Congress Restores 35-Year EPA Recreational Boating Exemption

GOOD NEWS! -- The American Sportfishing Association applauds the bi-partisan actions of the House and Senate with their passage of S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. The act will permanently restore a long-standing exemption for the nation’s 18 million recreational boats from permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act.

By

Arizona Game And Fish Department

Sportfishing Industry Urges Swift Presidential Approval

The American Sportfishing Association applauds the bi-partisan actions of the House and Senate with their passage of S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. The act will permanently restore a long-standing exemption for the nation’s 18 million recreational boats from permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act.

The legislation now goes to the White House for the President’s signature. 

Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representatives Jim Oberstar (D-MN), Steve LaTourette (R-OH), Candice Miller (R-MI) and Gene Taylor (D-MS) led the Congressional action that permanently reverses a September 2006 court decision that would have required recreational boaters to obtain a federal or state permit in order to operate their boats, the same as commercial vessels.

Without the swift action of Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would have had to implement permit regulations for all recreational boats in the country by Oct. 1.

“This is a significant victory for recreational boaters and anglers,” said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. “Our thanks and congratulations go to the National Marine Manufacturers Association for leading the charge to see that this Act was passed. It just goes to show what can be done when the entire boating and angling community comes together for a common purpose.”

 Robertson further said, “We urge the President to validate the bi-partisan action of Congress by swiftly approving this bill.”

From The American Sportfishing Association: ASA is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice, speaking out on behalf of sportfishing and boating industries, state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups and outdoor journalists when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself.

We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America.

ASA also represents the interests of America’s 40 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.

S. 2766 Passes! - No New Permit For Boats Required

GOOD NEWS! -- for all recreational boats -- from kayakers to sailors to anglers to hot-boat enthusiasts, and more: S. 2766 (The Clean Boating Act of 2008) has passed the House and the Senate. Arizona Boating & Watersports sends congratulations and thank yous to all who have made this possible, including many of our readers.

In a remarkable display of bipartisan support for recreational boating, both the House and Senate today passed S. 2766, "The Clean Boating Act of 2008" which will permanently restore a long-standing exemption for recreational boats from permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act. The legislation now goes to the White House for the President's signature.

Congressional action was spawned by a U.S. District Court decision in September 2006 under which an estimated 17 million recreational boats would have fallen under Clean Water Act permit requirements effective Sept. 30, 2008. The permit would have dictated maintenance and operation procedures and potentially subjected boaters to citizen lawsuits as well as a penalty system designed for industrial polluters.

"This is a fabulous victory for common sense and it just goes to show what can be done when the boating public, the marine industry and its representatives in Congress row together in a bipartisan way," said BoatU.S. President Nancy Michelman.

BoatU.S. Government Affairs Director Margaret Podlich was quick to shower praise on a boatload of legislators who did much of the heavy lifting including Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representatives Jim Oberstar (D-MN), Steve LaTourette (R-OH), Candice Miller (R-MI) and Gene Taylor (D-MS). A complete listing of all legislators involved will be available at http://www.BoatUS.com/gov soon.

BoatU.S. has worked for more than a year with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and a broad coalition of stakeholders to resolve the problem before the permitting deadline.

"One of the real keys to success here was our collective ability to activate the grassroots," said Podlich, noting that tens of thousands of letters and e-mails were generated by boaters and anglers over the course of the past 12 months.

What’s New On The Water?

By Margie Anderson

Every year the fishing industry gathers to show off their latest gear and get together to do business. This year, ICAST was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, July 16-18, and as usual there were plenty of cool new products to make your fishing and boating experiences better than ever.

REELS

As far as I’m concerned, the best news for fishermen came from U. S. Reels, Wave Spin Reels, and Ardent Reels. U.S. Reels is introducing a radically new baitcaster called the SuperCaster SC1000.

At first glance you might not notice much difference, but a closer look shows you that there is no eyelet in front for the line to go through.

Instead, there is an oddly slanted bar that revolves as you turn the handle. Not only that, but cast with it once, and you’ll see that the spool revolves backwards. I know it sounds goofy, but this thing is awesome.

