I was just looking over the prizes for the CCA Star in Louisiana vs. Texas. OMGoodness...... there is NO COMPARISON. In at least one instance the Same Sponsor provides a much lesser prize in Louisiana vs Texas.

What's up with this? Look for yourself. I'm not talking a little difference in prizes - I'm talking Night and Day difference. What are we NOT doing in LA to generate the same prizes. If I remember correctly - the prize values (in today's dollars) has pretty much been on a steady decline in LA for quite a few years.

For those so inclined here is a link to an online petition to quit the foot dragging and get the promised Public Launch in Leeville going:

http://www.change.org/petitions/lafourche-parish-president-randolph-council-members-expedite-the-leeville-boat-launch-project-without-further-delay

I have recently purchased a 10 foot and a 6 foot trawl and a set of boards for a 20' trawl. So here's where I need help. The 6' boards are tiny. The other boards are 30' X 16' - too big for a 10' trawl. I'd like to make a set of boards for a 10-16' trawl - but I can't find the DIMS anywhere on the Internet. Does anyone know where I can find them or.... I know this is asking a lot - could someone measure their boards and give me the dims for their 16 footer? The board size and radius I can derive but I'm told the drilling of the hols for the chains is pretty important.

Thanks in advance.

Here’s a Challenge to all you “Girly Men” who feel like you need a big, high powered Outboard Motor and a GPS Controlled Trolling Motor just to catch fish. You think your fish catching skills are up to the challenge of fishing against a bunch or Yakers (also know to sharks as - humans on a plastic half shell)? We don’t think so………. let’s see you prove it. Originally, this Tournament was conceived as a Kayak Only Tournament, however, we wanted to take the opportunity embarrass you StinkPot types out there, LOL.

Casting for Kids Fishing Tournament 2011
August 27th, 2011 - 5AM Lines In.
Bobbi Lynn’s South Marina

Entry Fee: 25.00 includes a T-Shirt (go ahead – cut the sleeves off Hoss) and a meal after the Tourney.

Tourney will have prizes for 1st – 3rd Place Kayak and StinkPot Divisions for Largest Speckled Trout, Largest Redfish (27” or less) and Largest Flounder. All other prizes will be raffled off after the prizes have been presented.

Special Raffles:

Hobie Kayaks has donated a Hobie Quest Kayak valued at $1000.00 Tickets are $10.00 Ea (This is for those of you that want to – you know…. Change Teams.)

Yeti 75 Quart Cooler valued at $400.00. Tickets are $5.00 Ea.
You need not be present to win. (In case you get windburn or something flying around in those speedy boats.)

For More Info or to join in sponsoring this Tournament - please contact:
Michelle @ 225.938.9079 mkpoucher@gmail.com
Sybil @ 225.266.8625 sbyrd@clarity-sunshineprogram.com

If you want to look me up……. I’ll be the Fat Guy Helping the Hooters Girls work the Leaderboard!

I have a hunch the LDWF Commission is tired of the games. I think there is a good chance - they will lift the entire State Water Fishing Ban.

I bet, if they do, the LDWF will drag it's feet on opening Elmer's Island.

Sorry Andy. I was trying to get that as a subpost to your's and I blew it.

BTW Voison is supposed to be on WWL in a little bit if I'm not mistaken.

Gentlemen and Lady,

I request that you remove the Recreational Fishing Closure in Louisiana or AT LEAST allow for catch and release fishing.

Currently TX, AL and FL have figured out a way to keep all of their fisheries OPEN. MS has closed the MS Sound, however, north of the coastline – everything is open.

LA is the only one of the Gulf States that can not figure out a way to “limp along” and help the coastal businesses and the economy.

I think the parallels that can be drawn between the Obama Drill Moratorium and the LA Fishing Ban are astounding. Both seem to have workable solutions, however, those in charge seem to have no desire to look at alternatives. It’s especially problematic to me when one considers that we have neighboring and adjoining states that have determined that Tourism and the Local Economy are worth saving. They’ve been plagued with the same oil & tar balls that we have, however, they have demonstrated a “Can Do” attitude and implemented procedures that seem to be functioning quite well.

In closing, I’d like to quote our Governor’s statement to the Federal Government “No , is not a plan”. I’d like to agree with our Governor and say “LDWF Commission, No is not a plan”. We need to give our local economy as Fighting Chance as the other states in the Gulf Region are doing.

