How to become a SWAT member?

[the killa fish taco]

I was wondering, How do you become a SWAT Member? I see that they have their own lil circle that were ALL team 57 members. Seems like they broke away and started their own thing now. I would love to go surf fish with these guys!

SWAT Members: Just wondering if any of you guys have fished Dume Cove in Malibu? We'll be hitting that this week and filming with the GoPros. Maybe we can hook up soon.

[Wingnut]

I posted this a while back on a thread in response to a few misunderstandings we had.
It should give you a pretty good idea of what we are all about. :Cool:


Who are the S.W.A.T. Guys Anyway…???

I probably should have written this a long time ago… maybe it might have prevented some misunderstandings and/or misconceptions about the S.W.A.T. Team.

I’ve received an extraordinary amount of private messages and comments regarding S.W.A.T. over the years and while the overwhelming majority of them have been positive, there’s been a few that had me scratching my head and wondering, “What in the world were they thinking…???”

Here are a couple of excerpts…
“Why is S.W.A.T. so military? “
“You S.W.A.T. guys are totally prejudice, you alienate people by not allowing them to join your group…”
“S.W.A.T. is all about internet glory, big egos and who can catch the biggest fish…”
“If you guys are really about helping other fishermen, then why don’t you share with us all your spots…”

I guess it’s true that you can’t make everybody happy and you can’t please 100% of the people 100% of the time. After putting myself in the shoes of those who made these comments and trying to see S.W.A.T. through their eyes, I can see where how they could feel that way.

I will try my best to convey to all of you, what S.W.A.T. is all about… and will start by addressing each comment.

“Why is S.W.A.T. so military?”
I can see how somebody could misconstrue our group of having law enforcement or military affiliation. To be clear, S.W.A.T. is not a law enforcement or military based group. Even though, we do have a fire fighter, a paramedic, a police officer and a couple of ex-marines in our midst, we do not follow any such protocol. The Commander, Lieutenant, Captain and Soldier moniker is all in the name of fun. There are no official ranks in our group. All S.W.A.T. members are on the same level and equally respected regardless of their fishing skills and/or experience.

S.W.A.T. stands for “Salt Water Attack Team” or “Surf and Waves Assault Team”.

“You S.W.A.T. guys are totally prejudice, you alienate people by not allowing everybody to join your group…”
Yes, it is true that S.W.A.T. is not an open to “all that apply” club. We’re simply just a group of “Friends” who shares the same philosophy and values when it comes to the sport that we love. We dedicate ourselves to preserving the memory and vision of our fallen Team 57 founder and friend Dana Rea (aka Fisherman 57). This is the bond that holds us together. Dana’s simple philosophy of “Family, Friends, Fun and Fishing” is brilliant in its simplicity. I consider S.W.A.T. to be a fraternity of Brothers (and Sisters) just enjoying each others company on or off the water.

Why be upset if you can’t be a part of our tight knit group? Gather up a bunch of your friends that loves fishing and start your own club and invite whoever you want to join. But please don’t label us as prejudicial because you think that you’re entitled to something that you’re not.

S.W.A.T. members aren’t chosen based on their fishing resumes. There are many variables and qualities that we take into consideration and the final decision as to who are invited is not mine alone. How a member conduct his or herself on the board, how much they contribute and share their experiences instead of just lurking and taking information. Their overall attitude, angling philosophy and the respect they have for the environment. The members not only represent themselves, but the group as whole in everything they do. Yes, it’s a lot harder to “be” a S.W.A.T. member than just wearing a cap or a shirt and saying that you are one…
I sincerely appreciate the many messages that I get inquiring about our group and the overwhelming amount of support for what we do. :Big Grin:

“S.W.A.T. is all about internet glory, big egos and who can catch the biggest fish…”
Internet glory? Sorry, but if we were out for recognition and internet glory, you would see S.W.A.T. reports on at least a dozen other fishing website out there. The majority of our reports are here at the Fishing Network. S.W.A.T. members are free to post their reports wherever they want. But speaking for myself, I barely find enough time to fish and post a report here on FNN, let alone trying to post reports on every other fishing websites. There are some great fishing websites out there. I frequent a few from time to time and respect them all.

