07-25-2003, 11:35 AM
[cool]Hi, myu. This forum must provide some interesting new ideas for you. Our whole culture is different, in the USA, but the fishing and the regulations can be puzzling even to those of us who have lived here all of our lives.
Our member, Leaky, lives in northern Utah, where I also lived and fished for many years...so I am familiar with the waters and the regulations. Utah has some unique laws. Some of them are found nowhere else in the United States. However, the restriction on the use of scents and "impregnated" flavorings is also found in other waters where the fish populations are being managed closely.
Modern science has come up with some very effective chemical enhancements to help fishermen fool more fish. These are not used only by new fishermen, who cannot catch fish on artificials otherwise. Many of our most recognized professional anglers and tournament fishermen would not fish without them. In their business (fishing), they need every advantage they can get. One extra fish in a tournament...or a slightly larger one...can mean the difference between first place and finishing "out of the money".
But, as far as the fisheries officers employing "sniffer dogs" to catch those who try to get around the laws, that does not happen. However, most trained officers recognize the popular plastic baits (like Powerbaits) that are sold with scent embedded in the lures. Even if you try to remove the scent, they will cite you if they find you with those lures in your possession. They can also recognize the odors of most of the popular attractants that are sold for anglers to add on to unscented lures...or to "boost" them while fishing.
There are plenty of lure manufacturers that still make plain old unscented plastics. And, many of these will work well without scents. The key, as always, is to first be a knowledgeable fishermen and to know both your tackle and your quarry. The scents help, but they will not make you a better fish finder or help you with casting and retrieving the right way.
Like most of us who are true fishermen, Leaky has a sense of humor and tries to make light of a potentially serious situation. He would never deliberately violate the regulations on any waters, no matter how much he felt they were unfair...or just plain stupid. And, there are some laws in Utah that we can only wonder at how they came to be part of the state proclamation.
So, our new friend from Okinawa, that is your lesson for today. We are glad you have found us and that you participate in our discussions.
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Our member, Leaky, lives in northern Utah, where I also lived and fished for many years...so I am familiar with the waters and the regulations. Utah has some unique laws. Some of them are found nowhere else in the United States. However, the restriction on the use of scents and "impregnated" flavorings is also found in other waters where the fish populations are being managed closely.
Modern science has come up with some very effective chemical enhancements to help fishermen fool more fish. These are not used only by new fishermen, who cannot catch fish on artificials otherwise. Many of our most recognized professional anglers and tournament fishermen would not fish without them. In their business (fishing), they need every advantage they can get. One extra fish in a tournament...or a slightly larger one...can mean the difference between first place and finishing "out of the money".
But, as far as the fisheries officers employing "sniffer dogs" to catch those who try to get around the laws, that does not happen. However, most trained officers recognize the popular plastic baits (like Powerbaits) that are sold with scent embedded in the lures. Even if you try to remove the scent, they will cite you if they find you with those lures in your possession. They can also recognize the odors of most of the popular attractants that are sold for anglers to add on to unscented lures...or to "boost" them while fishing.
There are plenty of lure manufacturers that still make plain old unscented plastics. And, many of these will work well without scents. The key, as always, is to first be a knowledgeable fishermen and to know both your tackle and your quarry. The scents help, but they will not make you a better fish finder or help you with casting and retrieving the right way.
Like most of us who are true fishermen, Leaky has a sense of humor and tries to make light of a potentially serious situation. He would never deliberately violate the regulations on any waters, no matter how much he felt they were unfair...or just plain stupid. And, there are some laws in Utah that we can only wonder at how they came to be part of the state proclamation.
So, our new friend from Okinawa, that is your lesson for today. We are glad you have found us and that you participate in our discussions.
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