National

Regional

Michigan

Pennsylvania

       Weekly News Archives

                         or

       New Product  Archives

Eating Fish Cuts risk of Alzheimer Disease

Finally, scientific evidence that going fishing helps to keep us from going crazy!  We already knew fishing preserves our sanity, but retirees should take note.  Researchers found that people 65 and older who had fish once a week had a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer's than those who never or rarely ate fish. 

A total of 815 residents, aged 65 to 94 years, who were initially unaffected by Alzheimer disease and completed a dietary questionnaire on average 2.3 years before clinical evaluation of incident disease were involved in the study.

The study results showed a total of 131 sample participants developed Alzheimer disease. Participants who consumed fish once per week or more had 60% less

risk of Alzheimer disease compared with those who rarely or never ate fish (relative risk, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.9) in a model adjusted for age and other risk factors.

Total intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer disease, as was intake of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) was not associated with Alzheimer disease. The associations remained unchanged with additional adjustment for intakes of other dietary fats and of vitamin E and for cardiovascular conditions.

The conclusion is dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids and weekly consumption of fish may reduce the risk of incident Alzheimer disease.   Courtesy: American Medical Association, Archives of Neurology.

Bill Introduced to Expand Funding for Anglers and Boaters

On July 23, Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus member and avid fisherman, Congressman Clay Shaw (R-FL) introduced legislation that will significantly improve funding for fishing and boating in America. Currently, only 13.5� of the 18.3� per gallon for motorboat fuel is targeted towards the Sport Fish Restoration Act's Aquatic Resources Trust Fund.

The funding is used for state based boating safety, fisheries conservation and boating access programs as well as support for coastal wetlands and marine sanitation device facilities. Shaw's bill, the Sportfishing and Boating Equity Act of 2003 (H.R. 2839), would direct the additional 4.8� per gallon towards fishing and boating adding approximately $110 million a year to the Trust Fund.

Originally established in 1950, the Federal Aid in Sportfish

Restoration Act was amended in 1984 to include motorboat fuel taxes and small engine taxes. This amendment, named after bill sponsors former Senator Malcolm Wallop and then-Congressman John Breaux, now provide the lion's share of the $450 million that is distributed annually for fisheries conservation and boating needs. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation has been a strong advocate for the Sportfish Restoration Act and has worked hard as a member of the American League of Anglers and Boaters (ALAB), a coalition of more than 30 leading boating and sportfishing organizations, to improve the funding mechanism for the Act.

"This is a user tax paid for by boaters and anglers, so it only makes sense that the funds accumulated in this account should all go towards fishing and boating," stated Jeff Crane, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation's Director of Policy.

Senate Ag Committee Passes Healthy Forests Act

The Senate Agriculture Committee approved a slightly modified version of H.R. 1904, the House-passed Healthy Forests Restoration Act by voice vote on July 24. Designed to remove hazardous fuels from overgrown federal forests, the bill, introduced by Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus member and Committee Chairman, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), would expedite forest clearing projects on up to 20 million acres of at-risk federal lands. The House approved the measure in May and the full Senate is likely to consider the bill in September after

One new provision in the bill would establish watersheds and lands damaged by ice storms as priority lands for treatment. In addition, the Agriculture Committee included two new restoration programs: a Public Land Corps to perform restoration, enhancement and beautification work and a rural community forestry program to provide and enhance forestry skills of workers in rural areas in nine states.

New Products Garner Top Honors During ICAST

Shimano American Corporation�s new Calcutta TE 200DC reel took Best of Show honors today during the American Sportfishing Association�s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades at the Las Vegas Convention Center, competing with nearly 1,000 other fishing products making their marketplace debut.  The Calcutta reel also won top honors in the reel category. 

