Posted on 11/19/2009 7:15 AM
While it is unfortunate that the SSFFF has chosen this date to hold their "emergency" informative meeting, the Hi-Mar will still hold their regulary scheduled meeting as planned. Please remember that we will have elections of officers and Executive Board for 2010 and we are still in need of someone to step up and replace Dan as treasurer.
Posted on 11/14/2009 5:14 AM
Are you ready to do some Toggin Mike?
Posted on 11/14/2009 5:12 AM
Casey, I bought 25 tickets and I won 2 prizes. I traded both of my prizes for the Avet reel and Crowder rod (Donated by George at G & B) because the guy that won it gets seasick and only fishes from the surf. I have posted the rod for sale on a couple other sites. Any interested in buying the rod please send me an email (ronm@hi-mar.com) One of the other 35 tickets I sold won a set of foul weather gear.
I would think if you have time to question what I won, you would have time to list all the winners. Why not contact Bob K. and see if you can get the list?
Posted on 11/09/2009 3:30 PM
Well, Dancing Dan, caught something I never saw caught before, an Atlantic Sturgeon! While we were trollin shad rigs. It dropped off right at the boat so we didn't even have a chance to take a picture of it.
5 keeper bass caught, 2 on eels, 3 on the troll. Boat loads of bluefish. (For the exercise?) And a Sturgeon, what more could a guy want? Thanks to Bob & Pat for another great day on the water. 
Posted on 11/08/2009 3:21 PM
Spot filled
Dancing Dan Brady has joined the crew. 
Posted on 11/08/2009 11:50 AM
Any member want to fish, with Bob Kamienski & me, on the Kingfisher, tomorrow, Monday, 11/09?
7:30 departure.
Call me on my cell. The number is in the members area.
MON
S WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 1 TO 2 FT.
Posted on 11/08/2009 7:12 AM
After spending some time yesterday morning, on the boat, trying to scrape the windshield and waiting for the frost to clear from it we decided that it would be a good idea to have one of those cheap 12volt windshield defrosters/hair dryers. West Marine doesn't seem to carry them. I found one at Amazon.com but they want $9.95 sfor shipping on a $9.44 unit. (That just goes againt my Scottish blood) Anyone know of anyplace local where we can pick one up?
Posted on 11/06/2009 1:43 PM
RFA & ALLIES OFFICIALLY FILE SUIT ON SEA BASS
Charges NMFS With "Failure to Comply With The Law"
November 6, 2009 - In a 40-page legal challenge submitted before the U.S. District Court of New Jersey on November 4, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and industry allies have officially brought legal action against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke due to the recent recreational closure of the Atlantic recreational black sea bass fishery. The challenge contends that the recent closure is not only unprecedented for a fish whose stocks are considered rebuilt and not overfished, but that the action is also based upon "misapplication and misuse of a fatally flawed angler survey which NMFS itself has acknowledged is not to be used for this type of decision."
Filed for a dozen specifically named plaintiffs, the official complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief requested expedited consideration in hopes of reversing the six-month sea bass closure as quickly as possible on behalf all saltwater anglers and fishery dependent businesses. According to Capt. Tony Bogan, plaintiff of the United Boatmen, the recent closure of sea bass is only a part of legal equation. "This goes way behind sea bass," Bogan said of the legal argument, adding "it addresses the potential action by NMFS in the future to arbitrarily close fisheries on a whim or because of survey trends or ideology.'
By closing a recreational fishery based on the fatally flawed recreational survey (MRFSS), the suit contends that the government violated numerous provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and National Standard guidelines issued by NMFS. Additionally, it charges the defendants with ignoring countervailing information and for failure to consider less severe alternatives. "As a result of defendants' actions, and failure to comply with the law, the Plaintiffs have suffered, and will continue to suffer, immediate, substantial and irreparable harm, for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and for which they seek expedited relief."
Herb Moore, Jr., RFA co-counsel said the disregard for the spirit and intent of the Magnuson Stevens Act is one thing, but the clear disregard for the legal requirements of the federal fisheries law is something that leads him to be cautiously optimistic. "These cases are very hard to win, but I think we've got some very strong arguments," Moore said, adding "NMFS was extremely arrogant with their sea bass decision and we're calling them out on this one." Moore charges that NMFS was very deliberate in their actions, explaining "they purposely chose an insular approach designed to block public scrutiny by claiming that they had good cause to waive prior notice and the opportunity for public comment."
