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Disqualified angler found guilty

Also cost his fishing team a $1 million prize

The crewmember who cost his fishing team a $1 million prize earlier this year was found guilty in North Carolina of fishing without a license.  Peter Wann was ordered to pay $133 in court costs and he received a 10-day prison sentence suspended for 12 months of probation, the website Examiner.com reported.

According to the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament's official website, the Hatteras, N.C.-based boat Citation was disqualified by the tournament's board of directors despite landing what would have been a tournament record 883-pound blue marlin and thinking they had won $1 million.

Andy Thomasson of Richmond caught the marlin June 14, the first day of the tournament. But tournament organizers were able to confirm that Wann, of Alexandria, had purchased his fishing license while on his way to the weigh station after the fish was caught.

Tournament directors spent three days consulting with NC�s attorney general and other state officials before deciding to withhold the money. The Big Rock board of directors voted unanimously to disqualify the Citation�s team for breaking the tournament rules by having an unlicensed fisherman.

Wann obtained a license the day the big marlin was caught, but only after the Citation got back to the dock and the fish had been landed.  He failed a polygraph test about the incident and North Carolina officials cited him for fishing without a license. Tournament directors spent three days consulting with the state's attorney general and other state officials before deciding to withhold the money.

The crew of the Citation has filed a lawsuit in Dare County Superior Court alleging breach of contract. An injunction is in place that prohibits awarding the billfish prize money until the case is settled, the website reported.

Smith & Wesson new Polymer Pistol Specialty Kits

These "All-in-One" kits are designed to offer the consumer a high value package of premium quality performance accessories matched with an S&W handgun.

M&P Pistol Threaded Barrel Kits chambered in 9mm and 45 ACP, feature an M&P pistol with an additional threaded barrel in the box. The 9mm thread pattern is �"-28-2A and the 45 thread pattern is .578"-28-2A. These threaded barrels have a $135 retail value. Suggested retail is $589 for the 9mm and $619 for 45 ACP. (Not for sale in California or the District of Columbia)

M&P Carry and Range Kits are available in 9mm and .40 S&W. These kits feature an M&P Pistol, Blade-tech Kydex Holster, Blade-tech Double Magazine pouch, Maglula Uplula Speed

Loader, Ear Plugs and an extra magazine. In total an added retail value of $117.

About $ 609.00

SD Home Defense Kits chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W, feature the new SD Pistol along with a Nano Vault w/cable and the S&W Micro 90� compact pistol light. The Nano vault and Micro 90 pistol light have a $130 retail value. These kits are available in both hi-cap and low cap models.

About $ 479.00

800) 331-0852

www.smith-wesson.com

Bushnell Fusion 1600 ARC Binoculars

Combine Quality Optics with Laser Range Finding

Bushnell introduces the new Fusion 1600 ARC range finding binoculars. This device combines quality optics with the latest in laser range finding technology into one easy to carry package.  The 10x42 binoculars feature BAK-4 roof prisms, built-in battery life indicator, twist-up eye pieces, and fully multi-coated optics with RainGuard HD coating, fully waterproof and submersible to meet IPX7 waterproof specification.

The built in laser rangefinder will measure distances from 10-1600 yards. It features ARC (Angle Range Compensating) technology, which calculates the angle to the target and gives the "hold over" range for the rifle shooter, and true horizontal distance for bow hunters. There is a brush mode for measuring distances in heavy cover and a bullseye mode for ranging in open areas.

An additional key feature in the Fusion 1600 ARC is the Variable Sight-In Distance capability or VSI. In rifle mode, users can select between 100,150, 200 or 300 yard sight-in distances to accommodate their shooting styles and preferences. They can also choose between Inches and MOA for holdover on longer shots. The range of angle measurement is -90 to +90 degrees.

The display employs state-of-the-art Vivid Display Technology for improved light transmission and resolution, high contrast, four user adjustable intensity settings resulting in legible distance readings in low light conditions.