Products competed in 11 categories this year, including a new category for children�s tackle.  More than 150 companies entered lures, rods and reels, and other angler equipment and accessories into the New Product Showcase, the flagship feature of ICAST and a driving force for product sales in the coming year.  Buyers judged products based on their level of innovation, execution, workmanship, and practicality to select Best of Show honors in each category.

Making up a special section of ICAST's 209,000-square-foot show floor, the New Product Showcase gives the

industry�s latest innovations special visibility during the show, with more than 5,000 representatives of the sportfishing community attending.

Overall Best of Show: 

Shimano American Corporation�s Calcutta TE 200DC reel

Best of Show Winners by Category/Company/Product:

Rod -Sirrus Rods/Spectra

Reel -Shimano American Corporation/Calcutta TE 200DC

Terminal Tackle -Lead Masters/Powder Coated Jig Heads

Line -Stren Super Braid

Hard Lure-Lucky Craft/Live Pointer 95SP

Soft Lure-Pure Fishing/Gulp!

Tackle Management -Plano Molding Company/CDS Utility Box

Kid�s Tackle -Zebco/Spongebob Squarepants Fishing Combo

Boating Accessory, Electronic -Lowrance Electronics/X-104 Electronic Sounder

Fishing Accessory -Pure Fishing/Digital Lip Grip Scale

ICAST 2003 Exceeds Expectations; Show Floor to Expand

On the final day of ICAST 2003, all across the show floor, response from exhibitors and buyers alike showed the American Sportfishing Association�s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades exceeded expectations as a strong catalyst for sales and the place to be to forge relationships with key players in the sportfishing industry.

The world�s largest sportfishing expo was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where more than 6,000 representatives of the sportfishing community came together July 9-11.  More than 50% of an expanded show floor was booked for next year by show�s end.

�If you went deer hunting and sat in a tree stand for 3 days and 100 of the biggest deer in the country came by, you�d think you had a pretty successful hunt.  More than 100 of the biggest buyers in our industry came into our booth at this show and we think it was tremendously successful,� said Randy Lemcke of Plano Molding Company. 

�We were the busiest we�ve ever been in many, many years,� said David Pfeiffer with Shimano American Corporation.  �We had more booth space here and more staff to work the show this year and we could hardly keep up.  It seemed to me there was a great deal of positive energy on the show floor as a whole.�

If a company didn�t do good business at this show, I�m not sure they shouldn�t re-evaluate the business they�re in.  

Not only were the key buyers here, but their attitude to do business was tremendous,� said Joe Hall of Blakemore Lure Company.  �I can�t remember a show were every single buyer was as positive as they were at this show.�

�We decided to come back this year, and it�s been productive,� said Paul Schluter of St. Croix Rod.  �A lot of the retailers we�ve seen are existing customers, but we�re definitely at a disadvantage if we�re not here, so we�ll be back next year.�

�We are very satisfied with the number and quality of buyers at this show.  The show has worked very well for our company,� said John Jilling of Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle.  �I would say this ICAST has risen above the difficult economy and business climate.�

�ICAST has been especially inspiring this year,� said Mike Nussman, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association.  �When all our members come together under one roof we can definitely sense the positive energy, and this is just what we need to capture and continue to keep our industry strong and vital.�

The sportfishing industry�s trade show will be held again at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 2004 and 2005, and the American Sportfishing Association plans to expand the show floor to meet increasing demand.  This year�s show hosted 324 exhibiting companies with 960 booths making up a 209,000 sq ft show floor.  Turnout by industry buyers was more than 1,700 and 400 media representatives attended.

Walleye, blue pike the same fish

Cincinnati - After laboriously examining DNA from a dozen blue pike specimens stored in museums, federal researchers are prepared to report next week that they cannot detect genetic differences between those fish and the walleye swimming in

In effect, the finding means that the lake's legendary blue pike were probably nothing more than modern walleyes of a different color.

