MLPA's coming to So Cal. Does that mean closing our Fishing Grounds?

To all Southern California Fishermen,

If you do not know what MLPA stands for then please look at
http://www.cafisheriescoalition.org/overview.htm

We are potentially to be regulated to the point of loosing most of the fishing areas that we have. It is possibly a bait and switch play years in the making. 1999 law that is being implemented in an overly strict way by groups ideologically opposed to the taking of fish. IE the hidden goal is actually stopping your fishing.

That is why you and I can not sit idly by and let this happen. It is a political process and you must not be silent. It is the "conservation" side we need to voice. Keeping the use of the natural resource open for all of us Outdoors Types to use and enjoy in a sustainable way. Do not fold your hands and let the "preservationists" hold the sway of the legal system to say no one may enter or use the natural environment. Whether they be liberal extremists like PETA or other "no kill" groups, who wear many different cloaks to hide their agenda.

The government web sites states... "There are three types of MPAs: state
marine reserve, state marine park, and state marine conservation area,
each with different rules about what activities can or cannot be done
within each. In general, marine reserves do not allow any type of
extractive activities (including fishing or kelp harvesting), with the
exception of scientific collecting under a permit, marine parks do not
allow any commercial extraction, and marine conservation areas do not
allow some combination of commercial and/or recreational extraction."

from http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/

If you and I do not take heed and work to show the interests of the
fishing public in Southern California we may be stuck with many of the
most restrictive type zones. Then you will not be able to sport fish.

What do you think we can do?

How many "No Kill" type groups can you name?

Fished hard in the MDR Halibut Derby

We had fun. We fished a lot of places all up and down the Santa Monica Bay. On Saturday from Malibu near the Malibu Pier to Twin Towers. We caught some fish but not the right type. Jeff and Dennis and I got some bites on Bass but no halibut. Thomas fished a little but mostly slept off his bonine (sea-sickness medication).

We did Ok and the Bait was good but the Halibut were not cooperating with us or with many of the other fishermen. The radio had lots of talk and little bragging. Mostly bemoaning the lack of halibut or any fish bite.

Our more productive area was near Dukes in Malibu and along Big Rock.

Sunday we went south. And caught Zilch!

Those who did weigh in fish weighed in some great fish. 3 of them over 35 pounds!

See www.mdranglers.com/HD2008/ for all the details.

Maybe next time.

Keith <"><

Fish Wish for this weekend... In the Halibut Derby

Here we are again... Halibut Derby Time!

So we set out to find a big halibut. The Halibut have been very scarce up until now. So I have this for my "Fish Wish" - Please oh' fish of the sea, Please grant us just enough Fish for us to have a pleasant weekend and a trip to the podium.

One quality fish is all it takes to be in the top 5 and win a great trip. 2nd 3rd or 4th sends someone to Mazatlan etc. That is enough for me.

I will be driving the boat so I will have less time with a hook in the water. So I need all the good luck I can get. Fingers crossed. Knock on wood. Kiss my wife.

All the good luck items. And a remembrance to be happy with the outcome no matter what as I am blessed to have the golden opportunity of just going out there and participating.

Thinking of the Golden Fish story.

Off we go fishing this weekend.

Keith <"><