The Police Questioned Me While I Was Fishing!

[@LAFishBlog]

Thank you for bringing this issue to light in a respectful and classy way, and thank you for standing your ground (again) on the fact that the body of water in question is a *bayou* made by nature and not a *canal* made by man. Also, a shoutout to our wonderful St. Tammany Parish Sheriff. Excellent professionalism and courtesy. Thank you.

[@clucier1]

With canals, it depends on which canals you are talking about. There are plenty of canals that were created by the Army Corps of Engineers, and they are public canals that were paid for by taxpayers.

[@hookmwoodfishingchannel9233]

I totally agree with you Mr Masson they DO NOT own the water and they go to far on running people out knowing this is the best time of year to fish and they do have their property they own but not Natures bayou and I’m so glad to see the results to this situation Thanks sir for replying back to our request on this matter!

[@North_Texan]

Cops are almost always polite, until they're ready to charge you with a crime. No good will come from this contact. Cops operate from the mindset of the first person to call them and make a complaint. This will (likely) not end well for the fisherman.

[@North_Texan]

@@clucier1 Not canals. That was made clear in the video.

[@clucier1]

@@North_Texan I know. I was pointing that out to @LAFishBlog, because he mentioned canals.

[@chrisparker9886]

The guy says it's not navigable while they're both in boats! 😂

[@mrg09211976]

Just because a boat can transverse it doesn't make it Navigable. The law specifies what is and is not navigable. It is deemed Navigable by the Corps of Engineers.

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

@@mrg09211976 And Outflows through bogs or tidal flats ARE navigable waterways!

[@DraggonCanoe]

@@mrg09211976 The basis of it being navigable water is the fact that a boat can operate on it either from the sea or another public access point. No doubt the guy didn't did not carry a bass boat across a marsh just to fish in someone's private pond, so the fact still remains that there were two boats there that arrived there by navigable water. It's impossible to claim water isn't navigable when a boat has easy access across it, it would be as stupid as claiming the Atlantic Ocean is private property.

[@leoroberts5044]

It has "0" to do, with boats. It's my understanding, that it has to do with not being self contained, like a lake?

[@chrisparker9886]

@leoroberts5044 You might want to read the law, because you have absolutely no clue!

[@andreachapman6886]

I agree with you Todd, that guy did not have to come at you like that. Hats off to you standing your ground !!!

[@JeffMoral-yy1il]

He did a great job the sheriffs Marine division did a great job. Also they didn’t jump on sides. I just have a question if the water is not public what about the air so you can’t fly a drone over the waterway or you can’t fly an airplane over the waterway or a helicopter what’s difference between water and the air

[@andreachapman6886]

@JeffMoral-yy1il That's just it ,there is no difference. You can't own a natural water way. Oil companies that own swamp land can't own water. I'm not even sure if putting a fence across a water way would be legal. If someone was to get hurt by the fence, it would be a hell of a law suit against them and I would think possibly the state.

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Dude's wife likely wears the pants at home.

[@garymackovic7019]

​@@JeffMoral-yy1il The FAA has jurisdiction over flight in the US. As far as water rights every state is different. I live in Wisconsin and am grateful our water rights are enshrined in our State Constitution. 😊

[@AbNomal621]

I think the guy should be fined for trying to run him off.

[@Benjywells1]

I’ve leased marsh and understand both sides. I’ve had fishermen come right into a pond while I was hunting. Waved at them and they left. It’s about common courtesy. I believe the land owner/lease holder was cocky and unreasonable in the original video. As long as Todd was not in his pond there was no issue. Tidal water is public domain. Period.

[@Benjywells1]

Both Todd and the Deputies were very professional. Way to represent.

[@mikelembke5121]

A pond is different from navigable water

[@Benjywells1]

@@mikelembke5121 Todd was not in his pond.

[@mikelembke5121]

@Benjywells1 I know that

[@katkilr7685]

They are going to say when your lure hits the bottom you are they trespassing.

[@LARed59]

Thanks to your for standing your ground.

[@2pugman]

Be careful !

[@laurabutler6253]

Water. He stood his water. Navigable bayou. Lol

[@dustinrobinson81]

Nope, people that run up on folks like that need to be careful. You never know the level of crazy out there, and many folks aren't going to take a chance with someone who's displaying a threatening demeanor who the other person knows is armed. There's no witnesses, people go missing on the water quite frequently, it works both ways.

[@topwater1651]

Thanks for voicing us fishermen here in Louisiana. It’s a constant fear of mine being bullied out of any waterway. The laws here are harsh and favor people with power. I hope one day that can change.

[@brianpierson7708]

Been hunting fishing and shrimping the big lake and rigolets 45 years and seen it get wild at times!! And that cat is asking for major trouble going at men that way. And with kids in the boat is even worse and shows he’s got no class or brain. And begging for trouble I truly hope the land owner sees the videos and cuts the liability loose fast.

[@brianpierson7708]

Been hunting fishing and shrimping the big lake and rigolets 45 years and seen it get wild at times!! And that cat is asking for major trouble going at men that way. And with kids in the boat is even worse and shows he’s got no class or brain. And begging for trouble I truly hope the land owner sees the videos and cuts the liability loose fast.

