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Courtesy
of PRNewswire - Ten influential fishing products created over
the past 75 years -. from rods to reels to electronics -. have helped
make fishing the great sport it is today, according to a new survey
from the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).
ASA,
the sportfishing industry's trade association, today released the
country's first top ten list of the items that have changed the
way people fish, as determined by a survey of the nation's most
avid anglers. The Anglers' Legacy Innovations Awards were unveiled
at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST),
the world's largest annual sportfishing trade show. More than 7,000
members of the sportfishing community are gathered in Las Vegas
to see the latest innovations in gear and accessories.
"We're
thrilled to be commemorating the way that fishing has endured as
one of America's favorite pastimes," said ASA President and CEO
Mike Nussman. "The sport has touched the lives of so many people,
thanks to the number of great inventions that have revolutionized
angling over the past seven and a half decades."
ASA partnered
with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation to survey
the foundation's thousands of Anglers' Legacy Ambassadors, the country's
most avid anglers, who voted for the products they feel have been
most instrumental in shaping the sport over the past seven and a
half decades.
Read
More
With
boaters facing record high fuel prices this summer Boat Owners Association
of The United States (BoatUS) has a few tips that could help stretch
their fuel dollars:
- Leave the extra ‘junk’
home: Don’t load the boat up with weight you don’t
need. Do a little spring cleaning - unused equipment that has
been collecting mildew in the bottom of lockers for years should
be taken home.
- Water weight: At 8.33
pounds per gallon, why keep the water in the tank topped off if
you’re only going out for the afternoon?
- Tune her up: An engine
tune-up is an excellent investment and should easily pay for itself
over the summer.
- Tune your prop: If your
boat goes 30 mph with a like-new prop and only 27 mph with a prop
that’s dinged and out of pitch, that’s a 10% loss
in fuel economy, or, you’re wasting one out of every ten
gallons you put in your tank.
- Paint the boat’s bottom:
When boating in salt or brackish waters a fouled bottom
is like a dull knife. It takes a lot more fuel to push your boat
through the water.
- Keep the boat in trim: Using
trim tabs or distributing weight evenly will help move your boat
through the water with less effort – and less fuel.
- Go with the flow: Consult
tide tables and try to travel with the tide whenever possible.
- Install a fuel flow meter:
A fuel flow meter is like a heart monitor; when consumption starts
to rise, it’s an early warning that something is amiss.
A fuel flow meter also allows you to select a comfortable cruising
speed that optimizes the amount of fuel being consumed.
- Do the math: If you
don’t want to spring for a fuel flow meter (about $300),
you can calculate your fuel mileage by dividing distance traveled
by gallons at fill-up. Using your logbook, you can then approximate
fuel flow using average speeds and time underway.
- Get a discount: Many
of the 885 BoatUS Cooperating Marinas around the country offer
up to 10 cents off a gallon of gas. To get the discount all you
have to do is to show your BoatUS membership card. If you aren’t
already a member, join online now for a special rate of $19.00
by going to BoatUS.com/membership or call 800-395-2628.
Benton,
Kentucky - In May, the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) posted
several items on the popular auction site, EBay as a fundraiser
for PAA and Catch-A-Dream; the official charity of the PAA.
The initial offerings which included donations from PAA members
Kevin VanDam, Tim Horton, Dan Morehead and Trevor Knight raised
more than $1500, which will be split between the two organizations.
Now, a second wave of items, donated by PAA members has been posted;
they can be found by clicking on the link below.
The newly available items are:
- Mark Davis 2001 Bassmaster Angler of the Year
Jersey, personally autographed by Davis.
- Ish Monroe Autographed Jersey, worn during
his 2006 victory on Lake Amistad, the inaugural Bassmaster Elite
Series event
- Jay Yelas 2007 FLW Angler of the Year Skeeter
Jersey, worn by Jay during his Land O' Lakes FLW Angler of the
Year season. Includes an autographed letter from Yelas.
- Long sleeved 2007 Kelly Jordon Skeeter Jersey,
worn during the 2007 Bassmaster Elite Series
- Tim Horton autographed 2000 Pro Craft jersey,
worn during Horton's win on Lake Toho in the Top 150.
- Autographed Shaw Grigsby dye sublimated jersey
worn during the 2007 Bassmaster Elite Series
- Long sleeved embroidered Gary Klein jersey,
worn during competition on the 2007 Bassmaster Elite Series.
- Autographed Denny Brauer 2007 Bassmaster Elite
Series embroidered jersey.
- Autographed Denny Brauer Wheaties box, commemorates
Brauer's 1998 FLW Angler of the Year title.
- Strike King Cap, autographed by all members
of Strike King's National Pro Staff; includes, Kevin VanDam, Denny
Brauer, Mark Davis, Greg Hackney, Mark Menendez, Mike Wurm, James
Niggemeyer, Mark Rose, Kim Stricker and Debra Hengst.
- Two autographed Classic Patterns DVD's by Tim
Horton.
These
limited edition collectors' items can be found at http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/fishpaa
Proceeds from the auctions will be used as a fundraiser for both
the PAA and Catch-A-Dream. Catch-A-Dream is a program for children
with terminal or life threatening illnesses. Catch-A-Dream may be
contacted through their website at www.catchadream.org.
For more information on the auction or the PAA, contact Jamie Hairgrove
at jamie@fishpaa.com.
Web
Site Link Offers Commission -- BoatUS Angler, which offers
special boat insurance policies for fishermen, is offering cash
to fishing clubs, guides, charter operators, tackle retailers, bait
shops, or any boating or fishing related business or organization
with a Web site. By putting a BoatUS Angler boat insurance quote
"button," or Web site link on your fishing or boating Web site,
the new BoatUS Angler Affiliate Program will pay a commission of
$4 for every completed insurance application that's generated.
