Archive for the 'Fishing' Category

Sportsmen Dismayed by Overthrow of Congressman John Dingell

gengberg November 21st, 2008

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229

Ph. 614/888-4868 • Fax 614/888-0326

Website: www.ussportsmen.org • E-mail: info@ussportsmen.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg R. Lawson (614) 888-4868 ext. 214

November 21, 2008 Sharon Hayden (614) 888-4868 ext. 226

Sportsmen Dismayed by Overthrow of Congressman John Dingell

Anti-Hunting Representative Assumes Pivotal Committee Chairmanship
(Columbus, Ohio) - The United States Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) expresses its dismay today over the news that U.S. Representative Henry Waxman (D- CA) toppled Representative John Dingell (D- MI) as Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Rep. Dingell has been a tireless champion of sportsmen issues for decades, while Rep. Waxman has a long history of supporting the causes of extremist animal rights and anti-firearm groups. Given the recent call by President-elect Barack Obama for a broad and bipartisan approach to governing, this action raises serious doubts in the eyes of sportsmen.

“Rep. Dingell understood and cared about sportsmen and their devotion to conservation,” said USSA Vice President of Government Affairs, Rob Sexton. “On the other hand, Rep. Waxman, an environmental activist, has consistently earned a 100 percent rating from the leading anti-hunting group in the country, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has sought to use the Endangered Species Act to stop hunting.”

Among Rep. Waxman’s anti-hunting votes are:

* against allowing hunting, fishing, and trapping in the East Mojave Scenic Area;
* against the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1996 that enshrined hunting, fishing, and trapping as a priority use of wildlife refuges;
* for banning the importation of polar bear trophies and resulting in a loss of conservation funding;

Beyond his strong support of anti-hunting legislation, Rep. Waxman has also been a consistent opponent of Second Amendment rights. According to Sexton, “He has voted for nearly all anti-firearm bills in Congress going back to the so-called ‘Assault Weapon Ban’ and the ‘Brady Bill.’ Both of those bills were punitive and designed to prohibit law abiding citizens from engaging in their constitutional rights.” Continue Reading »

Future Fishermen Foundation Board Decides Foundation’s Future

gengberg November 21st, 2008

For Immediate Release Anne Danielski, adanielski@asafishing.orgExecutive Director, Future Fisherman Foundation, 703-519-9691, x 254

Media inquiries - contact Mary Jane Williamson, Communications director, x227.

Future Fisherman Foundation Board of Directors Decides Foundation’s Future

Unless significant funding found, foundation will suspend operations effective March 2009

Alexandria, VA - November 21, 2008 - The Future Fisherman Foundation’s board of directors is currently seeking alternative funding and donations to avoid suspending foundation operations. The foundation’s board met on November 18 to discuss funding concerns after learning a grant which provides significant funding for the foundation was no longer available for the 2009 fiscal year. If substantive and sustaining funding sources for its programs cannot be found, the foundation board will be forced to suspend the foundations operations.

“The Future Fisherman Foundation’s board of directors and staff are committed to exploring all alternate funding options,” said foundation Executive Director Anne Danielski. “Over the next three months, we are aggressively seeking support from endemic and non endemic funding sources, grants, and partnerships with new organizations within our industry that share our mission to engage youth in outdoor and angling activities.”

In a separate action, during its October meeting the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) board of directors passed a motion to suspend its core support for the foundation effective March 31, 2009. In a joint message to ASA’s members, Jeff Pontius, ASA’s board of directors’ chairman, and Mike Nussman, ASA president and CEO, said, “With the loss of one of its two grant funding sources, it was clear that ASA’s core support of the foundation was not enough to sustain its operations. With the financial challenges facing our economy, the board determined that ASA could no longer continue its financial support for the foundation.” Continue Reading »