[@johnmoe7851]

That’s why I carry a firearm! This is still the United States!

[@dannybryant6960]

@@brianpierson7708 that would be a refund will spent if he’s paid his membership

[@ericgardner5548]

Bumblebee Bayou is not private property; in Louisiana, where Bumblebee Bayou is located, the state owns the beds of all navigable waterways, including bayous like Bumblebee Bayou, meaning the water and bottomland are considered public property due to the state's inherent sovereignty over navigable waters.

[@Bentleymetalworx]

As a commercial construction project manager from Alabama we did a few projects in New Orleans. I learned all about the politics and how things operate over there. I'm not going to use the word corrupt but defiantly different.

[@Michael-ep7lx]

Others have used the word "corrupt". It's a common sentiment.

[@michaelmeredith8620]

Nah man. Say the word corrupt. I live in La and is 💯 corrupt.

[@mike2517h]

been there so it doesnt bother to say it...CORRUPT

[@Here2There.246]

Developed commercial property in all the SE plus Texas and a few other states. Drove thru Louisiana and did myself a solid. I ate the great food, bought gas, got outa there. Never even looked at a site in that state!

[@notmyname3883]

Huey long lives on!!!

[@jeremyhebert890]

Thanks for making this/your issue public and shining a light on it and documenting things as it unfolds. If this was done behind closed doors or off camera, all parties could easily say "lets let this slide and not worry about it" and the sheriff would get the next person. Now that it is out in the public and a lot of eyes are watching to see how this unfolds, maybe this will provide the clarity we need for future encounters for all LA fishermen

[@Riskcap]

Bumblebee Bayou it is! I was having trouble deciding where I wanted to go.....lol. j/k

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

I think with social media, and the public at large "trying" to do the best to respectfully enjoy the outdoors together, that when professionals, like Todd, make videos like this and share a location the "land owners" can then experience a clear "public mandate" that they may own a lease and have certain rights that come with them but they are not the "police" and that being courteous and respectful will go much further than being confrontational and rude to people like Todd that ARE NOT breaking the law regardless of what "they think" they understand about their lease. I would been on that Bayou fishing the next day if still living down there...as sending a message to bullies like that is the only way a "bad behavior" gets changed...

[@brianpierson7708]

They had 5 boats on the BBB Thursday morning so I’m sure they got some pictures off there “Hidden camera” at the moth I seen will pissing on there sign pole 10’ off the bank before washing it off with a lil prop wash and then catching a limit in BBB

[@miketexas4549]

That would be great if dozens of fishermen went there and told those guys it's an eight foot deep navigable bayou

[@mountendew]

If I lived there bumblebee bayou would be my favorite fishing

[@beagleboy7321]

Looking at the video, marsh man was in the right. The duck hunters who came flying up while he was fishing yelling at him should be chargd with interfering with a fisherman. Thats who should be in trouble. Marsh Man keep fighting for those areas.

[@gofishin1996]

You can own the bottom all you want but you can not own tidal waters

[@garrett2251]

Does it have to be a certain depth of water?

[@WholeLotta-xg9qb]

Wrong lol

[@DukeTrout]

@@WholeLotta-xg9qbTidal water is federal water held in trust for the public. Louisiana doesn’t even have jurisdiction except on behalf of the federal government.

[@noahhart2245]

​@@WholeLotta-xg9qbyou're a clown 🤡 if I can access the natural water way, from public water then I can do what I want on it. Hell I could set up and duck hunt it for free while some bozo is paying to lease it 😂

[@jzeat1480]

@@WholeLotta-xg9qbgreat argument 😂

[@dannybryant6960]

Thank you Todd for dealing with this in very professional manner! You are literally pleading our case as Fisherman!

[@SlickCat]

Fishermen against Hunters is just a bad thing to begin with. We ALL love the Outdoors.

[@dannybryant6960]

@@SlickCat Oh, I’m a hunter too but when I’m hunting, I’m hunting ain’t messing with nobody

[@ropro1835]

Hats off to the officers. That’s old school policing. Respectful to all people involved with actual investigation of the facts.

[@ascitiesburn672]

honestly I still can't get over him saying "We pay a lot of money for this right here." like, okay? sounds like a you problem dude. Maybe don't spend a ton of money on an area that people will fish or pass through every day.

I hope the Judge isnt one of their duck hunting buddies.

[@kenrz3141]

Great dialog with the sheriff deputies and great job on their part for reciprocating. As a fisherman, I believe you are right and your respect for their hunt is exemplary. I give 10 out of 10 to the deputies for their thoroughness on getting clarity on what seems to be a cloudy set of circumstances. Entertaining and interesting video.

[@erikthorne]

I like the fact he watched the video first before even talking to him. I think the deputies were there like the one said that the duck hunters were trying to make problems. Which means he has some MAGA politician putting the pressure on someone.

[@brianwoodruff740]

I really appreciate that this sheriff did so much follow up research. That’s a good public official!!!