With no eyelet to create friction, the SuperCaster reel can make longer casts, and the backward revolution makes birds’ nests practically a thing of the past because it turns into your thumb instead of away from it.

If you do somehow get a backlash, it comes out really easy. The SuperCaster SC1000 is the perfect reel for a novice or a pro. They should be hitting the stores in November, and you are definitely going to want one.

Make sure you pick one up for your kids or grandkids who are ready to graduate from close-faced reels, too. Go to www.usreel.com to learn more.

The Wave Spin Reel is the brainchild of legendary bass angler Doug Hannon – “The Bass Professor.” Hannon has caught more trophy bass than most tournament anglers have ever even seen.

He designed the Wave Spin reel, not to reduce the loops and tangles that occur with spinning reels, but to eliminate them. The front of the reel has a wave design on the edge so that as line comes off or goes on, each loop slips over a wave and is placed or removed from the spool smoothly. So — no tangles.

You can make longer casts and fill the reel fuller for even more distance. Plus, when it’s time to re-spool, the whole front unscrews so you can just pull all the line off in one fell swoop. This is the ideal spinning reel for everyone – kids can fish it without getting frustrated, and so can pros.

It’s got all the features an avid angler needs and wants, plus it makes fishing the pleasure it should be. Check it out here: www.wavespinreel.com.

This last reel is one that has an admittedly small market — Ardent’s new F500 Flip-N-Pitch reel is specifically designed for flippin’ and pitchin’. The drag system is factory set at 22 pounds, which is more than any conventional reel.

The spool has a very narrow space for line, so you thumb the spool instead of the line, and you don’t waste a ton of line like you do with regular reels. The spool has a small metal loop that you tie the line to when you spool it up, so it is impossible for the line to slip around the reel, even when you are using braid.

It costs about $150, it’s made in the United States, it looks cool, it works great, and it’s built to last. What more could you ask? Go to www.ardentoutdoors.com for more information.

LURES AND BAIT SOLUTIONS

Of course there was no shortage of lures at the show. Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits is coming out with crappie grubs, which is great news — now crappie fishermen will be able to take advantage of the color choices and superlative action that Yamamoto has always offered to bass anglers. Watch for them to show up in tackle shops in November, and go to www.baits.com to order online.

Uncle Josh has a new Bump-N-Run buzzbait and a Bump-N-Run jig. The heads on these lures can be turned so that the lure will run to one side or the other.

You can fish it along the edge of the riprap, and it will just keep running into the rocks and bouncing back. Really cool! Visit them at www.unclejosh.com.

The Bait Shuttle looks like badminton bird. Put it on your line, and before you make a cast, place the hook and bait inside the Bait Shuttle.

It protects the bait when it hits the water, so the bait doesn’t fly off the hook. Once in the water, the Bait Shuttle turns over and releases the bait and hook into the water, then begins to fulfill the role of bobber.

You can even get Bait Shuttles with replaceable glow-in-the-dark tops for night fishing. These are the nuts! Check them out at www.thebaitshuttle.com.

BOATS AND ACCESSORIES

The Twin Troller is a small boat with two electric motors. The motors are in recessed niches in the bottom, and they have counter-rotating props.

The Twin Troller, therefore, turns on dime, and it is incredibly stable because of a sort of suction effect from having the motors in the recesses. This would be the absolutely perfect boat for a community lagoon, an urban lake, or any of the small lakes up north.

A single person can load this boat into the back of a pickup truck, or you could tow it on top of your pop-up tent. The Twin Troller is $1,895 this year, $2,195 next year. Really cool. See them at www.twintrollerboats.com.

Cannon has a new line of rod holders that are on a track system. They have various models that are adjustable in a variety of ways, and they also have a system that allows you to attach the base to a cleat rather than having to drill holes in the gunwales. Go to www.cannondownriggers.com for details.