Egos and who can catch the biggest fish? Show me a thread where any S.W.A.T. member boasts about his/her fishing skills, how many fish they can catch or how much better they are over their fellow angler. With the exception of the bantering you see within our own group, you’d be hard pressed to find valid reasons to back up that comment.
S.W.A.T. is somewhat competitive, mostly amongst ourselves. We do have a “Leader Board Challenge” style competition internally that both motivate and entertain the friendly competitive nature within our group. I can honestly say that we are genuinely happy and proud whenever our Brothers or Sisters do well or make a notable catch.

“If you guys are really about helping other fishermen, then why don’t you share with us all your spots…”
Do I really need to address this comment…? When it comes to fishing and spots. The general protocol is a “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy. Why would somebody give up their favorite spots that they spent, weeks, months and even years to find to just anybody? Instead of waiting for a free hand-out, try to go out there yourself and recon some areas. Invest some time to find a spot and fish it at different times of the day, on different tides and conditions to dial it in. Trust me, it is much more gratifying finding a spot on your own and having success with it. There is a certain degree of pride and satisfaction when you do succeed on your own. It’s called fishing “Responsibly.” Don’t get upset if somebody won’t tell you their honey-hole. They don’t have to share it with you and frankly, you’re not entitled to it. We’ve had people try to follow us out there, driving around looking for our cars and stuff, kind of pathetic if you ask me.

Speaking for myself, I have no problem telling you exactly what I do, when I do it, and how I do it… But don’t expect me to tell you where I do it. I answer every PM that I get respectfully and with complete honesty. If somebody can’t handle that, they can PM somebody else. I don’t think there is a single member here on the board that can say that I deliberately blew them off or alienate them in any way while reaching out to me and I know that every S.W.A.T. member feels the same way.

S.W.A.T. as a group will try to help out our fellow fishermen as much as possible. We don’t claim to be the experts or the best of anything. We share our experiences and pass on knowledge to whoever reaches out to us for assistance. Whether to learn, get information or need some friendly advice, we will do our best to steer you in the right direction.

It’s one of the reasons why we hold the annual “Hunting Giants Surf Fishing Event.” It’s our way of giving back to a fishing community that has been so supportive of us over the years. :Group Hug:

The more people who are aware and gets involved in our sport the better. Education and participation is the key to preserving the Ocean, its resources and our sport in the long run.

I hope you accept my message with an open mind. Thank you for your continued support and that you find success in whatever you do, on or off the water.

If anybody would like to have a private discussion regarding S.W.A.T. or any other FNN matters, I’m available via PM (Private Messages).

Sincerely,

Arthur (Wingnut)

[Wingnut]

SWAT Members: Just wondering if any of you guys have fished Dume Cove in Malibu? We'll be hitting that this week and filming with the GoPros. Maybe we can hook up soon.

We've fished there for years and had some great success.
The area is now off limits due to the MLPA closures. :Neutral:

[the killa fish taco]

So I guess what youre trying to say is, Some people aren't privileged enough to hang out and fish with the same group of guys that were suppose to be involved with a family type of group (Team 57)?

Thats why I joined FNN (a few years back) so we can all fish together and share info. with each other.

[the killa fish taco]

Thanks for the info on the MLPA closures.

[the killa fish taco]

When are you guys gonna do another Surf Fishing Event? I missed the last one cause I was at the Team 57 event at Irvine Lake. I would love to attend one of these.

[CrownTown]

Ha i never knew SWAT was even a group, I just thought it was a bunch of dudes all over the place who fished salt water. They're cool though, taught my friends, family and I some really good info that helped us out a lot with surf fishing at "hunting for giants". Thanks guys

[fish_sauce]

So I guess what youre trying to say is, Some people aren't privileged enough to hang out and fish with the same group of guys that were suppose to be involved with a family type of group (Team 57)?.