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

They were Thin walking the threats.

[@robertyoung9589]

There is no reason for a LEO to make contact with a person when the complaint is not lawful. The LEO should conduct their own investigation and then contact the complainant and explain to them the fisherman's conduct was lawful. The lawful conduct was provided by video from the complainant.

[@LyndaMurphy-oo5el]

Looks like they wanted to get on KZbin to me. Damn go away already and let the guy fish.

[@speckledtruth4577]

Thanks for keeping us posted Todd

[@stevemcdonald1033]

Here in Oregon and I imagine in some other states, it's a violation of law to attempt to exclude someone from a public area by claiming that it is private.

[@blogengeezer4507]

NM USA Jemez Mtns stream, flowing through National Forest camping area, stream that crosses adjoining 'private land. While fishing, anglers often climbed over, or Cut the 'signed Private 6' fence. Then confidently walked along side the stream, between the Private cabins, claiming that 'They had the Right... Often leaving behind Their trash.. ;[ added note: One of them, from Oregon, N Cal, '"Cookie Bandit".. while breaking into cabins, later shot and killed a deputy Sheriff.

[@BlackSoap361]

In Texas, interfering with lawful fishing or hunting is a crime.

[@yj965]

​@@blogengeezer4507 NMDOJ (dot) gov states that all creeks/streams/rivers are publicly owned. While the stream bed is owned by the property owner. NM supreme court ruled the public has a right to them and can legally cross private property to access public waters. That decision was in 2022/2023 though so I'm guessing your experience help led to the ruling, lol

[@AbNomal621]

Most states have such laws. And I don’t think any allow the exclusion that the jerk was trying.

Respect, man. Thank you for standing up to the rights for the rest of us. You just earned a subscribe.

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

Brother I can't wait...I've been battling this on and off since 1968 when I moved to Blackwater Bayou in Santa Rosa county Florida and began my journey (then as a young man) a an avid outdoors person later to become a professional in the field within several disciplines from park naturalist to state supervisor in wildlife and pest control up North, as well as, a wilderness guide, tree warden, and a few others by this point...LOL!!! Each state/region has been different, for sure, but some states there is a huge disconnect between the statutes and how "certain individuals" interpret them who often think they have a "kingdom of one" that gets to dictate to others "how it's going to be." Louisiana has some of the kindest and hospitable people, but at the same time some real "gems" that just believe their "patch of dirt" is to be governed the way they think it should be... Those officers were genuinely trying to find common ground, while navigating some laws that are not that clearly written when it comes to old titles and property boundaries. They did a great job in that regard... The key points, which you covered brilliantly, is that "navigable waters" are not "land" and that..."was not a canal"...but a bayou...!!!...plane and simple. They may well own the bottom of that channel when tide is out, and I have zero issue with that, as well as any "empoundment" that would require the public to cross land...BUT THEY DO NOT...!!!...the water, and that is a clear point in Louisiana law, as I've stated to some other commenters before that incorrectly believed you were in the wrong and trespassing. Thanks again for a great video, this update and others sure to come...1!!

[@CaptainRon1913]

It's actually a 200+ year old US legislation law valid in all states, that you can own the land but you can't own the water unless it's land locked.

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

@@CaptainRon1913 Sadly there are many that do not believe this. Since my comment I just hear of some kids in canoes getting harassed this past summer as they passed through a "hunting clubs" property in Connecticut who then had them arrested for trespassing, as it was clear the "Sherriff" at the time did not understand the law. These kinds of conflicts are just becoming more common as people "buy up" hunting and fishing rights and try to privatise them in some capacity...Channels like this and those of us that follow them can only publicly share the locations and (respectfully) confront the bullies and what they "think they understand" but clearly do not...

[@simontemplar6279]

YO, chatty Kathy snip the string...

[@jchoatejr]

Sadly, many sherrifs and deputies do not understand the law and even if they did, they would choose to enforce it selectively. They all know on which side their bread is buttered and who butters it! This is why the dimwitted good ol' boy, cigar chewing, tobacco spitting, country accented sherrif is such a common character in movies and TV shows set in the South! They didn't make that stuff up, there are plenty of real life examples.

[@RandyLayton]

Holy crap! Two Professional Law Enforcement Officers! Very courteous investigative interaction. Your attitude and courteous manners towards them was tremendous in keeping this interaction peaceful and productive. Very well done!

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

In this instance yes, but one cannot logically assume that they have a comprehensible understanding of someone’s character or professional competence based a single short video clip. It’s actually a very foolish notion. It does say something when we all are somewhat shocked when witnesses it an officer behave in a manner that’s expected of them. It’s acceptable to say they were professional but not call them professional. Besides the courts ruled in Dixon Vs Arizona state board that law enforcement wasn’t a profession. A notion substantiated by the measly six week to six month average academy duration. No one Is a professional at anything on that period of time.

[@RedWood-d8s]

So much for him “making an example out of you” Thanks Todd for the follow up.