PA - Information sought about arson in Jefferson County

PA Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs initiates reward fund

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania State Police officials are seeking information about a recent case of arson that destroyed Jefferson County Wildlife Conservation Officer Roger Hartless' state vehicle, damaged his home and garage and terrorized his family on the evening of June 26, in Munderf, Polk Township, Jefferson County. 

While the vehicle and all the equipment inside of it were completely destroyed, using a regular garden hose, WCO Hartless was able to contain the fire that spread to his house and garage until the local fire department arrived on the scene.  Total damage estimates are $45,000.

"The damages to WCO Hartless' home and garage can be repaired, and the vehicle and equipment that were lost can be replaced," said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director.  "But what we will not be able to repair or replace are the damages suffered in the hearts and minds of a dedicated Game Commission employee, his wife, and their three innocent children. 

"We need the public's help in bringing those responsible for this despicable act to justice.  Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police DuBois Barracks at 814-371-4652; the Game Commission's Northwest Region Office toll-free number, 1-

877-877-0299; or Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS, which could make the caller eligible for up to $2,000 in reward money.  All information will be kept strictly confidential."

To assist in the investigation, the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs (PFSC) has offered to manage a reward fund for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this act of terrorism.  Contributions may be sent to: PFSC, Officer Assault Reward Fund, 2426 North Second St., Harrisburg, PA 17110.  Checks (do not send cash) should be made payable to "PFSC."

Already, in addition to the PFSC, the United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Deer Association, the Association of State and County Detectives and a number of Game Commission employees and individuals have contributed to the reward fund.

"The Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs supports the investigation into this case, and we hope that those behind these horrendous acts are held responsible," said Melody Zullinger, PFSC executive director.  "As hunters and trappers, we need to show support for those who are sworn to protect our wildlife resources, and help defend our hunting and trapping heritage."

Zullinger noted that, in the event the reward money is not needed, the PFSC will return all contributions.

PA - Flooded Waterways Are Hazardous

In the wake of strong storms that swept across the Commonwealth on July 21 and forecasts of more rain on the way, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is reminding boaters to avoid flooded areas and exercise extra caution in other locales.  Recreational boating on high, storm-swollen waterways, which are often choked debris, can be extremely hazardous

A series of storms July 21 dumped heavy rains across much of the state, swelling streams and causing localized flooding.  Heavy winds - reportedly in excess of 80 mph in some areas and possibly tornados - accompanied the rain, felling trees and scattering debris.

Northwestern Pennsylvania was hardest hit with the National Weather Service issuing a flood watch for the region.  The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has declared a state of emergency for parts of Crawford, Venango and Mercer counties.  In McKean County, the Kinzua Viaduct, a historic railroad bridge over Kinzua Creek near the Allegheny National Forest, toppled in storm.

Conneaut Lake in Crawford County is over the banks.  The Allegheny River in Warren County, downstream past the Forest County Line and French Creek, in Venango County are among the larger waterways currently experiencing

flooding.  The PFBC is beginning to receive reports of drifting boats in various waterways, apparently torn loose from their moorings by the force of the storms.

All of this can spell trouble for boaters. High, fast moving water is a challenge for even the most experienced operators.  Inexperienced boaters or those using small, unstable craft like jon-boats, canoes or kayaks need to be especially mindful of basic boating safety considerations given high-water conditions.  Even a moderate current can exert a force of several tons, pinning watercraft it against rocks, downed tree or storm-related debris. 

Boaters venturing out in strong current must stay within their abilities and skill levels, especially in unpowered boats.  Capsizing and falls overboard may seem like relatively simple mishaps, but in fact, they are the most common type of fatal boating accidents on Pennsylvania waters. The risks and dangers of capsizing are further increased in flooding conditions. The PFBC strongly urges all boaters to wear a properly fitting lifejacket when on board a boat, even in good conditions.

The importance of wearing a lifejacket is much greater in high water situations. In Pennsylvania, all children 12 years of age or younger are required to wear a life jacket when underway on a boat that is 20 feet in length or less and all canoes and kayaks.