Deterring Seals

tcr_pnw · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 4:03 pm Post subject: Deterring Seals

For those who may have a grudge to hold against those marine mammal which not only take your fish but the $20+ in gear. While it sucks to lose a fish, its the lost money in gear that really gets ya!

http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/protected_species/marine_mammals/pinnipeds/sea_lion_removals/081914_potential_deterrence_methods.pdf

B~C · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 4:28 pm Post subject:

that's some good info...damn sea lions...If I'm trolling for salmon those buggers will just follow you around and clean you off, I'll troll over by another boat and try to shake them off, if that doesn't work I just pack up and move.

we had just drop anchor one time in a halibut spot that is noted for troublesome sea lions and one started our way...I yelled at the deckhand to prepare to deploy the STD....an odd look came over the guests face and he said "you know what a STD is don't you?" I told him hell yes, it's a Sea lion Thumping Device as I was attaching a 10oz lead on the fishing rod & started casting at the offensive critter....he wanted to give up fishing and just play with the STD. The STD usually works, they get the idea they aren't welcome when that lead starts plopping in the water around them

thataway · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 6:26 pm Post subject:

Some of those methods might work for the pesky PWC's or even wake board boats! A little surprised that NOAA endorses some of the modalities! Such as cattle prods, sling shots etc….

tcr_pnw · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 6:42 pm Post subject:

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 10:22 pm Post subject:

My nephew and some of his Navy crewmates were bored in port one time so they bought some pellet guns and started shooting at sea gulls on their off duty shifts. They were all severely reprimanded. I guess they should have been shooting at seals!! Laughing

Bob, I like your idea re. PWC's and wake board boats. I suppose they do have a purpose but around where I boat they rent them to anyone and give them a temp. license. They follow NO rules of the road and in a busy waterway they are a danger to themselves and all other boats.

Regards, Rob

SounderSolutions · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 10:45 pm Post subject:

I prefer to align myself with one of the transient orca pods. The only thing they like better than breaching right next to you and scaring the crap outta you, is the taste of fresh seal.

If an orca isn't available, i like the paintball gun. Right before I pull the trigger, I yell 'He's going for my gear!'. That satisfies the rules of engagement and I try to turn them orange from the head to the water line.

I also have video of a harbor seal checking out my gear on the down rigger. Pesky damn things.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy6EcXV6Vvw

Steve

1TUBERIDER · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:54 am Post subject:

I have lost gear to sea lions and for the most part once they have your fish its probably not coming home. I have a friend who did get his back.

He engaged the motor and full speed ahead tried to run the mf over. The sea lion gave up and Barney went home with his fish.

When they show up I usually pull my gear and find a different spot.

SounderSolutions · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 10:00 am Post subject:

dotnmarty · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 11:44 am Post subject:

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 3:20 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:12 pm Post subject:

The first part of this NOAA bulletin is directed toward aggressive behavior of the Sea Lions/seals, when on docks, swim steps, and property. The second part (where there is more aggressive action allowed by the human--such as rubber bullets, or sabot rounds)--I would think present several issues.

I also would suspect that LEO in various states/counties would have different interpretation of the guidelines depending on the local laws.

Just to be clear, I am not starting a discussion of guns on boats--but just pointing out that there are some questionable areas in this NOAA guideline.

In Florida is is permissible (but may not be socially advisable) for anyone to open carry a loaded firearm while on the way to hunting or fishing, as well as when in the action of hunting or fishing. If you are a concealed carry Permit holder, then you can basically carry loaded at any time, except in prohibited areas. My recollection is that in California that type of activity was OK 60 years ago--but no longer….As I understand it now there are far more restrictions--involving specific type of area the gun must be unloaded (perhaps except in un-unincorporated area.) But if you pull out that 410 or 45 colt, even with a Sabot or rubber bullet there are going to be some repercussions in many areas. I think if you were packing a weapon such as a .410/Colt 45 "Judge" or imitators loaded with either rubber bullets or sabot rounds, that both game wardens and local LEO would take a dim view under today's rules. (I don't have a good knowledge of Oregon or WA laws, and it has been over 20 years since I lived in Calif.)

Wefings · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 4:33 pm Post subject:

We used to use something like this in the 80s in Monterey Bay....

Marc