"It's
very simple to set up and an easy way to earn money," said Mike
Pellerin, Director of BoatUS Angler, a membership and services program
from the 650,000-member Boat Owners Association of The United States.
To start
earning revenue, go to Commission Junction at cj.com
click on "Publishers," then scroll down to "Apply for a Commission
Junction Publisher Account."
Once
the online application is completed and submitted, you'll receive
e-mail notification within 72 hours confirming your acceptance into
the BoatUS Angler Affiliate Program. Then all you have to do is
follow the simple instructions in the e-mail to post the BoatUS
Angler boat insurance quote link on your Web site.
Commission
Junction keeps track of all of the insurance applications generated
from your site and pays you directly by check or direct deposit.
Currently, there are over 200 fishing and boating sites enrolled
in the program.
For a
free brochure on the BoatUS Angler Affiliate Program, e-mail Megan
Hale at MHale@BoatUS.com .
The
2008 Nation's River Bass Tournament involved 35 sponsors and partners,
40 boats and anglers, serving over 200 students from Montgomery
County, MD, Fairfax County, VA and Washington, D.C. Fifty volunteers
donated their time to support the on-water and land-based activities
focused on boating, fishing, and the local environment. This event
raised over $40,000 in educational program support for Living Classrooms
& Discovery Creek, non-profit organizations. This will support
hands-on educational programming in the Washington, D.C. region
to connect under served youth to their outdoor natural environments.
The BoatUS
ANGLER crew, Porky Leitch, Sonja Lowe and Dina Murray,
were on hand to teach some boating safety tips to the kids. Each
group that stopped by the BoatUS ANGLER station took turns
playing the "PFD Toss" - designed to show kids how to
toss a PFD to a person who has fallen overboard; and the "Life
Jacket Relay Race" - to demonstrate how to quickly don a life
jacket and snap it securely. It was hard to tell who had more fun
- the kids or the ANGLER crew.
While
all of the activities were going on at the National Harbor, BoatUS
ANGLER Director Mike Pellerin was out on the water with
Chenoble, a youngster from Laurel, MD, and Maryland Bass Federation
President, Roger Trageser, and they managed to catch a few fish.
It was Chenoble's first experience on a boat and his first time
fishing.
Each
student who fished was outfitted with a PFD from BoatUS Foundation's
Life Jacket Loaner Program and a BoatUS ANGLER fishing
towel. TowBoatUS Potomac Marine's Terry Hill was on hand to offer
assistance to the boater's.
The Living
Classrooms of the National Capital Region and the Discovery Creek
Children's Museum hosted the tournament to recognize the Potomac
River as an important cultural, economic and learning resource for
youth and the community. More than 200 students enjoyed hands-on
activities and demonstrations at National Harbor's West Pier. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service staff provided wildlife tattoos
for children and a variety of educational materials and games.
Since
1996, more than 70 schools from the Washington D.C. area have participated
in the “Schools in Schools” shad restoration program. Through the
student's efforts more than 200,000 shad fry have been released
into the Potomac. In addition to raising and releasing shad, students
are cleaning up their schoolyards and area streams to improve the
waterways for their returning fish, participating in trash pickups,
planting trees, and building rain gardens.
“It's
great to see these kids involved in conservation and enjoying the
outdoors,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale
Hall, who served as Honorary Chairman for the tournament. “Fifty
years from now, they will be the ones protecting these natural resources.”
Recreational
Boating and Fishing Foundation President and CEO Frank Peterson
and staff also attended the event, along with a host of celebrities,
elected officials, professional bass anglers and corporate sponsors.
For
more information on the tournament, visit www.nationsriver.org
For
more information for on Living Classroom, please contact
Mari Lou Livingood:
email: mlivingood@livingclassroomsdc.org
phone: 202-488-0627 x22
websites: www.livingclassroomsdc.org and www.discoverycreek.org
BoatUS
ANGLER, which offers services, discounts, safety programs and fishing
information, is now a sponsor in more than 350 freshwater fishing
tournaments across the country - and is looking to support more.
But time may be running out for tournament directors to get in on
the BoatUS ANGLER tournament sponsorship program.
"We
are interested in supporting freshwater tournaments, no matter if
it's bass, trout, walleye, crappie or catfish," said BoatUS ANGLER
Director Mike Pellerin. "However, we only have a limited number
remaining and are offering them first-come, first-served."
"As
a sponsor, we're offering annual BoatUS ANGLER memberships
that come with 'unlimited' on-the-water towing (freshwater) as well
as a roadside assistance plan that unlike other auto clubs, covers
both the boat trailer and tow vehicle," added Pellerin. Also included
in BoatUS ANGLER membership is a subscription to the new
BoatUS ANGLER Magazine as well as discounts on fuel, repairs
and ramp rebates at BoatUS Cooperating Marinas, shopping discounts
at West Marine stores and more.
Each
membership package is worth $63, a nice addition to a tournament's
list of prizes. "While we'd prefer to have our BoatUS ANGLER
membership prizes go to the angler who catches the biggest fish,
we know that tournament needs differ and we'll do whatever makes
the most sense," said Pellerin.
In
addition, participating tournaments will be listed on the Tournament
and Event Locator at http://www.boatusangler.com/calendar
Tournament
directors may apply for BoatUS ANGLER sponsorship consideration
by emailing Penny Leitch at PLeitch@BoatUS.com
"Once
a tournament has been approved, we'll send a complete package with
everything inside, including promotional items and the complimentary
BoatUS ANGLER membership certificate that's very simple
for the winner to redeem," said Pellerin. "Our goal is to make it
as easy as possible for tournament directors."
MORGAN
HILL, CA - Some boaters are being kept out of the water as inspectors
at Santa Clara County lakes hunt for signs of invasive mussels hitching
a ride.