The Killa Fish Taco,

That is not what Arthur had in mind when he mentioned that some people think they are privileged to everything. I do not know of any S.W.A.T. member to have ever insinuated that they are in any way better than anybody else. The group is comprised of both old and young, very experienced fishermen, and the not-so-experienced fishermen like myself. If you have a chance to meet some of the members in person, I'm sure you'll understand what I'm talking about....

Keep an eye out for the next Legends of the Surf event, we'll be glad to see you there. I'm sure there is much we could learn from each other. I will FOR SURE be there because I can't wait to see everyone again...it's been such a quiet year for me, hiding behind books :Cool:

Andrew

[Wingnut]

So I guess what youre trying to say is, Some people aren't privileged enough to hang out and fish with the same group of guys that were suppose to be involved with a family type of group (Team 57)?

Thats why I joined FNN (a few years back) so we can all fish together and share info. with each other.

Seriously dude?!? Is that what you got out of reading my post? :Rolls Eyes:
I won't waste anymore of your time trying to explain it further...


The Killa Fish Taco,

That is not what Arthur had in mind when he mentioned that some people think they are privileged to everything. I do not know of any S.W.A.T. member to have ever insinuated that they are in any way better than anybody else. The group is comprised of both old and young, very experienced fishermen, and the not-so-experienced fishermen like myself. If you have a chance to meet some of the members in person, I'm sure you'll understand what I'm talking about....

Keep an eye out for the next Legends of the Surf event, we'll be glad to see you there. I'm sure there is much we could learn from each other. I will FOR SURE be there because I can't wait to see everyone again...it's been such a quiet year for me, hiding behind books :Cool:

Andrew

Thanks Andrew, but no need to explain... some people get it, some don't. :Neutral:

[bsp]

I was wondering, How do you become a SWAT Member? I see that they have their own lil circle that were ALL team 57 members. Seems like they broke away and started their own thing now. I would love to go surf fish with these guys!

SWAT Members: Just wondering if any of you guys have fished Dume Cove in Malibu? We'll be hitting that this week and filming with the GoPros. Maybe we can hook up soon.

Well, knowing the rules and regulations for fishing saltwater definitely does help. For instance, Pt. Dume is a MLPA area, and the law regarding that is not new. I recommend looking up all the MLPA areas before you start hitting the surf and reading up on the regs before you get out there. Here's a link to the saltwater section of the DFG site that should help.

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/regulations.asp
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/southcoast.asp

There are a lot of rules that differ from salt to fresh, for instance snagging IS legal in saltwater. :Wink:

[simijab]

Wow crazy!!!! Look who doesn't want to be a swat member these are all cool guys who have alot of knowledge and experience catching good fish and finding good spots. But its just as easy for anyone else to do the same. Put in the time dude and figure this stuff out yourself you are basically asking to become part of a group of friends with out even knowing these guys. I know the post of big fish drives all of us crazy sometime but that's because they've put there time in. Read there post learn, pay attention and once you start catching fish you wont even care about being part of SWAT because based on your comments you clearly don't care about getting to meet and know these guys as much as you care about poaching their spots

[DockRat]

There are a lot of rules that differ from salt to fresh, for instance snagging IS legal in saltwater. :Wink:

Not sure about that Marc ? Always thought it was legal too. Did a post in SW General discussion last week about this with 0 responses. Did a DFG search and found this.
Is there any DFG regs saying it is legal ?

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/serp.html?q=snagging+saltwater&cx=001779225245372747843%3A3y4rnp6j9ny&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&submit.x=10&submit.y=10&siteurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfg.ca.gov%2Fmarine%2Freg ulations.asp




Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations: 2011-2012
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat
Saltwater Angler Registry and will prevent California anglers from having to ...... as defined by Section 1.05, Title 14, CCR; snagging is an illegal method of take.

nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?documentversionid=61217

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
All laws or regulations here under are either reproduced verbatim from the Fish and Game
Code or from Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), as adopted by the Fish and

1.05. ANGLING. To take fish by hook and line with the line held in the hand, or with the line attached to a pole or rod held in the hand or closely attended in such manner that the fish voluntarily takes the bait or lure in its mouth.

