitch’nLane
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Snapper
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Uhhhhhh, let's see. Joe fisher gets a ticket for a law that does'nt exist, maybe that's not important to some idiot, but to this one it is important. If I hadn't known the law it would have cost me. Maybe some folks are able to deduce from the post that you can't assume they are correct, OBVIOUSLY! DUH. "Cop bashing" get a clue.
If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way. - Bertrand Russell |
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Snapper
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I don't think this is bashing at all, I have had some bad experiences with some fwc guys and people should know about it. It is not all of them; some of them are very professional and courteous like the last guy who stopped me. Young guy new to our area from Fort Walton. I have never had a bad experience with the Coast Guard, always professional. The biggest problem I see is that if you ask five fwc officers the same question you will get five different answers, and that’s just damn ridiculous! And unfortunately I got a $250 ticket before because one of them gave me bad information. I once got into an argument with one because he told me my 8 mangrove snappers were cubera snapper, are you serious, 8 damn cubera snapper in Pensacola? In my experience it’s the older guys, the ones that have been around here the longest that are the worst, the younger guys that are coming here from other areas seem less angry when they pull me over. I in know way have a problem with authority, but these people work for us. And if some of them are not doing a good job we should let them know through the proper channels.
Hot Spots Bait and Tackle
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Snapper
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| I agree Matt! Im not talking about all of the FWC because I have been stopped by some that were very professional but a number of them dont have a clue. IMO if your going to get a professional job like a marine patrol then you should know your job inside and out. And for god sakes if your going to get a job that requires you to drive around in a boat all day then It would be a good idea to learn how to properly operate a boat. Ive been stopped before and they couldnt identify half the fish in the ice box. This mainly holds true with snapper because there are so many different types. Like Matt I too have had the most problems with the older guys. Brant Peacher
tackle rep
Emerald Coast Fishing Excursions www.fishtheemeraldcoast.com Contact: brant.peacher@gmail.com
Phone: 850-450-3878 2020 Blazer Bay 175 Suzuki 4stroke
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Trigger
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| man i was wade fishing chickenbone last sunday. had all the usuall gear bucket fishingrods castnet. my wife had her rod in her hand had my rod in my hand i had just walked in to get a piece of bait. fwc chick pulls up on a 4 wheeler ask us if we r from florida we say yes. had my brand new ambassador 5500 and allstar rod never been casted. had the reel on a towel so not o get sand in it and rod lying on sand. this girl runs over my brand new rod says sorry and runs off towards fortpickens. bent 2 guides and scratched it up. what the f then the storm came in never saw her go back by aint that a beotch..
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Sailfish
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Now that Really sucks shanester.
Had it of just been some Yahoo, I bet you would have picked the rod up and beat the crap out of them with it. :(
---------------------------------------------------------
"Just cause it's new, doesn't mean it's worth a Damn."
Pensacola, Fl
Custom 23ft Mako Pilothouse w/ twin DF-140 Suzuki's
162 Scout w/ C-90 Yamaha
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Snapper
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| I was kayak fishing down by the Coast Guard station in East Pass awhile back and witnessed the strangest thing at the CG dock! These 4 guys, all looked to be CG employees, were backing a CG patrol boat out of its slip and then pulling it alongside the dock! They would riccochet off the dock sometimes or throw the boat in reverse and gun the engine so strongly that I could hear it clearly out past their jetties. They did this for almost an hour and I always wondered what they were doing?? Now I know, .......... they were practicing their "crash" maneuver for CG approach to a fishing vessel!!! 
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Snapper
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| All this fun is being brought to you by the folks that are going to be giving safe boating classes! The FWC could be eliminated from the state budget altogether and it would be no great loss.
