Last Friday afternoon while I was doing my rounds I stopped at a major outdoors store to browse the shelves and possibly pick up a new reel, it's almost Fathers Day after all. While I was there three young guys (early - mid 20's) came in and started asking the sales rep some questions about fishing equipment. It was obvious that they didn't have a clue what they were doing and the rep was doing a good job helping them out. They must have just watched a fishing show on TV because they were raring to go right then and there. The rep got them each a decent rod/reel combo, he even offered to spool some line on the reels for them, and then when he was going to recommend some lures/hooks etc. he asked them what they were planning on fishing for. The response from all three was BASS... BASS... it's May 09. I was waiting to here the rep inform them that Bass was out of season right now and to suggest something else, but no... the rep walked around the aisle and placed 6-7 "sure fire" bass lures in the basket and then told them how to use worms and minnows and placed some weights and hooks in the basket as well.
I looked over the display at them in a normal, non-offensive tone informed them that Bass were not in season and that they would need to purchase a fishing license at the front of the store before the could fish for anything. The response was typical for the area... "We don't need no stinkin license"... I'm not kidding, that was the response from one of the guys. Now this is where I expected the rep in his green shirt to back me up and to try and educate some obviously fresh, potential anglers...nope. He just gave me a blank look and led them away.
Now, my dad taught me everything I know about fishing. I release all the fish I catch. Fishing to me is a sport, something I enjoy doing and something I am teaching my kids to enjoy the same as me. I don't have a problem with people catching and keeping what they are legally entitled to, as long as it doesn't go in the freezer to be found two years later and thrown out. I have never sat on the pier or waded into a river and questioned whether the people around me had a license or not I just assumed that their father taught them the way mine taught me. How wrong I was.
I guess what I'm getting at is, shouldn't it be mandatory to have a license to purchase fishing equipment? Or how about live bait? You can't just walk in and buy guns and ammo...., you have to show I.D. to buy booze and smokes. So how hard would it be for them to check to make sure you have an outdoors card before you make a purchase. If you're buying a gift... get a gift card.
It just amazed me that the employee would not try to educate them even after I gave him the chance. I've had both good and bad experiences at this store so I'm not going to name it, but I'm sure most of you can figure it out.