Angler Support Needed for Federal Fish Hatcheries

Your help is needed to keep federal fish hatcheries open. You can do that by supporting H.R. 5931.

Because of a diminishing budget, the National Fish Hatchery System within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) can no longer afford to raise and release millions of rainbow trout and other important recreational species annually to mitigate for the loss of native fisheries due to dams and other water development projects.

H.R. 5931 would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and other agencies responsible for creation and management of those projects to reimburse FWS for the stocked fish, which only makes sense.

Keep America Fishing says this: “With the help of angler advocates like you, a similar threat was avoided last year, but hatchery funding will continue to be an issue until Congress takes action. H.R. 5931, legislation recently introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives, will require the responsible agencies to pay for their portion of mitigation hatchery operations.

“Urge your Member of Congress to support H.R. 5931 and help keep your local fishing spot well stocked with trout and other popular sportfish.” Click here to send your message today!” 

Public Access at Risk in Virginia

In Virginia, the state attorney general is refusing to intervene on behalf of the people, especially the people who fish. A Virginia landowner is suing two anglers for trespassing on a portion of the Jackson River based on crown and commonwealth land grants, which precede the founding of this country, and, consequently, Virginia law.

By contrast, Virginia law states that all river and stream beds are public property. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) officially is on the side of anglers. According to both, the anglers did not trespass on private property.

DGIF stocks the Jackson with trout, using funds from fishing license fees and federal excise taxes on fishing tackle. Plus, launch ramps paid for with public money provide access to this stretch of the river.

“Because the attorney general’s office refuses to intervene, these two anglers are now defending rights of all of Virginia’s anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts in court,” says Keep America Fishing.

“If the court decides in favor of the real estate developer, property owners across the state could deny access to anglers and other recreationists on stretches of water for which they hold crown or commonwealth grants.”

Go here to learn more and to send a message to Gov. Bob McDonnell and Virginia’s attorney general’s office, requesting the state to defend the interests of the state and its people.

Help Stop Lead Tackle Ban in New Hampshire

Your help is needed now!

Keep America Fishing says this:

On Wednesday, March 28, the New Hampshire Senate is expected to vote on legislation to expand current restrictions on the use of lead sinkers and jigs. If this unjustified bill passes the Senate, it may then move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

It is critical that anglers take action now to ensure that this lead ban legislation is not adopted.

In January, the New Hampshire State Senate introduced legislation (SB 224) to expand current restrictions on the use of lead sinkers and jigs in state waters. A recent amendment, supported by loon preservation advocates and lake owners, further expands the proposed ban by prohibiting the use of any lead jig measuring 2.5 inches or less.

Current regulations banning the use of lead jigs measuring one inch or less are already onerous enough and have impacted the ability of New Hampshire’s anglers to enjoy the sport. As this bill moves closer to passage, it is more important than ever that New Hampshire’s state policy makers hear from you.

Go here to help defeat this legislation and to learn more. Also do a search about lead on this site to learn more about how anti-fishing groups are using it in their war against angling.

Anglers Need to Speak in Support of Sportsmen's Heritage Act

From Keep America Fishing, here’s more important information about the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 described in the post below this one --- as well as guidance for how to voice your support:

This legislative package addresses two very significant threats to recreational fishing: attempts to ban lead fishing tackle and loss of access to public lands.

The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 includes language from the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act, which seeks to prevent a federal ban on lead in recreational fishing tackle and will ensure that any future regulations on fishing tackle are established based on scientific fact instead of unjustified, unsubstantiated petitions.

In 2010 and 2012, anglers nationwide twice defeated anti-fishing efforts to federally ban lead fishing tackle. Despite these monumental wins for anglers, attempts to over-regulate our sport have not ended, as anti-fishing organizations are currently challenging these wins in court, further demonstrating the need for a legislative solution.

Another major threat to recreational fishing that is addressed in the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 is lack of access. In fact, it is the primary reason that keeps anglers from enjoying a day on the water. With expanding land development and growing regulations restricting angler access, federally owned lands are more important than ever for recreational fishing opportunity.

The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 will increase access to angling, hunting and recreational shooting on federal lands by prioritizing these activities within agencies' land management plans.

The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 will increase public access to our nation’s public lands, prevent an unjustified ban on fishing tackle and also promote the conservation values of hunting and recreational shooting. This legislative package offers tremendous opportunity to the sporting community and it is important that sportsmen and woman speak up in support.

Click here to send a message in support of this bill to your member of Congress. 

Donate to KAF for a Grand Slam Deal

Hey, here's a great deal from Keep Ameria Fishing. Donate $25 or more by Feb. 29 and you will receive a Guy Harvey Grand Slam long sleeve t-shirt. 

The shirt alone is worth the price, but in contributing you also will help restore billfish populations worldwide.

Go here to get in on this deal.