Ticketed at Doran last friday

My wife and I go visit her folks in Florida a couple of times a year and I purchase a Florida nonresident license annually. Not only is it good for 1 year from the date of purchase, is cheaper than a CA resident license, as long as I have valid ID on me I am not required to have it in my possession as my status can be checked against their data base by the EO if i am stopped. Simple right? How is Florida so far ahead of us on this, and they don't even have a state income tax. 

So here's my take on this discussion;
The law says an angler MUST have license in immediate possession, with the exception of some specific situations.
That's it, no need to bicker.
If you break the law, you get a ticket.
Yes, there are always extenuating circumstances, but that's why you are allowed to argue in court.
Of course this law may be outdated, but obviously, not enough anglers have complained about it to get the law changed. Sure many complain (or wine as the case may be) here, but that is like the employees complaining about a policy around the water cooler, but never actually filling a legit complaint.
Yes,
We are human, and make mistakes .....
Yes,
The law may be out dated ...
But,
The law is the law ...
And until it is properly contested, it will be enforced.
;0)

I agree. Stupid or not, it is what it is. Just like driving a car, the law says to keep your license with you. If a friendly cop/warden lets it slide, you are LUCKY. If they don't let it slide, you get to learn an expensive lesson. The exact lesson the fine is designed to give you.

If you have a problem with the law, address it. The cops/wardens are just doing their jobs. And like everyone else, they have good days and bad days.

I bet the lesson worked. Bet it won't happen again.

 This has been a sobering read...      Would like to hear the outcome.   Expect you will go to court and contest this ( hopefully ) .    I'd bet the judge would dismiss it.    Good luck.
 

    I leave mine in my lifejacket.  That way it's always with me on the water.

My wife and I go visit her folks in Florida a couple of times a year and I purchase a Florida nonresident license annually. Not only is it good for 1 year from the date of purchase, is cheaper than a CA resident license, as long as I have valid ID on me I am not required to have it in my possession as my status can be checked against their data base by the EO if i am stopped. Simple right? How is Florida so far ahead of us on this, and they don't even have a state income tax.

totally agree, this method would solve a lot of problems. A  CA photo ID linked with the DMV. Register my car or pay whatever DMV fees, and order a Fishing License the same time.

The main problem with the wardens checking your license status electronically, is cell coverag.
Florida is a relativity flat state with better coverage, where California has much less coverage. As laws have to be fair and equal to everyone, it would not be possible to check an anglers lic status in some remote areas, thus the burden of proof still must fall on the angler. At least untill sat service becomes a realistic option.

Wardens could download a daily database without problem.  Probably even automatic every night if set up.  Then he would have it on hand unless you bought your license that morning, in which case I would imagine you didn't forget it someplace.  They also have radios and could radio in the info just like a CHP would and get an answer back since it would be tied to the DMV records as well. 

The main problem with the wardens checking your license status electronically, is cell coverag.
Florida is a relativity flat state with better coverage, where California has much less coverage. As laws have to be fair and equal to everyone, it would not be possible to check an anglers lic status in some remote areas, thus the burden of proof still must fall on the angler. At least untill sat service becomes a realistic option.

+1 There are many areas of the Sonoma and Mendocino coast without cell reception.

FIrst Judge you see will only allow you to pay on terms, or set up another court date. Second court date will be before a different Judge. This happened to friend of mine. Courts Don't like spending time on these types of cases, have less time these days to deal with bigger offenses. They can take the attitude that you are wasting their court time fighting this. Didn't turn out good for him.

Do you remember what he had to pay?  I have not gotten my notice in the mail yet, but on the ticket my court date is Feb 15'

When I got my Ab Card ticket in 07 it was in Sonoma Cty court.  There were several DFW citations mixed in with the days cases, the judge was willing to listen to each case and even dismissed one after hearing the guy(s) explanation. 

The first thing the judge did in each DFW case was ask the prosecutor (?) if the accused had any previous Fish and Game violations on record, when the answer came back no, as it was for everybody that day, he seemed more likely to listen.

Seriously, Good Luck,

Years ago I forgot my license and realized while I was fishing, but thought no big deal and kept on fishing, since my 2007 experience, I'd never do that again,

 

I forgot my license one time while clamming. The warden asked how much I paid for it? I told him I don't know as my wife gets it for me every year as a Christmas present.

He wrote me a citation but said that if I brought it into the office the next day he would tear up the citation . I did, and he did tear it up. Thank you Mr. Warden!

NotaSeal