[BaseBallBat]

Well, knowing the rules and regulations for fishing saltwater definitely does help. For instance, Pt. Dume is a MLPA area, and the law regarding that is not new. I recommend looking up all the MLPA areas before you start hitting the surf and reading up on the regs before you get out there. Here's a link to the saltwater section of the DFG site that should help.

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/regulations.asp
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/southcoast.asp

There are a lot of rules that differ from salt to fresh, for instance snagging IS legal in saltwater. :Wink:

So are you saying SWAT members snag their fish legally ?

[Ray Lopez]

I snag all my bsb! They taste wonderful!!!!!!

[Prowler_Tuber]

I better hurry before this gets locked also....

Like the late Rodney King said,

"Can we all get along" - Rodney King 1992

LMFAO

[DockRat]

So are you saying SWAT members snag their fish legally ?
No, he didn't say that.


Like the late Rodney King said,

"Can we all get along" - Rodney King 1992

LMFAO

Lol http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/BogusMalone/usc_cheer/usc_cheer01.jpg

[DockRat]

I snag all my bsb! They taste wonderful!!!!!!
Black Sea Bass Ray ? Lol
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr82/sbsurffisher/daveyslocker03.jpg

[Prowler_Tuber]

That's some funny ish lol

[the killa fish taco]

So are you saying SWAT members snag their fish legally ?

LMAO

No comment

[Ray Lopez]

Black Sea Bass Ray ? Lol
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr82/sbsurffisher/daveyslocker03.jpg


LMAO

No comment
My mouth is watering just looking at that tasty fish!!!! It's still rod and reel right? Caught my last surf bsb at Broad Beach. 4oz torpedo and a 10/0 treble hook. Works like magic!!!!!
They fight harder when you hook um in the belly. ;P

[the killa fish taco]

Well it looks like ill never be able to get the SWAT Member under my screen name now. cant wait to gopro a secret spot soon and nor blur out the background! Stay tune everyone, some spots will be exposed.... ;)

[WARRIORMIKE]

is she qualified to be a swat member

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff404/mikesphotos77/octomom.jpg

[Which Way Out]

:Tired:　　　:Popcorn:

[DockRat]

:Tired:　　　:Popcorn:

I'm not trying to stir the pot here. Had 78 views on 'Hooked topic'
ZERO Responses. How many posts of fish hooked not in the mouth ? MANY.
I've snagged my share too.

I am just wondering if snagging and keeping the catch is legal ?
So many surf fish, threshers, cuda not hooked in the mouth.

Accidental Snag
and Snagging, there is a difference.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/GatorSnaggingHook.jpg

[Jackpot Jimmy]

I'm not trying to stir the pot here. Had 78 views on 'Hooked topic'
ZERO Responses. How many posts of fish hooked not in the mouth ? MANY.
I've snagged my share too.

I am just wondering if snagging and keeping the catch is legal ?
So many surf fish, threshers, cuda not hooked in the mouth.

Accidental Snag
and Snagging, there is a difference.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m84/TJReceveur/GatorSnaggingHook.jpg

Hi DR, sorry for the late response on the subject.

I remember when it was first noted that if you brought up a fish that was snagged, it was illegal. A captain a while ago told me and my dad, "But how many people on a sportboat are going to believe and/or follow that?" That's a good point, it could bring up a lot of unnecessary arguments.

Sight fishing and snagging trout is one thing, but when you're fishing a jig or flylining for calicos, that's entirely another, you could accidentally snag a fish.

The law says the fish has to voluntarily take the bait...so how do we know they didn't voluntarily take the bait, they just missed the hook and it got snagged? What if the hook catches it on the mouth, from the outside in? We need to get a good interpreter for DFG laws...

[Wingnut]

Follow the email chain from bottom to top. I sent this inquiry to the DFG a couple of years ago.
Happy now Martin? :Rolls Eyes:

************************************************** ********************************

Hello again Mr. Lai,

There is one other species of fish that may not be snagged legally in the ocean: sturgeon, per Section 27.90(d). Apologies for any confusion,

yours,

Mary Patyten


Mary Patyten
California Department of Fish and Game
Marine Region Education and Outreach
(707) 964-5026
mpatyten@dfg.ca.gov

Visit the DFG Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine (http://fishingnetwork.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine)

Pursuant to Governor’s Executive Order S 12-10, I will be out of the office on the second, third and fourth Friday of each month until further notice.


