********* HELP ME , Need Input By Tonight 16OCT07***********

[lowwall]

I am going to the Bienniel Hearing" tonight at 6:30 at Fish and Game HQ on Hazen Drive in Concord. Here is what I am planing to say.
I would like to pull all TU and other Orgs across the state to get a good list of proposed waters together for this.

PLease comment, it is time FFNH.com to become more than a Squak Box.
__________________________________________________ _________

I am here representing a group of anglers that have an interest in creating more "Quality Trout Waters".

We would like to accomplish this in three ways.

1)Adding more waters to the Delayed Harvest Zones“ catch and release from October 16 to June 15”.

For Example:
The South Branch of the Piscataquopg Delayed Harvest Zone is less than a mile long. Why not expand it to 4 or 5 miles. The Contoocook River special regs area in West Henniker is less than half a mile long. Why not extends it all the way through Henniker.

2)Requiring that Single Barbless Hook Artificial Lure/Flies Only be used in these zones.

3)Developing privately funded trophy sections of waters like what is done on the Lamprey.

We would like to write up a proposal comprised of input all interested groups (TU, Etc) and submit it for your consideration.

__________________________________________________ _________

Hope they don't grill me, That is all I got!

[Gerry]

Mike,
Here is what the regs say about the So. Branch:
Piscataquog River, South Branch,
New Boston
Species: EBT,RT,BT
Section: From 300 ft upstream of
Lyndeboro Road bridge,
downstream to first bridge on
Route 13 in New Boston
Season: June 16 - October 15
Methods: October 16 - June 15
Catch-and-release single barbless
hook artificial flies and lures
Trout rules: June 16 - October 15
daily limit for brook trout is 5 fish
or 5 lbs

So that reg is already in place for most, if not all special regs waters. Be aware that "Single barbless hook" means: Fis 401.14 "Single hook artificial lure" means an artificial lure with one single hook with not more than 3 hook points.
You might consider tackling the treble hook issue separately from expanding the "Quality Trout" waters.
cya 2nite,
Gerry

[s2ary]

I'd be up for it even if it required an extended season stamp to help fund it.

Hunting has a stamp for this and that, maybe that's the type of additional funding we need to start supporting these programs. When it comes down to it, why is it that different stamps are required for duck, pheseant, deer, bear, moose and small game? I'm guessing alot of that is managment fees. What's the difference with fish?

[OTTER]

lowwal,

"I am here representing a group of anglers that have an interest in creating more "Quality Trout Waters". ( Quote)

I am 100% with you but you cannot say that you represent FFinNH or any other group without at least getting a formal vote on a specific proposal by all members of that group. This could undermine your credibility with some at the hearing.

You can certainly present your suggestions as your own and say that you know many anglers who agree with you. ( They already know that since your suggestions have already been presented to them many times by many people and angling groups.) You can also say that you would like to know how you can help getting these suggestions implemented....if you wish.

Forgive me for being so direct. I hope this helps. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and dedication.

[lowwall]

Please be direct! I want to get this right.

I will keep it in the frame of my own opinions, and ask how I can help getting these suggestions implemented.


From there bring in the groups and get consensous, and present the proposal. Sounds easy but I know it is not.

Thanks For the help, PM and Here
Mike

[lowwall]

I have some suggestions on how to increase the quality of trout fishing in NH. I know many anglers who agree with these suggestions. I would like some suggestions on how I can get these suggestions implemented.


1) Adding more waters to the Delayed Harvest Zones“ catch and release from October 16 to June 15”.

2) Requiring that Single Barbless Hook Artificial Lure/Flies Only be used in these zones.

3) Developing privately funded trophy sections of waters like what is done on the Lamprey.

I would like to write up a proposal comprised of input all interested groups (TU, Etc) and submit it for your consideration.

[TSmith]

I like these last ideas as you present them in the last post. I think you could say you speak for at least 2 of us. :lol:

Wish I could be there tonight. Wed's I work until 8 pm. Sent you a PM. Good luck and kick some #@%$*

Todd

[Flyfish99]

From someone who has had many years of similar experience in MA:

Most important - When you go to a public hearing, you don't want to represent anyone but yourself. Try to bring as many people who agree with your position as possible, and have them sit apart from you and each other, around the hall. Each should speak, backing your position, but in their own words, not just parroting yours. Don't argue with those who hold opposing views.....just say your piece and sit down.

Next - No petitions or documents reresenting groups. Get everyone you can to write an individual letter to Fish & Game, once again in their own words, not a boiler plate letter.

Finally - If your proposal gets shot down the first time, and it likely will, don't give up. Keep up the letter writing campaign, and bring the subject up whenever possible. Repeat step one at all public hearings.

If a flatlander from MA who spends a couple of weeks a year in NH can be of any help, let me know.