Inspectors at one county park alone turned away 13 of 56 boats they
examined Saturday after finding water in the hull or motor, which
could contain zebra or quagga mussel larvae.
The invasive mussel species were first discovered in Northern California
this winter in a lake near Hollister.
The tiny, fast-breeding shellfish can quickly spread to clog pipes
and crowd out native species.
Boats failing the inspection are quarantined for five days and can
return to county lakes after they dry out.
Annapolis,
Maryland -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources kicked
off the Diamond Jim portion of the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge
yesterday aboard the Blind Faith charter boat by releasing specially
tagged striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland
DNR biologists Harry Hornick, Beth Versak and Lisa Wagner
release tagged striped bass near Annapolis.
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"Whether you may be a first
time, veteran, visiting or resident angler, Maryland's annual fishing
challenge encourages people from all walks of life to get outdoors
by going fishing with their friends and children this summer," said
Governor Martin O'Malley. "We hope that grandfathers and grandmothers,
fathers and mothers, and aunts and uncles take time to pass down
their fishing tips and favorite spots to their children this summer,
so they too can enjoy, learn about, benefit from and become responsible
stewards of our State's diverse natural resources."
One genuine and 20 imposter specially tagged Diamond Jim striped
bass were released into the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its
tributaries this week. If a lucky angler catches the genuine Diamond
Jim by midnight on June 30, he or she will win $10,000 cash courtesy
of Boater's World and a $5,000 diamond from Smyth Jewelers in Timonium.
Anglers catching Diamond Jim imposters will receive a $500 Boater's
World gift card. If the genuine Diamond Jim striped bass is not
caught before midnight June 30, 2008, he becomes an imposter fish,
worth $500 and the July genuine Diamond Jim's cash value increases
to $20,000.
"We are thrilled with the tremendous participation and interest
already shown by anglers in this year's contest," said Eric Schwaab,
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary. "We hope
that the release of Diamond Jim further encourages those that have
not yet entered to take part in the summer-long challenge."
Bill
Burton casts a tagged striped bass into Maryland waters
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Designed to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize
angler efforts and inspire environmental stewardship, the 2008
Maryland Fishing Challenge began April 12 and will run through
Labor Day, September 1, 2008. Any angler who catches a citation-qualifying
fish and enters the challenge may win one of the official grand
prizes. To date, more than 800 anglers have qualified to win one
of the grand prizes, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4x4 pickup
truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer package
from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill's Outdoor
Center.
More than 60 species of fish are eligible for the grand prizes,
including large and smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, musky and
panfish in the freshwaters of Maryland; rockfish (striped bass),
bluefish, drum, sea trout and perch in the Chesapeake Bay; and
tuna, marlin, flounder, kingfish and sea bass caught in Maryland
waters off the Atlantic Coast. Grand prize winners will be randomly
selected at a closing ceremony in mid-September.
As an added youth component new this year, children participating
in various fishing rodeos across the state may qualify for a unique
category at the challenge finale event and win a guided fishing
trip embarking from several different locations across the state.
In addition to supporting the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge,
Governor O'Malley continues to make conserving and restoring Maryland's
natural resources a priority though an additional $25 million
in funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts; fully funding
Program Open Space; an additional $750,000 to improve fisheries
management and restore habitat; an enhancement of more than $4
million to ensure sustainable management and quality outdoor recreational
opportunities in the state parks; and $3 million for new Chesapeake
Bay oyster and habitat restoration projects.
For
more information Click Here
In the
homestretch of the 2008 season, the Bassmaster Elite Series makes
its eighth stop in Gilbertsville, Ky., for the Bluegrass Brawl presented
by DieHard Platinum Marine Batteries®, June 12-15 on Kentucky
Lake.
The Bassmaster Elite Series made its last stop at Kentucky Lake
in June 2006, when the top seven pros caught more than 60 pounds
through four days. Winner Morizo Shimizu of Japan weighed in 66
pounds, 9 ounces.
Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Kentucky Lake is 185 miles
in length, with 160,000 surface acres and 2,380 miles of shoreline.
Barkley, a navigable canal, adds another 80,000 surface acres.
Elite pro Mark Menendez of Paducah, Kentucky, thinks that because
Kentucky Lake has had a healthy spawn in the past year, the numbers
of keeper-size bass will be up for the Bluegrass Brawl.
"I think weights will be up a little bit," Menendez said. "When
Morizo won, a 4-pound average was winning most of the local tournaments.
Now it seems to be closer to a 5-pound average, and that's closer
to the glory days of Kentucky Lake back in the late 1980s.
Read
More
Courtesy
of Skeeter Products, Inc
KILGORE,
Texas -- Following his last return home to the States four years
ago from a tour in Iraq, Army Major Cody Roberson knew it was time
to make his dreams of becoming a professional bass angler come true,
thus forming the ArmyBassAnglers, a group of active duty soldiers
who share his passion for fishing and supporting fellow military
personnel.
When
you're in a combat zone you have lots of time to think about the
things you have, and have not, accomplished," says Roberson, who
formed the team with Sergeant First Class, retired, Don Bailey.
ArmyBassAnglers
consists of eight pro staff anglers, and three reserves, all of
which are active duty soldiers in the U.S. Army. "We fish in the
toughest team tournaments by design, because the "buddy system"
is something that has been instilled in all of us during combat,"
says Roberson. The group of anglers is currently fishing the Fishers
of Men National Tournament Trail and Bass Champs.
While
ArmyBassAnglers was only formed two years ago, the organization
has made a tremendous impact on the two charities it supports, including
Returning Heroes Home and Fishing for Freedom.