To view full legal challenge submitted on behalf of the recreational fishing community, visit the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) homepage at www.joinrfa.org (see RFA Legal Defense Fund - The Fight For Angler's Rights.) Anglers and business owners interested in joining the coalition and supporting the legal challenge are encouraged to look for the Donate button on the RFA homepage. Donations may also be mailed to:
RFA Legal Defense Fund
PO Box 3080
New Gretna, NJ 08224
A national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues, the RFA is dedicating all checks made payable to the RFA Legal Defense Fund directly towards these legal efforts outlined above. All donations will be tracked individually, from all groups and individual anglers.
As of the court filing date, $18,855 in donations have been collected towards the initial challenge, though the plaintiffs expect that the real fight is now set to begin.
"This is the beginning of the battle, not the ending by any means," said Moore.
Posted on 11/06/2009 1:17 PM
I picked this up from NJFISHING.com
The Lawsuit Has Been Filed! November 6, 2009 - The official complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief with “expedited consideration” has been filed in U.S. District Court on behalf of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic recreational community. Filed against the Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce, NOAA and NMFS on behalf of the sea bass closure, United Boatmen, the RFA and its allies need your help! CLICK HERE to view the full legal challengeFor more details and to find out how YOU can help support our efforts in this matter, go to: UnitedBoatmen.com and JoinRFA.org
Posted on 11/06/2009 9:56 AM
| | Recreational Fishing Alliance Contact: Jim Hutchinson, Jr. / 888-564-6732 | For Immediate Release November 6, 2009 |
| RFA PRAISES RHODE ISLAND GOVERNOR FOR VETO
Saltwater License Is Not A Federal Requirement November 3, 2009 - The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) today praised Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri for using his veto power to quash a proposed law to ban saltwater fishing in Rhode Island waters without a license. The new user fee on saltwater fishing had been approved in a nine-hour session of the part-time General Assembly on October 30, and would've required that saltwater anglers purchase a state license to legally fish in coastal waters as of January 1, 2010.
"To be able to fish the saltwaters of Rhode Island is a birthright," said Governor Carcieri. In a letter to the Rhode Island Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governor Carcieri outlined his reasons for disapproving of the legislation and respectfully urged the support of the veto. "This is the Ocean State. It is a place where people have been free, up to now, to cast a line into Narragansett Bay without government intrusion," he said.
"We're with the governor on this," said Jim Donofrio, RFA Executive Director. "I know there are some fishermen who think that all this money was going to go to great use, but when you look at what's happening with dedicated funding in other states it's very hard to justify another bloated user fee, especially when funds are going solely to state administrative costs." Donofrio points to recent issues with both Connecticut and New York fishing licenses as perfect examples of a well-intentioned nightmare. "Connecticut fast-tracked a $10 saltwater license this past June, which suddenly skyrocketed to $30 by the fall in the face of a state budget deficit," Donofrio said. "If Connecticut follows ahead with plans to charge out-of-staters $60 to fish in saltwater, where do you think traveling anglers will go in 2010 to fish on vacation?"
In New York, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer recently called on the state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to completely overhaul its saltwater license plan and incorporate a free registration to satisfy the data-collection needs of the federal fisheries service, or NMFS. "The new system is too complex and too restrictive for fishing families," Schumer said of the new saltwater license in New York, adding that he's made an appeal to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the DEC to establish a system that is that is free and permanent.
The Magnuson Stevens Act (MSA), the nation's primary fisheries law, requires NMFS to implement of a registry of saltwater anglers. A free federal registry is scheduled to go online in 2010 with exemptions given to states with their own registry in place by 2011. "This is being done so we can get more accurate data and science to manage our fisheries," Donofrio said, explaining that a mandated "phone book" of anglers could be accomplished without asking anglers to pay administrative costs. "We have simple registry legislation written and ready to roll in other states, but some activists and legislators in Rhode Island chose to ignore the registry requirements and focus solely on the funding portion."
"The federal government wants a more accurate and efficient means for acquiring recreational catch and effort data," explained Carcieri. "This is hardly a compelling reason or exigent circumstance warranting the imposition of any fee and licensing requirement on a Rhode Island citizen who occasionally takes his or her children fishing," the governor added.
