IMO, from now on, anyone stuck on the beach without a surf tag, just call the park rangers. I know we're supposed to help each other out, but that's a two-way street. They're supposed to obey the law which helps keep surf-fishing legal and keep our beach tag fees down. The same kind of asshats that go out there with no tags are also more likely to damage the dunes or drive through the bird nesting areas. The state parks will respond by increasing our tag fees and restricting more areas. $65(in state) and $130(out-of-state) quite high compared with the cost only 10 or so years ago. Twice this week we've seen posts about vehicles stuck with no beach tags. When those vehicles get stuck in the surf zone, there's quite a remediation fee involved with chemical spill containment. Same thing with driving up in the dunes; if they don't catch the people doing it and fine them, then we're all going to pay.
You guys are good samaritans for helping out stranded motorists and yes it gives the club a good public image so I applaud you for that. But, when I see a vehicle on the beach with no tags after I just forked out $65 for mine, I want to put a tire iron through their windshield, not help them out of a jam. I say screw 'em, stuck or not, call the park rangers. We'll only be helping ourselves in the long run.
Sorry to rant and go off topic. Sorry to hear you didn't catch the big one with the kayak. I can't wait to see it in action.
[Moderator's note: This thread was split from "Fish Tales..." - KC]