Durasafe makes all kinds of locks for boats and trailers, and now they offer locks for electronics and trolling motors. The depthfinder lock replaces the knob on one side of the unit. It comes with a kit of bolts to make it fit any depthfinder, and costs just $25. The trolling motor lock costs $17, but only fits certain kinds of trolling motors. This is great for the angler who worries about leaving his $600 unit on the deck when he runs inside to grab a bite to eat or use the head.

Findyourwater.com is where you can find free interactive fishing maps for all kinds of waters. You can even upload your own data to add to the content — videos, photos, notes, etc. There are several Arizona lakes already included, and since they constantly update the maps, we can expect more soon. This is a really cool site, so be sure to check it out.

The Zip Vac is sort of like mini Space Bags for food. They have zipper seals that open up so you can put the fillets in, then once you zip them closed, you use a little pump to suck the air out via a one-way valve.

Way easier and cheaper than a machine! The starter kit is around $40, and bags are about $10 per package. See more at zip-vac.com

Some of these products are so new that the information isn’t on the Web sites yet. Keep checking, and look to see these things in stores by the end of the year – hopefully even sooner in most cases.

Editor’s Note: We also suggest checking with local AZBW advertisers and other Arizona outlets first.

Ladies: Learn How To Become An ‘Outdoors Woman’

Register now for the “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” (BOW) workshop on Aug. 15-17 at Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott.

The program introduces women to outdoors skills in an enjoyable, non-threatening environment with expert instructors. Classes include horsemanship, outdoor photography, birding, hiking, archery, fly-fishing, shotgun/rifle/pistol shooting, and Dutch oven cooking, among others.

Evenings are filled with fun and entertainment, including night hikes, musicians, and motivational speakers. Participants stay in rustic cabins, but there are showers and bathrooms in each cabin, and a central dining hall for meals.

Equipment, materials, food and lodging are all included in the $235 registration fee. The only exception is the outdoor photography class, where participants will need to bring a camera. Enrollment is open to all women 18 and older.

The program is sponsored by the Arizona Wildlife Federation in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

For more information, a schedule of classes, and a registration form, visit www.azwildlife.org or contact the Arizona Wildlife Federation office at (480) 644-0077 or awf@azwildlife.org.

The Arizona Game And Fish Department Needs You!

By Ed Huntsman

Have you ever been boating on an Arizona waterway and found yourself thinking that someone ought to teach “those other people how to boat?” Well here’s your chance to step up and become a volunteer boating-education instructor. The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be conducting a course for volunteer boating-education instructor candidates at its Phoenix Headquarters on the Carefree Highway Sept. 13-14. Those candidates who successfully complete the weekend-long course, pass a background check and become certified will then have the opportunity to provide classroom instruction to others in regularly scheduled boating-education courses across the Valley. While this course is offered across the state from time to time, this particular course offering is aimed at staffing up the number of Phoenix-based instructors to help meet the growing demand for more boating-education courses in the greater Phoenix area, especially the northern part of town. Volunteer instructors teach a variety of topics. They include the differences between various boat types, legal requirements, knot tying, anchoring, waste and oil disposal, risk management, weather emergencies, registration requirements, boating laws and regulations, equipment requirements, navigation rules, aids to navigation and buoys, what to do if involved in a boating accident and trailering as well as other subjects. All of these are taught in the Boat Arizona coursework in the agency's eight- to 10- hour boating-education course curriculum approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard and certified by the Department. Applicants for the unpaid position of volunteer boating-education instructor should be at least 18 years of age, need to complete a volunteer-instructor application, and have completed either the classroom or online Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Boat Arizona course. The applicants will then be scheduled to attend the 16-hour instructor-training program Sept. 13-14. Upon successful completion of the training, a background investigation will be conducted prior to any candidate’s receiving an appointment as a certified volunteer boating-safety education instructor. It is highly suggested that applicants have a solid boating background and experience, a basic knowledge of Arizona’s waterways, boats, motors, trailering and safety equipment requirements as well as state and federal rules and regulations. Some teaching and/or public speaking experience will help as well. Certified instructors will be expected to teach, assist in teaching, or proctor at least two classes annually as well as complete any necessary or required in-service training once a year. This is a great way to give back to the community and learn more about boating to further your own expertise. To register or ask questions about the course, contact Kelley Fowke or Ed Huntsman at (602) 942-3000.

