| What's Wrong?
In this case it's the fact that it is not a license in the usual
sense. Freshwater licensees, as well as in those states that have
S/W licenses, see a return for their fees, usually in the form of
stocking programs, access development, etc.
In the program first proposed by Reagan, the S/W License was just
a TAX, the money's collected going to the general treasury, and
no return to the license holders. At this time this is how the current
proposal is heading.
I'm sure that if there was a 'guaranteed' return, this issue would
not be as emotional as it is. However, there would still be quite
a bit of emotion, as people will balk at paying for something they
have been doing for free for since colonial times.
The concept of the license itself is probably not that bad. When
it is used as a guise to TAX us, it is an abomination.
Also, lately the Federal Government has not been real good about
living up to its agreements around SportFishing money in general.
It seems that each year there are battles in Washington to keep
Dingel/Johnson and Wallops-Breaux moneys in the Sport Fishing
community, even though these moneys come ONLY from Sport Fishing
and boating. (These are the excise taxes paid on tackle and
boats/motors).
Bagel
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| Re: .3
Unfortunately, the Federal Government is not always blessed with
an abundance of common sense.
In those states that have S/W licenses, the anglers have seen ample
return for their fees:
West Coast states have seen large management efforts,
especially around salmon, halibut, etc. The
California has even declared Stripers as GAME
FISH.
Texas anglers have seen an intensive effort to restore
redfish (channel bass) and speckled trout stocks,
with excellent results.
Florida (proposed license) fishermen have had their
wishes included into the license plan.
Maryland's Chesapeake Bay license was welcomed by the
sport community for the returns promised under
the Plan.
Here in New Jersey, the Federal Plan is strongly opposed,
mainly because there is NO PAY BACK!!!!
>even if they stocked pickle herring
Unfortunately, this idea wouldn't work because there is no directed
AMERICAN fishery for herring, and we would have to let the Europeans
in to catch our fish and sell them to us. :-)
Since Mr. Bush made campaign promises against the license in Belmar,
NJ, I'm sure his audience contained a high percentage of anglers.
I can't wait for the next Jersey Coast Anglers Assoc. meeting to
see those tempers explode!
Bagel
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