The Middle River Group, LLC

fly fishing, conservation and politics.

Fishing

Fly Board at L.L.Bean

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Chuck Willey the Shooting – Fishing – Archery Program Supervisor for L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools has been putting together a compilation of flies mounted in a shadow box and displayed in the main room at the Fogg House in Maine as part of our Outdoor Discovery Schools heritage.

Chuck asked past instructors of the L.L.Bean Fly Fishing Schools for a fly that is either a favorite or one that speaks to our personality. This will be a great display and I was delighted to contribute a fly. Recently Chuck sent an update that included a photo and a listing of who has sent flies in so far. [Read more…] about Fly Board at L.L.Bean

Fishing Tenkara With Daniel Galhardo

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When Tenkara USA founder, Daniel Galhardo was in town we had a chance to hang out, fish and talk tenkara.

Meeting up with sensei Galhardo

Daniel was at Mossy Creek Fly Fishing on Saturday October 20th giving a presentation and casting demonstration.

Daniel starts his presentation

That afternoon we took a group of avid tenkara anglers to Mossy Creek for a hands-on clinic.

Starting the tenkara demonstration on Mossy Creek
Daniel demonstrates the downstream presentation
Daniel scouts a bend on Mossy Creek

Folks had a chance to get some fishing time with Daniel as well

Fred was the first to land a fish
A rainbow is landed
This fine Mossy Creek ‘bow sports a black sakasa kebari

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing co-owner Brian Trow, shot some great video of the tenkara action.

In the video, Daniel and Brian see a fish rise and start stalking it. Just as Daniel is set to cast, another fish rises and he turns his attention to that fish. He uses the “pause and drift” method to catch the fish. You will also see how he handles landing a large fish. Daniel fished a T-USA Ito, about 15ft of 3.5 level line, 4ft of 5x tippet and a Ishigaki Kebari.

Brian and I wanted to learn more about the “one fly” practice that Daniel and the tenkara anglers in Japan embrace so after our guests left, Daniel, Brian and I did some fishing on our own. Brian and I had committed to Daniel that we would only fish this way when we fished together. We took the opportunity of Daniel’s coaching to become more skilled in the tenkara style of fly-fishing.

At one point, while doing a downstream “pause and drift”, a fish bit the lilian on my tenkara rod. I was so shocked I jumped back screaming and fell down laughing like a fool. After breaking off a 20″ rainbow because I was to slow to move despite Brian and Daniel telling me to…

I at least found redemption with a nice brown a few casts later.

a nice Mossy Creek brown

After a day on the Valley spring creeks we headed up to the George Washington National Forest to fish for brook. We fished only tenkara flies on level lines using tenkara techniques.

I will confess to being somewhat skeptical of the “one-fly” method but after three days with increasing success I can say with confidence that it works. As a guide who specializes in the tenkara method it was especially rewarding to get first-hand coaching on tenkara fishing.

tenkara, it’s unreel!!!

Our Public Lands (Part 1)

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Regular readers know that the prevailing theme of the conservation posts on Dispatches is summed up in this simple equation: access to healthy habitat creates recreational opportunity and that creates economic activity and jobs.

By and large that healthy habitat is found on the lands owned by all Americans and managed by federal, state and local governmental agencies on our behalf. If you think about it for a minute without those national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, wildlife management areas, local parks and greenways we would be hard pressed to find places to play outside.

All to often we take these public lands and the people who manage them for granted. We forget that those lands create jobs in many local communities far beyond the governmental jobs. Gas stations, diners, motels, hunting and fishing retail stores, all are small business in local communities that benefit from public lands.

Of course just because I think public lands are a good thing doesn’t mean everyone does. My years as a conservation lobbyist has taught me different. I know there are elected officials who are skeptical about the value of public lands (more on that in future posts).

So what does the general public think about our public lands?

Let’s look at a recent post, “Government does a good job of protecting our natural history” in the Hill’s Congress Blog:

“Fully 87 percent of American voters agree that their “state and national parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife areas are an essential part of my state’s quality of life.” A near-unanimous 96 percent of those we polled in six inner West states likewise agreed.

