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Week of March 24, 2008 |
| Fishing beyond the Great Lakes |
| Regional |
| Beyond the Great Lakes |
| Illinois |
| Indiana |
| Michigan |
| Minnesota |
| Wisconsin |
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Fishing beyond the Great Lakes
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Angler Reels in Whopper White Crappie for New N.C. Record
RALEIGH, N.C. - If
shattered state records are any indication,
Brown caught his fish, which weighed 3 lb, 4 oz and measured 18�� in length and 15�� in girth, using a Berkley rod, Shimano reel and a bass minnow as bait. |
Brown�s catch surpasses the previous record-breaker, a 1 lb, 15 oz white crappie, caught by 15-year old angler Hunter Burris of Stanly County on Feb. 22. Burris caught his fish from a farm pond in Stanly County, using a Daiwa rod and reel combo and a slider as a lure. In December, Buck Stikeleather of Stony Point reeled in his 1 lb, 13 oz record breaker from Lake Norman, using a Shakespeare Outcast rod, Quantum Icon reel and, on a 6 lb test line, a Bass Assassin lure.
Brown had been fishing the 20-acre private pond at Waverly Swim Club just about every day since December. When he finally landed �the big white one,� he was fishing for bass on a 12 lb Stren line with a larger minnow than normally would be used for catching crappies.
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National
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Court Ruling Poses Serious Threat to Boating Support S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 A recent court ruling about pollution being dumped from commercial ship ballast water will also require all recreational boaters to get permits for incidental discharges from their boats from the EPA or their State by September, 2008�despite the fact that 99% of recreational boats do not have ballast tanks.
However, a newly introduced Senate bill, "The Clean Boating Act of 2008" (S. 2766) promises to be practical solution to a looming permit deadline for recreational boaters, anglers, and charter boats. With a Senate vote coming up in the next few months, the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council 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
March 13 by Senators 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.).
S. 2766 would fully and permanently restore a 35-year permit exemption for recreational boat incidental discharges, such as weather deck run-off and engine coolant water, and works to protect the health of the nation's waterways by pursuing whether or not reasonable and practicable best management practices need to be put into place for some incidental discharges. This important bill preserves recreational boating |
and the boating industry, taking a balanced approached that recognizes that pleasure boat discharges are completely different from land-based industrial facilities and commercial ships.
Under the court order, the USEPA is presently 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. The EPA announced they have already begun moving forward with this new and unprecedented permitting scheme for recreational boats to comply with the September 2006 landmark ballast water court ruling.
For decades recreational vessels have been exempted by EPA from National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for these effluents deemed normal to the operation of vessels. These permits are more commonly applied to large commercial sites and water treatment facilities. However, the court struck this exemption down because it also exempted ballast water discharges from large ocean going commercial ships that have introduced nasty and damaging aquatic invasive species into our waters for many years through their ballast water discharges.
These costly permits, intended for commercial ships and supertankers that have brought harmful invasive critters into U.S. waters�are being developed right now to tax your boat�s engine cooling water, bilge water, and even deck runoff. Unless Congress acts quickly, you will not only need these expensive new permits but may be subject to citizen lawsuits for these incidental discharges.
�This court ruling has cast doubt on whether recreational boaters�people going out for a day of fishing, or waterskiing�can continue to operate without a permit from the EPA,� said Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). �They've never been required to have such a permit, and there's no reason for that to change. You shouldn't have to ask the EPA before you take your boat out on the water.� |
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Proposal to establish passenger vessel disability access guidelines DOT reopens comment period The US Department of Transportation is reopening, through April 23, the comment period on its proposal to establish passenger vessel disability access guidelines. A public meeting on this proposal will be held in Washington, DC on April 8-9. 73 Fed. Reg. 14427 (March 18, 2008).
On January 23, 2007, the Department of Transportation issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules to add requirements concerning passenger vessels.
The comment period for the proposed rule published on January 23, 2007 (72 FR 2833), is reopened April 8, 2008, through April 23, 2008, to allow for the posting of comments related to the meeting held on April 8�9, 2008. |
You may submit comments by the docket number OST 2007�26829 by any of the following methods: � Web site: http://dms.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. � Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. � Fax: (202) 493�2251.