Read
More
~~~~
Anyone
interested in learning more about ArmyBassAnglers, Returning Heroes
Home or Fishing For Freedom, or making a contribution, can visit
www.armybassanglers.com
Skeeter
Products, Inc. makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with
owner's tournaments, tournament incentives, and a top-notch dealer
network. To order a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or visit www.skeeterboats.com
Courtesy
of BoatUS News
ALEXANDRIA,
VA, May 1, 2008 -- Few boat owners or anglers with fishing boats
think about their boat trailers until something goes wrong. But
this out-of-sight, out-of-mind attitude unfortunately leads to problems
that a little planning and attention could have helped prevent.
Mike Pellerin, director of BoatUS ANGLER, which offers
both on-the-water and on-the-road assistance to its members, says
that even the best boat trailers, without regular maintenance, may
develop problems due to the stresses caused by rough roads and owner
neglect.
In 2007, the BoatUS 24-hour dispatch centers reported the top five
reasons for boat trailer service calls and their frequency of occurrence:
Flat tires (44%)
Bearing problems (20%)
Axle problems (14%)
Suspension problems (9%)
Tongue problems (5%)
Does this mean today's boat trailers aren't well made?
"Boat trailers are better than ever," said Pellerin. "However,
because they are constructed so well, boat owners tend to overlook
things such as checking tires for wear and forgetting to grease
wheel bearings. Driving over the unavoidable rough patches and potholes
contributes to early trailer or tire failure."
Many national roadside assistance clubs do a great job helping stranded
motorists. But when it comes to boat trailer breakdowns, boaters
need to know that their "auto" club may not be their best
option because boat trailer assistance often isn't included. When
that happens, boats get left stranded on the side of the highway
while their owners seek out help.
However, should the need arise, help is available and it's a bargain.
The BoatUS Trailer Assist program is the only national roadside
assistance program designed to meet the specific needs of trailer
boaters with more than 18,000 North American service providers specializing
in roadside boat trailer and tow vehicle assistance. Affordably
priced at only $29 a year, the program pays for towing services
up to 100 miles to a repair facility or safe location, and includes
winching service at slippery boat launch ramps, even if the boat
trailer's wheels are in the water.
Flat tires, battery jumps, lockouts and fuel deliveries are also
provided for in the US and Canada, and it will reimburse trailer
boaters for breakdowns in Mexico up to $500. Membership in BoatUS,
the nation's advocate for recreational boaters, is included.
For more information visit www.BoatUSAngler.com/Towing,
or call 800-245-6923.
The BoatUS Foundation, which has infant, toddler and children's
life jackets on loan at more than 350 locations nationwide, has
launched a campaign to raise $50,000 in additional funds to establish
new loaner locations at marinas, boat ramps, waterside resorts,
boat clubs, bait shops, towboats, fire houses and other public facilities.
BoatUS will provide partial funding for the campaign.
"When
boaters or anglers bring young guests aboard, they may not have
the right-sized life jacket or a child may have outgrown their old
jacket, so the youngster is sometimes put in one that is too big,
or worse, goes without one," said BoatUS Foundation Program Manager
Ted Sensenbrenner. "Putting a kid in an ill-fitting jacket can be
dangerous. Once in the water, small children can easily slip out
of them.”
Established
in 1997, the Life Jacket Loaner Program loans out life jackets more
than 50,000 times a year on average - typically for a day or a weekend.
These life jackets have given thousands of parents the peace of
mind of knowing that their children are wearing correctly fitting
life jackets, and have been directly responsible for saving at least
three lives.
Sensenbrenner
adds that since many states, as well as the Federal government,
now require children to wear life jackets, the loaner program has
also helped many families caught unaware of such requirements.
Those
interested in making a tax-deductible donation to help grow the
Life Jacket Loaner Program can do so online at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation
.
They
can also respond by mail to: BoatUS Foundation, c/o Life Jacket
Loaner Program, 880 South Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304. A donation
of just $10 will buy one vest-style life jacket; $250 will create
a completely new, fully stocked loaner site. The $50,000 fundraising
drive will also help replenish life jackets at some existing locations.
Courtesy
of the Ironton tribune
SANDUSKY
— Concerned about the declining number of people fishing, Ohio’s
wildlife leaders are handing out free fishing poles to kids and
teaching them how to snag a walleye.
Those are just a couple of the programs designed to build a new
generation of anglers.
The number of fishing licenses sold has dropped dramatically over
the past two decades. During the 1980s, about a million
Ohio residents held fishing licenses each year. Two years ago the
number was down 662,867.
‘‘It just seems like a heck of a large segment of young folks are
out of touch with the natural world,’’ Ray Petering, the Ohio Division
of Wildlife’s executive administrator of fish management. ‘‘They’re
content to play video games and stay inside all day.’’
Read
More
Courtesy
of the Recreational Fishing Alliance
Sacramento
, CA ---In response to the emergency closure of salmon fishing on
the West Coast, the Recreational Fishing Alliance has announced
a proposal for a Federal Salmon Stamp, modeled after the Federal
Duck Stamp, which has raised over $600 million for wildlife habitat
conservation since 1934.
"There
are no short-term solutions to the Pacific salmon collapse described
by Pacific Fishery Management Council Chairman, Don Hansen, as a
'disaster'," said RFA's Executive Director Jim Donofrio. "The Pacific
Northwest will never return to pre-Lewis & Clark environmental
conditions. The future depends on anglers and everyone interested
in healthy salmon runs stepping to the plate and making sustained
and significant contributions to the restoration of coastal salmon
populations critical to U.S. fisheries."
A
coastal Salmon Stamp costing $15 for recreational anglers and $150
for commercial fishermen would raise millions for salmon restoration
and habitat conservation.
