My Rant - Ruining Others Trying to Enjoy Themselves

[ec1]

So tonight, got lucky enough to just take a visit to the holland river, but not for fishing. Got there at around 11:20PM and watched some others pitch their bobbers into the water. Upon arriving, i watched a group take out their rods (Yes, I'm Asian , and so were they) but while we were standing and watching, we were approached by an older caucasian male screaming from the bridge to stay away from his car and his buddies'. We were literally 10 metres away from his car, but then comes insults of how chinese people had scratched his car and ran off. Colourful and agressive verbs and adjectives were flying across at each other, but we were only minding our own business. Its sad how people still feel this way about minorities, and only to think i was going to bring friends and family there, but now im scared for their safety.

I was there about a week ago, and i was greeted by other (and theyre not asian) and we've exchanged words like good luck, have a fun day etc. GREAT how one person could ruin it for an entire group.

i seriously think that just being asian is a major disadvantage being in certain areas.
YES I do take fish home to eat, YES I use a White Bucket to carry fish around, YES I do speak a foreign language, Yes, I enjoy eating crappie, bass and walleye, while the bullhead go in soup. and most of all, YES I do stay within the limit and try to be responsible by taking only what i will eat

 

[chibi]

what a coincidence
frozenfire and i had an extremely unpleasant experience at keswick today as well... around 7pm i would say... but i guess i'll let him tell the details...
in short, a group of teenagers thought it would be fun to throw rocks, branches, pieces of tree trunks into the water where people were fishing. oh and, did i mention their vulgar and lewd language?
the only thought going through my mind was why... why in a public area where people bring their families.
a few hours earlier a father and his two young daughters were fishing next to us. i said to frozenfire this is the perfect place for someone to learn... he agreed... and then this? 7pm?
and as for introducing these places to new people who may be interested in the hobby or looking for a new spot to fish, tonight frozenfire's friend also came, along with some of his friends to see the place for the first time. not pleasant.

be careful. i don't even know what to say when we need to fear for our safety in public spaces. including when it should be 'safest'. when it's still bright outside, when there's a huge crowd. when private property is also somewhat involved.

 

[openfire]

So tonight, got lucky enough to just take a visit to the holland river, but not for fishing. Got there at around 11:20PM and watched some others pitch their bobbers into the water. Upon arriving, i watched a group take out their rods (Yes, I'm Asian , and so were they) but while we were standing and watching, we were approached by an older caucasian male screaming from the bridge to stay away from his car and his buddies'. We were literally 10 metres away from his car, but then comes insults of how chinese people had scratched his car and ran off. Colourful and agressive verbs and adjectives were flying across at each other, but we were only minding our own business. Its sad how people still feel this way about minorities, and only to think i was going to bring friends and family there, but now im scared for their safety.

I was there about a week ago, and i was greeted by other (and theyre not asian) and we've exchanged words like good luck, have a fun day etc. GREAT how one person could ruin it for an entire group.

i seriously think that just being asian is a major disadvantage being in certain areas.
YES I do take fish home to eat, YES I use a White Bucket to carry fish around, YES I do speak a foreign language, Yes, I enjoy eating crappie, bass and walleye, while the bullhead go in soup. and most of all, YES I do stay within the limit and try to be responsible by taking only what i will eat

I'm very sorry to hear that. :?:

I've seen some "older Caucasian men" make fun of "white buckets", usually in a light-hearted manner and almost always just referring to ethnic people keeping a lot of fish... But to read your story saddens me. It's disheartening to see the level of intolerance in some people. I would like to think that it's a thing of the past, but it's clear from your post that some relics are still kicking around.

Having said that, I sincerely hope that you don't let one (or some) ignorant person/people deter you from enjoying fishing in Ontario with your family and friends in the future.

 

[openfire]

what a coincidence
frozenfire and i had an extremely unpleasant experience at keswick today as well... around 7pm i would say... but i guess i'll let him tell the details...
in short, a group of teenagers thought it would be fun to throw rocks, branches, pieces of tree trunks into the water where people were fishing. oh and, did i mention their vulgar and lewd language?
the only thought going through my mind was why... why in a public area where people bring their families.
a few hours earlier a father and his two young daughters were fishing next to us. i said to frozenfire this is the perfect place for someone to learn... he agreed... and then this? 7pm?
and as for introducing these places to new people who may be interested in the hobby or looking for a new spot to fish, tonight frozenfire's friend also came, along with some of his friends to see the place for the first time. not pleasant.

be careful. i don't even know what to say when we need to fear for our safety in public spaces. including when it should be 'safest'. when it's still bright outside, when there's a huge crowd. when private property is also somewhat involved.