Federal Register Announcement Vol. 73, No. 53 / Tuesday, March 18, 2008 / Proposed Rules http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/ edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/08-1036.pdf
Federal Register Announcement / Vol. 72, No. 71 / Friday, April 13, 2007 / Proposed Rules http://apta.com/government_affairs/safetea_lu/documents/ extension_of_time_disabilities_passenger_vehicles.pdf |
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Medication producers, sellers agree to protect aquatic resources SAN DIEGO, CA - The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) late last month signed a formal agreement with USFWS and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) to help protect the nation's fish and aquatic resources from the improper disposal of medication. The campaign - dubbed "SMARxT DISPOSAL" - will inform people on how to safely dispose of medicines in the trash, and highlight the environmental threat posed from flushing medicines down the toilet.
"Trace amounts of chemical compounds often associated with medications have been increasingly detected in our waters, the very waters that support our nation's fish and other wildlife," said Gary Frazer, Assistant Director of Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, USFWS. "USFWS, PhRMA and the APhA |
recognize the value of getting in front of the issue by passing along a few easy steps: don't flush those medicines, crush the medicines in a plastic bag, add coffee-grounds, sawdust or kitty-litter, seal the bag and put it in the trash. In other words, crush; don't flush."
The partnership was announced during APhA's annual meeting held in San Diego, California, one of the largest gatherings of pharmacy professionals and health services providers in the country.
Three small steps can make a huge difference:
1. DO NOT FLUSH unused medications or POUR them down a sink or drain. 2. Dispose of Unused Medication in Household Trash. 3. Check for Approved State and Local Collection Programs. |
Regional
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Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for March 21, 2008 Weather Conditions A large storm system brought heavy rain to the southern Great Lakes basin this week, contributing to the significant amount of precipitation that Lakes Erie and Ontario have seen this month. Temperatures ranged from near to slightly below average during the week. A gradual melt of the large snow pack has begun across parts of the northern basin. Another strong winter storm is anticipated Friday and into Saturday. Temperatures are expected to remain near or slightly below average next week. Lake Level Conditions Lake Superior is presently 8 inches higher than it was at this time last year, while Lakes Michigan-Huron and St. Clair are 6 and 3 inches, respectively, lower than last year's level. Lake Erie is at the same level as it was at this time last year and Lake Ontario is two inches higher than it was a year ago. All of the Great Lakes are projected to rise over the next month, with Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, and Erie forecasted to climb 2 to 3 inches, and Lake Ontario predicted to rise 5 inches. Lake Superior is projected to stay above last year's water levels through August, while the remaining lakes are forecasted to remain at or below their levels of a year ago over the next several months. Current Outflows/Channel Conditions |
Outflows from the St. Marys and St. Clair Rivers were below average for February. Outflows from the Detroit, Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers were slightly above average last month. Alerts Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron are below chart datum and forecasted to remain below datum through June and May, respectively. Ice buildup in the connecting channels can cause large short-term water level fluctuations. Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels. Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.
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Beyond the Great Lakes
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Mentor Hunting Bill Signed Into Law by S. Dakota Governor South Dakota Governor Michael Rounds has signed into law House Bill 1263, helping to ensure the future of our nation�s hunting heritage. This legislation allows those aged 10 |
through 15 to hunt without a license if they are accompanied by a licensed hunting mentor. The mentor must be unarmed and any game taken by the youth counts against the mentor�s tag.
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General
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BOATU.S. Angler magazine debuts For the Trailer Boat Fisherman BoatU.S. ANGLER magazine premiered recently, the first of three issues delivered each year to members of the BoatU.S. ANGLER program, select fishing clubs and West Marine locations across the United States. The new magazine's goal is to provide fishing information to boat owning anglers among the 650,000 members of the association and to spread the word of its specialty services for fishermen.
BoatU.S. ANGLER features will include fishing and boating information from experts, and the latest on bass, walleye and crappie as well as near-shore saltwater angling. Writers will include Bill Dance on bass, Wally Marshall on crappie, Gary Roach on walleye, and Nick Honachefsky on stripers and near-shore species.
In addition, readers can get answers to angling questions from pro angler and guide Steve Chaconas and fishing legend |
Bill Dance in the magazine's Angling Answers column. Each issue will offer something for the entire family, including recipes, young angler stories and tips, quizzes and crossword puzzles. The overall goal is to make fishing a more enjoyable and a safe, worry-free pastime.