Gary’s Blog 11-18-08 Muskies

gengberg November 19th, 2008

Gary’s Blog for November 19, 2008This is the time of the year when outdoorsmen and women have so many choices of what to do with their spare time. The hunting and fishing opportunities are limitless and continue through the end of the year. Deer hunting opens this weekend and over 650,000 hunters will be in the woods chasing whitetail deer. There is still pheasant, duck, goose, rabbit, squirrels, and grouse seasons open. Like I said, what do you do?
Tuesday, I happened to go muskie fishing with friend, and guide Wally Banfi (608)-644-9823). We decided to go on the Madison Chain of Lakes. The temperature yesterday morning was 14 degrees here at my Wisconsin River home when I took the dog out at 6:30 AM. Wally and I decided to wait till things warmed up and do a few errands before fishing. I’ve been trying to get some video of muskies before I start editing my TV pilot.
We met my cameraman, Daniel Robinson at 12:30 at the boat landing. There still was thin ice around the lake and a few other boats fishing. Our plan was to drift and fish suckers on Bait Rigs Quick Set rigs. Wally had some nice dark suckers from 12 to 14 inches. We had only been on the lake for 5 minutes before we had our first strike. The muskie didn’t have the sucker and got off after biting the tail and our blade attractor. Wally and I had 3 suckers out with two on Thill floats and one with just a rubber-core sinker. All the suckers were attached with rubber bands through the mouth and in front of the dorsal fin to the quick set rig.
Our efforts were concentrated on fishing just outside the weedline. We found some green cabbage and fished in water 8 to 10 feet deep. After losing another fish, we decided to let the fish have the sucker a little longer before setting the hook hard. I got a nice 40 inch fish on the float-less rod right under the boat. A nice chunky fish was photographed and filmed. It was released and swam away. We also had another 4 fish on that came undone soon after the hook set. Then, Wally got another nice 42 inch fish before we left the lake at 3:30 PM. Two fish over 40 in the boat and 5 others that got away.
It was a great day and the photos will soon be posted on this website! Keep fishing till ice comes. The water temperature on the Madison lakes was 39 degrees. As we were fishing, they pulled the piers. But, that doesn’t stop a muskie-hunter! Dress warm!!

Salmon Sunday

gengberg November 19th, 2008

The annual “Salmon Sunday” event was held yesterday at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. It’s fascinating - the wildlife biologists explain their role and show how fish produce eggs and fertilize them. It’s something everyone should see (especially kids). So, I put together a short documentary and I thought you would be interested to see it.

Here’s a link to the “Salmon Sunday” video on YouTube (~6 minutes):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-RYSgPnqlY

Hint: click the “watch in high quality” link below the bottom right of the player for a better experience.

Please leave a comment or vote on the video to let me know how you like it. Also, please share this with your friends - the wildlife biologists in every state do great work and it would be good if more people knew about it!

Tight lines,
Joe Pych
Founder
Hooked-in Fishing Reports
http://www.hooked-in.com/

Restoring a Lake Decimated by Flooding

gengberg November 19th, 2008

Restoring a lake decimated by flooding
By Diana Newton
Rotary International News — 23 October 2008
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Hobbins (left) and Small at the launch of the Lake Delton Fisheries Restoration Project. Photo courtesy of J.B. Hobbins

Rotarian J.B. “Ben” Hobbins imagines the day when a fisherman trolling Lake Delton, in southern Wisconsin, USA, will turn to a buddy and say, “Let’s try Rotary Reef.”

The right to name a reef is one part of the fundraising efforts underway as Hobbins and Dan Small, host of Outdoor Wisconsin and a writer and radio show host, seek support for an ambitious project to restore fisheries to Lake Delton.

On 9 June, massive downpours caused the lake to burst open, its water draining into the Wisconsin River. Several homes, as well as the fish population, were wiped out.

Noting that Lake Delton is critical to Wisconsin’s multibillion-dollar tourism industry, Hobbins says, “I knew I had to do something.” Hobbins, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Madison, launched the Lake Delton Fisheries Restoration Project in late August.

“His work on the Lake Delton restoration project is an outstanding example of what one Rotarian’s service can mean for the larger community,” says Bob Dinndorf, president of the Madison club. “J.B. recognized how he could fill a gap in the project that could not be done by the Department of Natural Resources or other agencies.”

The Wisconsin DNR has said it can restock northern pike and walleye, but that it needs help to restock other species. Hobbins and Small established www.restorelakedeltonfisheries.com to rally support and raise funds.

As CEO of Lake Resources Group/IronClad Lures, a fishing tackle and outdoor products manufacturer, Hobbins has connections with outdoor enthusiasts and is optimistic that the broader Rotary community also will appreciate the project’s value.
Stewardship

“This project is an opportunity for Rotary to show leadership,” Hobbins says. “We can hold Rotary up to the world as a steward.”

Hobbins and Small hope to raise $300,000. Virginia-based FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation and research foundation of the American Sporfishing Association, has already pledged up to $10,000 a year for three years.