[@phillipdavies6548]

We run into arrogant landowners on Lake Erie shoreline who insist that we cannot fish near their property because they own the lake bed out from the land which was deeded to the property way back in time. However they do not realize that as long as you are in a vessel and not standing on that lake bed then you are not on their property. When they come out and start yelling at me I do not even bother to answer them and completely ignore them. After they get fed up with their one way conversation they threaten me with the police and go back into their houses.

[@DukeTrout]

There’s also a big difference between what’s on their deed or title and what constitutes public or private land. No title overrides federal navigability law. The only titles that have been upheld in court as overriding federal navigability law are ones that were granted before the formation of the United States by the British crown.

[@CharlesWinters-ie3jy]

@@DukeTroutPennsylvania rights were given before the US was formed. However anybody of water used for commercial use during that period would be navigable. You can travel by boat or canoe. But each body of water has to be proven in court to be navigable.

[@DukeTrout]

@ Not for tidal waters. Tidal waters are federal and do not need to be “proven” navigable. Also, whenever we’re talking about criminal trespass, the burden of proof is on the state, not the accused. So the body of water would need to be proven to not be public, rather than the opposite.

[@MrBIGNAWD]

THANK YOU FOR ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE!!! MUCH RESPECT!!

[@wannabeangler]

We get the same thing in tidal marsh areas of Southeast Coastal Virginia. My friends and I fish from kayaks primarily. Home owners claim the same and we always say as you, "...tidal waters don't belong to you. Only where land goes down to average median tide mark is your property.". People always do this everywhere.

[@BirdDogey1]

Balboa Bay in Newport Beach, CA and other rich people try to claim the beach is theirs too. It isn’t.

[@silveradocyn3082]

@@BirdDogey1 California Navigable water rules are pretty harsh. The law seems to be worded in away that if there is a flood over your land, you may need to petition to reclaim your land once things dry out. Navigable is by propeller or oar, but the law doesn't state that the vessel must be manned. It is possible that navigable could be established by a drone or R/C boat.

[@BirdDogey1]

@@silveradocyn3082 The Indians who were given the land now covered by the Salton Sea would agree.

[@christopherseward7663]

Fine job by St Tammany Parish Sherriff's office. They couldn't be handling the situation better.

[@DukeTrout]

I think they handled it well. The only way they could have handled it better would have been to clarify to the landowner that Todd was correct and that they cannot “chase off” outdoorsmen utilizing public waterways without violating federal harassment statutes. It is illegal to harass an angler while they are legally pursuing their sport. Which, now that they’ve talked with Todd and determined that he wasn’t harassing the landowners, they might just do. They might not, but if they don’t then they are looking the other way instead of enforcing the law.

[@LisaTurner-d1b]

Yes these LEO's were quite professional. It was a pleasure to see that such LEO's exist.

[@phobos258]

​@@LisaTurner-d1b Pleasant, but still 100% wrong in just about everything they said.

[@susanKWithAnE]

Yes, but federal law trumps state law. Navigational water is public.

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

@@LisaTurner-d1bagin though, everyone is naively gauging and labeling an individual by a single interaction of said individual functioning in the capacity that’s expected of them. You can’t gauge someone based on a single positive experience. You can however gauge them on a single bad one depending on how egregious it is. Those behaviors can allude to systemic problems associated with moral character, education, training and others.

[@bigbranch1]

Thanks!

[@bodydropped67]

Glad you stood your ground! This is a huge problem in Plaquemines parish as well.

[@Theolesouth]

I think who ever is wrong should receive a fine . I have been in this situation multiple times. I’m from Mississippi so I always say my bad and move on. So glad you handled it all so well . Keep on doing what you’re doing. I really appreciate your content.

[@PMantle]

Two problems here. 1. Don't admit ownership of the bottom. That's fatal in La. 2. Do not try to make a difference between hunting season and not. If they can keep you out during duck season, they can keep you out any time.

[@jimmyjam3753]

Yep. Has to be black and white.

[@John-ke2jm]

Yup, it’s why he mentioned that, it doesn’t matter if it’s duck season if he can legally be in that spot.

[@bennym1956]

How can you claim the bottom of a waterway ??? !!!

[@John-ke2jm]

@@bennym1956 That's the way most land is owned and how most courts have ruled that the public can use the water way and not step foot on private property. Basically if the water goes away, you couldn't just walk in there, since you would be standing on private property.

[@mikewubben2844]

Kudos to Todd for being respectful during the initial encounter and again in this video. This is a good example to follow during such encounters. Be respectful, state your case and if you feel things are escalating, leave. Not a fish in the world worth a physical confrontation or worse.

[@CoastalAngler688]

Great job and video Todd. This issue needs as much exposure as possible in order to protect the rights of tax paying sportsmen. They cannot and do not own tidal waters, period.

[@paulhuval]

The state legislature and wildlife and fisheries need to address this issue once and for all for all the fishermen throughout the state

[@guyintenn]

It is addressed in LA Civ Code Art. 450 and numerous court decisions going back to 1842. www.dnr.louisiana.gov/assets/Legal/PRATF/C1.pdf

[@russellmartin830]

Never going to happen. Most of these politicians are the landowners of these properties with these so-called private waterways.