Other regular topics will include technical tips and advice, trailering information, boating safety, conservation and do-it-yourself articles from other award-winning BoatUS publications. The magazine will also promote the association's various benefits such as specialized fishing boat insurance, on-the-water and on-the-road towing assistance programs, discounts at BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas and member rebates on equipment purchased at West Marine stores.
For more info: http://www.BoatUSAngler.com or call (866) 906-0013 |
Illinois
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Anglers interested in crappie are reminded of a new regulation on Lake Shelbyville that will take effect on April 1. It will allow for the continued harvest of 10 crappie that are 10 inches or larger but will also allow the harvest of five crappie less than 10". Due to crappie population dynamics and fishing activity, the new regulation was determined to likely produce the best results for enhancing crappie fishing at the lake. |
A large majority of the white crappie caught by anglers have been between 9.5 and 10 inches. Because of this, the limit below 10 inches was set at only five fish to prevent potential over harvest of smaller white crappie and maintain good potential recruitment of white crappie to sizes 10� and larger at Lake Shelbyville. For more information on Illinois fishing regulations, pick up a copy of the 2008 Illinois Fishing Information booklet, or find it online at http://dnr.state.il.us/fish/digest/ . |
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Archery Deer Hunting Program To Start This Fall Special hunt for Illinois residents only CLINTON, IL � The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will again this fall conduct an archery deer hunting program at the Weldon Springs-Piatt County Unit. The unit will be open for hunting during 12 one-week periods from October 4, 2008 through January 11, 2009. The unit will be closed to archery hunting during the weeks of firearm deer season (November 17-23 and December 1-7). This special hunt will only be available to current Illinois residents. All statewide rules and regulations will apply unless stated otherwise.
Hunting periods will be filled through a mail-in drawing. Applications are available at Weldon Springs State Park, Clinton Lake/Mascoutin State Recreation Area, and the IDNR Region 3 office in Clinton. Applications must be received at the Weldon Springs State Park office by close of business May 31, 2008 to be eligible for the drawing. Successful applicants only will be notified by mail by August 1, 2008.
All hunters will be required to show proof of a current hunting l |
icense, state-issued archery deer permit, and the site-issued permit. Hunters will receive a free windshield card which must be displayed in their vehicle windshield when hunting the site. Site permits must be returned to Weldon Springs State Park by February 15, 2009. Failure to return the permit will result in a loss of hunting privileges for the next year.
Archery deer hunters will be required to harvest an antlerless deer before harvesting a buck. Hunters may take a second doe if they so choose and have the second permit for it.
Anyone participating in the special hunt that violates any of the applicable rules or regulations will forfeit their right to participate in the hunt for the rest of the program year. Permit holders may leave in place their deer stands for the week they are drawn, but may not put them up prior to their drawn week. No nails or screws may be placed in trees. Only deer may be harvested on the Weldon Springs-Piatt County Unit as there is no fall archery turkey hunting allowed at the unit.
For more information, contact Weldon Springs State Park at 217/935-2644. |
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Beaver Dam and Horseshoe Lake Archery Drawings Archery deer hunting applications are being accepted thru Mar. 31 for the special drawings at Beaver Dam State Park, Carlinville and Horseshoe Lake State Park, Granite City. Prospective hunters can obtain an application either online or from the park offices to apply for the archery deer hunt at either site during the 2008 season. Applications will offer eight options to hunt on weekly intervals.
Applicants will indicate their hunting week preference and will be selected randomly during the drawings. Beaver Dam State Park located in Macoupin Co. offers approximately 450 acres of hunting area consisting predominately of upland hardwood |
forested acres with cropland and grassland interspersed. Horseshoe Lake State Park located in Madison Co. offers approximately 600 acres of hunting area which consists of small to medium size wood lots surrounded by cropland and grassland. Additional wooded acreage is opened to archery deer hunting after Nov. 1 at Horseshoe Lake State Park.
While applications are due by March 31, the drawings will be held in early April. Both sites require that hunters harvest an antlerless deer prior to harvesting an antlered deer. For additional information or an application, contact Beaver Dam State Park at 217/854-8020 or Horseshoe Lake State Park at 618/931- 0270. Application forms are on the IDNR web site pages for Beaver Dam and Horseshoe Lake state parks. |
Indiana
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James named to Great Lakes Fishery Commission Bill James, Indiana DNR fish chief, has been nominated to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission by President George W. Bush.