Funds
raised by the stamp will be used for:
- purchasing
important salmon habitat, including estuarine habitat and retiring
inefficient farm land
- building
more hatcheries and replacing environmentally obsolete facilities
- purchasing
water contracts for fish
- funding
salmon protection technologies, including water diversion screening,
culvert replacement and safe passage through man-made obstructions.
Read
More
Courtesy
of the Coastal Conservation Association Virginia
After
watching the Bay's blue crab population plunge to dangerously low
levels, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission approved stringent
new crab harvest rules at their April 22 meeting in Newport News
. The new regulations followed a long and often emotional hearing.
Four CCA VA members spoke in favor of the need to conserve and restore
the crab population.
The most notable VMRC action was to completely eliminate the winter
crab dredge fishery. Other restrictions imposed include:
- A
30 percent reduction in peeler pots and 15 percent reduction in
hard pots by May 1 of this year. In 2009, the gear in both pot
fisheries would be reduced by roughly 30 percent. Depending on
their license type, watermen are allowed between 100 and 500 pots
each.
- An
Oct. 27 closure of the female harvest season. The season on all
crabs typically closes Nov. 30.
- By
July 1, the addition of two cull rings of 2 3/8" to all pots,
except those on the sea side of the Eastern Shore . Cull rings
allow undersize crabs to escape.
- Elimination
of the five-pot recreational crabbing license. Recreational crabbers
are now allowed no more than two pots.
- Two
conservation-related violations within one year will constitute
grounds for license revocation.
All
the measures passed on a 7-2 vote, with board members Ernest L.
Bowden Jr. and F. Wayne McLeskey dissenting. Board member John McConaugha
summed up the prevailing attitude, "Failure to act, and act now,
is probably the worst thing we can do."
The VMRC staff was directed to come up with a timeline to get an
effort-control program and companion pot tagging system in place
before next season. The 30% reduction for 2009 is a "place holder"
in case the effort-control system cannot be implemented in time.
The effort-control system will involve a reduction of gear in the
water. Preferential consideration will most probably be given to
full time commercial watermen.
CCA VA members speaking in favor of crab restoration were state
president David Nobles, Peninsula president Nelson Ortiz, Bob Pride,
and Tom Powers. Other members in attendance were Frank Kearney and
Jerry Benson.
The
CCA is largest marine conservation organization in America
with over 96,000 members dedicated to the stewardship of coastal
fisheries. They are saltwater anglers working to assure abundant
marine resources for this and coming generations.
For
more information visit
http://www.ccavirginia.org/
The state chapter of the Recreational Fishing Alliance is calling
for a ban on fishing nets in what the group describes as "non-coastal
waters."
"By non-coastal waters, we mean all waters inside the inlets," said
Tim Barefoot, co-chairman of the Recreational Fishing Alliance-North
Carolina (RFA-NC) and owner of Barefoot Fishing Gear in Wilmington.
Although he couldn't provide membership numbers for the NC chapter,
Barefoot did say that the chapter had formed recently.
The organization's board announced unanimous support for the "complete
removal of all mobile and fixed net gear" from the state's "sounds,
bays, estuaries and creeks" in a March 31 press release.
Barefoot said his group is especially interested in a ban on gillnets,
otter trawls, and dredges.
"We are targeting gear that scrapes the bottom, disturbing critical
habitat for fish, and gear with bycatch problems," he said, adding
that the ban would not apply to cast nets.
He also indicated that the group might not seek a ban on commercial
pound nets.As expected, commercial fishermen had plenty to say about
the net ban proposal...
Read
More
BoatUS
ANGLER is a membership program that's part of the nation's
largest association of recreational boaters whose mission is to
protect the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. With that
in mind, it recommends that anglers should ask these five questions
when shopping for insurance for their fishing boats:
- Do you need an "actual cash value" or "agreed
value" policy? If you have a claim, actual cash value policies
take depreciation into account when reimbursing for a loss. For
example, if your 12-year-old bass boat is totaled, you will be
reimbursed for its current market value. Actual cash value policies
are generally the less expensive option. On the other hand, agreed
value policies are more expensive, but pay for repairs or replacement
up to the value stated on the policy - except for a few specified
items - regardless of the age or condition of the boat or equipment.
- Is my fishing gear covered? Any fishing boat
insurance policy should automatically include some type of coverage
for expensive tackle. If the boat is trailerable and used in freshwater,
you may find a policy that includes this coverage without any
additional cost.
- What is the fine print on using towing services?
Some fishing boat insurance policies include on-the-water towing
or roadside assistance service. The problem is that when you need
to call upon these non-emergency services - such as an on-the-water
gas delivery, a tow back to the launch ramp or roadside tow vehicle
jumpstart - it counts against you as an insurance claim. Find
an insurance company that offers them but does not require you
to file an insurance claim in order to use them. You shouldn't
be penalized when taking advantage of these valuable services.
- Where can I go? Unlike car insurance that is
good for every state you drive in, most boat insurance policies
have what's called "cruising areas" limiting where the policy
is in force. Trailer your fishing boat outside those areas and
you'll need to call your insurer for an "extension" to ensure
coverage remains in effect. Find an insurance policy that doesn't
put limits on where you can trailer your boat.
- What about tournament coverage? If you fish
tournaments, make sure you have the liability coverage required.
What if you've paid your entry fee but miss the tournament due
to a breakdown while trailering? Look for a policy that offers
some type of reimbursement for your entry fee if trailering troubles
or other covered losses prevent you from competing.
BoatUS
ANGLER offers insurance policies specifically designed
to meet the needs of today's anglers with fishing boats, including
coverage for accidents with non-insured boaters, medical coverage
for injuries, as well as salvage costs related to the recovery of
a sunk or totaled boat. Visit http://www.BoatUSAngler.com
or call 866-532-1829 for more information
Story By Robert Digitale, The Press
Democrat
The state Fish & Game Commission agreed Tuesday to join
federal officials in banning salmon fishing this year in coastal
waters off California. The commission voted to ban sport and commercial
salmon fishing in state waters, the fishing grounds within three
miles of shore, through April 2009.
