When I was 10 to about 20 years old I fished the sand pits of the San Diego River from Just below El Capitan all the way though mission valley. Mostly shore fishing but in my float tube too. I always had my fishing license.

My question is this: when there’s No trespassing Signs and a big fence and you jump it, like I did a thousand times before, and fish is it poaching? I catch and release, but what if I was to keep a limit of bass or crappie? Is it poaching? Is it wrong?

My personal opinion is no. So let em’ rip, I want to hear your opinions.

Thanks -E

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-E

Two more reasons to try to get permission of the owner or person in charge.

1. The sign may have been put up by someone who does not, and never did, own the land, but owns land nearby and does not want foot traffic or auto traffic on their proiperty.

2. The sign may have been put up by a former owner and the current owner may not care if you fish there.

Sometimes signs are put up just to keep "undesirables" away, but if you look ok the owner will give you permission.

My son likes to fish such areas, with permission, and sometimes he gets it and sometimes he does not. One thing I recommend is that you carry an empty trash with you when you approach the person in charge and, before he or she gives or denies permission, tell that person that you not only will leave no trash you will remove as much existing trash as you can each time you fish there.

Bob

Since you titled this as a "Moral question". If you have (or will have some day) a son and he told you the same thing, would you find it GOOD to tell your son it is OK to do such.
I think WOODSAC put it simple with no soft shoe. I agree. There really is no need to do such. Just fish another lake that is legal. If you really want to fish there then get permission from the existing owner. If not then just forget it.
Some people do a lot of things that are wrong and feel OK about it. That does not mean it really is OK.
A good fisherman can catch fish in tough conditions. If you are then why go? If you are not then just learn to be.

Thanks for the feed back, great replies.

Looks like one spot may be opening up:

http://www.lakesideriverpark.org/rsvp.htm

I encourage everyone to visit:

http://www.sandiegoriver.org/

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-E

Ewarmour,
My office is in an industrial park in Santee between the 67 and Magnolia. There are 2 huge pits located there and the land is owned by RPG Brick. If you ask them they will let you fish there. I have been fishing those pits for years and have never had a problem, ask and ye shall receive. The posted signs are generally, as mentioned prior, by property owners who don't want people cutting holes in their fence.

Tight Lines,
Bank Pounder

Thanks bankpounder. I'll drop by the santee office and ask.

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-E