NJ Fish & Game fake the cover of their new Fishing Digest!

[Joe D]

NJ Fish & game just released their new Fishing Digest featuring a cover picture that was taken in Minnesota. I find it somewhat hilarious, considering the predicament the governor is in right now, sad due to the dishonesty of the picture, and very cheesy because that's what these things are.

The new digest: NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife - 2014 NJ Freshwater Fishing DIGEST

The origin of the cover photo: The Raw Spirit - Images

I buy a NJ non-resident fishing license and see this as a deceptive business practice. Could you imagine the uproar there would be in the fishing community if a guide or any other destination used a photo that wasn't of a fish caught by them, their client or even at their location. Using a picture from MN, what's the matter with those guys. That would be like the Jersey Shore Tourism Dept using a of Waikīkī Beach.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

The Division doesn't pick the cover photo anymore, that is left to their publisher who is up in Massachusetts.

 

[Joe D]

The Division doesn't pick the cover photo anymore, that is left to their publisher who is up in Massachusetts.

That's no excuse & it's also not true.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

I would only have an issue personally if they said it was a NJ fish caught by a NJ angler. They've asked me in the past if I could provide them a picture for a cover photo and I declined. Didn't need the ball busting by my friends or the stupid comments that would come from those that have an axe to grind with either me or TU or both. Stock photos are just that, stock. Would it be nice to always use a NJ angler catching a NJ fish? Yes, but I know how much they struggle finding that photo most years. After all, both you and I declined them, didn't we?

 

[Joe D]

I would only have an issue personally if they said it was a NJ fish caught by a NJ angler. They've asked me in the past if I could provide them a picture for a cover photo and I declined. Didn't need the ball busting by my friends or the stupid comments that would come from those that have an axe to grind with either me or TU or both. Stock photos are just that, stock. Would it be nice to always use a NJ angler catching a NJ fish? Yes, but I know how much they struggle finding that photo most years. After all, both you and I declined them, didn't we?

Brian,

It's deceptive. The implication is that it's a NJ fish and it's not. Deception is just that, deception. I know they have no struggle in getting that photo. They just need to put forth the effort. But that's too much like work, so let's buy a stock picture of a fish caught in MN and give everyone who sees the cover the impression the fish was caught in NJ.

Is that the marketing plan for your part time guide business? Show a picture of a trout caught in NZ and don't saying thing unless someone asks, let them assume it's from the KLG or Pequest? I didn't think so.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Brian,

It's deceptive. The implication is that it's a NJ fish and it's not. Deception is just that, deception. I know they have no struggle in getting that photo. They just need to put forth the effort. But that's too much like work, so let's buy a stock picture of a fish caught in MN and give everyone who sees the cover the impression the fish was caught in NJ.

Is that the marketing plan for your part time guide business? Show a picture of a trout caught in NZ and don't saying thing unless someone asks, let them assume it's from the KLG or Pequest? I didn't think so.

As I mentioned in a PM, the person that used to handle this retired last year and has not been replaced. On my list of things I'd like to see changed by our Division, this isn't on it. But I see where you're coming from. And enough Division employees read this site that word will get back to higher ups in case they want to change it back to local photos next year.

As for my part time guiding - marketing plan? What's that? I don't have time for the trips that I get booked on let alone develop a marketing plan, lol.

 

[Future Fanatic]

Brian,

It's deceptive. The implication is that it's a NJ fish and it's not. Deception is just that, deception.

Kinda reminds me of a couple of movies I saw about the gas industry.

One was Gasland where they portrayed a flaming faucet as having to do with hydraulic fracturing where none was taking place and then proven to be naturally occurring gas...

Another was this film called Frack!... It showed this animated scene of hydraulic fracturing with what seemed to be these explosions happening all over underground... like world war three... deceptive...

Who'd want to be a part of something like THAT?

 

[golden beetle]

Great thread, Joe.