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission was established in 1955 by Canada and the United States to control the invasive sea lamprey but has expanded to incorporate a wide range of aquatic research and management efforts in the Great Lakes. The GLFC focuses on aquatic resource management issues on lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario and represents Canada and the eight states that border them � Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, |
Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Indiana has 45 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
An Illinois native, James has been in charge of the Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Section since 1978. He previously worked as a reservoir biologist, statewide research supervisor and regional supervisor. James actually began his career with the DNR while in college, spending three summers assisting with lake and stream investigations throughout Indiana.
James will be completing a six-year term on the commission, which has four members and an alternate from each of the two countries.
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Hunters succeed in �07 despite deer disease Record reports of a viral disease affecting white-tailed deer seemed to have minimal impact on the 2007 hunting seasons in Indiana, as hunters harvested 124,427 deer.
�The big thing for me was that number,� said Chad Stewart, deer research biologist for the Indiana DNR. �We were guessing the harvest was going to be down a lot more than it was this year. �Stewart provides details of the '07 season in an annual report that includes a county-by-county breakdown of the deer harvest. For a copy: www.dnr.IN.gov/press/2007_Deer_Season_Report.pdf
A widespread outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), a viral disease transmitted by biting flies, had Stewart anticipating a significant drop from the 125,381 deer harvested in '06. Instead, hunters recorded the third-best season on record and were within 1,100 of the all-time mark of 125,526, set in 2005.
�That�s not to say (EHD) didn�t affect harvests in some parts of the state,� Stewart said. �The southwestern part of the state |
had a noticeable drop in harvest level, but that seems to have been made up elsewhere in the state.� That �elsewhere� was primarily in the central and west-central areas of Indiana, especially in a handful of counties that experienced EHD in 2006.
�Where EHD affected counties like Clay, Fountain, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan and Vermillion in 2006, (numbers) all bounced back in a big way in 2007,� Stewart said. �In most cases, antlered harvests were back up to 2005 levels.�Stewart said that�s potentially good news for such counties as Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Knox, Martin, Pike, Spencer and Crawford, where harvest levels dropped at least 20 percent from '06. He said deer that survive EHD exhibit an immune response that can be passed on to their young, providing protection if the disease occurs the next year.
Steuben was the top county for the third straight year with hunters harvesting 3,754 deer. Switzerland County was second at 3,259, followed by Kosciusko (3,003), Franklin (2,950), and Marshall (2,854). |
Michigan
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Clarification sought on tribal COs Letter sent to DNR director March 19 Brian Mulherin - Daily News Staff Writer - Friday, March 21, 2008 Manistee�s county board wants some clarification on the wording printed on the back of 2008 hunting and fishing licenses. The board sent a letter to DNR Director Rebecca Humphries March 19 asking for specific reasoning behind the wording that states license holders must present their licenses upon request of a tribal conservation officer.
The letter refers to County Commissioner Ed Haik�s conversations with Dennis Knapp of the DNR and states that the board has received conflicting information on the issue. |
Knapp, the DNR�s acting tribal liaison, said a section of Public Act 451 gives tribal officers the right to examine licenses.
The letter asks for a clarification of inconsistencies between those statements and the wording of Public Act 203, which specifically outlines the powers of tribal law enforcement officers and prerequisites for expanded powers.
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians spokesman Glenn Zaring said the specific wording that allows tribal officers to stop state-licensed sportspersons for the purpose of identifying them as tribal or not is still under negotiation. Zaring said the tribe would not comment until the matter was resolved. |
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Plan would kill half of adult birds at local colony Courtesy Brian Mulherin � Ludington Daily News Staff Writer More cormorants could be killed at the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant this year if a plan gets U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval. Pete Butchko, state director of USDA Wildlife Services, said a coordinating committee made up of state, tribal and federal biologists approved killing up to 50 percent of the breeding adult birds at the site, which is estimated to hold about 2,000 birds.
Last year, USDA Wildlife Services shot 88 birds with from a 24-foot Zodiac boat. That amount was estimated to be about 10 percent of the breeding population. The colony, which nests on the breakwater offshore from the plant, has been blamed by local anglers and state fisheries biologists for declining fisheries ranging from perch to brown trout. Biologists estimate adult cormorants eat about a pound of fish per day.