The outcome was expected after the Pacific Fishery Management Council
last week banned all salmon fishing in federal ocean waters off
California.
State and federal officials have maintained the bans are needed
because scientists expect a record low return of chinook salmon
this fall to the Sacramento River.
The commission is scheduled next month to decide whether to allow
salmon fishing this year in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers
and their tributaries.
Richard Rogers, the commission's president, predicted that the most
sport fishermen could hope for was a catch-and-release salmon fishery
in Central Valley rivers.
“This is the most astonishing collapse of a fishery that I've ever
seen,” Rogers said.
In contrast, Rogers said, anglers likely will be able to catch salmon
this year on the Klamath River.
CLICK
HERE for the Pacific Fisheries Management Council News Release regarding
the Salmon Fishing Ban.
Story
by Mimi Hall, courtesy of USA Today
Rick Ungar's charter fishing service promises a great time
on Lake Erie. But there's a catch - and it's not freshwater fish.
It's the Homeland Security Department's new anti-terrorism rules.
When
the 2008 charter season begins next month, U.S. citizens paying
to fish on Lake Erie will have to bring either a passport or two
other IDs if they plan to cross the northern border's invisible
watery line.
When
they get back to shore in the United States, they'll have to drive
to a local government reporting station and pose for pictures. They
won't be posing with their fish, but for customs officers via a
videophone connection.
That's
because half of Lake Erie - as it happens, the half with the deeper
and cooler waters that often spawn the best fishing - is in Canada.
The Homeland Security Department intends to enforce new border security
rules - largely focused on those coming into the country by land
and air - on fishermen re-entering the country.
Ungar
and many of his fellow charter boat captains - Lake Erie alone has
600-plus - are incensed. They say the rules are difficult to follow,
will dramatically cut down on tourism and won't protect against
terrorism.
"How
does this secure our country?" asks Ungar, a retired Cuyahoga Heights,
Ohio, police chief. "I'm not insensitive to law enforcement issues,
but these are fishermen, for God's sake."
The rules
apply to all the Great Lakes. Read
More
Virginia
Pro Inks Deal with BoatU.S.
Story
by Pete Robbins - Photo by Mark Jeffreys
Alexandria, VA – Early in his tournament fishing
career, Virginia pro Kurt Dove experienced every boat owner's nightmare.
"I was towing my boat home and I lost a tire on the trailer," he
said. "I had to leave my boat on the side of the road and go to
get the parts to fix it and hope it was still there."
Whether you tow 25,000 miles a year like Dove or just occasionally
head to the local lake, he said you can avoid such stressful circumstances
with the help of one of his newly acquired sponsors, BoatUS ANGLER.
"They
offer a neat service that no one else really has. It's basically
like AAA for your boat."
For annual dues of $19, the company provides both on the water towing
and on-road towing. "If you were a member of another type of auto
club and you broke down, they'd only cover your auto, not your trailer.
Boat US will cover and angler's tow vehicle and trailer, they won't
just leave your trailer sitting by the side of the road."
The national organization is located fairly close to his home in
Fairfax, Va., and Dove contacted Mike Pellerin, the Director of
BoatUS ANGLER last year. "They were primarily in the coastal
market, their towing service and insurance, but they felt they were
lacking in getting a grip on the inland waterways. The people who
fish on inland waters could be new prospects for them. I got with
Mike and let him know that I fish the Elite Series and could help
him get the word out to fishermen."
Within a few months, they reached an agreement, and Dove is excited
about the opportunities that he can give a company that's based
near his home. "We've talked about doing some things close to their
headquarters and we're looking into print advertising. We're also
going to implement additional web-based advice, tips and techniques,
and provide people with information about waters near their homes
and local guides they can contact." (www.boatusangler.com)
He's also excited about the insurance plans they offer that take
the concerns of tournament anglers into consideration. A policy
with BoatUS ANGLER automatically insures tackle for up
to $5,000 per incident (instead of needing a rider, as with most
companies) and is unique in that it will reimburse tournament entry
fees for events missed due to certain specified causes.
"They have unparalleled coverage compared to other companies. They'll
even cover inland guides. They also provide a theft recovery reward
program, along with discounts at marinas, on fuel and boat repairs,
as well as boat financing. For more information on
Boat Insurance for fishermen go to www.boatusangler.com/insurance
Bi-partisan
legislation would permanently restore Clean Water Act exemption
for recreational boats
WASHINGTON, DC, March 19, 2008 – A newly introduced Senate bill,
“The Clean Boating Act of 2008” (S. 2766) promises to be a practical
solution to a looming permit deadline for recreational boaters,
anglers, and charter boats.
Because
of a lawsuit targeting ocean-going commercial vessels carrying
ballast water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
is required to implement an “operational discharge permit” for
all vessels in the United States – including recreational boats
– by September 30, 2008. Without a change in law, all boaters
will need to obtain this permit, as early as this summer.
However,
with a possible Senate vote in the next few months, Boat Owners
Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) is urging recreational
boaters to quickly contact their Senate and House legislators
to support The Clean Boating Act of 2008.
S.
2766 was introduced on Thursday, March 13 by Senate Environment
and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Sen.
Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). It follows two bills originally introduced
in the spring and fall of 2007 as “The Recreational Boating Act
of 2007" (H.R. 2550/S. 2067) by Representatives Gene Taylor
(D-Miss.) and Candice Miller (R-Mich.) and Senator Mel Martinez
(R-Fla.).
“Sens.
