The Florida Fishing Experts
Specializing in Florida Bass Fishing on all of the Florida Freshwater Lakes.

National Hunting and Fishing Day occurs on the fourth Saturday in September (Sept. 26) and recognizes the contributions anglers and hunters make to fish and wildlife conservation. Since 1972, every president has formally proclaimed National Hunting and Fishing Day. This year, country music star Luke Bryan is the honorary chairman, and the official Web site (NHFday.org) offers great tips on getting started fishing, shooting or hunting and on where to go.

 Hunting and fishing as active outdoor recreation are recognized for the traditional values that they have contributed to our society since Colonial days. More than a century ago, hunters and anglers were the first to recognize that development and unregulated uses of wildlife were threatening the future of many species. President Theodore Roosevelt, a very active hunter and angler, was a vocal proponent and supported their call for the first laws to restrict commercial harvest of wildlife.

They urged sustainable use of fish and game, created hunting and fishing licenses, and lobbied for taxes on sporting equipment to provide funds for state conservation agencies. These user-driven actions were the foundation for some of the most dramatic conservation successes of all time. Populations of largemouth bass, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, wood ducks and many other species began to recover from decades of unregulated exploitation. Sportsmen and women have also contributed countless hours to clean up, protect and enhance millions of acres of habitat for the use and enjoyment of everyone.

In 1971, U.S. Sen. Thomas McIntyre of New Hampshire  and U.S. Rep. Bob Sikes of Florida introduced an identical measure in the House and Senate authorizing National Hunting and Fishing Day. In early 1972, Congress unanimously passed both resolutions, and soon after that,  President Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

This day is considered by many to be the most effective grassroots effort ever undertaken to promote these outdoor sports and conservation. In modern times, this celebration of the enjoyment and health benefits that hunting and fishing bring to participants is especially important. The country is being swept by messages of how being disconnected with nature and spending too much time indoors are affecting the health of the nation. From unprecedented rates of obesity and associated increases in heart disease and diabetes, to a virtual epidemic of attention deficit disorder and increasing prevalence of asthma and allergies among children, research is showing that active, nature-based recreation can significantly contribute to the cure.

Not only is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) a supporter of National Hunting and Fishing Day but it is also a major promoter of the Get Outdoors Florida! coalition (GetOutdoorsFlorida.com).  Get Outdoors Florida! is working to address these health issues that are described as “nature deficit disorder.”  Besides that, by getting outdoors and engaging in activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing, research shows that youth develop greater self-confidence, a sense of responsibility and better social networking skills.  That’s the old type of social networking ─ being face to face with people and with the quiet of nature to facilitate calm conversations in a relaxed setting, rather than the frenetic action of an electronic game or Facebook exchange.

The FWC and most conservation agencies in the United States generally adhere to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, which is the envy of almost every other country in the world and key to habitat and species conservation. While celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day, it may be worthwhile to consider the conservation model’s seven basic principles, which enable you to have such great hunting and fishing opportunities:

1. Fish and wildlife are public resources. Throughout the U.S., wildlife is held in common ownership by the state for the benefit of all people.

2. Markets for trade in black bass and other wildlife and sportfish are carefully restricted, removing a huge threat to sustaining those species.

3. States allow sustainable use of sport fish and wildlife by law, not by market pressures, land ownership or special privilege. The public has input into how these resources are allocated.

4. The democracy of hunting is emphasized. In the European model, wildlife was allocated by land ownership and privilege. In North America, anyone in good standing can participate.

5. Hunters and anglers fund conservation, including protections for wildlife species that are not harvested, by purchasing hunting and fishing licenses and paying excise taxes on recreational equipment.

6. Many fish and wildlife species are an international resource. Species, such as migratory fish transcend boundaries, requiring cooperative management.

7. Science is the proper tool for developing fisheries policy. This is a key concept of fish and wildlife management emphasized by Theodore Roosevelt, Aldo Leopold and many other conservation leaders.

We hope you find an opportunity this Hunting and Fishing Day to celebrate the conservation successes brought about by hunters and anglers.  However, more importantly, we hope you find a way to take a youth with you to have a wonderful, fun and healthy day enjoying Florida’s tremendous fishing, hunting and wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling *FWC or #FWC on your cell phone, or 888-404-3922. Visit http://www.myfwc.com/Fishing/ for more Fish Busters’ columns.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline) fishing@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

BY DIANA MOSKOVITZ

dmoskovitz@MiamiHerald.com

In recent years, the Bridges have given FWC between $200,000 and $300,000 a year. The Bridges and their company keep the rest. As the lease is currently set up, the land owner — Broward County — gets nothing. All of that could end in three years when the Bridges’ lease runs out. Broward has asked FWC not to renew it.

“The county simply wants their property back, so we are giving it back to them,” said Chuck Collins, FWC’s regional director in South Florida. The county already has a vision for the park’s future and leaders have set aside $1.4 million for renovations. Those dollars are part of a long-term list of construction projects and won’t become available until 2011. But they are noted in this year’s proposed spending plan, which awaits County Commission approval. Broward’s plans show new boat ramps and buildings, all with easy access for the disabled. Paths wind along the property’s south end, near the swamp buggy launch.

