|
|
Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
If you would like to Ask the Captain a question, please click HERE.
July 5, 2004
An over-indulged, spoiled Pennsylvania angler
second guesses the license increase
I am a professional angler. So, a newspaper reporter emailed me and asked for my opinion on the proposed Pennsylvania fishing license increase, in particular the Lake Erie stamp. My response was: "Of course, I am in favor of both."
But my answer also included some harsh criticism of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission as well as the politicians that control such issues. Then, I thought, why should I be upset with them? Because it's me that I'm upset with.
Currently, anywhere I look in Pennsylvania, a fishing opportunity awaits me. I can catch fish anytime of the year; for example, stocked trout in the winter and spring, steelhead in the fall, or walleye, perch, and bass in the summer.
I would say that I'm an over-indulged, spoiled Pennsylvania angler, with more fishing equipment than my house is worth. Also, according to the population census of Pennsylvania, as an angler, I am a minority; and as such, I also whine too much about outdoor recreation opportunities, and I have forgotten what fishing is about.
I grew up 30 feet from the Allegheny River, very poor. During my childhood, shoes were a once-a-year event. I delivered the morning newspaper, not to buy video games, but to buy milk for my brothers and sister. My wife of 25 years grew up the same, if not worse.
She did not have indoor plumping until she was 12 years old. Yes, an outhouse was used until then, and shoes for her were maybe a once-a year event. They were bought by an uncle. "After he passed away," Cindy said, "new shoes were only bought as a necessity, usually on Christmas and probably by one of my brothers."
I didn't meet my wife until the 70's, but as children, fishing was a daily part of our lives. We both fished for carp on the Allegheny River.
My equipment was old and rarely worked. It consisted of old level wind reels, with nylon line. When those old reels failed, kite string and a rusted hook - which I searched long and hard for along the river bank - was used. Sinkers - as I called them - were rocks or when lucky, a bolt or nut.
We both used corn as our primary bait for carp. "I wasn't so concerned about catching fish," my wife told me. "When I was young, I was always hungry; so, I usually ate the corn, while my uncle fished."
I, however, was fascinated by doing battle with a carp. My friends and I caught many a giant carp during those early years. Time went on, though.
I still fish a lot, but not for carp. Besides, too many other opportunities are available, and a fancy boat equipped with expensive fishing reels has replaced those old level wind reels and nylon line. Something else changed, too.
"You know what," Cindy said to me "Every time I went to the river, there was always a bunch of people fishing. We had fun."
I remember that too, I answered. Everyday, especially during the summer, the river bank was full of people fishing. Now, hardly anyone fishes, I wonder why?
Today, fortunately, the quality of life is better for most children. They have indoor plumbing and shoes. Most, in fact, start out with video games, not fishing for carp; and adults, who used to fish, now have other interests such as camping, mountain biking and jumping from airplanes.
Times do change. Now, anglers are a minority, with ever-shrinking numbers. Can we keep the current levels of angling opportunities and not lose future anglers? I doubt it. If the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission - which, by the way, has done an admirable job in the past - is successful in getting a license increase, it might be at a substantial cost.
Penn State football coach, Joe Paterno said: "Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won't taste good."
The money received from a license increase will help the PF&BC in their current financial difficulties, but at what price? Should the PF&BC adjust spending habits? I know it hurts, but others such as companies, school districts, and cities are doing just that.
My fear is the hunger for change will return in a few years. Only next time, even fewer anglers will be around to support fishing and the PF&BC. Can we do with a little less, to increase our ranks? I can.
Because fishing is a simple sport, and once that is realized, it requires little to satisfy the true angler.
Good Fishing,
Capt. Dave Adams
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
|
|