But voters don’t stop there. Seven-in-ten Americans and nine in ten Westerners agree that these public lands are “an essential part” of their state’s economy. Think about it: in six states with some of the highest proportions of land in public hands, voters were even more likely to view those lands as a valuable economic resource. The numbers quantify what voters tell us in Western focus groups: that public lands bring tourists, hunters, anglers, and other outdoor recreationalists to spend money in their communities; that their neighbors moved there for the clean air, trails, and trout fishing; that a growing company chose their town because they knew future workers would find the nearby natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities desirable too.”

Our public lands are something to be proud of. Maybe it is time we remind our elected officials and the politicians just how proud we are of them.

Give that some thought.

Happy Anniversary S.C.O.F.

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Meeting the rascals behind the great quarterly online journal Southern Culture on the Fly this summer at the International Fly Tackle Dealer in Reno, NV was one the highlights of the trip. Dave and Steve have an infectious spirit of  mischief that was right up my alley. So having a chance to see them in action was a treat.

This latest issue marks the 0ne year anniversary for the enterprise and it is chock full of great stuff, including a look at the fun that was IFTD and a couple of tunes to download from a Dispatch favorite, the Wrinkle Neck Mules. Here at Dispatches we raise a glass of Knob in their honor to mark this great milestone.

With its terrific photos and great writing S.C.O.F. is like a mini vacation to a sweet fishing spot right there on you computer screen. In between issues you can keep up with the latest news on their blog, Those of us who fish and guide in the southeast are fortunate to have this excellent journal around to chronicle the special magic of fly-fishing in this neck of the woods.

Give S.C.O.F. a read and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out in the future!

 

AFFTA and ASA to Co-Locate Trade Shows

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Big news in the fishing industry world today. The American Sportfishing Association and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association announced today that both trade shows will now in under one roof in Las Vegas in 2013.

As an AFFTA board member I strongly supported this decision and am very excited about the IFTD show next year. Having been directly involved in the discussions leading up to this decision I know all options were fully explored and discussed and that co-locating with ICAST was clearly the best option available to AFFTA. AFFTA’s President Ben Bulis deserves special recognition for keeping the process running smoothly.

Here is the Joint Press Release with the details:

Alexandria, VA and Westminster, CO – September 14, 2012 – Today, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) announced a partnership in which they would co-locate their trade shows in one venue in 2013. Both the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, and the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show, known as IFTD, will be held July 10-12, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

Both ASA’s and AFFTA’s Boards of Directors voted unanimously to support the new partnership and co-locating ICAST and IFTD in the Las Vegas Convention Center next July.

“By joining forces with ICAST and ASA to bring IFTD to Las Vegas in 2013, we are collectively creating what will truly be the largest recreational fishing show in the world,” said AFFTA President Ben Bulis. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the fly fishing industry and AFFTA’s Board of Directors encourages all AFFTA members to take advantage of this opportunity to explore a new and innovative option to grow and improve our collective business interests.”

“ASA’s Board of Directors is pleased that AFFTA has decided to partner with ASA to create an expanded trade show venue that will have a positive impact on our entire industry,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “By combining both shows in one venue, we can expand the business opportunities for both trade shows in terms of increasing international attendance as well as buyers and media located in the U.S. which will benefit both organizations. If an individual is on the fence about attending one show or the other or both; we’ve now eliminated that barrier.”

Both ASA and AFFTA will each manage its own trade show but will combine some functions, such as the show directory and having the same show hours, where it makes good business sense and benefits show attendees.

Bulis further said, “We feel that this is an exciting opportunity for our industry at the same time realizing that we will have issues such as future locations, dates or potential partnerships or integrations with other existing shows. All of that said, there is really no perfect answer; no solution that is going to please everyone. We do agree that we need to try something that is significantly different and we need to continue to explore new and innovative options to grow and improve our annual show event. Joining forces with ASA and ICAST while continuing to manage our own show, is a great option for fly fishing and for AFFTA.”

