THE LATEST NEWS and advice on fly fishing, fly fishing gear, fly fishing trips, and fly fishing books and media.Minnesota's New Tournament Fees Anger Some, Delight Others
“'I still want to puke when I look at an outdoor channel and see guys grabbing a fish out of a tank and running it across a stage like they’ve just won the Boston Marathon,' [Dave] Zentner said. 'It just turns me off.'” Anyone looking at fishing tournaments from the outside know they are a mixed blessing: they draw attention to the sport, but they also drive anglers into frenzies that are not always resource-friendly. One has to wonder if the reaction of Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources is not a sign that states are becoming more aware of the downside. Article by the Associated Press in The New York Times.
Comments
Ha! Good for MDNR!
I personally think ALL tournament organizers should have to put up $1,000 earmarked to stock more fish in the water the tournament occurs in...everywhere. And that's in addition to any administrative charges the state, county, and local regulatory bodies need...including I think they should be charged for the increased burden on game wardens, boat ramps, parks, and local first responders.
These are profit-making events that make a lot of money for a lot of businesses by using PUBLIC resources. I am all for making them pay their own way.
And fewer tournaments isn't a bad thing if it happens.
Posted by: KW Morrow | July 29, 2007 2:56 PM