************************************************** **************************************

>>> Mary Patyten 11/5/2010 8:04 AM >>>

Hello Mr. Lai,

Snagging fish from the ocean is actually legal, unless the fish being snagged is salmon.

yours,

Mary Patyten


Mary Patyten
California Department of Fish and Game
Marine Region Education and Outreach
(707) 964-5026
mpatyten@dfg.ca.gov

Visit the DFG Marine Region Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine (http://fishingnetwork.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine)

Pursuant to Governor’s Executive Order S 12-10, I will be out of the office on the second, third and fourth Friday of each month until further notice.


************************************************** ******************************************

From: Arthur Lai

I have seen many people on piers, jetties and beaches utilizing snagging gear to snag fish (heavy line, sinker and treble hooks). Is this method of take legal? Thanks for your time.

Arthur Lai - Fishingnetwork.net

[Fysher]

Had to shine in on this with my opinion.

If an individual doesn't know a group/crew of anglers personally and out of the blue wants to join that fishing crew, it shows me that that individual wants to poach those secret spots. Like others say, "Put the time and effort out and you'll be rewarded."

Like Wingnut said as well, "SWAT is a bunch of friends that fish together" you can start your own fishing crew if you like. No I'm not part of SWAT, will I ever be? Won't know until you get that invite (some do, some don't) to become a SWAT member. If you do get the invite to become a member of SWAT congrats!!! to you, they are a bunch of cool people (met Arthur and Bones) once and from first impression, they are cool people. If you don't/haven't got an invite to become a member of SWAT, then gather a bunch of your buddies and form a fishing crew and go fishing.

[blackwater]

So I guess what youre trying to say is, Some people aren't privileged enough to hang out and fish with the same group of guys that were suppose to be involved with a family type of group (Team 57)?

Thats why I joined FNN (a few years back) so we can all fish together and share info. with each other.

Ignorance is bliss as they say. :Rolls Eyes:

Nobody and I mean NOBODY, has done more to try and preserve Fisherman 57's legacy than Arthur and the SWAT team.
I'm fortunate enough to be a part of the brotherhood and experienced first hand of the magic and comeraderie of this group of friends.
In any get together, Dana's name never goes unmentioned and Arthur makes sure that SWAT operates and conduct themselves in the highest standards.
I see this thread as no less than a personal attack on SWAT.

Why even get all butt hurt if you're not included in a group of "friends". Were you neglected as a child? Abused? Bullied? It's like insisting on coming to a family party when you're not related or even a friend of the family.
I was fortunate enough to be included and until this day, I still don't really know why. Art and I are friends but I rarely fish. I think I made it out there maybe twice last year.

Arthur is very careful with his choices and he very well should be. He is very slow in making friends and even slower in changing them.

If you contribute positively to the board and conduct yourself accordingly, you might get an invitation someday. If not, the sun will still come out tomorrow, the tide will rise and fall, and the fish will still be biting. Grow up people.

[Fysher]

Like the saying goes:

"Make Friends for Life, not Friends for a Day"

X2 on BlackWater's response. If you don't get the invite, the sun still shines, tides still rises and falls, and fish needs to eat. Go out and fish. My passion is fishing, my dad starting taking me when I was young growing up in Minnesota (man I miss that place) and now that I'm a father of a 1 1/2 year old girl, I don't fish as much as before or as I like and I'm waiting for that day to come when I can take her out and she catches her first fish =0)

So if you're part of a fishing crew or not, go out and go fish. It's not the end of the world.

[midgettosser1]

So are you saying SWAT members snag their fish legally ?
LMAO

No comment


There you go KFT, looks like you found your first crew member. Now you two can go sit in the corner and cry about how SWAT carries on, who Arthur accepts, and how we all think we are somehow priveleged over anybody else, or you can go out, fish, and enjoy yourselves.