Because the measure goes beyond the 10 percent allowed by a blanket USFWS order, and because cormorants are a migratory bird, the USFWS must review the plan. �They could approve it or there could be some negotiation,� Butchko said. |
Butchko said although no colony has ever been reduced by 50 percent in its second year of control efforts, the committee believes there is justification in this case.
Tom Rozich, a DNR fisheries biologist, has called the colony an artificial situation created by the unique man-made breakwater at the pumped storage plant. Asked if it was feasible to shoot that many birds, Butchko said it�s the goal of his crew to make it feasible. �I think so,� Butchko said. �We expect to hit that goal. If we don�t, we�re going to try very hard to make sure we do that.�
Jim Fenner, president of the Ludington Area Charterboat Association, said charter captains would be pleased by the move. �We�ll be thrilled,� Fenner said. �There�s reason to believe, I think, that the number of cormorants in northern lake Michigan is beginning to be a factor in the disappearance of our (alewives). If you do the math, the number of cormorants times one to two pounds a day, it translates to a tremendous number of fish disappearing from the lake.�
About 440 nests on the colony had their eggs oiled to keep them from hatching last year, a practice Butchko said would continue.
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Huron Pines Job Description: Creel Census Clerk An organization called Huron Pines is working with the Michigan DNR to hire three creel clerks to conduct interviews of anglers at access sites and boat launching ramps on the Upper Muskegon River. Huron Pines is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an equal opportunity provider. Their contact info is: 989-344-0753 Fax: 989-348-7945 www.huronpines.org, [email protected].
The closing date for the job application was not posted, but will be some time before or by the start date of April 26, 2008.
Huron Pines Job Description: Creel Census Clerk Scope and purpose of work: Conduct interviews of anglers at access sites and boat launching ramps on the Upper Muskegon River. Make counts of boats or anglers engaged in fishing according to random sampling work schedules. Identify anglers� catch as to species of fish or other pertinent information that will help to evaluate angler and recreational use.
The objective of these duties is to provide sufficient background information to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division Management Team so they can make properly informed decisions for the Upper Muskegon River. Duty location: Upper Muskegon River/upstream of M66.
Position duties and responsibilities: 1). Interview anglers at various sites within a sample area that is predetermined by a work schedule. Enter data into a PDA and download to proper |
management authority. - Question anglers as to how long they fished, how they fished, what they fished for, and what they caught. - Make a positive identification of the angler party catch. - Determine certain demographic information about angler parties. - Record these data neatly and accurately. 2.) Make counts of fishing boats/anglers within a sample area, making sure the count times listed in the work schedule are adhered to. - Record these data accurately on a PDA and download data to management authority. - Where applicable, operate boats/trailers while conducting counts and interviews. Qualifications: - Degree or currently pursuing a degree in a field related to natural resources. - Experience fishing inland and/or Great Lakes water is desired.
Experience working with people or public contact is desired. - Ability to identify fish that inhabit the Great Lakes and inland waters. Ability to meet and greet the public. - Willingness to work weekends, various shift schedules, and in all types of weather conditions throughout employment. - Highly motivated, able to work well independently. - Must have own transportation. - Valid state driver�s license.
This position has a start date of April 26, 2008 and an end date of October 15, 2008 with a 40 hour per week work schedule. Applicants should keep in mind working weekends is required. The hourly rate for this position is set at $9.15/hour and all mileage will be reimbursed. Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a resume, cover letter, and three references to the following address: Huron Pines Attn: Eric Nelson 501 Norway St Grayling, MI 49738 |
Minnesota
Adult/youth fly-fishing event May 16-18The Minnesota DNR MinnAqua Program and partners Trout Unlimited, Inc., and Good Earth Village invite youth and adult companions to learn the techniques of fly-fishing over the weekend of May 16-18.
The event will be held along some of the state's finest trout fishing waters at Good Earth Village near Spring Valley in southeastern Minnesota (about 30 miles south of Rochester). Guides and instructors will teach participants how to fly cast, |
tie flies and read the water for trout before the actual fishing begins.