Elisa Jackman at Snug Harbor Marina of Wakefield, RI said she's appreciative of Governor Carcieir's decision. "Snug Harbor Marina fully supports the Governor's decision to veto the saltwater fishing license, and hopes our elected legislators will also favor his decision and protect our angler's Constitutional right."
"Governor Carcieri recognized this license attempt for what it was, pure spin and an attempt to get more money into the general fund," Donofrio said. "We thank the governor for using his veto power to protect all the saltwater anglers who fish Rhode Island waters, not just those willing to pay top dollar to do so." |
| About Recreational Fishing Alliance The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org. |
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Posted on 11/06/2009 5:07 AM
Hello everyone. Some of you may get this email a couple of times due to the way that my Outlook is set up, please forgive me. Our operations are based next to Ft Hood and this tragedy hits very close to home. For anyone that has a passion for the military men and women this type of thing hits hard. Especially if you know someone that is stationed here. I am sending out this email as a way that you can make a specific difference in the lives of the victims of this shooting. We are asking for monetary donations to directly help the families that are affected. There are a number of organizations that are showing support and we all know that the holidays are coming soon. Some of these families will be without someone, making it even more difficult. Children will need gifts, turkey dinners, Christmas dinners and so on. You get the picture. If anyone of you know who I am, you know that I hate the need to be RE-active VS. being PRO-active but here we are as the picture unfolds before us. The fact of the matter is there are families that now have someone missing and they need our support. Forget the media for now and they why and the how come and let's band together and make a difference. Together we can make a difference in these soldiers and families life. They were brought to the war front prematurely and without being armed and no one ever says that is bound to happen...but it did. Now is the time to be reactive and help who we can right now and let our soldiers overseas know that America is still behind them no matter where they are. Please pass this email around to all of your friends and to their friends and so on. Please donate to help this effort so that we can help these families. This is what we are about -- SOLDIERS HELPING SOLDIERS -- Please keep these soldiers and their families in your heart and prayers. We will be accepting donations to support the families in the aftermath to help them pick up the pieces and help them move forward. When making a donation please annotate "FT HOOD" on the donation. For PayPal or Credit Card you can go here: http://www.takeasoldierfishing.com/donate.asp If mailing a check please make the check out to: Combat Warrior Crisis Network 3450 FM 1829 Gatesville, Tx 76528 Together we can make a difference! Mike Nashif Founder/President
Respectfully, Mike Nashif - President Combat Warrior Crisis Network www.combatwarriorcrisisnetwork.org www.takeasoldierfishing.org www.takeasoldierhunting.org Freedom Isn't Free!
Posted on 11/05/2009 5:37 PM
Stripers Forever
Mike SpinneyNovember 5 at 3:39pm
Stripers Forever members - read below the CCA's account of the vote by the Atlantic States Fishery Commission to deny the request to roll over uncaught commercial quota from one year to the next. Stripers Forever sent two bulletins to our members asking you to oppose this measure. The first message at the beginning of the public comment period asked members to write to the ASMFC, and the second asked members to write their state governors to direct their fishery managers to vote against the measure. Many members reported that they had followed through with emails and writtten communications that advocated against the additional commercial fishing measures. We think that without this pressure the votes might well have gone in the wrong direction.
Simply denying more commercial increases won't reverse the decline in the striper fishery that so many are reporting to us, but puttimg the ASMFC on notice that things aren't so great with the striper is a necessary starting point.
Stripers Forever suggests that our members write the governors of the states that voted for the commercial rollover (RI, CT, NY, NC) to complain about the actions of the their state directors. Stripers Forever will register a complaint with NMFS for their support of this measure. The commercial fishing proponents will not give up their attempts to increase their catch, and it is up to us to diligently oppose them. Here is the CCA recap of the meeting:
ASFMC Denies Increase in Commercial Striped Bass Harvest
Anglers rally to defeat proposal for commercial sector to kill more fish
Coastal Conservation Association commends the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) for denying a proposal to increase the commercial harvest of striped bass at its meeting this week in Newport, Rhode Island. The proposal would have allowed commercial fishermen to add at least half of their uncaught commercial striped bass quota to their quota for the following year. Many anglers from CCA Maine made the journey to Newport to express their concern over the status of this important fish, and their voice made a difference.
"The Striped Bass Board understands that anglers at the north and south of the striped bass range are not seeing the numbers of fish they saw even just a few years ago," said Richen Brame, CCA’s Atlantic States fisheries director. "There is cause for concern and we commend the ASMFC for taking a conservative approach."
