Hey guys,

I have a rant that i'd like to get off my chest. I'd like to see what some of you fishing folks think.

I was off work today and decided to take my young cousin fishing. As he is unable to be in the outdoors often if at all. So, i thought i was doing the good deed of taking a kid fishing.

The plan was to rent a canoe on the elkorn and chase little brownies. One last check, I threw a few old fishing rods in the boat locked my belongings in the car and we were off fishing. A day that started with promise turned down hill quickly.

About an hour into the trip we ran across two men standing on the bank who waved us over. As we got closer I realized it was two Kentucky fish and wildlife officers. Who asked us to get out of the boat. Searching for my wallet which has my fishing license, I remembered I left it in the truck. Which, at the time seemed to be the smart decision considering the potential of flipping the canoe (which happened a few times) and sharing it with a 10 year old boy. However, It didn't seem so smart as that ticket was being given. At which point I offered my SSN. Which, I thought every spring when i have to blurt out my social in a walmart; this would be an example of a situation of why they used it. So, they could look it up if you lost it. As I tried to explain the situation in a calm and nice manner the KFW officer told me he could write me another ticket if I wanted it. At which point i stayed silent the rest of the time as he wrote up the ticket.

Keep in mind I wasn't drinking, being loud, bothering anyone, or even harvesting fish. For the most part what I did was star the boat, untangle lines, and retie hooks. Which is expected when you take a kid fishing.

The remainder of the day was spent to get back down the creek and leave. Right before I left i thought I would do another good deed and let the ownership of Canoe Kentucky (the canoe rental place) know that KFW officers were targeting and ticketing his customers. Who were fishing or had any signs of beverages with them. This left me equally as disappointed. I thought they might want to know this as it could potentially hurt business. Instead I got an earful from the co-owner who was extremely rude. Saying he knew the officer and said he wants them out there. And, I was the one in the wrong. He almost gave the appearance that Canoe Kentucky sets up their own customers by putting KFW out there.

Having said all of that I understand that a person is supposed to carry a fishing license at all times. However, I would have hoped a little common sense and understanding would prevail. Imo that did not happen.

Most people I've talked to this afternoon have told me that once i prove that I do have a fishing permit, It will likely be removed.However, there is a part of me that says that isn't the point. A little understanding and all this could have been avoided. We have all seen people harvest undersized fish or go over the harvest limit. But, instead of targeting those people. I'm the one they are looking for?

I can tell you a few thing. First, my cousin appears to have zero interest in going fishing again. I will reconsider fishing on public Kentucky water. And, I'm very disappointed in how both the officer and the co-owner of canoe Kentucky spoke to me. I would not recommend ever using Canoe Kentucky. But i guess that's how it goes.

A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at.... well never mind.