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Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
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June 15, 2004
Two Provocative Fishing Issues?
By Jerry Bush
Guest Columnist
1. Youth Fishing License
Photo by Jerry Bush
House Bill 2155, which is currently under consideration by the State Legislature, had contained an initiative for a license requirement targeting youth 12 to 15 years of age. My initial reaction (like many) when hearing of this proposition was one of distress and fury. Like many outdoor writers, I am dedicated to encouraging America's youth to participate in the great activities of hunting and fishing, and I didn't feel there was any room for nonsense.
Recently Rep. Rod Wilt, (Crawford County Republican) offered an amendment to HB 2155 that seems to signal an end to the controversial regulation; but was the license a legitimate consideration? Few issues are black and white these days, including this possible license. After researching the subject, I actually discovered this youth fishing license could have some merit.
The $2.00 junior license as proposed, would have included all angling benefits, which means there would not be additional requirements for teens to purchase a trout stamp, or the proposed Lake Erie tag.
The PFBC needs capital, and this youth license would play a significant part in that function. Not so much the $2.00 fee for the license. It's the matching funds from the federal government that is desired. The Dingle-Johnson, "Sport Fish Restoration Act", assures that states receive approximately an additional $3.50 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for each fishing license sold. The matching funds are a direct result of excise taxes paid by boaters and anglers for gear, water craft, and fuel. Certainly Pennsylvania anglers deserve such compensation.
The resulting money could actually be used for the development of programs that might get more kids interested in fishing. If nothing else, the license would certainly support data acquisition. Consider for example, how does the PFBC currently collect data concerning how many youngsters are fishing, or how many remain dedicated anglers after reaching adulthood?
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Press Secretary Dan Tredinnick mentioned one other positive consideration. "By charging a modest fee, we feel that young anglers would play a part by contributing to the future of fishing and boating, and in the process gain a sense of ownership." I have to admit Dan makes an interesting point. There are many 12 to 15 year old anglers, who basically have nothing invested in the future of fishing in Pennsylvania. It is important for teens to learn that conservation does come at a cost.
Curious though, that nobody wants to step up to the plate, and claim this idea as their own? Mr. Tredinnick informed me the concept was put on the table, after representatives of several outdoor sportsmen's organizations met with House Game & Fisheries Committee members. Mr. Tredinnick says those groups included PA Trout, PA BASS Federation, and the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, among others.
I must note however, that leaders of PA BASS have not responded to my questions, and Mr. Ron Smith Jr., (of the PA Steelhead Association), says the PSA is "pretty much split on the issue". Melody Zullinger (Executive Director of the PFSC), claims the Fish and Boat Commission has been proposing this idea for years. Melody says the organization she represents is not 100% supportive of the license. "We did agree to place it in our proposal for consideration. We don't believe it will be an economic problem, but some feel it could present an inconvenience obstacle." Melody assured me the PFSC is prepared to support the majority opinion concerning this issue.
I am certain some people will experience inconveniences. It's a major chore to keep track of my personal permit. My son would probably misplace his license two or three times a year, since the PFBC insists it can't simply be stored in a wallet!
If (and I stress IF), we accept the concept of selling a fishing license to youngsters, certainly the $2.00 fee is reasonable. As a parent however, I hate that standard of "justification by comparison." Mr. Tredinnick immediately pointed out that a "CD costs $15.00, and a movie ticket is $7.00", and Mr. Smith reminded me that "a couple bottles of soda costs $2.00." They are right of course, but so what? I have written articles bragging about the entertainment value of a hunting and fishing license, but not when talking about kids. Let's face it - raising kids is expensive enough. Sure, it's only $2.00 (for now); but sit back and look at the big picture for a moment!
I wish I had half the money I spend annually because somebody makes me feel like a bad parent if I don't buy this or that for "only" $5.00; and for "only" $3.00; and something else for "only" $10.00. Let's not forget the other proposed increases being sought by the PFBC. The cost of an adult fishing license is expected to rise by "only" $3.75, plus the proposed Lake Erie stamp will run Great Lakes anglers "only" an another $8.00. A trout stamp is expected to increase "only" another $3.00, and non-powered watercraft registrations are expected to increase by "only" another $8.00 each. Powered boat registrations could increase even more.
Here's the magic question. Why isn't anyone proposing a reduced price, family license? The PFBC would still be entitled to matching funds from the USFWS, assuming the cost of the license is directly proportionate to the number of anglers in the family. By approaching this issue in such a manner, large families would be encouraged to bond outdoors.
2. Non-Powered Boat Registrations
Can there possibly be a good reason that Pennsylvania boat owners must purchase registrations for non-powered watercraft? It seems questionable to me, considering it isn't necessary to do so in most other states. So what's the reason?
Non-powered boat on the New York waters of Lake Erie
Photo by Dave Adams
I contacted Melody Zullinger, who is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, to get a feeling of how the prestigious organization felt about this issue. Frankly, it was one of the few times I wasn't happy with her response. Melody answered me with a question. Do I use boat launches or parking facilities?
Well, yes I do from time to time, but I also launch my kayaks in various places that do not have developed launching facilities. Besides, as one of my friends recently reminded me, there are as many or more bank and shoreline anglers that park at these facilities. Perhaps we should charge them?
As Captain Dave Adams stated: "We're talking about such a minuscule number of boat owners that it can't be worth causing unhappiness. After all, in most cases we are talking about first time boat owners. They need to be encouraged to hang in there, not penalized."
I agree! I'd also like to add this comment. Many of these canoe, kayak, and rowboat owners also own powered craft, and already pay their fair share for "public access". This is one registration fee for which there is not justification.
Best Regards,
Jerry Bush
Outdoor Writer/Photographer
North East, PA
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
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