Wow. That's terrible!

That group of teenagers should have been dealt with by the police in my opinion. That is absolutely despicable behavior.

I hope that your next trip out is more pleasant. If it happens again, call the police.

 

[disspatcher]

Well I dont know what to say. Behavior like that is totally unacceptable anywhere, anytime.
It has been reported in the news quite a few times of late. Few of these embarrasement for human beings have been charged (although they are innocent till proven guilty).
One question, did either of you get a licence plate & or lodge a report to the local authorities? If not, that should be your first call this morning!!
I believe you said it was during the day and in front of a crowd? To be honest with you, I am utterly shocked that this occured with an audience and no one else spoke up? Im not saying it didnt happen, but I frequent these same waters and most people in Bradford & Keswick are very respectable people who would not torerate this at all. Its too bad a few neaderthals have to give the area that reputation.

My 2 cents

Hope to see you on the Riverbank.

Disspatcher.

 

[YAWN]

“i seriously think that just being asian is a major disadvantage being in certain areas.
YES I do take fish home to eat, YES I use a White Bucket to carry fish around, YES I do speak a foreign language, Yes, I enjoy eating crappie, bass and walleye, while the bullhead go in soup. and most of all, YES I do stay within the limit and try to be responsible by taking only what i will eat”

As for Asian comment, It isn’t right but perhaps some can see where they get that misconception from and perhaps it’s the communities job to recast there image?

You ever see an Asia release a single fish?

I haven’t! What I have seen are buckets full of everything things so small you wouldn’t use em for bait so maybe that’s where that misconception comes from?

YAWN

 

[kennyhman]

“i seriously think that just being asian is a major disadvantage being in certain areas.
YES I do take fish home to eat, YES I use a White Bucket to carry fish around, YES I do speak a foreign language, Yes, I enjoy eating crappie, bass and walleye, while the bullhead go in soup. and most of all, YES I do stay within the limit and try to be responsible by taking only what i will eat”

As for Asian comment, It isn’t right but perhaps some can see where they get that misconception from and perhaps it’s the communities job to recast there image?

You ever see an Asia release a single fish?

I haven’t! What I have seen are buckets full of everything things so small you wouldn’t use em for bait so maybe that’s where that misconception comes from?

YAWN

I would have to agree with you on the asian part. Many asian families tend to keep most of the fish they catch, often staying within the limit. But it comes to a certain point where behaviour like that is just not right.

 

[ec1]

disspatcher - it was at night just before midnight, there was only yelling, we also didnt record any license plates . should have though.

Yawn - You havent seen my family then. we usually take fish that arent too small and will get meat out of it. my family encourages to only take enough for eating a couple of meals and the small fish that we take will only be because it was hoooked so deep they were bleeding when they came out of the water. But have to agree with you sometimes, i see tons of other asians that take everything, especially those that fish near the GTA

 

[pogon02]

The law is same for all and therefore one group of people should not be persecuted against just because they are from a certain creed or race at the same time I believe that some Asian anglers need to be educated as I also have seen some individuals keep fish which were too small to keep. Hence there is a stereotype that Asian anglers keep everything they catch as most likely some other less tolerant people saw some anglers keeping fish which were too small etc and the story spread and now more intolerant people are just persecuting all Asian anglers based on the stereotype. I think that people should instead approach the angler who is keeping the small fish and tell them to let the fish go and tell them what the consequences are if they do not release undersized fish. I mean people can loose their fishing equipment or eve cars so there should be more education happening as people just don't realize what could happen to them for keeping the undersized fish.

 

[disspatcher]

This is a touchy suject for sure. I have seen it on numerous other boards and it can get out of hand fast. So Please, if we are to continue with this thread, please be respectful of others.

I think one of the problems is people taking matters into their own hands.
We have all seen the white bucket anglars. I use one, you have to put the fish somewhere..Oh by the way, Im Canadian/Irish. :?: Anyway, the problem is the "locals" are very protective of the resourse. Seeing people taking home buckets and buckets of fish, all sizes and species., I can see thier concern...Until this year, most panfish did not have limits. Now on Simcoe, crappie is 30 I believe.