I understand Rusty's sentiments, however, and think that the cover is designed to look cool, and that's pretty much it.

What percentage of folks buying a NJ license are renewing?

I think most are locals who know the fishery and what to expect of the fishery, and a huge percentage of licensing revenue here is from renewals.

You make an interesting point, Joe, to say that you have a non - resident license to fish New Jersey waters, and so I am sympathetic to you personally in this case.

Because the issue gets murky when the agency tries to appeal to out of staters with its advertising, and when private commercial interests are tied to the fishery and by association to the representations of the DEC.

Suffice it to say, I'm with Rusty on this one, even though I understand your concern. Because New Jersey just isn't a destination fishery. The locals can't be duped, and, if so, not for long.

You guided me on the Passaic. You were very honest about the fishery, and I gave it a look and loved it.

Those pike are worth a shot for everyone.

And should be a source of pride to the DEC.

The giant pike picture from Minnesota doesn't help, but I give them a pass this time.

Perhaps they should publish a caption, issuing a challenge to New Jersey anglers: can you catch a Minnesota sized pike in Jersey waters?

Perhaps you can.

But I just don't see the fishery as attracting too many out of staters, or licensing revenues increasing beyond the norm because of this ad.

 

[Joe D]

Kinda reminds me of a couple of movies I saw about the gas industry.

One was Gasland where they portrayed a flaming faucet as having to do with hydraulic fracturing where none was taking place and then proven to be naturally occurring gas...

Another was this film called Frack!... It showed this animated scene of hydraulic fracturing with what seemed to be these explosions happening all over underground... like world war three... deceptive...

Who'd want to be a part of something like THAT?

The best way to handle that would be to start a thread on that very topic if it's something you feel is important and fly fishing related.

 

[Joe D]

As I mentioned in a PM, the person that used to handle this retired last year and has not been replaced. On my list of things I'd like to see changed by our Division, this isn't on it. But I see where you're coming from. And enough Division employees read this site that word will get back to higher ups in case they want to change it back to local photos next year.

As for my part time guiding - marketing plan? What's that? I don't have time for the trips that I get booked on let alone develop a marketing plan, lol.

Cool. You're okay with deceptive business practices Private sector people would be fined for this behavior.

 

[Joe D]

Great thread, Joe.

I understand Rusty's sentiments, however, and think that the cover is designed to look cool, and that's pretty much it.

What percentage of folks buying a NJ license are renewing?

I think most are locals who know the fishery and what to expect of the fishery, and a huge percentage of licensing revenue here is from renewals.

You make an interesting point, Joe, to say that you have an non - resident license to fish New Jersey waters, and so I am sympathetic to you personally in in this case.

Because the issue gets murky when you try to appeal to out of staters with your advertising, and when private commercial interests are tied to the fishery and by association to the representations of the DEC.

Suffice it to say, I'm with Rusty on this one, even though I understand your concern.

You guided me on the Passaic. You were very honest about the fishery, and I gave it a look and loved it.

Those pike are worth a shot for everyone.

And should be a source of pride to the DEC.

The giant pike picture from Minnesota doesn't help, but I give them a pass this time.

I just don't see the fishery as attracting too many out of staters, or licensing revenues increasing beyond the norm because of this ad.

John,

The cover is designed to imply that the fish was caught in NJ. It is deceptive. Do fish that size swim in Garden State waters? Probably, but that's not one of them. If they wanted cool, they could easily have gotten cool with any number of NJ caught fish. Maybe not a fly caught pike they were hoping for their cover shot, but an ice caught pike, or a totally different species that was a NJ fish. What's next, a Blue Marlin from Hawaii on the Saltwater Digest.

Real is what's cool!

 

[Barleywine]

GB expressed almost everything I was thinking about this.

I also dislike deception, but once you think of it as fishing and not marketing, then it's hard to take the proverbial "fish story" out of our tradition.