Boxer and Nelson's bill now has the best chance of gaining widespread
political support. As a result, we need every boater, every angler,
and anyone who uses a boat to contact their senators and representatives
to ask for their support of this bill,” said BoatU.S. Vice President
of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich.
“S.
2766 recognizes the fact that normal operational discharges from
recreational boats, such as engine cooling water or deck runoff
from rain, should not be viewed under the Clean Water Act as being
similar to a commercial ship's ballast water,” said Podlich. “This
bill does not weaken any existing environmental laws restricting
the overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage, or sewage.”
S.
2766 also requires the EPA and U.S. Coast Guard to investigate
the need for potential management practices for some recreational
boat discharges over the next three years. Each step in this development
process will include a public comment period and be subject to
“reasonable and practical” criterion.
“BoatU.S.
has been working with the National Marine Manufacturers Association
(NMMA) and other groups o seek a viable recreational boating solution
to the upcoming September permit deadline. We appreciate the leadership
shown by members of Congress who understand that applying a new
permit to recreational boating will not accomplish anything tangible,
and will only create a new unnecessary bureaucracy, ” added Podlich.
To
help boaters contact their federal legislators or learn more about
the issue, go to http://www.BoatBlue.org
or http://www.BoatUS.com/gov
Join
today to receive your copy!
The
first issue of BoatU.S. ANGLER Magazine is here! The
fledgling 8-page newsletter that was part of BoatU.S. Trailering
Magazine is now a 52-page, full-feature magazine. The Spring issue
represents the first of a 3-issue series for 2008.
Inside
you will find the latest BoatUS Association News as well as fishing
and boating information from the experts. The magazine offers
a multi-species approach including bass, walleye and crappie fishing
as well as inshore saltwater species. You will find do-it-yourself
projects from DIY Boat Owner Magazine as well as information
on destinations and trailering tips from BoatU.S. Trailering
Magazine. Also included will be risk avoidance articles from Seaworthy
Magazine as well as safety and environmental information from
BoatUS Foundation.
Along
with the unique offering of multi-species fishing information
and boating/trailering information, the magazine will provide
information on the many services that BoatUS and BoatUSANGLER
have to offer the inland fishing market.
A
subscription to BoatU.S. ANGLER Magazine is included
as part of BoatUS ANGLER Membership - currently only
$19.00 per year - along with our many other benefits. To
find out more, Click Here.
Berkley
has announced a new program to aid the National Collegiate Bass
Fishing Championship. Sponsored awards include, Collegiate Team
of the Year, College Big Bag Awards and the Berkley Conservation
Institute College Angler of the Year.
“Berkley is proud to be a sponsor of the National Collegiate Bass
Championship. Andrew Marks, Marketing Manager for Berkley said,
"This young group of anglers is our future for the sport and we
are committed to helping them achieve their personal and academic
goals.”
Berkley's contingency programs will allow anglers to win scholarships
to help pay for their education as well as support their passion.
These include the Berkley Collegiate Team of the Year with over
$6,000 in scholarships and products, Berkley Conservation Institute
College Angler of the Year with a total of $1500 for the top 2
winners and $500 in product for 3rd place. There is also the Berkley
Big Bag Awards with product prize packages throughout the season
and scholarship money for the Big Bag of the Year.
“The
National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship is thrilled to have
Berkley as sponsors,” Wade Middleton, Lead Coordinator of NCBFC,
said. “Berkley continuously promotes youth involvement in the
fishing sport and their support backs that claim.”
The NCBFC made its debut in the fall of 2006. It was a modest
beginning with 41 two-person teams representing 24 colleges and
universities. With participating teams from Purdue, Wisconsin,
Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oregon, Alabama. Conferences like the
Big 10, Big 12, PAC-10 and SEC all had a prominent presence.
In less than six months after the inaugural event, the number
of collegiate fishing programs across the country nearly tripled
in size, and participation in the 2007 Championship doubled. The
2007 event brought 84 two-person teams representing 44 colleges
and universities from across the nation to Lake Lewisville, and
Texas A&M University took the national title home to College
Station. At least 100 teams are expected to participate in the
third annual championship in 2008.
ALEXANDRIA,
Va., Feb. 12, 2008 -- When the engine dies, the cranking battery
goes dead and you need a tow back to the boat launch ramp, most
anglers will tell you they can call a friend for help. But if
you're on the open water of the Great Lakes, are you willing to
gamble that your fishing buddies will always be there to bail
you out of trouble?
BoatUS
ANGLER, a membership program that offers water and roadside
towing services for trailer boat anglers, has taken that worry
away by now offering "Unlimited" on-the-water towing plans on
the Great Lakes.
Similar
to roadside auto clubs that provide assistance to motorists, 24
hour a day on-the-water help is now just a VHF radio or cell phone
call away for just $34 a year - plus $19 annual BoatUS ANGLER
membership - for a combined total of just $53 annually. Services
are provided by the largest on-the-water towing fleet on the Great
Lakes, TowBoatUS, with 40 towing ports.
This
low cost on-the-water towing plan is also available
to any angler on inland, freshwater waterways lakes and rivers
in the US.
VESSEL
ASSIST, a TowBoatUS sister towing fleet, provides on-the-water
assistance in select western US states. In addition to TowBoatUS
and VESSEL ASSIST, BoatUS' network of thousands of independent
towing responders, such as local marinas, boat storage and repair
facilities, also render assistance.
Every
TowBoatUS and VESSEL ASSIST towboat is equipped to handle fuel
drop offs, battery jumps, soft un groundings and tows back to
the launch ramp. And, unlike fishing boat insurance policies that
provide for on-the-water towing services, having an annual towing
plan from BoatUS ANGLER means that if you need to use
the service, it won't count as an insurance claim against you.