“If all of our [Rotary clubs] did just one small fundraiser–a fish fry, for example–that could really add up,” Hobbins says. “Everyone can be a part of the success.”

Hobbins learned about service from his grandfather, Delbert Forsberg, the 1963-64 president of the Madison club and a Paul Harris Fellow. Forsberg often brought home foreign cash and coins for Hobbins from travels he made as a Rotarian.

“I still have those coins in a cigar box,” Hobbins says. “His travels and that pocket change sparked my own interest in living abroad and in the wonder of this planet’s cultures and religions.”

Hobbins lived for 18 years in Europe, where he was active with the American Chamber of Commerce in France. He only recently moved back to the United States, immediately joining Rotary.

“Rotary goes hand in hand with everything else I do,” Hobbins says. “It’s internal to me to help, and our Rotary network is so strong.”

Northwoods Report by Naomi Shapiro 11-17-08

gengberg November 19th, 2008

As of November 17, 2008:

Fishing, Outdoor, and Event Reports for
Eagle River, Wisconsin,
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area;
Lake of the Woods and Rainy River out of Sportsman’s Lodge (Baudette,
Minnesota).
—–
EDITOR’S NOTE: No reports will be issued on Monday, Nov. 24, 2008. Reports
will resume on their normal schedule, on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008.
—–

THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:

– Good action for musky, walleye, northern and crappies in the Eagle River,
Wisconsin area.

– Walleye continue to hit hard and often on the south end of Lake of the
Woods, out of Sportsman’s Lodge, Baudette Minnesota.

– Big muskies and northerns hitting hard, with good walleye action, and the
deer rut in full swing, in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

—–

WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) — as of November 17, 2008:

(Head): Good action for musky, walleye, northern and crappies in the Eagle
River, Wisconsin area.

With the water temps in the low 40s in the Eagle River area, musky are
starting to bite aggressively and the action is consistently ramping up.
Fish over the dying/”garbage” weeds at the deep edge, OR fish over
hardbottom outside of the weed beds. The musky are slowly migrating to the
steepest edges on the deepest parts of lakes in the Eagle River area. Use
12-14 inch suckers on quick strike rigs, or cast rubber baits such as
Bulldawgs or Suzy Suckers. Deep diving crankbaits such as Depth Raiders and
Ernie’s are also working well.

Walleye action in the Eagle River area is good. Fish 15 to 30 feet of
water, over hardbottom areas. Use a jig and a minnow.

Northern are still hanging in and around the weeds in 15 feet of water or
less in the Eagle River area. Good action using medium suckers or chubs
under a slip bobber, or casting a Husky Jerk or smaller musky bait

Crappies are suspending two to six feet off the bottom in 20 to 30 feet of
water in the Eagle River area. Use a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.
Good action. Some perch are being caught while fishing for walleye in the
Eagle River area. Sizes are a mixed bag.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative
Brilliance interview with licensed guides, Mat Hegy and “Ranger Rick”
Krueger of Guides Choice Pro Shop).

Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com Continue Reading »

Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance Responds

gengberg November 16th, 2008

—– Forwarded Message —-
From: Steve Winters
To: Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 8:07:30 PM
Subject: Re: OUR river needs YOUR help again!!!I am Steve Winters, Vice President of the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance. It is amazing to me that anyone would be allowed to pump contaminated water into any river in our state, let alone the flagship of them all, the Wisconsin River. Even the papermills upstream stopped polluting the river by the early ’80’s, and are, for the most part only pumping water back into the river that is as clean or cleaner than they pumped out. There should be no exceptions made for anyone to do otherwise, as the Wisconsin River is one of our most utilized and publicly visible natural resources. Sincerely, Steven Winters

Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) Our River Needs Your Help

gengberg November 16th, 2008

Dear FLOW members,Once again OUR river needs YOU to get involved in a Riverway issue. I am asking you to respond immediately to this latest threat by writing back with an email sharing your thoughts; whether you agree or disagree with me. Please contact Riverway property owners and anyone else you know who may be able to chime in on this matter. I will print out the letters and take them to the meeting described below on Monday. It will be great if you can attend the meeting in person also but if not, your words in print are very important. Please read the details from the experts, Dave and Jean, in the attached document and give me a call with questions and if you would like to car pool to the meeting.

