Just wanted to say, calling CalTip can have an impact. We all know the CDFG is woefully under staffed. The territory wardens have to patrol is measure in hundreds, if not thousands, of square miles. Even so, calling in a violation can lead to a warden showing up.
Last Sunday I called CalTip to report an abuse. I witnessed a kid putting a dead fish back into the water, in a C&R section of the local tailwater. I had a talk with him and his buddies, then called CalTip. About an hour later I get a voicemail from a warden, trying to get more specific info. She was on her way, and wasn't sure of the location from the dispatcher's descriptions. I had spotty coverage and couldn't call back. A little while later I see a warden across the river. Sure enough, she was the one trying to locate the offenders. I gave the location and description of their vehicles, but it seemed they had left. We talked and she stayed in the general area, talking with others. I made sure to thank her for her efforts. She drove from miles away to respond.
My recent 3 calls to CalTip have resulted in 1 in person response. 1 ticketed violator(called back to let us know the outcome). 1 no response....as far as I know? 2 out of 3 isn't bad for how big of an area they have to cover. I would guess my results are related to funds donated for additional enforcement in our area. If it works here, it seems like it could work in other areas of the state.
FYI. 1-888-DFG-CALTIP The IP in CalTip is just extra, but the call still goes through. It's just easier to remember the number using the whole name.
briansII