Why
Anglers Need Roadside Help
If
you trailer your fishing boat, anglers should know that most roadside
auto clubs won't service boat trailers, and the few that do charge
well over $150 a year. They also don't include launch ramp winching
service.
With
BoatUS ANGLER's "Unlimited" roadside tow vehicle and
boat trailer towing for an additional $10 annually, your fishing
rig will never be left sitting alone on the shoulder of a highway
or stuck on a slippery ramp. Up to 100 miles of tow vehicle and
boat trailer on-the-road towing to the nearest safe location or
repair facility is included.
The
BoatUS network of 20,000+ roadside towers across the country have
expertise in handling boat trailer breakdowns and also provide
lock-out assistance, flat tire, battery jump and launch ramp winching
service. Flat tire assistance at an angler's home or storage facility
is also included and launch ramp fee rebates and subscriptions
to both BoatUS ANGLER Magazine and BoatUS Trailering
magazine are part of the package.For
More Information Click Here.
A Howard County angler caught Maryland's
biggest largemouth bass last weekend in the Spoils area of the
Potomac just above Wilson Bridge in Prince George's County.
Justin Riley of Woodbine was fishing in an Angler's Choice tournament
out of Marshall Hall on Saturday when he hooked and landed the
11-pound 2.88-ounce lunker in 20 feet of water, according to Keith
Lockwood of the state Department of Natural Resources, who certified
the record.
Riley, a regular on the local tournament circuit, was fishing
with his father, Ed. They won three categories in the tournament,
Lockwood said. Riley kept the bass in his boat's live well and
later donated it to the Bass Pro Shop in Hanover, which has a
big display tank on the showroom floor.
Bass Pro officials said the bass is doing well but won't go on
display for about a month, after completing a stint in quarantine.
The fish was two pounds bigger than the Maryland record tidewater
bass, a 9-pound 1-ounce fish caught in the Pocomoke River in 1975,
and less than an ounce heavier than the freshwater record, an
11-pound 2-ouncer caught in a farm pond in 1983.
VIRGINIA
BEACH - A Chesapeake fisherman hauled in a 73-pound striped bass
on Wednesday, easily the biggest ever caught in Virginia and one
of the biggest ever registered in the United States.
Fred Barnes, 63, caught the bass while fishing off a boat from
the Virginia Beach Fishing Center. He was near the 4A buoy around
Cape Henry when he reeled it in. The previous state record was
68 pounds, 1ounce.
John Crowling, general manager of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center,
registered the fish at 73 pounds, 52 inches in length and 31½
inches in girth. When Crowling attempted to research national
records, he found only 2 larger striped bass ever registered in
the U.S. – a 78-pounder caught in New Jersey and a 76-pounder
caught in New York.
Read
More
BountyFishing,
THE online fishing community and home of the "World's Largest Fishing
Tournament" is offering its members the potential to win weekly
cash rewards for breaking the BountyRecords for any of the open
species. See the Current Record holders below and go to www.bountyfishing.com
to learn more about the challenge and our community.
How it works: Join BountyFishing as a member for
free and log on any time.
Before you go fishing, retrieve a computer generated BountyCode
from the BountyFishing website. The BountyCode is valid only for
the week it is issued. This BountyCode will be used to verify your
catch and MUST be visible in your photo of "Fish with Ruler". See
Official BountyRecords Rules at www.bountyfishing.com/enterprise/rules
You can submit fish for as many eligible species as you like. You
are judged on the LENGTH of the fish and NOT the weight. Enter as
many eligible species as you want.
Email your photos to records@bountyfishing.com prior to the close
of the weekly BountyRecord competition- midnight on Sunday.
Check the BountyRecords page for the Bounty (prize money) available
for each species. At the end of each week, BountyFishing will validate
all of the week's submissions and determine if the previous BountyRecord
has been broken. If your fish establishes a new record, the Bounty
for that species is yours and the amount will be reset. For any
species whose record was not broken in the previous week, BountyFishing
reserves the rights to add additional prize money to the available
Bounty.
LEWISVILLE,
Texas (Sept. 29, 2007) - It was a traditional collegiate
national championship showdown with teams from the Big 10, Big 12,
WAC, Sun Belt and SEC athletic conferences in final contention for
the title. It was the sport that was somewhat non-traditional but
one that is rapidly gaining in stature. This was bass fishing,
and the event took place on Lake Lewisville just a short drive from
downtown Dallas.
The
Texas A&M team of Justin Rackley and Trevor Knight caught four
keeper fish today, bass of at least 14-inches in length, to have
a final weight of 7.60 pounds to take the national title home to
College Station in the second annual BoatUS National Collegiate
Bass Fishing Championship. It was just enough to edge out Western
Kentucky's team of Adam Hock and Nathan Baum, who had 6.72 pounds
for the day.
“To
win this is awesome,” said Knight. “We knew by late morning that
this was a tough day and we were nervous about being one fish short
of a limit.”
“And
we fished hard,” Rackley added. “We caught lots of short fish today,
so we stayed optimistic about another keeper fish right up until
weigh-in time. We're proud to take this national title back to A&M.”
The
pair went on to say they caught two of their fish today on a small
finesse soft plastic worm, one on a white tube and one on a jig.
Their biggest fish of the day, a 3-pounder, was the first keeper
caught and it came around 8 a.m. The final keeper was caught about
12:30 p.m. 
Rounding
out the top five teams who advanced to the third and final day of
the championship were: 3rd place - the University of Alabama team
of Rusty Jones and Daniel Statum; 4th place – University of Wisconsin
– Madison's Derek and Drew Frederixon; and 5th place - Louisiana
Tech's Chase Cates and Blake Snow.
The
five teams had qualified for the final round by having the highest
cumulative weights after the first two days of competition. Their
weights were zeroed to start the last day.
Click
Here to Read More
Click
Here to watch last season's tournament online
&n |