Timm Zumm Co-chair: Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) 608-575-0325

My thoughts concerning the Crystal, Fish, Mud Lake District pumping into the beautiful Lower Wisconsin River:

This Lake District has had ample opportunity for years to try to get something to work and at this point in time should accept that some things are just not meant to be.

I have a great deal of sympathy for them and will offer the service of FLOW volunteers to help them relocate their structures or whatever else it takes to stop pumping polluted water into the river. It’s sad, but my understanding is they could have already relocated, using FEMA assistance, for less money than what they have spent on trying to pump groundwater. They may not have to relocate if they eliminate basements and put in holding tanks and grey water recycling systems.

I would not be allowed to put my boat into their lakes if I did not have the hull cleaned of contaminates first. They can NOT be allowed to continuing pumping anything but clean/clear/safe water into OUR River! The picture below shows the area near the Prairie du Sac dam where they are discharging green yuk. This is where my kids and dogs and I used to recreate. If these lake district people insist that there is nothing wrong with the water they’re discharging… then I would like to see them commit in writing that they will bring their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dogs swimming here on a weekly basis.
_____________________________________________
From: Sen.Miller [mailto:Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 2:15 PM
Subject: 11.17.08, Sen. Miller Public Information Meeting on Fish Lake

For Immediate Release Contact: Mark Miller
October 28, 2008 608-266-9170

Sen. Miller Announces Public Information/Listening Session on Fish, Mud & Crystal Lake

Senator Miller will host a public information meeting and listening session on Fish, Mud and Crystal Lake on November 17, 2008. The listening session will give residents the opportunity to express their concerns with the continued flooding and provide information about the action currently being taken.

Representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, Dane County and the Lake District will also be present to answer questions. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

November 17, 2008
5:30pm
Town of West Point
N2114 Rausch Road
Lodi, WI 53555

Senator Miller represents the 16th Senate District which includes Eastern Dane County, Southern Columbia County and a portion of Sauk County.

FLW Announces 2009 Walleye Tour Schedule

gengberg November 15th, 2008

WALMART FLW WALLEYE TOUR SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 2009MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 13, 2008 - FLW Outdoors announced its 2009 Walmart FLW Walleye Tour presented by Berkley schedule with a restructured payback that offers larger awards deeper into the field. The tour will still feature top pro awards of $100,000 in each qualifier and a top pro award of $150,000 in the lucrative FLW Walleye Tour Championship while 50th place awards in each qualifier jump to $3,000 in the pro division.

Anglers competing will fish a diverse schedule that opens April 15-18 in Port Clinton, Ohio, on Lake Erie. The second tournament will be on the Mississippi River from May 6-9 in Red Wing, Minn. Leech Lake in Walker, Minn., will host the third qualifying tournament June 10-13 with the final event July 15-18 in Oshkosh, Wis., on Lake Winnebago. The FLW Walleye Tour Championship will return to the Missouri River in Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 30-Oct. 3. Continue Reading »

U.S. Sportsman Alliance on Target 11-11-08

gengberg November 12th, 2008

November 11, 2008

Making the News:

Get Involved in Workplace Campaigns To Benefit Conservation (Click Here For More)
Federal and state employees and individuals working for participating corporations are reminded to do their part to ensure a healthy future for wildlife conservation by teaming with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The deadline for participation in the CFC is December 15, 2008.

Longtime Friend of USSA Honored by Mississippi State University (Click Here For More)
The USSA offers its congratulations to a longstanding friend of the conservation movement, James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., for receiving a prestigious honor from his alma mater, the Mississippi State University (MSU). Kennamer was selected as the 2008 Alumni Fellow for MSU’s College of Forest Resources, an award given to those who have earned special distinction in their professional field.

New Jersey Legislation Allowing Sunday Bow Hunting Moves Forward (Click Here For More)
Senate bill moves to Assembly
At the end of October, the New Jersey Senate passed Senate Bill 802. The legislation authorizes Sunday deer hunting with a bow on private property and state run wildlife management areas. The bill now moves to the New Jersey Assembly for further action.

President-Elect Obama’s Secretary of the Interior (Click Here For More)
Speculation Surrounds Congressman and Environmental Attorney
With the election now determined, speculation is mounting as to who president-elect Barack Obama is considering for key Administration positions. According to the insider political journal, the Politico, U.S. Representative Jay Inslee (D- WA) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are in the mix to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

Forward this Message! Do you find this newsletter helpful? Forward it to friends and encourage them to Sign up for the USSA E-mail Network. Continue Reading »

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