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Grouper
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guess i have been lucky have been pulled over many times and never had a problem. they are people too and there are bad ones and good ones. some got in a fight with their wife before they left for work some of them got a kiss good bye. the biggest problem i have is the redundancy of cc, fwc, and even the sheriffs dept has a small fleet. and we all know the sheriff doesnt know his hunting and fishing regs. with all the budget cuts maybe they should consoladate and save all us tax payers some money.
1989 20' grady white 2007 200hp 2-stroke yamaha
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Trigger
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Several years ago I passed about two hundred yards off an FWC boat just sitting in the bay.I was running from a storm and had my little flatsboat at full throttle...running between 60-65 mph.I had been docked long enough to unload my flyrods into the truck and was checking a sluggish trim tab....when the FWC boat pulls up...blue lights and all.The guy is redfaced and stuttering.Tells me he is going to give me a ticket...for speeding in the bay.I explained it very nicely...no speed limit in the bay.Then he says the ticket will be for not watching behind me.At the timme..there were only four boats I knew of that could outrun me.So I explained, again nicely...that at the speed I was running, I look ahead and beside me...and that his was not one of the few boats that could catch me.That is when the inspection started.I don't think he was happy with that, either...5 lifejackets on a 4 man boat, 2 extinguishers(on a 15 foot boat)hand held flares, a flaregun, dye markers...whistles and lights for the lifejackets.When that didn't work, he measured my fish...not once, not twice...but three times.He was fried...but couldn't find anything wrong...but the next boat coming in caught pure T hell.
Life is too short to skip fishing.
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Snapper
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agree with Brant. Since it has been posted that we do get stopped ALOT, i will clarify that many of the officials are professional. In fact, one approaches and realizes he stopped us "yesterday" and will say " oh hi, carry on". Unfortunantly it is the other guys who think they OWN the water that make the headlines and spoil the reputation of the others. OH WELL, getting ready to load the boat and have all the necessary equipment within easy reach as I'm sure we will be show and tell later today. FISH ON!!!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++"Fishn4real's Best Catch!"Team “Ms Dixie” – a/k/a Mitch’nLane
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Trigger
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| The FWC and USCG do a very good job! I understand none of us like to be checked but when it happens we should be polite because they have a tough job to do with little pay. In addition they should be polite and professional, if they are not there are proper channels to address your concerns. The USCG is always getting new recruits right out of their basic training so I'm sure if you watched any USCG station for long you would see a lot of training that looks pretty sloppy. If it were not for these two agencies it would not be safe to get out on the water during a busy weekend. The reason you don't see many sheriff's boats is because it drains their budgets and boarding influential people out on the water is not a good thing when you are an elected official. I for one like seeing them out on the water and if I have an emergency with my family out on the water I will be real HAPPY to see them.
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White Marlin
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one time an FWC person (no way he was actually an 'officer') walked on the pier and demanded that everyone shows their fishing and driver's license.... and then he threatened to arrest me after i said that the admission to the pier covers the license to fish.... he didn't have a clue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxxPLDZnqwA&feature=fvst Anchoring for cobia fishing is like washing your feet with socks on, it doesn't make any damn sense!!!
Angler formerly known as VS200B.
Anglertube member COBIAHUNTER
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Trigger
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| I was near Sand Island this morning and CG was next to a boat video taping the action. The CG was talking to the fisherman and it was being taped. Not sure what it was all about so just kept going. At least they weren't bothering me. Spanky
Spanky452301 WA Seaswirl Striper
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Snapper
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I'm not trying to rub anyone the wrong way but this isn't about having law enforcement on the water or being checked. IT'S ABOUT COMPETENCY. Getting your order wrong at McDonalds is one thing, but this is a way different matter. I don't think anyone wants a hanging, just a raised level of expectation on an extremely consistant basis. The things they should know is not difficult or overwhelming.