Here is the main problem.

As long as these white bucket anglars have paid for a valid fishing licenece, they are all within thier legal rights to keep as much as they like. The Ministry sets the limits and they are the ones who are responsible for ther regs.
Now on the other hand;
if you see these white buckets going home overflowing with Crappies, and you know the anglar is over his limit, then REPORT this this to the authorities, take down a licence plate, make a call!!! BUT taking matters into your own hands is not the way it should be handled.,.you are as guilty as the poachers themselves.

Education on limits,regs and conservation is one answer to solving this problem, but Im sure there could be alist of improvments people will come up with.
2 more cents.
Disspatcher

 

[YAWN]

"As long as these white bucket anglars have paid for a valid fishing licenece, they are all within thier legal rights to keep as much as they like."

Thats the problem thought, Not many people get a valid fishing license anymore.

In my whole life I have been asked to show it ONCE. Anyone else been asked ever intrested to know?
I would prefer getting asked for it more often then at least I know out resource is being protected!

As for the out of hand comment: I think were all big boys and girls here touchy subject but speak your mind!!

 

[disspatcher]

"As long as these white bucket anglars have paid for a valid fishing licenece, they are all within thier legal rights to keep as much as they like."

Thats the problem thought, Not many people get a valid fishing license anymore.

In my whole life I have been asked to show it ONCE. Anyone else been asked ever intrested to know?
I would prefer getting asked for it more often then at least I know out resource is being protected!

As for the out of hand comment: I think were all big boys and girls here touchy subject but speak your mind!!

Not many people get licences anymore....quite a bold statement do you have stats on that?
My point was even IF they are fishing without a licence, it is up to the authorities to handle it, NOT the local residence.
It is the MINISTRY'S problem they do not enforce it enough, just like you said, you have been asked once!!!!
(Anyone who says they hate to see a conservation officer obviosly isnt playing within the rules! )
Therefore who is at fault here?
As for "speaking your own mind" yes please! :?:

All we ask is that we keep it respectful. And like I said,I have read this subject on other boards and it has many oppurtunities to get out of hand, and the mods on that board unfortunaly had to shut it down..becasue they couldnt be big boys and girls!

 

[ght]

i think that with human beings being so advanced in everything these days to hear abuot behavior this way is rediculous. Those stupid kids should be taught a lesson from the local authorities or better yet there parents. Sorry to hear about you troubles but for the most part im sure you will enjoy fishing ontario.

Galo.

 

[pogon02]

I don't think the Ministry has the resources to enforce license checking this could be something done by the Police I suppose as well they could patrol known hot spots and request Anglers for their fishing license I wonder if there would be so many anglers fishing those spots if this were to happen.

 

[Bigfisherman]

I don't think the Ministry has the resources to enforce license checking this could be something done by the Police I suppose as well they could patrol known hot spots and request Anglers for their fishing license I wonder if there would be so many anglers fishing those spots if this were to happen.

Actually the Ministry can use any law enforcement in the region to assist, so even tho they obviously do not have the resources they can call up the i.e OPP to assist or even deputize additional temporary ministry staff.

I've had my fishing license checked twice in the last 5 years.

 

[disspatcher]

That is one of the big problems. If things were enforced more closely & I think we all agree this is needed, then maybe it would settle down the locals who may just take things too far.

 

[chibi]

"As long as these white bucket anglars have paid for a valid fishing licenece, they are all within thier legal rights to keep as much as they like."

Thats the problem thought, Not many people get a valid fishing license anymore.

In my whole life I have been asked to show it ONCE. Anyone else been asked ever intrested to know?
I would prefer getting asked for it more often then at least I know out resource is being protected!

As for the out of hand comment: I think were all big boys and girls here touchy subject but speak your mind!!

the lack of conservation officers has to do with funding within the ministry of natural resources.

