Press-Enterprise: State looking at regulating private fishing ponds, lakes

By DAVID DANELSKI
The Press-Enterprise

Owners of private pay-to-fish ponds and lakes are stewing over new rules the state is considering that would require them to conduct environmental reviews to determine whether their operations harm local wildlife.

The private fishing holes usually operate on a slim margin, said Craig Elliott, owner of Corona Lake, which charges $22 for a day-long chance to catch catfish, trout, tilapia, crappie or bluegill.

If adopted, he says the rules could force him and other operators out of business.

Read the Press-Enterprise story HERE.

Hearing Alert! - Costly Regulations Threaten Recreational Fishing

At an August 3rd-4th Sacramento hearing of the California Fish and Game Commission, the Fish and Game Department will be introducing unprecedented and costly regulations that threaten the very existence of fresh water recreational fishing, an industry that stocks California lakes and ponds and supplies your favorite restaurant and grocery store with fresh and affordable fish.

What's more, recreational fishermen will be shocked to learn that they may be required to hold a fishing license at privately owned and stocked fishing lakes!

If you are a recreational fisherman, lake operator, fish farmer or just a concerned citizen, please visit our website at www.SaveCalFishing.org to learn how you can have your voice heard at this important hearing!

You can also download a hearing flyer that you can post at your favorite bait and tackle shop, lake, or share it with a fellow fisherman. Fishing clubs and lake operators are encouraged to post the flyer on their websites. In addition, please visit our website's "Take Action" page to learn what more you can do to protect recreational fishing.

With the second highest unemployment rate in the nation California can't afford to lose more jobs, drive up the cost of California grown fish, and deny Californians access to recreational fishing!

Protect Recreational Fishing by Having Your Voice Heard - Attend this Important Meeting!

PROTECT FISHING!

Oppose unfair licensing requirements and costly regulations all designed to generate revenue, a.k.a. NEW TAXES!!!

After more than 30 years, the California Department of Fish and Game is trying to require recreational fishermen to purchase a fishing license (a.k.a. PAY TAXES) to catch privately stocked fish (currently NOT taxed) on private property (already paying property taxes) as well as at private fee for fishing lakes (small businesses) - and proposing, unnecessary and very costly regulations that will be mandated for every fresh water hatchery, fish farm and nearly anybody that purchases and stocks fish in California.

Such regulations will put small business owners who stock fishing holes out of business - and deny access to recreational fishing! Without affordable local fishing, how long will it be before all the fish in California are GONE?  Will Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts ever be able to earn their respective merit badges?

Please contact Governor Jerry Brown and the Department of Fish and Game today. Let them know that California's economy can't afford this plan! To do this, visit CARF's "Take Action" page. Your voice needs to be heard - it's quick and easy - and VERY IMPORTANT!

 

To learn more how these new plans threaten your favorite fishing hole and jobs, visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=weyj8qeab&et=1104986341688&s=71&e=001w0DtEcem7yv7kcCoIUDCSd6Tc9iepJVm47Ak3kHYNLdVjNd4aNowjpljuPCp-tUp3dZigOR7qU6hHtDAE-ZnjX08MPUSDDDhTwLKIvQKTMfyQYW-z4ojNA==.  

PS: Attention fee for fishing lake operators - visit the "Take Action" page to learn how you can help too.

Your Favorite Fishing Hole is Threatened - and so are Jobs!

CARF is fighting back and has filed a lawsuit against the State of California

We are calling you to join the California Association for Recreational Fishing (CARF) in protecting freshwater fisherman and outdoor industries from a very serious and looming threat.

Private stocking of California waters account for about half of the freshwater fish caught by some  1.7 million recreational fisherman, contributing $2.4 billion to California's economy - a major source of jobs!

This way of life and the jobs dependent on fresh water fishing are being threatened by a legal case quietly moving through the courts and costly regulations being drafted by the California Department of Fish and Game.  Proposed regulations could cost hatcheries and stocking ponds several thousand of dollars or more a year, putting many family operations that stock your favorite water holes out of business. Or simply stated -  less fish, less fishing and less fishing, fewer jobs!

To learn how you can protect recreational fishing, visit CARF's website at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=weyj8qeab&et=1104541512597&s=71&e=001uG7d02jtMwuo8HfS_Dr3Faps080J6AWTUV6AKJ7Y0ygfjC5CLh72Gpo9xz8nycPW8eq-HOwwbfdZfxDxG7lzqRfvqbTLx-Fh017QChWhg4rOKmbr7UpQXg==.  The website has been updated to better serve the recreational fishing community with the latest industry news and what CARF is doing to protect a way of life. And most importantly, how you can help.

What You Can Do to Protect Recreational Fishing:

1)    Visit the website's "Take Action" page to protest proposed regulations.

2)    Help finance CARF's lawsuit and cause by becoming a member.

3)    Forward this email to fellow fishing enthusiasts and businesses.    

Only together can we protect freshwater fishing!

Sincerely,

California Association for Recreational Fishing
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=weyj8qeab&et=1104541512597&s=71&e=001uG7d02jtMwu72L3DQzcXAHBfx-fevA8iGf28TvcwwMEznuvdiVCuWZXAkIWqlRjMJH35Q7JBGY6D2c3oLHanxpYeVzyyXX8xtt4ueywi5scLl5jENs0WYw== | info@savecalfishing.org
Phone 877.898.1315

WHERE DID ALL THE FISH GO?

A friend handed me an alarming flyer over the weekend.

After reading that I wondered if it was a real problem or just some angst from a few concerned sportsmen.  After a little homework and a few phone calls it looks like it is real - just like the paper says, "THIS IS NO JOKE!!"

I am sorting through a pile of documents trying to understand the situation better, but this flyer seems to say it best.  As of June 30, 2010, the Department of Fish & Game has reported more than 1.6 million fishing licenses issued with a revenue of $42.7 million.  That number will grow but likely not double before December 31.  With 1.6 million rods in California waters, how much "revenue" will California loose and how many jobs will move out of state?