Coastal California Under Attack

In an attempt to stop this government like shutdown of a god given right to fish, a group formed called the United Anglers of Southern California. For a few years now they have managed to delay the now January 1, 2012 shutdown of prime fishing locations along the bays and coastline. 

I have spoked with many fishing colleagues and some of them blame it on California being a messed up state. I disagree, mainly because as messed up as things are in what could actually be a great state, the true responsibility lies on us as citizens to resolve our differences as a people. Many people do not realize that there is an ever growing group of citizens with nothing better to do with their time but look into what others are doing and say they want to stop it. I remember a few years back when there was a study that proved hunters were causing damage to the environment with lead ammunition. Since then, the use of lead based ammo has been made illegal to use for sporting purposes. What would become of hunting in other states should lead based ammo be banned? Is lead not a concern in other states? I think it's only a matter of time before others get bored and start more chaos out of nothing. 

While I sit here wondering how things will change in California these next few years in regards to fishing, I can't help but see the spread of this disease like thinking. Some of you may think that your state is immune to such rulings, however I will leave you with this. Southern California has been only second to coastal Florida in sport fishing revenue for as long as time has been kept. There are numerous fishing fleets that are essentially being put out of business by these new regulations. If a multi-billion dollar business could be sucker punched in a few short years. What is stoping it from traveling to the Coast of Texas, or Florida? Where does it stop? I hope that we can form a front with conservation in mind that will help our waters flourish and not infringe upon our rights to live as well.

If you would like more information on this subject I will be doing an article about this very soon. It will hold a lot of details. Please be on the lookout for it within the next few weeks.