Best regards,

Hey Eric,

I'd be delighted to have you and/or Dudley speak for me. I think we're in good hands. Now..... for Dudley - we have to keep his energy level up. Who is volunteering to bring a box of Little Debbies. Nutty Bars - I think. I'd volunteer, but, you know - they'd probably never make it to him, lol.

Excellent News.

In a game of One Upmanship - Today The la Governor's Office is expected to order LDWF to issue a new order concerning waters affected by the Fishing Ban:

Pursuant to the Fishing Closure - LDWF Board has directed the LDWF Secretary to issue a 'Viewing Ban' of the waters within the area closed to fishing. Individuals may peer into the water adjacent to the closure areas, however, direct viewing of the closed waters will hereby be prohibited.

Expect LDWF to explain that this will be do to a POSSIBLE difference in the Reflective Index of the water's surface. It is POSSIBLE that any oil on the surface and/or in the water column COULD cause sunlight to be intensified and reflected differently than normal. It is possible that reflections from said water MIGHT be harmful to one's eyes. Therefore, in the interest of protecting the public's sight a Viewing Ban has been ordered.

More testing will be required. This will be a precautionary ban which will allow for quicker reopening than a non precautionary ban. LDWF is currently awaiting approval to begin testing and testing parameters from the EPA. Testing procedures are expected by Mid August. At that point LDWF will begin testing. Testing is expected to last for 6 weeks at which time the data will be laboriously analyzed and a recommendation as to whether a Permanent Viewing Ban will be instituted.

Enforcement will be an issue reports LDWF. 'We currently have Counsel determining if 'indirect viewing' of waters through a device such as a camera will be allowed'. The Board also worries that boatloads of bikini-clad law breakers MIGHT anchor adjacent to closed water and use reflective devices to focus Prohibited Reflective Light onto their skin POSSIBLY causing damage.

Expect a new National Advertising Campaign entitled:

LOUISIANA - OUR SUNLIGHT MIGHT BE SAFE!

Tourists will be invited to come down and take advantage of our sunlight. They will, however, be cautioned that pending future testing all sunlight use, for recreational purposes, may be immediately terminated. Additionally, No Recreational Sunlight use on the beaches (defined as any land typically covered or uncovered due to tidal fluctuations) will be permitted due to the possibility that oil MIGHT have been on the beach at some point.

The Louisiana Charter Boat Association has come out in favor of this Ban. 'We've LONG been in favor of some sort of Sunlight Exposure rules. 'In an effort to keep our clients from excessive sunlight exposure we try to get our clients to catch their (25) 13' trout as quickly as possible. Imagine that a school of 13' trout is right beside a Prohibited Area. What if one of our clients accidentally looks into a prohibited area and injures their eyesight. Our Fishing 'Brand' could be ruined forever'.

Well...... reports are in on the Jimmy Buffet Concert in ALABAMA. It's expressed purpose was to bring Tourism back to the area. Apparently, it was a great success.

Let's see........ we have tourism.... not much as far as beaches go so our tourism is called Recreational Fishing.

So....... Florida, Alabama and Texas have figured a way to allow both Recreational Fishing & Opened their Beaches. Mississippi Beaches are Open - Fishing is closed.

So tell me again........ Why is it that our Administration refuses to do either or both?

Why is no a plan for this state?

Why should we not hold the Administration Accountable for not being able to do what neighboring states have done?

Beaches:

FL - OPEN
AL - OPEN
MS - OPEN
TX - OPEN
LA - CLOSED

Fishing:

FL - open
AL - OPEN C & R
TX - OPEN

MS - CLOSED
LA - CLOSED

It's obvious that these other states understand how important Tourism is to their state economy. As a result they have mitigated the damage being done. Louisiana, on the other hand......... has 2 big industries Oil & Gas and Tourism. The Federal Administration is effectively blocking the Oil & Gas - The State Administration is effectively blocking the second.

Please join me in contacting your Federal, State and Local Officials and demanding that they find a way to mitigate our damage to the LA Economy.

Our State Administration CAN NOT just stand here saying BP is going to make this OK. That's as ridiculous as the Obama administration telling rigworkers to file for unemployment.

Governor Jindal - We NEED your LEADERSHIP! There are things that YOU can do to effect our economy IMMEDIATELY. WE NEED YOU TO DO SO!!!!!