A Talk With ‘Tatter’ -
Arizona Guide Extraordinaire Jerry Tate Tells His Story

By Jerry Tate

My father and mother lived off the land when they began their family, and this is where I obtained the roots of my knowledge of hunting, fishing, and basic survival in the outdoors. 

Dad was a cowboy, farmer, and equipment operator. The Tate family came from Oklahoma in 1951, and I have lived in Arizona since. The rest of my family is now scattered all over the United States.

Enter MWD

In 1992, I started working for Maricopa Water District (MWD), and then in 1994, I began at Lake Pleasant for MWD as a building inspector for Pleasant Harbor RV Resort and the Pleasant Harbor Marina buildings.

 Also, I was involved in the operation and maintenance for Lake Pleasant River Outlet Works (ROW).  ROW is the distribution of water through the dam into the MWD canal.

Meanwhile, I was planning.

A Dream Come True

J T’s Guide Service has always been a dream of mine, a dream that has now come true. J T’s Arizona Hunting and Fishing Guide service was started in 1996.

 My saltwater experiences include over 300 days fishing in the Gulf of Mexico from various vessels. I have taken numerous trips off the Oregon Coast in a 50-foot vessel.

 With my background of tournament fishing, pleasure fishing, and hunting in Arizona since 1961 and spending many days watching wildlife habits, needs, and wants, I was prepared to be a guide.

There are four things animals need: food, water, shelter and space. My job as a guide is being aware of these needs and paying close attention to the seasonal migration and habits of each species.

 Taking the above knowledge and applying it to fishing with 1,400 photos of Lake Pleasant at its lowest elevation and applying it to bass and other aquatic species, I have gained the knowledge to locate fish during various seasons and conditions, which also has aided in my winning two bass boats and several thousand dollars.

Hunting As Well As Fishing

J T’ s Guide service is mainly about fishing, though, I assist hunters in particular hunting units by putting them in the proper location to successfully harvest wildlife. I am proud to say that because of my guidance (and her own natural skill, of course), my wife Stephanie has herself harvested six elk, numerous deer and javelina during archery season

 My busiest time as a guide is November through April. During this season, we have hunting — the initial opening of the season for various species begins the last part of August and goes through March. 

Also, during this period, the winter visitors are arriving, seeking knowledge and guide trips for Arizona waterways. Therefore, the demand for seminars and guide trips are at their peak. 

I give seminars throughout the Valley as well as at Pleasant Harbor RV Resort from November through April each year.

 From May through September, the Arizona heat discourages many fishermen but does not affect the catching of fish. It is not uncommon for 50 to 100 fish to be caught daily during these extreme temperatures. 

 Also, I am co-host (better known as “The Tatter“ or “The Professor”) of a radio show “Shake Rattle and Troll” with host Don McDowell each Sunday morning from 7 to 9 a.m. on KKNT 960 AM.

More About ‘The Professor’

Tate not only locates the fish for his clients, but also he gives them what they require to actually catch the fish. He provides — without charge — fishing equipment; rods, reels, line, tackle and sometimes live bait, depending on what species clients are wanting to harvest.

He baits the hook, nets the fish, takes the fish off the hook once the fish is in the boat, and he cleans the fish for the clients. The client does nothing but catch the fish.

 Tate also provides a one-half-day teaching trip. He starts at the dock teaching; this is where you begin to locate the fish every fishing trip because every day is a new day for you and the fish. The fish will not necessarily be in the same pattern or location they were yesterday.

At what point a client actually starts a lesson depends on his or her level of experience. Tate teaches on subjects such as electronics and how to set them up as well as how to read them.

His lessons include how to match the rod, reel, line, weight, and bait. He also teaches about the bass as a species and their seasonal patterns. Again, this depends on the client’s fishing experience. He tries not to overwhelm the client with all the information he provides in such a short period of time. The lesson is usually four hours long.