The Fusion 1600 ARC laser range finding binoculars includes a battery, neck-strap and carrying case

About $899.00

 www.bushnell.com  800-423-3537

Hunter's Specialties TEK 4 Garments

Use State of the Art Technology

Odor control and helping hunters "smell invisible" has been the goal of Hunter's Specialties for years. Their line of Scent-A-Way products has proven to be one of the most effective on the market for controlling human odors.  Now Hunter's Specialties has entered the scent control clothing market with Scent-A-Way TEK 4 base layer clothing.

Scent-A-Way TEK 4 utilizes state-of-the-art silver technology to permanently control odor caused by bacteria. Scent-A-Way TEK 4 uses up to 33% more silver than other available silver- based garments, providing unmatched odor control. Nylon threads that are permanently encapsulated in pure silver are woven into the garment, as opposed to the silver being sprayed on, dyed or dipped, so the odor controlling properties last for the life of the garment.

Scent-A-Way TEK 4 garments offer easy care. They are durable and fade resistant and can be washed with other clothing. Unlike carbon-based clothing, which has limits on how much odor it can absorb and requires special treatment to be recharged, Scent-A-Way TEK 4 will continue to control odors on the last day of the hunt as well as it did on the first.

The garments are also designed and engineered to provide permanent moisture management. They incorporate "catch, move and release" technology, which traps moisture and moves it away from the body where it can be treated by the silver and evaporated away. This keeps the hunter dry and comfortable under a wide range of weather conditions. This treatment is permanent, lasting the life of the garment.

Scent-A-Way TEK 4 has unique thermal properties, keeping users warm when it is cold and cool when the temperature rises. Silver is one of the most thermally conductive elements on the planet, helping to optimize body temperature control. The clothing is breathable, extremely comfortable and is comparable to wearing silk.

Base layer pants and tops, headnets, gloves, socks, boxer briefs, baseball caps and fleece caps are available in RealTree^� AP^� and Champagne Brown with RealTree^� accents.

Minimum advertised prices are:

 www.hunterspec.com   319-395-0321

EPA Denies Second Part of Petition on Lead in Ammo and Fishing Tackle

America�s anglers triumph over unwarranted petition to ban lead in fishing tackle

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on November 4 denied a petition calling for a ban on the manufacture and use of lead based fishing gear.

The Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Avian Veteranarians, Project Gutpile and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility filed the petition on August 3 to ban the production and sale of lead based ammunition and fishing tackle under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) of 1976.

EPA sent a letter to the petitioners (http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/pubs/SO.Frye.

Sinker.Response.11.4.10.pdf) stating that they failed to demonstrate that the rule is necessary to protect against an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. The letter also states that the increasing number of limitations on the use of lead fishing gear on some federal and state lands, as well as various education and outreach activities, call into question whether a national ban on lead in fishing gear would be the least burdensome, adequately protective approach to address the concern, as called for under TSCA. EPA's letter also notes that there are non-lead alternatives currently in the marketplace.

On August 27, EPA denied the portion of the petition relating to lead in ammunition because the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate this type of product under TSCA.

Seventy-eight members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) in September signed a letter sent to Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the USEPA, urging the agency to dismiss the petition. The CSC members state in the letter, "There are 60 million recreational anglers in America that contribute $125 billion to our economy annually, and penalizing these men, women and children that are the best stewards of our environment, as well as the financial backbone to fish and wildlife conservation in our country, would be a terrible and unnecessary injustice."

The CSC letter came on the heels of a similar letter to Administrator Jackson requesting dismissal of the petition, sent on September 15, from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) and partner members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners and sportfishing communities. The National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses Executive Council also urged EPA to dismiss the petition in a letter to Administrator Jackson.

"This issue is about protecting America's 60 million recreational anglers, and this attempt to ban lead based fishing tackle could potentially have driven up cost and serve as a disincentive for Americans to fish," said CSF President Jeff Crane. "A federal ban on lead ammunition and fishing gear would have also negatively impacted fish and wildlife conservation funding."