Please let us know what our legal options are regarding the LDWF Boards refusal to ratify the Agency\'s suggestion for C & R fishing. Can the Governor Override the LDWF Board? Do we need to file suit? What would be your suggestion?

IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT THE CHARTER BOAT ASSOCIATION WAS AGAINST ANY FISHING IN OIL FILLED AREAS.

FROM MY CONVERSATIONS WITH CHARTER BOAT CAPTAINS OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS - ALL WERE IN OPPOSITION BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT IT MIGHT HURT THEIR BP CLAIMS.

IN MY OPINION YOUR VOICE WAS HEARD LOUDLY DURING THE MEETING TODAY. BY THE LDWF AND RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN.

I FIND YOUR STANCE VERY SELF SERVING. IT SCREAMS WHAT IS A COMMON OPINION IN MUCH OF THE US - THESE PEOPLE IN LA ARE JUST LOOKING FOR A HANDOUT.

I WOULD ASK EVERY RECREATIONAL FISHERMAN TO EXAMINE THE CHARTER CAPTAINS POSITION AND SEE IF YOU THINK IT IS A BENEFIT TO THE FISHERY AS A WHOLE OR 'IF WE CAN'T FISH - TO HECK WITH THEM' SENTIMENT.

LET ME NOW PROPOSE A BAN: I WOULD PROPOSE A SELF IMPOSED BAN ON USING THE SERVICES OF A FEW WHO HAVE JOINED IN BLOCKING THE ABILITY TO CATCH & RELEASE TO SO MANY OTHERS.

CAPTAINS: IF YOU WERE OPPOSED TO YOUR ASSOCIATIONS STANCE I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELVES.

DRILLING MORATORIUM – DRILLING CESSSATION ORDERED CITING SCIENTIFC DATA. SCIENTISTS LATER REFUTED MAKING THE STATEMENTS CLAIMED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.

FISHING BAN: ASLO CLOSED CITING SCIENTIFIC DATA AND TESTING. CHIEF BIOLOGIST FROM THE STATE ADMITS FINFISH UNABLE TO BE CONTAMINATED BY OIL.

DRILLING MORATORIUM: SUBSEQUENT TO LAWSUIT A FEDERAL JUDGE PLACES AN INJUNCTION TO THE DRILLING MORATORIUM CITING ARBITRARY AND DESTRUCTIVE.

FISHING BAN: LDWF SECRETARY BARNHAM REVERSES COURSE AND OPENS STATE TO CATCH AND RELEASE LIKE NEIGHBORING ALABAMA.

DRILLING MORATORIUM: OBAMA ADMINISTRATION REFUSES TO ACCEPT JUDGES RULING AND STATES THEY WILL JUST DRAW UP ANOTHER MORATORIUM AND APPEAL THE JUDGES RULING.

FISHING BAN: LDWF REFUSES TO RATIFY THE LDWF SECRETARY’S ORDER TO OPEN RECREATIONAL FINFISH FISHING TO CATCH & RELEASE.

DOES ANYBODY SEE ANY SIMILARITIES HERE? THIS IS RIDICULOUS?

MR GOVERNOR – EXERCISE YOUR EXECUTIVE POWERS AND END THIS IDIOCY.

CAPTAINS and RECREATIONAL FISHERMAN:

We now have an opportunity to reinvent ourselves.

On the Chartered Trips that I have been on..... the thrill has been in going with an EXPERT fisherman. I have been able to fish along side of these Captains and learn new areas, new techniques, etc. It has not been a MEAT HAUL for me. Frankly - it would be less expensive to buy the fish at the market than it is to go on a charter.

Charter Captains: This might mean longer time on the water, etc. since there there will be no finite end to the fishing (Limits). It might also mean that your clients are more willing to 'big fish' fish since they can't make tablefare out of what they catch. I'll be shocked if you don't start to book trips for those of us that LOVE to catch fish - just for the thrill of catching fish. Might I suggest (I'll probably get crucified here) booking multiple, less expensive/shorter trips. I think that less expensive trips would allow a larger section of the population to be able to afford charter trips. In some states offshore charters book (2) half day trips out of the same marina -back to back. Danny Wray offered such a service - in the evenings eh offered a couple hour (Tag & Release) Bull Red trip right in the pass. I can tell you that it's every bit as thrilling for my son to catch a couple Bull Reds as it is for him to catch a bunch of trout. I think that you will find that once you've 'captured' families as clients you will have a client base for years to come. Black Drum, Sheepshead, Bull Reds might become your clients most thrilling catches.