[@SuperJlonergan]

its already been addressed by the cg federally, tidal waters are public period

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

@@SuperJlonergan Seems a lot of people just Can't see what's in front of them. You speak truth Kemosabe.

[@jodycwilliams]

Bravo to the Sheriff Deputies as well. Very polite and professional. Good for them just trying to keep the peace. Thanks for standing up too. Blows my mind how many don’t understand they don’t own navigable waters.

[@mrkleen9511]

Todd you handled it like a pro

[@tommycapps9903]

We all should defend our rights to stay on and navigate along water ANYWHERE! Thank you for standing up for freedom Sir!

[@u.s.a.198]

100% RESPECT FOR YOU !! You got a solid spine...... We need more like you !

[@olegbabich7182]

Nice to see Police being professional. Great job

[@James-oo7bv]

Thanks Todd for speaking up on what you feel is right. This affects every current and future fisherman in Louisiana. Down in Terrebonne parish, some people are blocking the entrance to bayous with locked gates.

[@bayoubeast8225]

At least they admitted they didn't know either. Thanks for sharing this and for the updates

[@therustyblades1212]

Part of the problem is Louisiana is not enforcing its erosion and subsidence law dealing with the state taking back land due to that. They( Judges and politicians) are ignoring this and siding with those who line their pockets. That bayou, whether it was there 100 years ago or not, falls under this statute.

[@BrianPetone-tc7lw]

It’s got nothing to do with lining anyone’s pockets, it’s the price it will cost to fix the erosion. And if it’s private property, that price is on the land owner. If the land had met at one time, it’s the owners responsibility to repair it. So it’s common sense, until that is done anyone can go were the water flows.

[@jackrigdon8497]

Nice, respectful approach to a disagreement or clarification about rights

[@JeffLawson-j3q]

Glad there are people like you in the outdoors

[@Schemin_Scotty]

Stay with it and hold your ground! Dont let them run you out and make wildlife and fisheries give you a clear cut answer! Enough of the gray area crap.

[@blaine_yousan]

Thank You for keeping us aware of this dilemma Todd. Our state created a heck of a mess for all fishermen and hunters as well.

[@SlickCat]

If people cant respect each other the state will step in and ban fishing during duck season. Nobody wants that.

[@johnpolizzio2583]

In that original encounter days ago with the hunter, he was pretty arrogant "we gonna make an example of you, for sure". You were zero threat to their hunting success, or disruptive. Seems like what is actually legal (and legitimate) is ultimately decided by local LE. And inconsistent parish to parish.

[@xzqzq]

Amazing the confrontations one can get into just fishing.

[@davidhebertjr.3258]

You need to contact the representatives and we need to try to have some things changed. If they want the water bottoms then they need to start paying taxes on that too and start doing restoration and charge them the cost.

[@justice4all772]

Cop is clueless that they dont own the water even after being told

[@BrentStAmant]

Thank you for your video and sharing with the people who need to know about this Todd great stuff 👍

[@FishingWithYakPak]

I wish people like in the first segment, would have to PUBLICY “on KZbin” acknowledge they were wrong, apologize, and admit their lack of knowledge of “navigable” waterways… 😂😂 that would make this SO much sweeter

[@gunsfoodtech]

Rule 1, don’t talk to police. Their job is to investigate and find facts that can and will be used against you, not for you. These LEOs were very nice but if you admit anything during cordial questioning, that could be construed as illegal, they will pursue charges no matter how nice they are. Just don’t talk to them.

[@WillDouglas-z1h]

That's a good way if insuring they do their best to find you at fault.

[@otero2235]

Then they give you a ticket and say take it up in court. In this case explaining yourself was a much better idea.

[@gunsfoodtech]

IMO, IF they think they have enough for a ticket, they’ll give you a ticket anyway and then they have additional info you gave them to use against you if you try to fight it. OR, let them do their job on their own and IF you get a ticket you can at least dispute their evidence in court without having to also dispute your own admissions. There is no upside to answering questions. Police are not judges, they are enforcement. Be polite, be quiet.

[@darrensquier4079]

34 yr retired LE. Avoid just talking to the COPs. If you say something ignorant they will cite ya. It pays to know the law like they do, BUT it is up to a DA to "prosecute", not them. They investigate, write a report, and the DA decides what they can convince a jury of. If they (cops) think a jury will buy it, based on their experience and the law, they will just cite you outright and leave. This hunter/landowner is playing manipulation/intimidation games. All he had to do was ask you to avoid the area in duck season. This "landowner" game goes on all over the country like this. Like I said, it pays to learn and know the land and laws in your state.

[@valvodka]

Impeding an investigation. Dumb. There is nothing that can be used against you at this point. Since they have a witness that already gave a statement, you will have just hurried up the case being sent to a DA. You just increased your obstacles and time rather than talking through something that is not a big deal. But go play sovcit lite 😅

[@jbtcajun5260]

I have marsh in St. Mary parish that has dug oilfield canals and bayous. We put gates across the canals, but the natural waterways are public. Another issue is airboats thinking it's navigable and open to public . For that we have drill stim tripods. There are 2 airboats that now serve as a warning.

