Tournament guys read!!

[Central Bassman]

Was reading about this... Thought some of you guys might want to read it!!! Check out the infor on this page and also the links on it!!

[sorry, we don't allow links to that site]

[SluggoMaster]

E-mail's sent! I think everyone else should too!

[Ray Esboldt]

Here is a link to the bill that Central Bassman originally was referring to:

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S1184.0.html&session=ls85

[Sproguy]

Guys, I have a quick question. How is the term "catch and release" going to be applied to the bill? A person can read this bill several ways. I admit I haven't read everything on the subject but what I have has left me with more questions then answers. Also this bill in question has permit fee attached to the tournaments. Does the permit going to have different terms of "catch and release," I hope that most see where I am coming from. I don't want them messing with tournaments either but I need some clarity on the issue. A blanket statement of they are going to shut us down is not going to help us long term. Tournament fisherman need a united voice (or at least as united as we can get) that is acting on clear understandings of what they (legislature) are trying to do. If anyone can please explain further I think it would help us all. I consider myself rather intelligent but when it comes to the bill readings I feel like I am back in 2nd grade struggling with big words.

[sicheneder]

I wonder why big tournaments don't want to go here. vermillion can be a sweet tourney lake, but it has been a few years since even a pro-am has been there.

[bassrap]

Sproguy,

I agree with you on the united voice and your point about a blanket statement.

The proposed change related to immediate release is simply to add the definition to the glossary. You argue from both sides of the table as to why they want to do this, but right now, there is nothing to indicate that it is so they can eventually make all tournaments immediate release.

The second change is they want to add language that will permit the DNR to establish a fee schedule for permitting tournaments. My guess is they want this so they don't have to go through a public battle over what the fees are.

I think the message that should be sent is that we want public forum meetings to understand and discuss the proposed changes. While neither of these changes has an immediate impact on tournaments, we still need to understand the purpose of the changes and work in a cooperative manner to address the issues.

That's my view on the subject.

Rick Pelletier

President

Minnesota Federation of Bass Anglers

[Wayne Ek]

Hi Rick: I have to disagree. I think that there is a portion of our DNR that is truly anti-tournament, and they are quite vocal. I have just finished letters to both of my representatives on the tournament legislation, the anti-lead legislation, the no glass containers on public waters legislation and the rearing pond legislation. I strongly suggest that all members of FM send a letter to their representatives. And I have those beliefs based on information gained from friends at the DNR and working as the Conservation Director for the BASS Federation for a year and having DNR contact. It may be comfortable to confront, but unfortunately it's true.

My .04 cents worth... I'm older than you so I get to add 2 more cents to my opinion.

[Sproguy]

Rick,

Thanks for a little help with the clarity! I agree with you it appears that tournaments are not the focus of this bill. I, like many tournament fisherman do not want to loose the right to fish them but I also do not want to cry wolf every time a bill comes up that in some way can be used against tournament fisherman. Agape, I also agree with you like all things there is different camps in every group. I want to see the anti tournament camp go away but crying wolf at every crack I don't feel helps us long term.

Now this may not be popular but I am ok if they want to add permit fees to tournaments so that they can help pay for the processing fee of the permits. I don't feel that the average Joe should have his state fishing license fee raised to cover tournaments. If it is legit that the DNR is in need of money to cover expenses related to tournament I feel we as a group should pay for it. I know that this will be unpopular but I just don't see how sticking the whole of MN fisherman would help long term either. Just my two cents! Since Agape is older then me I only have two to give!

[Ray Esboldt]

I guess I would like to know the magnitude of the fees. Are we talking several thousand dollars, or are we talking $150 dollars. If it's the latter, big deal. If it's the former, there will be a few less tournaments to choose from. Still not a big deal in my book. However, the thing to think about is it is the first strike against organized fishing events. If they (whoever they represents) get a little this time, they will grab for more next time.

I, and probably many of us, fish some club tournaments, some smaller "for fun" tournaments, and some higher dollar events. I really don't want to see any of them go away, but I haven't decided where my allegences lie if one of them are going to take a hit. My instinct is that all of them could be affected over time.

Since you're all older than me, that is my .01 worth.

[bassrap]

Wayne,

Based on your age, I'd say you should get at least $1 worth!!!

I believe more than anything the DNR is anti-anything that they get complaints about. Tournaments, jet skis, etc. I agree that anglers should get involved and contact their representatives. My concern is that when they do, their communication is based on their understanding of the issues and not a knee jerk reaction to what someone else says the issues and/or consequences are.

In regards to the fees, is there a cost to administrating the tournament permitting process? Absolutely. Should tournament organizers bear the brunt of these costs? I'm not so sure about that. In the real world, very few business decisions are made based on cost only. Rather, they are based on a cost/benefit analysis. This is the thing that I believe is being overlooked in this matter. The DNR gets a lot of information/assistance provided to them free of charge as a result of tournaments. Is it enough to off set the cost of the administration of the tournament permitting process? I think so, but obviously that is open for debate. That brings you to Ray's question in regards to what the fees would be. Currently there is no information available on this as far as I know. But what the DNR is trying to do is get approval to be able to put the fee structure in place without having to go through the same approval process. To me, this is unacceptable.

As a tournament organizer, I have no problem with having to pay a reasonable fee for the permit. But I'd like to be involved with determining that fee structure and want to make sure there is value assigned to the information/assistance the DNR recieves in return.

But, that's just my opinion. Agree with me or not, I do encourage everyone to get an understanding of the issues and get involved by contacting your representatives, talk to your local DNR, water patrol, etc. and get involved with local organizations (i.e. clubs, Federations). Being proactive will yield much better results than sitting back and being reactive.

Rick

[Ray Esboldt]

Quote:

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In the real world, very few business decisions are made based on cost only. Rather, they are based on a cost/benefit analysis.

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Rick, I bet you've been around the block a time or two when it comes to dealing with state and local government. There's very little "real world" about them. Sometimes they surprise you, but a lot of decision making is made based on placating the loudest crier or whoever looks like the victim.

I too would advocate that if you are truly interested in seeing competitive fishing stay as a recreational outlet, contact your senator and representative. I am good friends with a couple and know for a fact that calm well-worded contacts are heard. Griping is often ignored. However, if the right whiner gets a hold of the right ear down there, they can turn a gentle breeze into a hurricane. That might be what the body of MN tournament anglers are up against in this case.

[bassrap]

Ray,

Great points!!! Hopefully more people will get involved and can have some meaningful discussions with the right people.

Rick