I was reading the recent post on PFD's while tubing ("[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=519189;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;page=unread#unread"]PFD While Tubing[/url]?") and idahopanfish and TubeDude mentioned how one person might interpret something different than someone else when it comes to laws regarding tubing. Which made me wonder - I live in central NJ and I'm about 45 minutes from the Manasquan Reservoir. When I first got my tube, I called a general number for the reservoir and was told that no crafts under 8ft long are allowed (as well as no fishing from shore). My questions are 1)Do float tubes usually fall into the same category as boats - would the same rules apply? 2)For the people who have been tubing for a while - do you always check regulations before going into a lake/reservoir, or do you just fish until they chase you out and then plead ignorance? Lastly, since I'm new to this, where does one go to find out local laws regarding tubing? Thanks in advance.
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[When I first got my tube, I called a general number for the reservoir and was told that no crafts under 8ft long are allowed (as well as no fishing from shore). My questions are 1)Do float tubes usually fall into the same category as boats - would the same rules apply? ]
Only way to know for sure is to ask an officer.
[2)For the people who have been tubing for a while - do you always check regulations before going into a lake/reservoir, or do you just fish until they chase you out and then plead ignorance? ]
Ignorance can still get you a fine, so you should always check all regulations or you may suffer serious consequnces.
{Lastly, since I'm new to this, where does one go to find out local laws regarding tubing? Thanks in advance.[/quote]
All states have a Fish & Wildlife office and a Parks and Recreation office and most all of the stores that carry the equipment will havve the regulation or know where you can pick them up.
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[cool][#0000ff]It is always best to know and understand the regulations for any body of water you will be fishing...from shore, boat, tube or toon. Sometimes the regulations are a matter of who owns/manages the lakes...private, county, city, state, etc. Once you find that out you can look up their website online or call to get a copy of the written guidelines. They are usually available in some form. In Utah, our DWR (Department of Wildlife Resources) publishes online and in print an annual "Fishing Guide" that includes the basic regulations for each water...including any restrictions on boating, float tubes, etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I would not care to guess as to whether or not the person you talked to was giving you the right information regarding float tubes. My guess is that it was for boats, but I would not risk launching my tube or toon until I had a written clarification. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There is an old saying that it is easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. Another states that IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE. If you are in violation, and the officer who confronts you is not tuber friendly, you could suffer the consequences. [/#0000ff]
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Thanks for the info guys. New Jersey doesn't seem to have much info regarding rules for tubes - although one site referenced inflatable vessels. I'll have to keep looking, and maybe send out a few e-mails and possibly include a picture of a float tube to make sure they know what I'm talking about.
Thanks again.
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I wonder if there is some information on every state on float tubing? I did find out about Wisconsin, u can float any water as long u have the life jacket along. In Illinois I got a muddy answer....
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I think as a tube or a pontoon as a boat. I carry a whistle, a compass and I have an oar, the only thing I am missing is the lights and a bailing bucket.
I don't see how following "BOATERS" rules can possibly hurt while in a tube.
I an in a different position however, as I have a motor on my pontoon and I do have to license it.
Moving water or rough water due to a storm moving in, I am always wearing a life jacket. Stillwater, I have the jacket within reach.
I do know, some lakes will say NO BOAT, but tubes are more than welcome.
Good luck on your search and keep us up dated PLEASE.
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from my exp. every reservoir is different when comes to
rules. And you will most likely get different answers
from two different people from the same reservoir.[:/]
One thing I do when it comes to new water is get as
much info on rules as I can. And ALWAYS have
a plan B just in case...............
Peter
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Hey I googled up the state agency and they refered me to this. page 26
[url "http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2009/digfsh14-29.pdfhttp://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2009/digfsh14-29.pdf"]http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2009/digfsh14-29.pdf[#810081]http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2009/digfsh14-29.pdf[/url] [/#810081]
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Thanks for the link. I sent Fish&Wildlife an e-mail and I'm still waiting for a response. If/when I get a response, I'll post it if anyone's interested.
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It seems to me like different regions are more advanced than others as far as acknowledging tubers and knowing what to do with them. I would think it would correspond with how popular float tubes are in that region.
The problem of not being able to find regs easily reminds me of when I first started tubing about 20 years ago. You would practically have to ask the rangers at each individual lake what the regs were, and then if somebody else hassled you then you would say that the other guy told you otherwise.
Nowadays in my area, the regs are pretty well defined and issues like this seldom come up. Float tubes are common in pretty much every local reservoir where they are legal.
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You guys from Idaho may already know about this one, sorry if it has been posted already
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conten...play/full/
Registration required for anything over 10', so would affect large pontoons.
Pon
[quote jrod106]Thanks for the link. I sent Fish&Wildlife an e-mail and I'm still waiting for a response. If/when I get a response, I'll post it if anyone's interested.[/quote]
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Yup! Heard about it when it was just in discussion.
Good cause but totally messed up procedure. In fact, down right stupid. Why is it, ONLY 10' and larger can carry this..?! Heck felt soles carry this.
They should have charged every one by adding it on boat registration and fishing licenses. They could have charged $3. more and made allot more.
Anyway, got my sticker...and I think the Pelican I was fishing next to was illegal, but I can' be sure.
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