Jeff Marble, CEO, Frabill, Inc., and ASA’s Board of Directors chairman said, “From a business perspective, an alliance between our organizations – both of whom are dedicated to growing and expanding the sport of fishing – is something that is totally natural and something that makes great sense for both memberships.”

“What’s exciting is that IFTD is going to remain an independent, progressive trade show that is controlled and run by the fly fishing industry,” said Jim Klug, chairman, AFFTA Board of Directors and Director of Operations, Yellow Dog FlyFishing Adventures. “We will be able to continue to feature all of the elements that make IFTD great including retailer-specific forums and seminars, a large casting pond and a cohesive footprint that will keep fly fishing together in the same area. This is an opportunity to grow the show and provide a better overall experience and value to our members and show attendees.”

ICAST and IFTD 2013 Show Dates and Hours
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

ICAST Show Hours IFTD Show Hours
Wednesday, July 10 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 11 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, July 12 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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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 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 gives America’s 60 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways through KeepAmericaFishing™ , our angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) is the sole trade association for the fly fishing industry.  AFFTA’s mission is to promote the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry.  We work to grow consumer demand for fly fishing goods and services, enhance the growth and professionalism of fly fishing businesses, and provide a clear, loud voice to elected officials and government agencies for the protection, enhancement and restoration of fish and fish habitat.


 

The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012

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Back in June, Senator Jon Tester, (D-MT) introduced the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 and during consideration of the Farm Bill was able to get it attached as an amendment and included in the version that passed the Senate.

If you are following the news the Farm Bill has been tied up in the U.S. House and prospects for passage are very uncertain. Anyone who knows Senator Tester would not be surprised to hear him referred to as tenacious. And in this case that tenacity is serving sportsmen and conservation well. The word on the Hill is that Tester’s bill might actually get a vote in the Senate before they beat a hasty retreat to wait out the results of the elections.

The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 is a smorgasbord of legislative items that can go a long way to improve the fish and wildlife habitat that makes up the prime venues for hunting and fishing in this country.  Senator Tester deserves our thanks and your Senate should hear from you asking them to support The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. Use this link to send a message to your Senators courtesy of the folks at Keep America Fishing.

Details on The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012

Courtesy of Senator Tester’s office.

Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Access

Making Public Lands Public:   This section requires that the 1.5% of annual LWCF funding is made available to secure, through rights-of-way, or the acquisition of lands, or interests from willing sellers, recreational public access to existing federal public lands that have significantly restricted access to hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.  Access is the number one issue for Sportsmen.  Finding places to recreate and the loss of access are the top reason sportsmen stop hunting and fishing.  In an agency report to Congress (in 2003) found 35 million acres of public land had inadequate access.

Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act:  This section amends the Pittman-Robertson Act by adjusting the funding limitations.  This allows states more funds available for a longer period of time for the creation and maintenance of shooting ranges.  The bill encourages federal land agencies to cooperate with state and local authorities to maintain shooting ranges.

Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act:  This bill allows for the Secretary to authorize permits for re-importation of legally harvested Polar Bears from approved populations in Canada before the 2008 ban.

The Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act:  This section specifically excludes ammo and fishing tackle from the Toxic Substances Control Act, leaving decisions about tackle to State Fish and Game Agencies and the Fish and Wildlife Service, who currently regulate ammo and tackle.  The EPA has denied petitions to regulate tackle and ammo under TSCA in 1994 and again in 2011.  This codifies that the EPA does not have the ability to regulate tackle.  This includes a savings clause for local, state and other federal regulations.

Bows Transported through National Parks:  This provision clarifies the 2007 legislation, and will allow bows to be transported across national park lands.  Currently, firearms can be legally transported, but not bows.  This poses a practical problem for bow hunters who want to legally hunt on Forest Service or BLM lands, but must cross National Park Service Lands.

