sb 869

[TimH]

All I said was that I use to be in the know when I was very active in making a catch and release season in Michigan and helping the DNR with fish management.
Please do not beat me up for being concerned about our fishery here in Michigan as I think it is one of the best places in the country for bass fishing.

JBASS, Thank you for being concerned about our fishery here is Michigan.  It's nice to read posts from other people who truly care about the health and sustainability of our bass populations.  I am right there with you with having concern and my concern, much like yours is rooted in a deep respect for the fish we chase every weekend. This is exactly why I trust the MDNR and the many highly trained and educated scientists/fisheries biologists they employee.  These biologists are smart people who have spent many years studying, tracking, and documenting on the heath and well being of bass populations throughout the state.  SB 869 is stepping stone to allow the MDNR and the NRC to make changes to our fishing regulations.  As stated in an earlier post, in the past they were not comfortable with making changes due to the results of their studies, but things have changed.  Because of the positive changes to the bass populations and the many years of hard work from guys like Dan, we are finally at a point where we can begin looking at making changes to our bass season that will not only increase opportunities for anglers like us to fish, but changes that will also ensure the continued health and success of our fisheries for years to come.
Scientific management of our Natural Resources is so critical to the success of the fish that we fish and the animals that we hunt.  That is why I am a huge supporter allowing the MDNR and their staff to do the work that they do, and make decisions that not only supports our natural resource economy, but will allow us and enjoy successful hunting and fishing for years to come.

[djkimmel]

Well said everyone. I am ALWAYS talking to everyone (meaning anyone who might read these threads) even if it seems like I'm only talking to one person. I just say what I think.

I know it's hard to not take it personal because we each read the posts on our own so we think of them in our own frame of mind. Sometimes I think about that a lot before I post and sometimes I just let 'er rip... depends on my present frame of mind too.

There's a lot of frustration built up over decades on this topic so I understand there's lots of emotions swirling around the bass fishing world (I still chewed Genie out because I can... and because, though he is twice my size... I know he's a lover - sort of - not a fighter ).

I will keep saying the past is the past, more for myself maybe than anyone else.

I do hear from lots of people, including some 'influential' ones, who are worried about changes. Change is always hard for people and I am glad that some of the worry I hear is coming straight from the love of our bass fishing. I can completely understand that! I know that makes these changes even harder, but I'm actually glad to hear and see that.

It might make change tougher to get but it also shows other people that we care about the fish we love to pursue just as much as any other angler cares. Maybe more, if I can get away with quoting something KVD said recently. Not everyone believes that so it's probably good to see and hear it some.

All I can keep doing is looking at the big picture and working with like-minded people, and keep telling people that I would NEVER do something to hurt the sport that has meant so much to me throughout my life as far back as I can remember even though I know not everyone will believe me. That can't be helped when it comes to change. I've always known that. Lately, I've been around more people who understand these dynamics and that has been very refreshing.

Hopefully, we'll get through this latest round of change and all come out the other side still friends, still remembering more what we have in common.

[JBASS]

Thanks for the positive comments....