What are the important issues facing the Muskie World?

Perry,
If you were refering to me, my name is John.
Eitherway, best of luck with your work.

[BigFishCarlson]

Russ: We must think alike...habitat and water was a knee-jerk response for me, too. I think what happened in Lake Erie after the clean water act proves that. For those that are too young to remember, when I was little I used to read stories about how nothing would ever be able to survive the waters of the great lakes due to pollution. What was the name of that river that burned way back when? Anyway, after that it's all about money...we need our government funds not to be diverted to other agendas, and we'll do okay. That will take some grass roots efforts on our behalf. Good fishing all.

OH BOY HEREI GO AND I CA SEE I AM GOING TO GET BASHED ALLREADY!!!!
Lots of good thought and points made here but that is just what they are. What we have to is make time to to go to the D.N.R. meetings and vote. write letters to the D.N.R., your congressmen and show your support to musky fishing clubs. We are a voice but it seems a silent one. So many of are quick to state something here when it should be heard by those in power to do something about it.

Whether its clean air, clean water, size limits. fees, or cutting of funds you have to go to the right people. So I urge you to sit down this new year and get a letter to someone that can do do something about our concerns.

?????? for you all Why don't all the sport fishing clubs in your state have someone that lobbies for them. Pay them what they need. These people know who to contact and what buttons to push. Think of what a huge strong group it could be.
Don Pfeiffer

[Dan Dean]

Here is yet another example of the slow but steady erosion of hunting and fishing rights.http://www.startribune.com/stories/531/3555191.html
This time it is a proposal to eliminate bear baiting on Federal lands by Democrat Jim Moran West Virginia with the backing of the Humane Society (PETA is probably in here somewhere). Now I know you can argue the merits of this hunting approach but it is a definite slippery slope. Pretty soon could hooks in fish be considered inhumane?.
I think this is an example of things to come.

Dan

[Marc Thorpe]

Good topic Jim,
myself, I think the biggest negative factor facing all anglers and organizations today and is already being felt by its impact is the lack of re-generation of anglers.At a 18% decrease per year,you put the numbers together and see how many years are left in passing on our heritage.Yes hunting and fishing is part of North America's heritage.

I see all kinds of posts honoring our pros,super bowl fishing
tournements and this that and everything turning our heritage into some hollywood extravangaza.
But this type of glamouring of our sport is distancing ourselves from the basic fundamentals of our heritage.Instead of wasting all types of efforts creating some sort of recognizable body for statuing some accomplishements in our fishing proweness.
We should concentrate our efforts in creating an organization that involves themselves in taking kids from every state and province fishing once in their lifetime.Oh yes our clubs focuss on outings but the norm is kids from members,why not create a organization nationally
established with chapers in every state or province branching out in aid with muskie,bass,walleye clubs and go in each local area and focus on schools.You merely change schools every year and you will broaden the impact of re-generation of anglers.Our focus on highlighting ourselves in this business has left a void of upcoming anglers.Business is fine and promoting ones self is ok but what will we do once the angler populations drop,so will your business.

I am sure large corporations with some financial assisstance,whether it be fund raising or by goverment grants which are de-railed all ready and should be directed towards this sort of organization can be established and would work wonders for our sport.Putting a rod and reel in as many kids hands as we can should be a primary goal,once this done,it will be up to them to continue if the sport is embrassed by them.If we do not act soon,we will set the tools and path for organizations like PETA to infiltrate and further distancing our heritage from our futur generations.

As far as muskies are concerned,habitat degradation like Russ mentioned is a vital factor facing our stocks today.Education on proper handling methods,bettering our release methods is of most concern for our futur generations. Pressure,I think its a localised issue due to over abundant promotion,the reason :fishing in general is on the decline.Specific areas are constently brought up via the media into the anglers eyes so the mass congregate.In general our sport is on a way ward slide down.Can we expect over abundance of anglers no but we will experience a lack of interest due to computers,internet and fancy state of the art gizmos which have nothing to do with sports.We are heading into a materialistic world.

Fish management seems to be on the right track in many states and provinces,our Ministries and DNR's are heading the best management stategies according to geo areas.Sure we dont always agree with their decisions but look at our fisheries in a broad scope,not bad when you consider fine angling is to be had anywhere you go.
Just my observations
marc