It wasn't long ago that you always got your license first, in person, then got a copy of the digest. Unless that order has reversed with online purchases, then I can't think of too many people that would look at the cover of the digest and say to themselves; "Look at that. I better buy a New Jersey license".

 

[tomfly]

Cool. You're okay with deceptive business practices Private sector people would be fined for this behavior.

That is not necessarily true. Deceptive marketing and advertizing are common practice. Fast food companies do it all the time. The product the consumer receives never has the same appealing look to it as the product in the Ad. If you are not fooled by the deception, what is the big deal?

 

[golden beetle]

John,

The cover is designed to imply that the fish was caught in NJ. It is deceptive. Do fish that size swim in Garden State waters? Probably, but that's not one of them. If they wanted cool, they could easily have gotten cool with any number of NJ caught fish. Maybe not a fly caught pike they were hoping for their cover shot, but an ice caught pike, or a totally different species that was a NJ fish. What's next, a Blue Marlin from Hawaii on the Saltwater Digest.

Real is what's cool!

Joe, I respect your argument and agree that it is wrong to publish out of state pics like this one on a state publication.

But I see it as bad form, like not shaving.

I also edited my earlier post a little bit, and will let that stand as my position on the issue.

As far as business ethics are concerned, I will say that I will be a repeat customer of yours for as long as you're willing to be seen on the water with me.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Cool. You're okay with deceptive business practices Private sector people would be fined for this behavior.

Joe - every add you've ever seen with a picture for a food product was heavily airbrushed to make look even better. Nobody has gone to jail yet and all are public sector jobs.

About 20 or so years ago, PA produced some calendar where the cover photo was none other then the red mill and dam in Clinton (NJ) on the South Branch. It happens. Again, knowing that the person that used to oversee this retired last year and was not replaced, I really can't say this is a big issue. If you feel that means I support deceptive advertising, so be it. But when your client holds a fish way out front of him and you take a picture, isn't that also a form of deception? :crap:

 

[Joe D]

That is not necessarily true. Deceptive marketing and advertizing are common practice. Fast food companies do it all the time. The product the consumer receives never has the same appealing look to it as the product in the Ad. If you are not fooled by the deception, what is the big deal?

Regardless, NJ F&G is wrong in using a picture of fish caught in MN on the cover of their Fishing Digest with the implication that it is a NJ caught fish. That is the entire point, no more, no less. If Fly Fisherman magazine or any other of the fishing publications did the same you guys would be screaming for boycotts. Wrong is wrong whether it's by the government or the private sector.

 

[Oliver10]

Joe,

I am with you 100% . That is a shitty thing to do. There are amazing fish in NJ of size and of beauty. A little effort and they could have had some NJ fish pictures. The fisherman does not need to be from NJ just the fish becasue it strongly implies you are seeing a possiblity of what NJ has to offer.

Oliver

 

[golden beetle]

Regardless, NJ F&G is wrong in using a picture of fish caught in MN on the cover of their Fishing Digest with the implication that it is a NJ caught fish. That is the entire point, no more, no less.

I think I can concede the point that New Jersey does more to make the fishery seem ridiculous by publishing out of state photos.

I think this should be an issue of pride for our fishery, to publish local fish, although, admittedly, NJ is 99.9% chubs.

Have they ever published a pic of a giant chub?

 

[Joe D]

Joe - every add you've ever seen with a picture for a food product was heavily airbrushed to make look even better. Nobody has gone to jail yet and all are public sector jobs.

About 20 or so years ago, PA produced some calendar where the cover photo was none other then the red mill and dam in Clinton (NJ) on the South Branch. It happens. Again, knowing that the person that used to oversee this retired last year and was not replaced, I really can't say this is a big issue. If you feel that means I support deceptive advertising, so be it. But when your client holds a fish way out front of him and you take a picture, isn't that also a form of deception? :crap:

Brian,

You can't defend the indefensible. The best thing to do when you are wrong is to admit it and apologize for the blunder.