[@joehannah1343]

Playing devils advocate, what gives a land owner the right to "steal" public water and make it private??? Isn't that essentially what you have done by digging a canal and filling it with public water and wildlife????

[@jbtcajun5260]

@joehannah1343 The canals were dug for a specific purpose on private property, and some infrastructure can be dangerous to be around.

[@jonathanrouse2039]

Here's a simple awnser . If it so private why have they not put up a fence with a locked gate . The hunter took the wrong stance from the jump. You are a much bigger person they I. This had been an issue for years now with no resolve. You can own all the land you want you don't own the water or the fish in it. You can bet that clown and his buddies that have that lease know someone in law enforcement or ldwl and call that person like there pet guard dog to run people out of the water way. Ponds are a little different and I would never go into a pond during hunting season out of respect to hunter , but to say we're gonna make an example of you. Tells the entire story. The state has to make a clear statement on this issue.

[@christaylor1058]

That's not a "simple answer". No one should have to put up locked gates on ANY of their owned property. They had no trespassing signs up, which should be (legally is?) sufficient. Having said that, they were wrong.

[@bayouburner281]

Now those were some professional, quite civil officers. They love their jobs

[@North_Texan]

When they charge the fisherman with a crime, will you still have the same opinion? Cops are almost always nice until they charge you with a crime.

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

​@@North_Texan "Good LEOs" are nice even when they are charging you...I know I was and that is what I taught...PERIOD...💯 respect all the time especially when in uniform, even if you have to do something unpleasant including arresting someone. That training mandate has been lost in too many departments and especially in some places like Louisiana, however things are certainly changing as clearly indicated by how these officers who did their jobs in excellent form and fashion...

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

@@JayCWhiteCloudgood Leo’s have become a unicorn. We cannot judge these two for a single interaction (whole knowing they are filmed) where they were also doing their job appropriately. Integrity, honor and dignity are a lost notion. The training you speak about is nearly non existent. Countless academy’s across the nation literally staff individuals whom have lost their license. The academy averages six weeks to six months which is wasted primarily on push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, asking for ID, being frightened of everything and yelling stop resisting (they literally do practice yelling “stop resisting”) . It’s not even enough time to learn constitutional law or the applicable case law yet alone learn other necessary aspects of their job such as learning federal/state/ local law, basic EMT trading, firefighting, understanding human behavior, understanding simple biology and chemistry, administering FST’s, handling mental / behavioral health, deescalation techniques, offensive and defeating performance driving, combat and tactical training, firearm safety, appropriate use of force, constitutional stops and searches, and countless other aspects of their jobs. There’s no magic fairy dust sprinkled on applicants to weed out the morally bankrupt folks. They don’t even have minimum standards for intellectual quotient and departments often hire those with an inferior cognitive capacity to prevent turnover. Sheriff’s departments are particularly egregious as they often hire the gypsy officers that can no longer find employment by other departments. They are ran by elected officials with zero experience or education on the law..the often deputize people with little to no qualifications or training. It’s why we have 500,000 plus officers in the Brady list, over 100,000 more on separate DA lists, an estimated 250,000+ Gypsy officers, why every single day at least 12 officers are featured in local news reports for arrests stemming from murder to fraud to Stalking to Ra🦍or CP. it’s why $1B was spent in just a decade on federal lawsuits, why officers slaughter 20k domestic pet dogs each year, why nearly 100 officers are put on paid leave every week. Why dozens off officers resign or retire to avoid investigation each week. Why law enforcement has stolen $1B in asset forfeitures. Why they short and kιll an average of 1,200 people, kill nearly 500 more by other means (including innocent person) and injure, hospitalize, or paralyze an estimated 5,000 people (many innocent civilians). We have to estimate those injured because departments refuse to keep records while actively lobbying against a federal database. arrest 2000 innocent people a year for DUI (600 in one state, in just two years time). They constantly violate rights under the guise of officer safety because they are trained to be in a constant state of irrational fear for a job that’s not inherently dangerous according to all known metrics. It only ranks the top 3 most dangerous jobs when combined with all forms of first responders as well as corrections and private security. To put in perspective 125 LEO’s past do to violence while ok duty last year. 93 people were murdered selling clothes. Over 1000 people died of homicide in blue color jobs. Over 1000 construction works died, 1,400 people died in transportation and over 400 people died working grounds keeping jobs. It’s a delusion. 200,000 women died due to pregnancy and giving birth thus, it’s more dangerous to be a female and get knocked up then to be an officer. A citizen is more likely to be executed by an officer then an officer is to be hurt while on duty. An officer is more likely to get hospitalized during the act of intercourse then to be seriously injured by a bad guy.

[@Don-mi6zl]

It is a shame that the 99%+ of cops who are abusive human garbage make the other less than 1% look bad.

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

@@Don-mi6zl Either you not too bright or you have your stats reversed...???...Try again...Don...