If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way. - Bertrand Russell |
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Mingo
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got busted once by fwc when the guy said that the 10" lane snapper I had were dog snapper and minimum was 12". I explained that these were not dog snapper as they live in tropical waters and this was too far north. he said that he could tell because the canine teeth were 1/8" shorter on one side than the other. I said I could hardly see the teeth on a 10 " fish so how could he? wrong thing to say, got ticketed for 9 fish. went to court with pictures for the judge, lane snapper and dog snapper. also info on ranges for both. "Not Guilty". If you're right, stick to your guns and go the distance. These guys need to study up or listen to the locals who know their fish.
" If it smells like fish, eat it !"
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White Marlin
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i've had them tell me that the black snapper i had were dog snapper..... i busted out the ole fish ID book and proceded to educate the man.... he apoligized after about 20 minutes...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxxPLDZnqwA&feature=fvst Anchoring for cobia fishing is like washing your feet with socks on, it doesn't make any damn sense!!!
Angler formerly known as VS200B.
Anglertube member COBIAHUNTER
http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/gallery.asp?gallery=1630
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Grouper
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[b] Case#3 Anchored in bay, same thing with license, he gave up trying to figure out the dates, said he was to write me a ticket for fire extinguisher being out of date. I had to inform him that a portable tank in a jon boat does not require a fire extinguisher to be on board. He conceded and left. I could tell you more but they're longer more dangerous cluster f--ks the CG and FWC worked together on. Has anyone else had occasions with their ineptness? Just so you know,, even though a fire extinguisher is not required on a john boat,, If you have one in your possession it must be legal and current... If you are not going to keep it current and up to date, do not have it in your posession... Yes there are good and bad officers... but just think what it would be like if there wernt any,,, so what is so hard about obeying the law, and being respectful. I got a better idea,, why dont you apply for the job and do it better,,, Ill bet it wont be long and you will be just like the ones your are complaing about... They are trying to do a job that obviously you dont want, so get over it and have a great day,, fish on......
________________________________________________Kenny Mann Almost Anything Computer Owner (co) computer repair and service
Ms Penny Fishing Team video and audio conversions
Emerald Coast Marine vinyl to cd,
4610 Saufley Field Rd
Pensacola, Florida 32526
ph # 850-456-8196
fax# 850-455-8318 Kenny_Mann-ECM@cox.net Sequoiha@cox.net Sales@emeraldcoastmarine.com www.emeraldcoastmarine.com 
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Snapper
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| Probably shouldn't jump back on this thread but it bothers me when people say "just think what it would be like out there if they weren't doing their job". It would be absolutely wonderful. What do they do? They certainly aren't safegaurding a dissapearing fishery. They are not going to help you if you are in trouble. If you do find yourself in trouble on the water it will be a fellow fisherman bailing you out.
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White Marlin
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I have been pulled over and boarded.....reason was...."going too slow"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'm a Sagittarius...If you don't want to hear the truth then don't ask my opinion!
Then again I'm a "Vacuous Asshat"  Political Correctness:
A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical liberal minority, and rapidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end. “Tell me who your friends are and I will tell who you are.” Century 25' Mirada 350/260HP "ISLAND LADY" >>>> Calera, Alabama My Pictures
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Snapper
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wrightackle (7/4/2008)
Probably shouldn't jump back on this thread but it bothers me when people say "just think what it would be like out there if they weren't doing their job". It would be absolutely wonderful. What do they do? They certainly aren't safegaurding a dissapearing fishery. They are not going to help you if you are in trouble. If you do find yourself in trouble on the water it will be a fellow fisherman bailing you out.Wrighttackle you don't know what you are talking about... I located the boat on the freighter that two people drowned on and picked up the two people from the water on the boat that was on fire. (yes I am a fellow fisherman that was on the scene first) However at both incidents the coast guard, Alabama Marine patrol and Florida Marine patrol were on scene within minutes after being notified to assist.
The spin stops here
"I'm Sealark and I approve this message""From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to Earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free."
-Jacques Yves Cousteau,
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Snapper
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| I rest my case. They must have been close by harassing somebody at the nine mile mark.
