| learning the hard way - clearing back in
I had the joy opf spending my Memorial Day waiting at the Harbor Police dock to be cleared back in. Sunday I sailed for the 'Nados from Mission Bay. I left at 8 AM and arrived off North Island at noon. I had caught a giant cuda off a kelp on the way.
Although the islands are green and loaded with life, I saw 5 sport boats off pukey and not a single customer was bent. They were telling them not to lift their baits off the bottom.
I hate bottom fishing.
I sailed around the islands looking for birds or fish boils - saw nothing.
Anchored out off South Island and enjoyed the night. Lots of birds going off in the anchorage around dusk.
Up at 6:30, sailed around the islands looking for life Monday morning.
Nothing. But it was a beautiful morning. Metered lots of fish in the deep water off the lee of North Island.
Not enough wind to sail back - motored to San Diego Bay, arriving at 10:30.
Called Customs. They arrived around 2:30 PM, and inspected other boats before me. I was steaming mad. I had thought I'd clear in and spend the rest of the morning fishing the Pt. Loma kelp. As it was, I was barely home to Mission Bay before dark. I didn't plan on spending 4 hours waiting at that stinking dock.
I asked the guy "Do we have to clear in if we just fished the 'nados?". He said "Yes, but most people don't bother."
After filling out a little form, he said "Thanks, you are cleared in." I didn't get a receipt, US Customs clearance number or anything.
While I was waiting, even the Harbor Police came and told me to leave. He said this in not a public dock, you can't just spend the day here. I told him I was waiting to clear in and if they didn't come soon, I'd just leave. I told him you can ticket me or whatever, but this is crazy! Anyways he said "go ahead and leave, we don't care if you check in or not, its a federal thing."
As far as I am concerned I'll never ever admit to anyone that I went to Mexican waters and you'll never see me at that dock again unless stopped on the water and told to go there.
I know, I know, thats exactly what everyone on this board says.
I'm still angry.
I just wish ONE DAY, EVERYONE on this board would all to to clear in at the same time (call the papers) and make this idiotic requirement CHANGE.
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