The sportfishing community�s objection to the ban was based on:

●The data does not support a federal ban on lead sinkers used for fishing. In general, bird populations, including loons and other waterfowl species, are subject to many more substantial threats such as habitat loss through shoreline development. Any lead restrictions on fishing tackle need to be based on sound science that supports the appropriate action for a particular water body or species.

●A federal ban of the use of lead in fishing tackle will have a significant negative impact on recreational anglers and fisheries resources, but a negligible impact on waterfowl populations.

●Depending on the alternative metal and current prevailing raw material costs, non-lead fishing tackle products can cost from ten to twenty times more than lead products. Non-lead products may not be as available and most do not perform as well. Mandatory transitioning to non-lead fishing tackle would require significant and costly changes from both the industry and anglers.

America�s 60 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation�s economy, creating employment for over one million people.

This is not the first time that such a ban has been requested. In 1992 EPA received a similar petition to ban lead fishing tackle and in 1995 the Agency abandoned the proposed rule because there was no threat to bird populations and the economic impact was determined to be significant. In September 2010, legislation was introduced to both chambers of Congress to prevent an overarching federal ban on lead in recreational fishing tackle (S. 3850 and H.R. 6284).

These bills would protect lead based traditional ammunition and fishing tackle from a potential ban by the USEPA. This legislation would clarify that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under TSCA.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), representing the 50 state fish and wildlife agencies, also sent a letter the EPA in September, urging them to dismiss the petition.  State fish and wildlife agencies are authorized to manage most of a state's fish and wildlife, and therefore, closely monitor and address any local concerns about lead based fishing tackle and any potential impacts on local species. A federal ban on lead fishing tackle is not only unnecessary, but intrudes upon these traditional state agencies jurisdiction.

No scientific basis has been established to warrant any such ban on traditional fishing equipment. A similar proposal to ban lead fishing tackle was dismissed by the EPA in the mid-1990s because there was insufficient data to support such a ban at that time.

2010 Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Inductees

The Awards Committee met in Hayward, Wisconsin last month.  Many candidates were considered, but only a few were selected for this prestigious honor.

Elected for 2011 Enshrinement:

Richard O. Anderson - Michigan/Texas

Robert J. Behnke, Ph.D. - Colorado

Paul Brouha - Vermont

Dr. Robert B. Ditton - Texas

Sharon Rushton - Missouri

Elected for 2011 Legendary Angler:

Considered are persons who have had at least regional lasting impact benefiting fresh water sportfishing.

Nick Adams - Minnesota

Dave Genz - Minnesota

Anthony (Tony) Portincaso - Illinois

Kevin VanDam - Michigan

Elected for 2011 Legendary Communicator:

Considered are persons who have developed a unique communication means or avenue, which was instrumental in introducing fishing to the public or in maintaining public interests or awareness.

Mark Fisher - Minnesota

Mike Jackson - Illinois

Elected for 2011 Legendary Guide:

Considered are persons who have gained by their expertise and professionalism, a status of credibility and immortality

judged so by their customers and/or their peers.

Todd Gessner - Illinois

Chris Kuduk - Minnesota

Bill Sandy - Minnesota

Thomas B. Swanson � Wisconsin

2011 Organizational/Governmental Award:

Considered are organizations or governmental entities, which have demonstrated and/or performed a valuable service or act to benefit fresh water sportfishing within its jurisdiction or the boundaries of its organization whether local, regional or national.

Fargo-Moorhead Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited - North Dakota/Minnesota

Kennebec Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited - Maine

The National Fish Habitat Action Plan

Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation

The committee consists of a talented cross section of fresh water sportfishing leaders. They are: Bill Gautsche - Chairman (Wis); Larry Colombo (Ala); Clem Dippel (Wis); Mike Dombeck (Wis); James Gammon (Indi); Elmer Guerri (Ind); Bruce Holt (Washington); Tim Lesmeister (Minn); Gil Radonski (NC); Vin Sparano (NJ); Burt Steinberg (MO); Wendy Williamson (Wis); Gregg Wollner (Minn) and Forrest Wood (Ark).