We should all feel priveleged that we have great surf fishing available to us (minus MPLA closures of course). No one needs a crew affiliation for that. One of the most satisfying things about fishing our coastline is getting out there, exploring, and finding your own productive spots. At least it should be.

Who knows, with some dedication and commitment to the surf, you may find yourself fishing side by side with Arthur a couple of times and the next thing you know he will be handing you a SWAT hat. Haha.

[bassfishing24/7]

Well it looks like ill never be able to get the SWAT Member under my screen name now. cant wait to gopro a secret spot soon and nor blur out the background! Stay tune everyone, some spots will be exposed.... ;)

This comment sure explains ur logic to becoming a swat member....

Theres an old saying

”Pay ur dues and u will be rewarded”....

[headcase881]

Hey fish taco grab a tube and come hang out at lake perris we got a great group out there and we are alway looking to meet a fellow fisherman

[WARRIORMIKE]

I think out of all this, maybe you should start your own Salt Water Crew. I mean are you really that butt hurt that SWAT hasnt invited you?? Call it "Tacoman Fish Saltwater Crew" Or maybe SWEEP. For "Salt Water Expensive Extravaganza Peeps" Then YOU my friend can be captain, leader, head hancho, or whatever title you give yourself and compete against SWAT.

Good Luck on your quest

[Badbeat]

Somebody needs a diaper, lol :Beat Stick:
Wingnut is one of my closest friends, I consider him a brother from another mother and he hasn't given me an invitation yet, hint, hint. :LOL:
I don't get butt hurt over it. It is what it is.
oh and the comment about exposing spots, dude grow the **** up. :Big Smile:

[PONTOON]

Well it looks like ill never be able to get the SWAT Member under my screen name now......

Well kft, it looks like you got one thing right.

[Re8elmonk0341]

I thought you have to be in the police force for a number of years to be eligible to become S.W.A.T

[Which Way Out]

To this day I really don't know how I became a SWAT member.:Confused: One day out of the blue I got a package in the mail.

Sure I knew about the SWAT guys and even fished with Arthur and Bone's a couple from times whenever they did a road trip up my way. It was at least a year after that when I was brought aboard.

Now the best thing is I have a group of Brothers and Sisters that come from all different walks of life with a thread that keeps us bonded together. No its not the SWAT membership, its the water and the fishing. Like all the FNN members and even the non members, aka Lurkers. We all like to fish, be it the ocean or the fresh water, its the fun of fishing. That's it!

I know if I see a Team 57 hat in a crowd, I feel I know that person in some way. When I fish, no matter where that is, I look for the Team 57 hats, be it in the Sierra or the beaches. I have had people see my Team 57 sticker on my Jeep and come up and say Hi. So as a SWAT member I am always concerned about not being a prude or unapproachable. I know that someone will always have a bone to pick, that's just life. Sorry Bones, no pun intended:Wink:.

So the best thing to do is, remember its Summer time, the fish are waiting and the guy standing next to you might become the best friend you never knew.
Now lets go Fishing.

WWO

[Armofisher818]

SWAT is just a group of friends, i get fish tacos part because one would feel under experienced if hes not invited to swat because they make it look like swats the sheet. I havnt seen dana in my life but from what i read he was the kind of guy that likes to live laugh and love. I think he made team 57 and he doesnt say you have to be experienced to join, you can be a pro or just a newb and people will treat you the same, without a special tag under ur username. I think swat is doing the opposite. But again their just a group of friends. Get over it.

Some people forgot to leave their sorrority in colledge.

[Prowler_Tuber]

Hey fish taco grab a tube and come hang out at lake perris we got a great group out there and we are alway looking to meet a fellow fisherman

That's cool how many people you usually fish with?

[Ray Lopez]

Dude everyone shut the F up and go fish. Man you are some dramatic mofo's!!!!! Who gives a rats behind about SWAT or being in any "fishing group" Man just go do what you love to do and thats fish. Why is everyone so sucked into titles here. Fishing is not a popularity contest!!!!! I used to fish with both Bones and Wingnut (back when wing nut was noob to the salt just like me) I can tell you the japanese market they buy all those fish at...for a price. hahahahahaa. :P