Tyler, Your post re; Economic contributions and additional restrictions???
Let's get some facts on the table:
1) The average Bass angler is running a boat that ranges from a low of $25,000 and as high as $50,000. In general they keep these boats for 3 or 4 years and buy a new one. In addition, they normally have a tow vehicle that is either a high-end pick-up or a stout SUV and in either case these vehicles are $30,000 to over $50,00 in some cases. You do the math = good for the local economy.
2) Tackle and other gear. The average tournament angler has more tackle than small bait shops in their boat. In addition, new electronics & GPS devices come out at least once or twice a year and tournament anglers buy them at an alarming rate. The average non-tournament anglers get by with electronics that cost $100 to $300. Speaking from experience, my last boat (Skeeter ZX225 (advertisement)) was equipped with 2 Lowrance units with GPS and mapping and cost over $1,000 each.
3) Tournament restrictions???????????.
Let's set the record straight:
In the past years our larger organizations introduced catch & release, used tubs with circulation pumps at weigh-in's, use release boats, pay large sums of money for tournament weigh-in sites, pay for parking.
In addition, we have contributed $10's of thousands of dollars to scholarship funds within New Hampshire. We also clean up lakes, streams, rivers and ponds as well as ramp sites. One would not believe the amount of trash that we pick up on an annual basis (and some of the items we find are ridiculous = toilet bowls, car parts, etc.).
What else do we do for the community, you might ask:
Dozens of kids casting contests, DARE programs, provide assistance to valued groups like the Gilford P.D. Derby, many of us are certified NHF&G Let's Go Fishing instructors and contribute hundreds & hundreds of hours teaching children & families about fishing, environment and safety.
I am very proud to mention the annual event that I help organize; Camp Carefree Fishing Derby: every year we take about 150 diabetic children fishing for the day on Merrymeeting lake. In addition, we conduct training classes on shore, provide other games and activities for these wonderful kids and provide donations that allow kid's that don't have the funds to attend this marvelous 2 week camp.
Restrictions you say:
Let's look a bit closer:
NH has a 5 fish limit for Bass. In most tournaments (especially the larger ones) the limit is held to 8 fish. This is an attempt on our part to reduce live well congestion.
We use recirculating tanks at weigh-ins as previously mentioned.
We call boats in 10 at a time to reduce the time the fish are out of the wells. With 4 recirculating tanks on shore (150 gallons each), this reduces the impact the fish.
We use release boats and transport the fish a substantial distance away from the weigh-in sites.
We are only allowed to use 50% of the parking at state owned ramp sites. As previously mentioned, we spend some serious money every year for parking.
As of 3 years ago, we can't start our events until 7AM.
We pay the state for licenses - that's normal. We also pay for NHF&G tournament permits. In addition, in many cases we need permits from towns to conduct an event. We are also required to get permits from Marine Patrol to conduct a water event.
Tyler; your comment about reduction from 8 to 6 hours is way off and will not be well received by a fairly large community and I seriously doubt that NHF&G will introduce it (but it’s up to you to ask them)
As I said before, perhaps it's a good idea to hold an open forum someplace in the Lakes Region to bring all the ideas & concerns to the table.
I would be glad to help organize this.
John/NH
Last edited by webmaster; 01-07-2005 at 11:12 PM.
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