In its formal comments before the ASMFC against the proposal, CCA cited several disturbing trends in the striped bass fishery, including a dramatic decrease in the number of striped bass caught and released by recreational fishermen, particularly in the northeastern states of New Hampshire and Maine, the prevalence of the fatal disease Mycobacteriosis among the Chesapeake Bay spawning stock, and a Fish and Wildlife Service annual survey that encountered the fewest striped bass in the survey’s history.
“While officially the stock is not overfished and not undergoing overfishing, there are signs that the overall abundance is declining,” said Brame. “The proposed action to allow the commercial industry to take more fish was not a remedy for any of the problems we are seeing with striped bass. Increasing abundance is what will fix those problems.”
While the motion was defeated by a vote of 8-6, the margin of the victory means recreational anglers will have to maintain vigilance at the ASMFC to protect the recovery of striped bass.
“After the vote on the original motion, there was immediately another motion to allow the commercial sector to rollover 25 percent of their uncaught harvest to the next year, which was also defeated,” said Brame. “We will continue to see efforts like this and it was very encouraging to hear Board members remark on the number of comments they received against this proposal from the public. Our members will have to be ready to stand up for conservation.”
The following states voted against the rollover proposal: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware,Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Voting for the proposal were Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, North Carolina and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Fish and Wildlife Service abstained.
Posted on 11/03/2009 10:32 PM
Well, it looks like we may have a new Gov. I wonder who will take credit for that? And, I wonder for how long?
Posted on 11/03/2009 7:03 AM
And don't forget to come to the meeting tonight!
Posted on 11/03/2009 7:02 AM
Not saying who or what to vote for today guys (as an officer of a 501(c) 3 I don't think I can) But, if you don't at least get out and vote then you haven't earned the right to sit back and complain about what the Pols are doing or not doing!
Posted on 10/30/2009 4:23 AM
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Fished on Fins open boat trip last night (10/29) with Greg V and four other guys. 4:30 PM to 9:30PM. Not sure where the Small Craft Adv. came from? Beautiful night on the water. Yes, Ron & Frank left Gale at the dock! (Long Story)
Started out clamming, with Greg having the hot hand. I think he may have had 4 keepers before I put one in the boat. The clam bite died right around dark but we were called in to a semi hot bite at the Sandy Hook Rip. The traffic was horrible so Frank decided to move out a little. I believe we put four or five more (bigger) fish into the boat using eels. Nothing real big, largest fish maybe 34". Nothing for Ron on eels.
Finished the night with a boat limit & a couple new friends. Thanks Capt Frank & Jerry. Can't wait for our Thanksgiving AM Tog trip.
Just before we left the marina I ran into an old friend who told me the bay was full of bluefish all along the beach, from Leonardo light house to Atl Highlands. Didn't make a difference what you threw at them you could catch all you wanted. He said he caught & released about 25 then got tired & quite. Sure enough, as we were leaving the marina, I could see birds working all along the beach. I guess they are feeding heavy before they run south? I hope they stay in the bay because I haven't been bothered by b a bluefish on the last 3 Striper trips. Now that is a good thing!
Posted on 10/27/2009 6:25 AM
<script language=JavaScript1.3 type=text/javascript>document.writeln(timestamp(new Date(2009,9,27,7,23,0), dfrm, tfrm, 0, 0, 0, 0));</script>
2009 HI-MAR FALL TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Due to the horrible weather forecast given by N.O.A.A. and the dangerous conditions that the fishermen could encounter as a result of the forecast, the Tournament Committee of the Hi-Mar Striper Club canceled the tournament for the entire weekend. It was deemed the the safety of the participants was the main concern for the 26 boats that entered the tournament. Therefore, a drawing was held at the awards ceremony.