I'm very surprised that you find this deception from your home fishery dept ok.

 

[Joe D]

I think I can concede the point that New Jersey does more to make the fishery seem ridiculous by publishing out of state photos.

I think this should be an issue of pride for our fishery, which, admittedly, is 99.9% chubs.

Have they ever published a pic of the giant chub?

The point is John, they could have used a chub, carp, pike, musky, trout, bass, freshwater striper, walleye , catfish or whatever. But the fish should have been caught in NJ. This is like putting a NZ brown trout on the cover. Just dumb and deceitful and they shouldn't have wasted the money on an out of state picture.

 

[golden beetle]

The point is John, they could have used a chub, carp, pike, musky, trout, bass, freshwater striper, walleye , catfish or whatever. But the fish should have been caught in NJ. This is like putting a NZ brown trout on the cover. Just dumb and deceitful and they shouldn't have wasted the money on an out of state picture.

I accept the premise that the publication of an out of state fish is less desirable than a local fish.

But these dudes are paid minimum wage, Joe, and the only pics they got from Jersey are chubs and bullfrogs.

 

[Future Fanatic]

The best way to handle that would be to start a thread on that very topic if it's something you feel is important and fly fishing related.

Deception seemed to be the topic at hand.

I wholeheartedly agree with you on the subject, but do you?

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Brian,

You can't defend the indefensible. The best thing to do when you are wrong is to admit it and apologize for the blunder.

I'm very surprised that you find this deception from your home fishery dept ok.

It's not that I'm defending it, it's just that I don't think it is a big issue. I would be entirely on your side if they captioned the photo: A New Jersey pike landed by a local angler. But they didn't. Again, looking at what is on my plate right now, this just doesn't reach my top 1,000 issues I care about. If others feel differently, fine by me. If anyone wants phone #s or emails to contact Division staff and ream them a new one, I'd be happy to provide them via PMs.

 

[Oliver10]

Christie passed a law back in 2011 "New Jersey to new public workers: You wanna work here, you gotta live here.Gov. Chris Christie announced today he signed a bill (S1730) into law that will require public workers hired after Sept. 1 — from teachers and cops to all local, county and state work employees — to live in the Garden State.
"
I should think they should use NJ fish on the NJ Digest.

As to Rusty saying that this is not in the top 1000 issues on his plate. I can totally understand and agree there are way more important things to worry about.

I still think it was dumb and people should pay more attention to detail.

 

[Oliver10]

pics they got from Jersey are chubs and bullfrogs.

I am pretty sure thats "chubs" and "bullfrogs" have other meanings in the gay community. You will need to check with Mac for the inside vernacular.

Bullfrog - http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bullfrog

Chubs - http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=chubs

 

[tomfly]

I am pretty sure thats "chubs" and "bullfrogs" have other meanings in the gay community. You will need to check with Mac for the inside vernacular.

Bullfrog - Urban Dictionary: bullfrog

Chubs - http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=chubs

I see you analogy Ollie, but he is not the vivid. He is unconscionably motivated by frog hugging the chub in the doppelganger thread.

 

[Oliver10]

As I mentioned in a PM, the person that used to handle this retired last year and has not been replaced.

If they are looking for a volunteer to handle this I would gladly.

 

[golden beetle]

I live in Jersey, and want to make it clear that I support the DEC and any agency of our esteemed Governor.

I also want my snow removed tomorrow.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

I live in Jersey, and want to make it clear that I support the DEC and any agency of our esteemed Governor.

I also want my snow removed tomorrow.

You live in NY, and NJ does not have a DEC. We have a DEP instead. And your Governor hates conservatives. Ours hates bridges and diets. Get it straight

 

[Matt Grobert]

I don't understand what the argument is. It's the NJ F & G Digest, it should have a photo taken somewhere in NJ on the cover, it represents NJ. With minimal effort, that could have been achieved.