I got checked by the DNR yesterday......

[Jeremy airjer W]

Huh, I could have swore the regs said you had to have one on anything 18' and over? This would have been 9 or 10 years ago.

[BobT]

* When a motorboat is equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard approved fixed fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment, one less B-I extinguisher is required.

** Enclosed engines and fuel tanks are generally found on

inboards or stern drives and also on larger outboard boats with built-in fuel tanks. Most motorboats are required to

carry at least one fire extinguisher. However, open out-

board boats with unenclosed portable fuel tanks and no floorboards, decking, a cabin or other spaces that could trap fuel vapor are not required to carry an extinguisher

[bobbymalone]

* When a motorboat is equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard approved fixed fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment, one less B-I extinguisher is required.

** Enclosed engines and fuel tanks are generally found on

inboards or stern drives and also on larger outboard boats with built-in fuel tanks. Most motorboats are required to

carry at least one fire extinguisher. However, open out-

board boats with unenclosed portable fuel tanks and no floorboards, decking, a cabin or other spaces that could trap fuel vapor are not required to carry an extinguisher

Yep. I was surprised when the CO was going through the list and said I didn't need a fire extinguisher on my 17.5 foot alumacraft. It's got floorboards and storage but the area with the gas tanks has a hinged lid that doesn't fully enclose the area.

Personally, I think not having a fire extinguisher on board is pretty foolish unless you are talking about a 14 foot lund with bench seats and 10 horse. If you've got a fair bit of wiring and more than a 6 gallon tank... It's probably just a good idea.

[BLACKJACK]

I originally posted this in the Red Lake forum.

My sons and I launched out of the south-side on Saturday. First and only walleye was hooked up at 10:00 AM, 15 and a half inches.

5 beautiful sheep-head and 2 northern, 17" and 37". Jigging, Rigging spinners and raps, lead-core and raps. Walleye came off of jig tipped with chub and all the rest of fish came from lead-core rigs. We left the lake at 10:00 PM.

Thirteen and a half hours in the boat, with that southeast breeze has left my calves feeling like wood.

On a side-note, we were approached and inspected by 2 agents representing the DNR. I will describe our encounter not only as I saw it, but my one sons view also. My son is in law enforcement.

One agent was of the sort that all could hope for if approached. He was professional, respectful and courteous, an example of what one would expect. The other agent, well, not so much for respect and courtesy. His obnoxious demanding tone stripped away any professionalism he may have had.

After our short compliant inspection, and the agents departing, I held silent and waited for my sons to see what there reaction would be. I'd like to believe that out of what I have taught them by example, they were silent until I asked them of there thoughts of this experience. They were both at a loss for words until the one who is in enforcement inquired, "why the good cop bad cop routine"? We laughed and shared many hypothetical situations as to why some people need to puff up.

O.K, I've been approached many times over my 57 years by game wardens/CO's. This is only the second time I remember a representative of the state that has shown less then digestible behavior. On several occasions over the years I have shared a hot cup of coffee with CO's while they have warmed themselves within my ice shelter. I'm not bashing or whining, just sharing our experience.

I did ask the CO's if they noticed anyone doing any good fishing. The one fella replied we were doing the best out of the one's they had checked. I could of swore he winked when he told me this... He really was a nice guy.

I love this lake and area and hope to be back soon for the fall run.

Scott

We had the same good CO/bad CO routine pulled on us up at Red. Must be the water up there!!! We had caught an over 17 fish, they were about 50 yards away checking our partners, and they came rushing over, accusing us of keeping the fish. The bad arse even had his hand on his gun as they pulled up to us criminals. But they checked our licenses and fish in the live well and away they went.

[CANOPY SAM]

Upper Red had such a bad history with people taking over-limits, slot fish, etc., and it's still happening today. I think we gotta cut em' a little slack in that situation. If I'm not mistaken, I think there's kind of a combined police force there..with both Red Lake Tribal enforcement, and MN DNR working together to maintain the lake.

They were SUPER uptight when they first re-opened the lake to walleye fishing, but have relaxed significantly since then.

Again, are there a few "less than pleasant" CO's out there? Sure. Same can be said for virtually every other profession on the planet. Are all doctors blessed with a delightful bedside manner? Is every waiter, waitress, or bartender gliding along on a silver lined cloud bringing joy and happiness to every customer?

I have a lot of friends in law enforcement, and natural resource management. All of em' are good people, and are reasonably happy with their career choice. Yet, hard to believe as it may be, from time to time they have a bad day, and get a little frustrated with the people they monitor. It's too often a thankless job, and our society too often promotes an "anti-law enforcement" mentality. But imagine what our world would be like without them?

[Down Deep]

I have to question the origional poster??Is this a feel good post or realistic?? AFter all the sounding devise is as important as the throwing devise according to rules in the Mn. boating guide!! Were you really stopped???Or just blowin hot air??

Does it matter or are you just arguing?

What a troll!

[Finns]

Huh, Jentz or myself?

[CAMAN]

Obviously you Finns!

[Finns]

HA! That's what I was afraid of!!!

[knoppers]

its kinda funny that the sherrifs water patrol don't even know the laws.

I was stopped on my aitkin co lake 3 years ago, they checked for life jackets, and that was about it. as they were just about to leave, I asked them if I needed a fire extingwisher (spelling?) they said no since I did not ahve a built in tank, I have a 20ft pontoon. so I decided to keep it in my cabin.

last year two very young sherrifs water partol stopped me on my pontoon, and they gave me a warning ticket for not having it on my pontoon??????

they did ask me if I did have a horn, and I said it did not work, they did not seem to care, which they shouln't, since its only a 300 acre lake.