Lost fish!!

[Airwave(OH)]

I am curious to what some of you think I should do . Fri. I dropped off 60#'s of nothing but JUMBO perch at The Pt. Clinton fish house (downtown across from the Wharf)to be cleaned. Sat morning when I went to get them they informed me they had lost them. He says he'll make it right but what would be right. 60#'s of little ones ? Tell me what you think. I had taken a father and his 2 daughters out and they now have no fish. Lots of great memories but still I don't believe those fish were lost. At 12 bucks a pound I've got a good Ideal.

[Juls_WI]

How the heck does someone lose 60#'s of Perch? Bummer!!! I don't know what to tell you. Take them somewhere else to be cleaned from now on, and make sure they know you don't trust them there. Also, let them know you will send all your clients somewhere else too. They might straighten out their act.
My guess is that they either were forgotten and didn't get cleaned (which means they spoiled), or someone stole them. Either way, it's bad businsess.

Brion, why don't you take them to Rick Fergusen over at Al Szuche's, in Curtis, from now on? It's a little further than you probably want to go, but the fillets will be great, and you won't lose your fish!

Just a thought...

Juls

[eyedoktr]

The same thing happened to a buddy of mine once but it was about 75# of venison. After alot of discussion and threats to send friends elsewhere, the butcher did indeed make it up. My only question then was how, 2-3 pounds out of each of alot of customer's deer? Would that mean a bunch of other fishermen are going to be shorted when he makes it up to you ? That's why for that few fish, I'l take the time and clean them myself.

[Dutchman]

Let's see 60lbs @ $12.00 a pound equals $720.00. If they're going to make it right that's what they owe. I know you'll never see the money, nor will your clients see the fillets, but I'd definatley give the the company that lost the fish this option. They may give your clients somthing in return. Like pay for another day of guided fishing with you. In S.D. stolen items over $500.00 in value is grand larceny. A crime is a crime, this may be an odd item for a crime but it might worth some leverage to get some kind of reimbusement. Just my 2 cents worth....


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[bob oh]

Brion, If he wants to give you 60# of small perch I'd tell him I'm not happy but I'd take the fish -- perch all taste the same. Maybe he could replace the fish and clean your next catch for free to make up for the hassle. If this is the first problem you've had with them I would give them the benefit of the doubt and work with them. If this isn't the first time .....

Bob
Rod Bender

[ETT]

Brian how about a call to the game protector and sheriff. Let the public officials know about the problem. Maybe their making a habit out of it and you can help get the boom lowered on them. Seems to me that they've been fined several times before. Good luck.

[JCarp]

Bummer, but I would give them the benefit of the doubt and assume it was an honest error/goof-up. A friend dropped off perch somewhere earlier this yr, Uncle picked them up, by the time they figured out they had the wrong fish (too many) they assumed it was too late to straighten out. Good help is hard to find.

I think what you need to make it right is; the fillets from 60# of jumbos selected from the "top of the catch" when they next process some commercially caught fish. Seems reasonable, if memory serves they do commercial fish. Ask and see what they come back with. Not like you have anything to lose...LOL. It's not what you ask, but how you ask it.

If you to be confident this is unlikely to recur, ask what happened or may have happened & what improvements will be made to prevent future problems.

Good Luck, jc

[IARanger]

Brion:
My sympathies go out to all of you, what an unfortunate event for them and yourself. I would tend to agree with the others who have said to give them the benefit of the doubt ....ONCE !
But only if he does make it up to you and your clients in a fashion you both deem fair and prompt.

Nice seeing you again at the WC get together


Jeff

[Juls_WI]

Great post JC. I like the idea.

Juls

[Airwave(OH)]

OK here's an update on the Lost fish. First thanks for the responses. I always give people the benefit of doubt and I did this time too! I guess what really teed me off is when the guy said "Don't get your panties in a bunch" I wasn't being nasty and unrulely. Just wanted an explanation on how it could have happen. I have heard from several that they were notorious for this. (Don't know if it's true)The only reason I went there is because everyone else is CLOSED. Anyhow I went there to talk to them and sorta mentioned "How about market price" and that I know lots of people, that sorta thing and low and behold they misteriously appeared. And they were my fish too!So maybe it was honest maybe they were hoping I'd roll over but I have my fish and everyones happy. I really believe it may have been an honest oversight. At least I hope... Geez these are nice perch !!!:)

[bob oh]

Glad it worked out, but thanks for letting us know, now we can watch for any repeats and we'll know if it is accident or habit.. By the way, Brion, you can usually get Jeff Shatto (sp?) at Wild Wings to clean fish if you stop by his home. He's been closed but we've been getting them cleaned most weekends (we guit WC weekend). Might be out of way for you.

Bob

[Juls_WI]

Glad it all worked out Brion, but something there smells "fishy"..;-)

Juls

[ETT]

Brian, Good deal!!! I really try to not be cynical, but the older I get the harder it becomes.