The program will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday and conclude at 2 p.m. Sunday. Youth ages 11-18 are eligible to participate if accompanied by an adult. Cost is $125 per adult/youth pairing and includes equipment, food and lodging at Good Earth Village. Enrollment is limited, so register early. For additional info or to sign up, contact Ryan at (507) 359-6028 or [email protected]. |
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Minnesota Senate Seeking to Ban Lead Shot! Introduced by State Senator Satveer Chaudhary (DFL-50), the Senate Omnibus Game and Fish Bill, Senate Fill 3385, contains a harmful provision that would ban the use of lead shot for hunting small game on public lands in Minnesota. Lead alternatives are extremely expensive and have reduced capabilities, which would only increase wounding rates of game animals.
Please call members of the Senate Finance Committee and urge them to oppose banning lead shot and strike Article 3, Section 59 from SF3385 before it�s to late. Chairman Richard Cohen (DFL-64) 651-296-5931 Chairman Richard Cohen (DFL-64) 651-296-5931 State Senator Dennis Frederickson (R-21) 651-296-8138 |
State Senator Ellen Anderson (DFL-66) 651-296-5537 State Senator Linda Berglin (DFL-61) 651-296-4261 State Senator Don Betzold (DFL-51) 651-296-2556 State Senator Steve Dille (R-18) 651-296-4131 State Senator Michelle Fishbach (R-14) 651-296-2084 State Senator Leo Foley (DFL-47) 651-296-4154 State Senator Linda Higgins (DFL-58) 651-296-9246 State Senator James Metzen (DFL-39) 651-296-4370 State Senator Steve Murphy (DFL-28) 651-296-4264 State Senator Gen Olson (R-33) 651-296-1282 State Senator Sandra Pappas (DFL-65) 651-296-1802 State Senator Pat Pariseau (R-36) 651-296-5252 State Senator Claire Robling (R-35) 651-296-4123 State Senator LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-1) 651-296-8660 State Senator David Tomassoni (DFL-5) 651-296-8017 State Senator Jim Vickerman (DFL-22) 651-296-5650 |
Wisconsin
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MADISON, Wis.�State wildlife officials have agreed to relax rules to contain a deadly fish virus by allowing anglers to reuse bait minnows under certain conditions. Current emergency rules to stop the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, prohibit the movement of live fish from any Wisconsin water. Those regulations expire April 7.
The state Department of Natural Resources wanted to make |
the movement ban part of a permanent regulatory package the agency has been developing. But Republican lawmakers balked at that idea because it forces anglers to discard good bait minnows�a popular universal bait�and buy new ones for every outing, even if the fishermen would have reused the minnows on the same body of water. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee, which has the power to object to the DNR's proposal, asked the agency to revise the plan. |
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20th Annual Baileys Harbor Brown Trout Tournament Tournament dates: April 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2008 The Baileys Harbor Community Association will once again host the Brown Trout Tournament this spring for the 20th consecutive year. This event has developed into one of the premier fishing contests on Lake Michigan and many of the Great Lakes anglers view it as the �kick off� to their season of fishing.
This year cash prizes will be paid to the top 60 fish weighed. A grand prize includes a $600.00 cash prize, a two night stay for four at the beautiful Baileys Harbor Yacht Club Resort, a free mount of the winning fish from Twin Rivers Taxidermy, 18 holes of golf for four at Maxwelton Braes Golf Resort and gift certificates from some of Baileys Harbor�s finest dining establishments.
Baileys Harbor Marina is a full service marina located in the |
heart of Baileys Harbor. This facility features four launch ramps with boat trailer parking only one block away. The marina has slips for 45 boats up to 40 feet in length and offers gasoline and diesel fuels, waste pump out, a dock house with boaters lounge, heads, laundry, and a state of the art fish cleaning station.
Tournament rules require that all fish be taken from the waters surrounding Door County. The tournament gets underway at sunrise on Friday April 18th and ends at 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 20th with the awards ceremony starting at 12:30. To be eligible for the many prizes the fish must be weighed in and registered at the Baileys Harbor Fire Station, the official weigh in station. Tickets must be purchased in advance of registering the fish at a cost of $25.00 per fisherman. Tickets may be purchased at many outlets.
For more info: Gene Stanis, Chairman 920-839-2112 [email protected], www.baileysharbor.com |
The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the GLSFC, its officers or staff.
Reproduction of any material by paid-up members of the GLSFC is encouraged but appropriate credit must be given.
Reproduction by others without written permission is prohibited.
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