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Snapper
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Kenny, what a load of crap. Are you feeling nurturing today? Coast Guard said fire extinguisher was not a violation. My nephew works for the FWC, he loves the job as do all the others I have spoken with. Why aren't you an FWC officer? Because you have another job maybe. How about if I'm the garbage man and twice a week I miss the truck with the garbage and it lays in your driveway, you should just get over it? Maybe you repair someone's boat and they don't pay you, just get over it! "He does a good job at his work". The people who have posted real incidents are sharing valuable information. For those who might be a touch slow; BEING THERE O.K., CHECKING/INSPECTIONS O.K. Didn't mean to make this personal but implying I don't want to do the right thing is ridiculus.
If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way. - Bertrand Russell |
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Snapper
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fishitall (7/4/2008)
I'm not trying to rub anyone the wrong way but this isn't about having law enforcement on the water or being checked. IT'S ABOUT COMPETENCY. Getting your order wrong at McDonalds is one thing, but this is a way different matter. I don't think anyone wants a hanging, just a raised level of expectation on an extremely consistant basis. The things they should know is not difficult or overwhelming.You said it perfectly! Brant Peacher
tackle rep
Emerald Coast Fishing Excursions www.fishtheemeraldcoast.com Contact: brant.peacher@gmail.com
Phone: 850-450-3878 2020 Blazer Bay 175 Suzuki 4stroke
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Grouper
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| I am by no means trying to make it personal... and Im sure there are lots of real stories to go around, I was just trying to make a point, Im sure for every 1 bad experience a fisherman has, the officer has 20. Im not saying there arent bad officers or bad cops,, sure there are,, but by the same token there are many good ones. just like in any other field or job... I just know that I have heard many horror stories by the officers about the people they stop,,, I agree they are not very consistent in there interpitation of the law. and Im sorry you feel that what I have to say is a load of crap,,, but I am very glad to have them out there,,, doing their job. As far as the fire extinguisher,,, it doesnt matter if it is a violation or not... if you are going to carry it around, maybe have to use it on your boat or someone elses.. why not make sure it is up to date and functional... kind of like toting a unloaded pistol. doesnt do ya much good if you need it...
________________________________________________Kenny Mann Almost Anything Computer Owner (co) computer repair and service
Ms Penny Fishing Team video and audio conversions
Emerald Coast Marine vinyl to cd,
4610 Saufley Field Rd
Pensacola, Florida 32526
ph # 850-456-8196
fax# 850-455-8318 Kenny_Mann-ECM@cox.net Sequoiha@cox.net Sales@emeraldcoastmarine.com www.emeraldcoastmarine.com
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Ruby Red Lip
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Most of the fwc officers I've encountered have been curious and professional, but one time we were coming back into bayou texar under the train trussed in a 28ft. Grady White and was stopped. He said his reason for stopping us was that we were putting off to big of a wake. If we would of been going any slower the boat would of stopped completely. He then proceed to check our license and measured the fish about twice trying to find something wrong. One of the guys on the boat had an outdated license and got a ticket. It just seems like you have some good officers and some bad. I have never been stopped by the Coast Guard but from what I hear I don't want to be either. It also seems to me that the new fwc guys all more professional, most of the older ones think that they are the kings of the water and everyone must bow before them.
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Trigger
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NEVER agrue with an IDIOT,they will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.
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Grouper
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Spanky45 (7/4/2008)
I was near Sand Island this morning and CG was next to a boat video taping the action. The CG was talking to the fisherman and it was being taped. Not sure what it was all about so just kept going. At least they weren't bothering me. SpankyThat might have been us in a deckboat east side of the island just before lunch. I think the FWC officer cut us some slack and issued us a warning for not having a throwable onboard. The camera crew may have saved us from a ticket. The reporter knew my buddy and the camera guy lives down the street from me. I think I inadvertantly left the throwable on the boat I sold .
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