[@olskool3967]

i am in SC, there are people that think they own the water around their docks and think they can control you from fishing there.

[@claywest5322]

They don't own the water, but it's rude to fish around people's docks with them on them or when kids are playing on them. Having loud speaker phone conversations in an elevator isn't illegal but the people around you still think you're an asshole.

[@dbzfreak1942]

This has been an issue since I was a kid. You handled it perfectly and hats off to the sheriffs office, very respectful and professional.

[@tnbeznla]

These deputies were very professional. This is how all law enforcement should work when talking on something like this. We are the only state from what I remember, that people are closing down navigable waterways.

[@veiledallegory]

It doesn’t make a shit what the landowner thinks. They have absolutely NO say in it. Just because this Sheriff’s Office doesn’t understand case law doesn’t mean it’s private property. Even if the state of Louisiana doesn’t understand it there is already national case law on this!

[@edmashburn-ck6yl]

Todd- good explanation and defense of your actions to LEA folks. Makes me glad glad I'm not a Louisiana resident to have to deal with such stuff as this. I've had run-ins with other folks in other states who thought they "owned the water" but no where else is water ownership even a possibility as it is in Louisiana parishes, apparently. Please keep us up to date on this- thanks.

[@LastWizardKing]

With how much land erodes every year not to mention so many canals being man made by the oil companies its a real mess. ive had places I used to have a deer stand that 8 years later has over 4 foot of water and crab traps in it now its hard to even have maps in a lot of areas

[@TheSHOP411]

I hate that this may cause you some grief, but it was going to take someone with a name of notarity to get something done. If it goes to costing you money, open a go fund me. I would definitely contribute. If it gets litigious, hopefully a good attorney with a sportsman's background will step in to help you. If not, im sure a lot of people would back you. This needs to get settled once and for all. Otherwise, something bad is going to happen one day in the marsh.

[@keithWaldmann]

The sad part of this situation is that Sen Blake Miguez from Iberia parish in 2016 helped sponsor a bill to but this issue to an end. Being a crocked politician he caved into the big landowners desires to control waters that are subject to tidal flow...he voted NO when the bill came to a vote. Miguez 's family fuel business has a big customer ...Omega Protein the pogie people ..he didn't support any bills to restrict them from working to close to shore ...killing lot of fish targeted by La Sportsmen. But yet idots in his district elected him again....we as sportsmen are in a no win situtation. This issue has been debated for over 30 yrs with no resolution....

[@jimdolen225]

Props to the two deputies for handling themselves in such a professional manner with the hopes of avoiding future conflict

[@jamesmorris9026]

We fish back there too. I would like to know the conclusion to this. Please keep your followers, like myself, posted. Thanks for sharing this story..

[@SKYGUY1]

Those deputies deserve a commendation for their reasonableness, politeness, and professional approach to their discussion w/ you. Exemplary public servants and protectors... as they should be. Your reasonableness was clearly evident also. I was thinking about the bayou "bottom" comment. As a 40 year pilot I have long known that a person who owns property also owns the airspace above that property. That said, the person cannot limit the overflight of his/her property, as the airspace is all navigable. Manned aircraft are limited to a minimum altitude of 500' from any structure in "sparsely populated" areas and a minimum of 1,000' in heavily populated" areas (such as cities). It seems that floating over property on air should "equate" to floating over property on water the same way. That one will have to end up at the Supreme Court some day I bet. Happy fishing.

[@NxGDE50MErK]

That "definitely make an example out of you" sounded like a threat.

[@patrickmckoy5491]

Good to see a meaningful discussion by both sides, cop was decent & nobody was stupid.

[@nateroo]

I am with you on your stand; however for me, I generally stay away from people like that; things escalate quickly and being a former Army Ranger (2/75), I'm not partial to backing down, so I'd just as soon go find another place to fish. I learned a long time ago how to eat crow to keep from hurting someone or from getting hurt.... and stay out of jail and the court system. Bullies like that are simply bad news. And they're not exclusive to LA. Now many of you I'm sure don't agree with me but this is my way and it's kept me alive and out of jail and I'm 70 now. Hope you gain clarity on that issue as I know those are your home waters. Best of luck to you and all your brethren who encounter the same type of bullies who "know someone" in the right places.

[@Mavrik-60]

You got to pick your battle's Most ain't worth it jerks like that property owner are jerk's at life in general your not going to change them. However law is law And sometimes jerks need to be put in there place...

[@prestonking5736]

Hats off to you for standing your ground. I plan on doing a lot of fishing in Louisiana. Maybe I better figure out what it is and what’s not before I go.

[@RectifiedMetals]

I’ve been worried that a bayou may turn into the OK Corral. Duck season, I just stay away.

[@sidneytaylor8341]

Hats off to the police, thats how any interaction should be

[@busterorgeron7200]

We go through these confrontations constantly in Lafourche and Terrebonne parish. Especially during hunting season. Most hunters are rude and obnoxious also during confrontations.

[@stevecazaubon9658]

Thanks for having the guts to stick with this issue. In my opinion, the Louisiana Legislature could never work together to find resolution on this problem. Hopefully they’ll prove me wrong.