 

[chibi]

openfire - we weren't really sure what to do. frozenfire's friend said that we wouldn't be able to report them or get an officer down there unless someone actually got hurt.

disspatcher - they were on foot (and maybe even too young to drive)

i guess frozenfire has been MIA on the forum for awhile. i don't know how well my description will be but here goes... we're fishing at adeline park in a long row. majority of the fishermen were towards the middle and the right, whereas frozenfire and company were near the left. there were two fishermen to the left of us. there was space inbetween us in this section (to the left)... not crowded at all. this group of teenagers started to throw the rocks and other pieces of debris directly into where the two men were fishing. eventually it became too much for them and they found a new spot to fish. so, the kids moved closer to us and began to retriever even larger rocks and branches to throw near us. maybe they got bored after awhile since we didn't move or react to them...

one of the owners of the property where they were throwing the rocks near came out after a few minutes and asked them to not do so. she talked about how expensive it is to remove debris and why this is important to her as she is trying to sell her property. she knew the girl in the group, who then tried to act as if she knew better and wasn't wrong. one of the guys then started muttering well what about them and their bobbers everywhere.

they toned down for awhile and lastly threw a huge piece of a trunk in the water. they threw it in slowly so that it would float by us and interfere with our fishing. then they began to swear and speak lewdly. eventually they left.

i don't think anyone really knew what was going on other than us since we were right next to them. everyone else was considerably far and focused on their fishing. from a distance, it might not appear to be what it actually was.

i agree with you. we have had great experiences in keswick. there are regulars and people are quite friendly. we went back this morning so it won't keep us away... just maybe, at certain times...

i didn't think of it as a racial issue at all in the beginning... i'm not exactly sure that it is and i would rather not want to think that it is.

yawn - i don't believe all asians do this although i agree with you that it is quite common.

---

sometimes i think people who do not have english or french as their first language might have problems understanding the laws for what they are. i'll admit that even sometimes i have to question what it means, with the legal jargon and all. translation could even be an issue... people might not be seeking 100% reliable sources (or trust sources as 100% when they are not) and rather rely on someone who they feel has a good grasp of the english or french language. i'm not sure if they print laws in any other languages. there might be versions of it here and there but even so, languages do not directly transfer to another either.

i'm not trying to justify anyone's right or wrong actions. i just think we all need to be open-minded.

 

[esoxseeker]

I've been checked for my licence 5 times in the last four years. The MNR is lacking so much funding that they don't have the manpower to be out on every lake every day.Sad as it may be, its true. As far as all the dispicable behavior that has happened, its best to take it to the authorities, see what they can do. If you retaliate, then they can come back and say you were the aggressors, not a good thing. When it comes to having their parents deal with them, I think most of the time, that's where the problem starts. Sick world we live in, I hate to see anybody get ravaged because of a stereotype, SUCKS!!!! Remember, "What goes around, comes around!!!."

 

[frozenfire]

I have to say.... this was the first time I was at the edge of completely going bananas and snapping back.
As chibi already summarized, we were fishing at one end of the canal (i guess this will only make sense for those of you who fish this area). These rowdy teens proceed to be very obnoxious, spitting out foul language and racial remarks. I of course ignored this, as I can understand how some people are.
What really ticked me off was when they decided to abuse private property, ripping up branches and digging up rocks to throw at the water in FRONT of fishermen to our left. These fishermen were startled and I believe were honestly scared for their safety. They quickly grabbed their belongings and moved on to another spot down the canal whcih I should mention was still FULL of people with disappointing stares.
Theses teens continued to yell profanities and continued to shove logs and branches into the water, throwing rocks at docks, garages and the water.
It got to the point where rocks were flying close to us and could potentially hurt myself and more importantly, chibi. At this point, I stop fishing walk over to my gf, and stared at them.
Out of nowhere, the rowdiness raises the attention of one of the homeowners, she comes out, tells them politely to stop littering all this debris into the canal as it can harm boats. Also she mentioned that the homeowners actually clean it on a regular basis.
After the conversation between the homeowner and those idiots, they stopped throwing rocks and proceeded to toss loads of sticks into the water. I don't know if this was to take revenge on the homeowner, or to continue to piss the fishermen off.
I can honeslty say that if they threw another rock and it if it came anywhere near us, I would have snapped. I would consider that assault and would've defended my party. I don't care if they had 5 guys.

Whewwww....had to vent.

Besides that unfortunate incident, we had a pleasant day, catching and releasing hundreds of small perch. Only a couple of crappie were landed though, and not by us hahaha. Chibs did manage to land a very decent out of season largemouth, whcih I would guestimate to be 1.5-2 lbs. I thought it was still a little early for crappie, but according to this morning, when me and chibi ventured out again, we had crazy success. Report to come :?:.