RFA? Senators, & Governor-Who helped?

[Capt Sal]

First of all Corey Booker did as much for recreational fisherman in NJ as he did for the city of Newark!He was never involved what so ever.Menendez signed off on a few things but never put in a real effort.Our governor has more important political ambitions on his agenda and we are not one of them.Someone voted for these people.Obama "our president''could care less about recreational fisherman and if he did he would screw it up as bad as "his" health care system.That being said let me move on to the next subject.

The RFA represents NY and NJ.Most of us belong to this organization.How can I justify belonging to the RFA when the Federal Government is pegging state against state.I have donated money from seminars,and encouraged many people to join up.If this is the wave of the future we are all screwed.I know some of you may not agree with me and that is fine.I am all for discussion and I do care about the future of our sport.I would like my grandchildren to have an opportunity to enjoy the sport and the tradition.

Here are a few things that really put a hurting on me personally.We are only allowed two winter flounder.Not worth the gas or the bait to pursue something I have done for over fifty years!One weakfish is ridiculous.Why bother let alone book a charter.I don't blame anyone for not chartering for these two species,i wouldn't either.
Each year we loose more and gain nothing.I,ask ,WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?The answer is,ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!!!!

[fishguy]

My congressman, Frank Pallone, has gone to bat repeatedly for recreational fisherman over the years.

Maybe we should be glad Obama doesn't fish. The last president who did started the Marine Protected Areas (MPA). Thanks, Dubya!

[june181901]

Fish Guy: You got it right about Pallone. He also is a driving force for beach replenishment.
If he only could have done something to prevent the closing of Fort Monmouth.

[jakesdad]

Any official responses, not just the above, but at the meeting in Toms River, I remember the following groups represented : RFA NJ
SSFFF
JCAA
United Boatmen
How about all of our state Senators and Assembly people. Many of them represent districts being hard hit by these regulations. Time to start pushing our own people that represent us in New Jersey, or we will just be pushed under the rug.

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by june181901

Fish Guy: You got it right about Pallone. He also is a driving force for beach replenishment.
If he only could have done something to prevent the closing of Fort Monmouth.

Agreed but Pallone does not have enough clout in Washington.

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by jakesdad

Any official responses, not just the above, but at the meeting in Toms River, I remember the following groups represented : RFA NJ
SSFFF
JCAA
United Boatmen
How about all of our state Senators and Assembly people. Many of them represent districts being hard hit by these regulations. Time to start pushing our own people that represent us in New Jersey, or we will just be pushed under the rug.

They did represent us and I support them.Only problem is they are too small and we lost.Like I have said before we need an organization as big as the NRA with enough money and lobbyists to fight for us in Washington.We belong to multiple organizations and we have to have common goals.Amazing.that Delaware can harvest 16' fluke.We have the most lawyers per capita here in NJ and it is about time we put some of to work for us in Wahington!

[Pete]

Originally Posted by jakesdad

Any official responses, not just the above, but at the meeting in Toms River, I remember the following groups represented : RFA NJ
SSFFF
JCAA
United Boatmen
How about all of our state Senators and Assembly people. Many of them represent districts being hard hit by these regulations. Time to start pushing our own people that represent us in New Jersey, or we will just be pushed under the rug.

X2

[Fishfish]

So couldn't all these fishing advocacy groups and with the NRA come together as The United Sportsmans? I think that already exists? I guess more money goes to the lobbying of keeping guns than to keeping fishing rods. As been said, unity as the largest voting block will be the only means to political clout. The numbers should be there as I believe hunting but especially fishing is recognized as a larger sport / group participation wise, than even baseball. Have not heard any comment or posts from any of our advocacy groups, official or individual. Except Angler Paul - thanks!Thats it? a done deal?