[@Alzybaby]

Please provide updates if you receive them.

[@texaswader]

It happens in Texas too and I've always handled it the same way you did with no issues. When the "land owner" complained to TP&W they were educated on navigable waters. Good job!

[@jeffbauer4812]

In Wisconsin the State owns the water and it’s navigable is public access

[@nadenolam8368]

Same with Missouri.

[@johndavis5662]

Thanks for the update. Good way for law enforcement to handle the situation and I understand both sides. Having said that it seems what you faced in this particular incident was a landowner bully showing his ass. Good that you stood your ground. Guess a court will have to make the final decision. Wish I could say I have faith it will be a fair one.

[@michaelboudreaux3337]

No, baby, the only grey area is in the state lawmakers' heads when it comes to doing what’s right or to line their pockets.

[@bnaivar]

There was an issue like this in Georgia. The State ruled that if the water is surrounded on three sides by privately owned land , then the water is private. But a flowing river or bayou cannot have private water.

[@Judonomad]

These officers took an oath to the PUBLIC, not solely to wealthy land owners with big mouths

[@JLONGBALL007]

Great job with your professionalism and explaining what occurred. The guy who made a complaint against you had no standing or reasoning for him approaching you with false information. The person also said he was going to make an example out of you which was totally wrong. great video and keep fishing!

[@huckfin1100]

I feel confident about this, we all have a god-given right to recreational fish and rights don't require a license/permission slip. No state may convert a right into a privilege and charge a fee to name one ! Recreational fishing is definitely a right it's part of our Liberty most use it for fun food or therapy so help me abolish the recreational fishing licenses/ permission slips.

[@Mr5150Sarge]

I totally agree with you that being a navigable natural bayou is public. You handled it perfectly. I’m glad I found your channel. New subscriber.

Way To Handle Your Business Brother, Great Job 👍😎🎣💪

[@justice4all772]

Police are 100 % clueless on tresspassing laws

[@tooge47]

delete the last three words and you NAILED it

[@QMore-fp7wn]

Good on you to stand your ground. You were not in the ponds and did not interfere with their hunting. What’s next, fisherman can’t run the Intracoastal because it runs through or near someone’s “private” hunting lease? The deputies were definitely courteous and professional-great job to them and I appreciate their work. Crap like this is why BASS will never return to coastal Louisiana.

[@smason3541]

We are coming! They “feel.” Law enforcement cannot enforce feelings. 🙄

[@squarefour1]

Seems this issue is not just an LA thing. We have owners and beach goers in Destin fighting all the time. Hats off to you for holding true with your knowledge of this and Great job by the Two Deputies for their unbiased investigative skills. I believe you’re right.

[@tylerbratcher6788]

The only issue with louisiana law is that navigable water is dictated off of an 1800s map and "navigable" is defined as for commercial or commerce use. This is how I have read it, and through the years so any canals that have become bayous and are navigable and are tidal are still considered private waterways because they refuse to reword or change the map with the ever changing marsh. The last time I really read into it, the only true public navigable waterways would be the lakes, icw, MRGO, ect.

[@itsjustdonkey777]

We had the same issue with a landowner in Southeast Texas when he tried to fence off a bayou to prevent people from fishing near their duck lease. The landowners spent untold tens of thousands in legal fees for the right to put a fence up to keep people from navigating the waterway and when he did put a wooden fence up blocking the bayou he was ordered by the courts to remove the fence. There sure were a lot of people that celebrated (including myself) when they were told that they cannot fence off or block a navigable waterway! This is an all too common issue in the South where landowners who own property adjacent to a navigable waterway think they can do as they please.

[@roeross9899]

Good for you Marsh Man.

[@flatswhisperer]

Stand your ground! You’re right on this one. Good job.

[@HaVoKhobo504]

Down here it’s not what you know it’s WHO you know!… but when those cameras are out even these good ol’ boys get nervous 😭😂

[@tracyeverett6824]

you are 100 percent in the right great job sir

[@BrentStAmant]

I’ve also dealt with this issue before and it’s a bit annoying when you know that you’re in the rite but it also depends on what parish you’re in which you know is true because it’s who you know that makes a difference sometimes. In my 61 years I can say that I’ve never been given a ticket or charged for anything else in the matter yet 👌

[@AttackCop]

I was going to buy a house in GA and it was on the mashes. I was told extensively that I would have to allow boats to use the waterways even though my "property line" extended into the water. It was similar when I lived in MO that I could not stop people in the river.

[@shanehamilton6708]

They don’t own the air and tidal waters. I’m with Todd 💯.

[@LTD99649]

I'm sure happy that the States I operate in (Alaska and Washington), if you can float just about anything, canoe, cedar shake block, etc., you can be on it. In some States and rivers the public area even exists of the river bottom (so you can wade it), and some waterways it even goes from high-water mark to high-water mark.

[@Fishman1]

I’ll be fishing there…. After 10 am.

[@chrisperry7538]

You handled that conflict with respect and dignity. Well done.