The five awards were as follows:
1st. Bob Eccles, CHA-CHING, Washington, NJ
2nd. Casey Campi, MACTAC, West Long Branch, NJ
3rd. Steve Solari, LITTLE SILVER EXPRESS, Little Silver, NJ
4th. Alan Soden Sr., ROCKEY II, Red Bank, NJ
5th. Mike Smith, SHOCK ATTACK, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Bob Kamienski
Tournament DIrector
Posted on 10/26/2009 4:24 PM
| Recreational Fishing Alliance Contact: Jim Hutchinson, Jr. / 888-564-6732 | For Immediate Release October 26, 2009 |
| 12 MILLION U.S. SALTWATER ANGLERS IGNORED
New Federal Attempts To Circumvent Legislative Process
October 23, 2009 - A recently published federal taskforce report is causing a great deal of concern for America's recreational fishing community. For longtime members of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) however, the claim that saltwater anglers have been kept out of the review process is nothing especially new. According to the RFA however, it's good to see the national sportfishing industry starting to report it as passionately as coastal stakeholders have for the past few years. The report from the president's newly appointed Interagency Oceans Policy Task Force outlines a federal initiative that could conceivably pave the way for more restrictive governmental actions in further denying access to recreational anglers, similar to what's already been accomplished in California with the marine life protection act (MLPA). RFA has been actively engaged in the MLPA battle on the west coast for over seven years, as the California RFA chapter especially has fought tirelessly against compromises made between various industry allies and hardline environmentalists. The non-scientific based Pacific Coast closures now seem poised to extend eastward as the new Interagency Oceans Policy Task Force has introduced a comprehensive federal policy for all U.S. coastal, ocean and Great Lakes waters. Under the guise of protection, the current second phase of the Task Force direction is set to develop zoning initiatives which could potentially close vast areas of fishable waters, permanently.
"In reviewing the Report, there are strategies, principles, objectives and other authorizing language that stands to have profound impacts on the recreational fishing community," said RFA Executive Director Jim Donofrio in official comments to Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). In writing on behalf of RFA members nationwide, Donofrio said "RFA is concerned about the relatively rapid speed at which CEQ is advancing with this initiative and the apparent lack of opportunity the average recreational angler will have when the final Policy and subsequent bureaucracy is put in place
In a recent meeting facilitated by RFA to introduce Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coastal stakeholders to the new Director of External Affairs, Andrew Winer, it was revealed that several national trade and conservation groups had actually participated in the Interagency Oceans Policy Task Force discussions. As reported by ESPN Outdoors, RFA hopes that any future discussions involving recreational anglers that will ultimately impact coastal stakeholders will actually include those coastal constituents. "We're hoping that after listening to the real stakeholders who live and breathe within these vibrant coastal communities every single day, that perhaps Mr. Winer can help us shake a little sense into these Beltway insiders who think they understand recreational fishermen," said Jim Hutchinson, Managing Director of the RFA.
While the RFA commends CEQ for bringing wide national attention to the management of our nation's marine resources, as a national saltwater political action organization representing marine businesses and users alike, RFA is opposed to any taskforce recommendations that might be enacted through the Executive branch as opposed to through legislative efforts. "Considering the broad implications and hundreds of stakeholders groups that will be affected, the most appropriate course of action would be through the Legislative branch," Donofrio said in the letter to CEQ, adding "Stakeholders would have a greater opportunity to discuss the virtues and flaws of the legislation in a more deliberate, transparent process." On June 18, Donofrio testified before the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife in a hearing convened to review H.R. 21, a bill which would establish a new national policy for our oceans. The RFA was the only recreational fishing organization invited to testify before the Congressional Committee. "RFA maintains that Magnuson must remain the nation's primary fisheries law and that any national ocean policy spawned from H.R. 21 provide guidance and recommendations to Magnuson, not supersede it," Donofrio said during the afternoon session back in June.
Several hardline environmental groups have been pressuring Congress and the Obama administration to implement new overriding marine laws, however, several key federal legislators have helped stymie the repressive ocean policy legislation. "This bill's not going to go anywhere," said Rep. Don Young (R-AK). "You may try to work it through the House, you may have the Speaker help you out, but I'll stop it dead in the Senate, because you're not going to mess with my waters in Alaska, you're not going to mess with my fishermen as you've done in the past," Young added.
Donofrio said the RFA is unnerved by glaring similarities of the new report and H.R. 21, the Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act. "This appears to be an attempt by the Executive branch to circumvent the established legislative process and enact policy that failed as legislation 5 years in a row," Donofrio said, adding "RFA believes enacting laws through Executive order and proclamation sets a dangerous precedence."
The RFA's six-page letter to White House Council on Environmental Quality is available online for review at www.joinrfa.org/press/CEQComments_101909.pdf.
To view the 10/18/09 congressional hearing on the H.R. 21 in its entirety, click here. (Jim Donofrio's testimony begins at 1:06:06) |
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