Weekly Great Lakes Water Level Update for Nov 5, 2010

Weather Conditions

Chilly temperatures arrived in the Great Lakes basin this week, with sub-freezing conditions reported in many areas.   Light amounts of precip were reported Tuesday and Wednesday as a low pressure system pushed through region.  A second system is forecasted to bring showers and a few snowflakes to the Great Lakes basin Thursday and into Friday.  The upcoming weekend will start out with cooler than average temperatures, but conditions in the mid to upper 50s should arrive by Monday.

Lake Level Conditions

All the Great Lakes are in the annual period of seasonal decline.   Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, and Erie continue to be 7 to 12 inches below their levels of a year ago.  Lake Ontario, however, near its level of a year ago. Over the next month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron and St. Clair are expected to decline 2 inches. Lakes Erie and Ontario are predicted to decline 1 and 3 inches, respectively, during November.  See our Daily Levels web page for more water level information.

Forecasted November Outflows/Channel Conditions

The outflows from Lake Superior into the St. Mary's River and from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River are expected to be below average in November.  The Detroit River's flow and the Niagara River's flow from Lake Erie are also predicted to be

below average this month.  The flow in the St. Lawrence River is forecasted to be above average throughout November.

Alerts

The water levels of both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron are currently below chart datum and are forecasted to remain below datum over the next six months.  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.

Improvements planned at site of Soo Locks

DETROIT � The Detroit District has awarded a contract for installation of a new observation deck and fencing at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. 

The improvements are part of the Soo Locks Facilities Master Plan, a long-range strategy for preserving the historic character and natural beauty of the Soo Locks facilities site, and for promoting sustainable development on the site.

The $2,050,000 contract was awarded to Nomad Construction, Inc., of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., a small business.  Nomad will demolish an existing concrete-and-steel observation deck overlooking the locks, construct a new one, and replace the chain link fence along the northern boundary of the Upper and Lower Canal Parks with a black wrought iron fence.  The new deck will have two elevated viewing platforms, new light fixtures, and a ramp to the lower level for increased accessibility.

The Soo Locks Facilities Master Plan includes improvements to the property adjacent to the Soo Locks.  Visitors gather there to view ships, learn about the history of the locks, and visit three parks: the Upper Canal, Lower Canal, and Brady Park.  Several architecturally unique buildings are among the 75 structures on the site.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 95 harbors, including the Great Lakes Connecting Channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. 

For more info: Lynn Duerod, public affairs officer, 313-226-4680; or Mollie Mahoney, project manager, at 313-226-2033.

To see an architect�s rendering of the new observation deck, visit our Flickr site: www.flickr.com/photos/detroit_district/

Detroit resident sentenced for sending hoax to Coast Guard

CLEVELAND - A Detroit resident has been convicted and sentenced in federal court for making a false distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard, announced United States Attorney Barbara McQuade and Captain Stephen Torpey, Chief of Incident Management for the Ninth Coast Guard District.

Andre D. Cheatom, 19, was sentenced to 18 months 

incarceration, supervised release for three years, a specialassessment of $100.00, and ordered to pay $14,302 in restitution for knowingly and willfully causing the Coast Guard

to attempt to save lives and property when no help was needed, in violation of Title 14, U.S. Code, Section 88 (c). Cheatom was sentenced by U.S. District Judge George Steeh after considering factors unique to the case including the defendant�s prior criminal record, the defendant�s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

New harbor near 31st St. getting lots of bells, whistles

$110 million project, Restaurants, trams, remote parking

The new 31st Street marina with space for 840 boats will include a new restaurant, lakefront community center and parking for 300 cars. The sleek new building designed by Brook Architecture includes a translucent glass curtain wall.

The new harbor is the first to be built by the Chicago Park

District in nearly a decade -- since Du Sable Harbor opened with 420 slips. The $110 million project is being financed by a revenue bond retired by 20 years of boat mooring fees. The project has been approved by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. The new harbor is expected to open in 2011.