Fellow Fisherman:

I've sent an email to the Governor and just talked with a woman who assured me that the comments about Louisiana implementing Catch & Release Fishing (ala Alabama) will be going to the Governor's Desk.

Please join me in contacting the Governor's Office:

I've asked them to open Catch & Release fishing to support the local economies. In addition, I've pointed out that our beaches are closed and yet Florida and Alabama have theirs open. It doesn't make sense.

WWL has been contacted although I haven't heard from them.

I have a couple requests - I haven't been able to find out anything about Mississippi. Early on they kept their waters open - I don't know where they stand now. Anybody with definitive information on MS please share.

Talking Points with the Governor, LDWF, Local Officials:

LDWF is saying that ALL the states along the Gulf Coast have entered into an agreement concerning the closure and reopening of fisheries. This CAN NOT be true when we have at least 3 neighboring states with coastline that HAS been impacted with oil that are still allowing recreational fishing in one form or another.

The Governor's failure to step in here is ABSOLUTELY PARALLEL to the Presidents refusal to lift the Drilling Moratorium. Local Economies are being DEVASTATED needlessly while the Administration fails to act.

Reopening fishing to Catch & Release would reinvigorate the coastal areas with Recreational Fishing Dollars. In addition, I believe, most Guides could go back to work - lets face it - we're going for the experience. Most of us already have a freezer full of fish.

Beaches: Why would LA beaches be closed when TX, AL & FL beaches be open to tourists. Cleanup Crews in these other states 'work around' the tourists collecting tar balls and the like. Again - the Administration needs to do what they can to give tourism in LA the same fighting chance that it is being offered in neighboring states.

Please contact everyone you can. Politicians are a good start. Local and National Media would be great as well - I'd like to see Anderson Cooper asking these same questions. Anyone that can get to James Carville - He's been a darn fine spokesmen for LA through all of this. LOL, I never thought I'd say that!

Please, please....... contact someone. Get them involved in contacting others.

LETS USE OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE TO REVERSE THIS SENSELESS RECREATIONAL FISHING BAN!!!!!

THIS IS AN APPEAL TO ALL RECREATIONAL FISHERMAN IN LA:

I think it's time for us to overwhelm LDWF with complaints about the fishing closure. Florida is able to keep a great amount of their fishing open. Alabama is allowing 'CATCH & RELEASE'. I think a comparison CAN AND SHOULD be drawn between the Drilling Moratorium and the Recreational Fishing Closure - BOTH ARE NEEDLESSLY PUTTING A LOT OR PEOPLE OUT OF WORK.

Governor's Office: We need to contact the Governor's Office and ask him to exert his influence with the LDWF. The Governor needs to hear, from us, that we hold him as responsible for the fishing closure as we hold the President responsible for the moratorium.

LETS FILL THIS MEETING ROOM UP!!!! AFTER CONTACTING THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

La. Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
General
07/08/2010
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has scheduled the next regular public board meeting for 9:30 a.m. on July 8, 2010, at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries building located at 2000 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge.

Local Officials: If fishing in your area is closed - we call on YOU to start to publicly complain about the unwarranted closure and the lives and jobs that are being effected.

WHY, WHY, WHY IS IT THAT SOME STATES CAN CONTINUE TO KEEP FEEDING THE ECONOMY WITH RECREATIONAL FISHING AND LA CANT? WHY IS IS THAT OUR BEACHES ARE CLOSED AND OFF LIMITS WHILE CLEAN UP WORKERS WALK THE PENSACOLA BEACHES AND CLEAN UP AROUND SUNBATHERS.

OUTRAGE!!!! My outrage, to this point, has been for BP and the Federal response. It has become apparent to me, however, that La Government and LDWF have GOT TO BE hammered on this point. They need to be 'shamed' on the media much the same way that BP has been. It's apparently/unfortunately the only mechanism that politicians understand. Now that I have come to grips with that fact I know what I have to do. PLEASE HELP ME IN EXPRESSING TO STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS THAT THEY ARE DOING THE EXACT SAME THING THAT THEY ARE ACCUSING THE PRESIDENT OF:

MAKING RASH DECISIONS THAT ARE DEVASTATING TO OUR ECONOMY WHILE IGNORING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS (CATCH & RELEASE) THAT EXIST. THE PARALLELS ARE JUST ASTOUNDING, IMO.