 For seminars on hunting or fishing as well as guide trips and on-the-water lessons, please contact me at (623) 547-7265 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Arizona time.

ASU Bass Team Takes 13th At National Championship

A Letter From Mitch Kistner

Team President

Hello Sun Devil Supporters!

As most of you know, the Under Armour ESPNU National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship was held July 9-10 on Lake Maumelle, in Little Rock, Ark. The tournament consisted of a three-day event, with the full field 54 colleges/universities) competing on Days 1 and 2 and the top five competing on Mystery Lake on Day 3. 

 After Day 1, the ASU Team — composed of Mike Eyler and me — weighed in 4 fish for 4.05 pounds. After four days of pre-fishing, we were feeling pretty good about Day 1, as we had drawn boat 3 for the launch.

All through practice we had targeted fish in 18-25 feet of water under the bluebird conditions and caught some up shallow against the weedline in the mornings. Unfortunately for us, a thunderstorm rolled through on Day 1, turning on all the fish that were up shallow in the afternoon and for the teams who were struggling fishing deep so they fished the weed line.

This let a lot of teams who had struggled in practice to weigh in fish that day. After the Day 1 results were finalized, we were sitting in 21st place going into Day 2.

 Day 2 brought the bluebird skies we had practiced for, and our spots continued to hold fish, as many other deep-structured spots got burned up on Day 1. Mike and I had managed to lock down enough spots in practice not to run out of fish for Day 2.

Although, we had trouble finding kicker fish both days, we were one of only six teams to bring in a limit on Day 2 weighing 5.31 pounds.

 After Days 1 and 2 were finalized, ASU finished in 13th place of 54!

 On behalf of the ASU Bass Fishing Team, I would like to thank all of you who made competing in this tournament possible, and thank all of you for your support.

 Our next focus will be sending two teams to Lake Lewisville, Texas, in September for the FOX College Sports Collegiate Championship. We will be sending two teams, one composed of Craig Carroll and me and a second team made up of Brent Perkins and Mike Eyler.

 Here are some pictures of Mike and me during the tournament.

 Also, you can always go to www.PhotoBucket.com login: ASUBFT pw: swimbait and check out pictures of the team, which is updated regularly.

 Thanks again for all of the support. Go, Devils!

It’s Great Weather For Search And Rescue

By Mike Wallace

Director, Superstition Search & Rescue

The weather now is awesome for rescue work. Not in the way you may think though.

Superstition Search and Rescue has had another very busy year so far. We averaged 1.5 rescues a week for the first four months of 2008. In May, we saw a decrease of numbers down to one rescue a week.

In June, when the temperatures reached the hundreds, fortunately, the number of people needing assistance drop to nearly zero. So, you see it is awesome weather for rescue work.

As much as we love what we do, ultimately no rescue is a better option for either the rescuer or for those in need of rescue. In this heat, most people avoid the outdoors, and the few who do venture out, usually are the more experienced and are prepared.

Even if prepared, there are risks. In this heat, the body can lose up to one liter of water an hour due to perspiration, evaporation, and urination.

The average person can only absorb 24 ounces of water an hour. So, even if a person is hydrating, there is a potential of an approximate 10-ounce loss of water an hour.

Dehydration affects body-core temperature, endurance, and most important — your ability to think. A mere 1 percent loss of normal body fluids starts affecting rational thinking.

These consequences of water loss do not only happen to those who become lost or are the victims of injury. The dangers of dehydration are just as risky for the search team members.

So when I say it is good weather for search and rescue, I mean it. It’s great because it keeps most of the unlucky, the lost, and the crazies where they should be — chillin’ in the indoors, pounding a large glass of ice water.

Stokes Rescue

STOKES RESCUE -- For a person with a broken ankle, SSAR has to perform a stokes (basket) rescue. The injured have to be carried out of the wilderness. SSAR has done carries that lasted one to 16 hours, an incredible demand for their physical endurance and drive. The stokes "tool" has saved coutless lives.