03-10-2007, 02:00 PM
[cool][#0000ff]For those who do not spend any time on the DWR discussion boards, there has been a heated debate between bassahholics and "normal" fishermen on several issues. In a nutshell, bassers want to keep the restrictive bass slots in place for everybody except themselves so they can have tournaments and keep big fish for the weigh-ins.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If anybody wants some "entertaining" reading (8 pages of posts) [url "http://wildlife.utah.gov/forums/viewtopic.php?t=19885"]HERE IS THE LINK[/url] .[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Our seldom outspoken PBH is championing a complete removal of the slots on bass, statewide, for all anglers. I tend to agree with him, but he is up against some pretty rabid bassers. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Whatever happens at the meeting, you can be sure that this will be a hot topic at the upcoming RAC meetings too. This is a time for anyone with any ideas or concerns on the matter to focus their thinking and show up to be heard. Our current regulations are a matter of having special interests (tournament bass anglers) show up en masse and overpower the DWR process to get the restrictive slot limits now in place.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The main argument of the tournament folks is that they contribute a lot to the economy with their tournaments and should be given special considerations. I say hogwash. I pay my license fees and buy lots of gear, gas and goodies too. If I want to keep a trophy fish for the wall or take home a larger fish for the table, I should be just as "special" as they are.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Just a warning. This needs to be given rational thought and open minded discussion. Let's keep emotions and prejudices out of it. After all, it is about fishing. That is supposed to be a fun sport...and relaxing. Not worth getting busted for blowing someone away who has a different opinion.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That is why I quit fishing competitively many years ago. I saw what it does to decent people. Tournament fishing really does turn Dr. Jeckyl into Mr. Hyde. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]CRASH. Just fell off my soapbox.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If anybody wants some "entertaining" reading (8 pages of posts) [url "http://wildlife.utah.gov/forums/viewtopic.php?t=19885"]HERE IS THE LINK[/url] .[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Our seldom outspoken PBH is championing a complete removal of the slots on bass, statewide, for all anglers. I tend to agree with him, but he is up against some pretty rabid bassers. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Whatever happens at the meeting, you can be sure that this will be a hot topic at the upcoming RAC meetings too. This is a time for anyone with any ideas or concerns on the matter to focus their thinking and show up to be heard. Our current regulations are a matter of having special interests (tournament bass anglers) show up en masse and overpower the DWR process to get the restrictive slot limits now in place.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The main argument of the tournament folks is that they contribute a lot to the economy with their tournaments and should be given special considerations. I say hogwash. I pay my license fees and buy lots of gear, gas and goodies too. If I want to keep a trophy fish for the wall or take home a larger fish for the table, I should be just as "special" as they are.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Just a warning. This needs to be given rational thought and open minded discussion. Let's keep emotions and prejudices out of it. After all, it is about fishing. That is supposed to be a fun sport...and relaxing. Not worth getting busted for blowing someone away who has a different opinion.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]That is why I quit fishing competitively many years ago. I saw what it does to decent people. Tournament fishing really does turn Dr. Jeckyl into Mr. Hyde. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]CRASH. Just fell off my soapbox.[/#0000ff]
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