Billfish Conservation Act:  This section prohibits the sale of Pacific-caught billfish, except in the State of Hawaii, in order to respect traditional fisheries.  Billfish (marlin, sailfish and spearfish) populations have declined severely due to overfishing by non-U.S. commercial fishing fleets who harvest billfish as by-catch while targeting other species. More than two decades ago, the United States banned the commercial sale and harvest of Atlantic-caught billfish.  Catch-and-release recreational angling for billfish generates many millions of dollars in economic benefits to the U.S. economy each year.

Report on Artificial Reefs in the Gulf of Mexico:  This section requires report on the Idle Iron program in order to develop more coordination between agencies and states.  This will assure that the interests of recreational fishermen are incorporated into the program.

Habitat Conservation

National Fish Habitat Conservation Act:  This section creates a national voluntary grant program to protect and improve fish habitat by improving water quality and quantity across the nation.  This section builds on current partnerships to restore waterways and provides an organic statue to authorize the work that the Fish and Wildlife Service is currently performing into one program with an advisory board.

Migratory Bird Habitat Investment and Enhancement Act: This section amends the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act so that the Secretary of the Interior, beginning in 2013 for three year periods, can set the amount to be collected for Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps.  It will require the Postal Service to collect the amount established by the Secretary for each Stamp that is sold for a hunting year.

Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act: This section would grant the Secretary of the Interior permanent authority to authorize any state to issue electronic duck stamps.  It also outlines electronic duck stamp application requirements.

Joint Ventures Authorization:  This section creates an organic statute for the Joint Ventures program housed in the Fish and Wildlife Service. The Joint Venture program was established within the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1987.  This language allows FWS to provide financial and technical assistance to support regional migratory bird conservation partnerships, develop and implement plans for the protection and enhancement of migratory bird populations to support migratory bird conservation.

Reauthorizations

North American Wetlands Conservation Act Reauthorization (NAWCA):  This section reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act for another five years. NAWCA is a voluntary land-owner friendly initiative that uses incentives to provide valuable matching grants that leverage federal dollars to protect habitat that is critically important for migratory birds, such as ducks and other wildlife.  Over the last 20 years, NAWCA has completed over 2,000 conservation project to protect 26.5 million acres of habitat.  This voluntary program has over 4,500 partners and has leveraged nearly 3 dollars for every dollar spent by the federal government.

Partners for Fish and Wildlife:  This provides provision reauthorizes the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program through 2017.  This program works in a non-regulatory, cooperative fashion to help private landowners with habitat restoration on their property. This cost-share program focuses on improving wetland, riparian, in-stream, fish passage, sage-steppe, grassland and aquatic habitats that provide benefits to migratory birds, threatened or endangered species, and other sensitive and declining species.

Neotropical Migratory Birds Reauthorization:  This extends the authorization for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Act which allows for voluntary conservation of critical bird habitat with 28 Projects in 26 Countries in 2012. This program leverages four dollars of matching funds for each dollar spent by the federal government.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Reauthorization:  This section reauthorizes the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), a non-profit that preserves and restores our nation’s native wildlife species and habitats. Created by Congress in 1984, NFWF directs public conservation dollars to the most pressing environmental needs and matches those investments with private funds. Since its establishment, NFWF has awarded over 11,600 grants to more than 4,000 organizations in the United States, investing a total of $2 billion for conservation.

Multinational Species Conservation Fund Reauthorization: Section reauthorizes appropriations to carry out the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997, The Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2003 and the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000 for FY2012-FY2017.  This will also allow for a five year extension on the corresponding postal stamps.

Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act: This section would amend the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2010 to require such stamps to be available for an additional four years; and provide five versions depicting African or Asian elephants, a rhinoceros, a tiger, a marine turtle or a great ape.

Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization (FTFLA): This section reauthorizes the BLM’s authority to sell land to private land owners, counties, companies and others for ranching, community development and various projects. This “Land for Land” approach creates jobs and generates funding for BLM, USFS, NPS and USFWS to acquire critical in-holdings from willing sellers. The sales revenue allows agencies to acquire high priority lands with important wildlife habitat value and recreational access for hunting and fishing.

Nutria Eradication and Control Act:  This section would amend the Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2003 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to Maryland, Louisiana and other coastal states for a program to eradicate and control nutria populations.