County officials have said they will keep the park open 24-7, a critical feature for anglers who go out before daybreak and hunters looking for ducks and frogs. But they’ve also kept mum about if they will charge an entrance fee. The campground — where people live for months at a time in trailers so long as they can pay — will close. It does not match the county definition of camping, Harbin said. An education center will take its place. The county may have an ally in FWC Commissioner Ron Bergeron, a prominent Broward road builder and Everglades enthusiast, who has spent decades fishing and hunting in the swamp.

For years, Bergeron has been looking to build an Everglades museum. He has looked at several locations. Everglades Holiday Park “gives you the real experience,” he said. Would all these changes be for the best? That depends on who answers the question.

To county leaders, this is progress. To park regulars and employees, this is government meddling. “What standards?” asked Justin Hiteshew, 37, moments after he tossed out a line for a few bass before heading to work at the park, where he keeps the store stocked and checks the boats for maintenance.

“It’s the Everglades. It’s supposed to be wild.”

Others are less adamant but cautious. For example, the county’s plan to add parking was a great thing for fishing tournaments, said Rick Persson with South Florida Anglers for Everglades Restoration. But he fears the county’s design could create congestion for boaters.

“We’re happy with the way it is,” Persson said of the park. “You’re always a little skeptical about change. Change is sometimes not for the best.’ That depends on who answers the question.

To county leaders, this is progress. To park regulars and employees, this is government meddling. “What standards?” asked Justin Hiteshew, 37, moments after he tossed out a line for a few bass before heading to work at the park, where he keeps the store stocked and checks the boats for maintenance.

“It’s the Everglades. It’s supposed to be wild.”

Others are less adamant but cautious. For example, the county’s plan to add parking was a great thing for fishing tournaments, said Rick Persson with South Florida Anglers for Everglades Restoration. But he fears the county’s design could create congestion for boaters.

“We’re happy with the way it is,” Persson said of the park. “You’re always a little skeptical about change. Change is sometimes not for the best.”

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline) fishing@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

2010 King of the Glades Schedule

2010 Bottom Line Mike’s “King of the Glades” Open Team Tournament Trail

Plans are underway for the 2010 Bottom Line Mike’s “King of the Glades” Open Team Tournament. With the help of our new sponsors, the event should prove even more exciting then ever before!

The tournament trail format will remain largely the same with four qualifying rounds at Holiday Park followed by “The Classic”, a “Winner-Take-All” event held at a secret location disclosed one week prior to the event.

Qualifier rounds are open to licensed anglers. Cash and prizes are awarded to the “Top Weigh-In Finishes” and the “Big Fish of the Day”. The number of places paid and amounts are based on the number of qualifier entries.

“The Classic” will consist of the top four finishes in each qualifying round.

Here are planned dates so you can mark your calendar.

For 2010 “King of the Glades” Tournament Trail:

• “There will be lie detector test at all events, any angler participating is subject to take the test if request by TD.”
• Classic spots open to top four finishes in each qualifying round.

Event dates and details are subject to change, so check back often to make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to be crowned “King of the Glades” in 2008.

For more information call: Mike Lendl @ 754-246-3198 or email  lendlm@att.net

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline) fishing@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

Economic Impact of Sportfishing
Thursday, August 27, 2009
By wowmynews

As anglers, I doubt we even realize the impact we have on our nations economy. Hopefully this will give you some insight on the positive cash flow we create by just doing what we are so passionate about.

In the past I’ve designed a couple of websites for tournament anglers and in the process I wanted to collect data to present to potential supporters and sponsors to make them aware of impact and participation. I recently “re-discovered” that data and thought you might find it interesting. So below is some of the numbers I collected from various sources that paint a pretty good picture of how fishing has evolved in to a money making, national past time.

Right now, the only ripple of interest to your angling friend is the one made by the fish as it surfaces at the end of the line. But all around, the money spent to buy tackle, gas for the boat and film to record the one that didn’t get away, is having a tremendous, positive impact on the economy. On average, an angler spends over $1,200 every year on the sport. Hidden, but none-the-less real, is a multiplying factor that effectively triples what you spend as the initial expenditure ripples through the economy. Take for example the $10 plunked down by an angler for a new a lure. It spreads outward just like the ripples made after the lure hits the water. That revenue helps the store’s owner pay her rent, bills and employees. These individuals then use part of that money for other goods and services and the rippling effect further spreads and repeats. Of course, ten dollars isn’t very significant by itself, but when 44 million anglers spend $41.5 billion in a year, the result in jobs, wages, and other economic effects is an extraordinary pillar of America’s economic health. More focused on playing the fish at the end of the line, your typical angler gives little thought to how his hobby is helping provide his fellow Americans a boatload of benefits. The 1.1 million jobs, $7.3 billion in tax revenues, and $30 billion in wages generated by recreational fishing are many times greater than those created by corporate giants like Ford, Microsoft or Nike. Generating more than $116 billion in total output, this remarkably simple activity of dipping one’s line in the water provides nine times the economic benefit of commercial fishing. ‘

“I like to fish because it is totally relaxing. I love the water. I can concentrate and forget all my worries. I count my blessings while fishing.’ George Bush, president.”

Participation:

44.4 million Americans ages 7 and older fish2 (An estimated 50 million fish including all age groups). One out of every six U.S. residents 16 and older fish. 1 25 percent of U.S. males fish, and 8 percent of U.S. females fish. 1 Excluding those who fished the Great Lakes, freshwater anglers account for 82 percent of all anglers. Anglers spend an average of 16 days fishing and take an average of 13 fishing trips annually. Anglers 16 and older took 365 million freshwater fishing trips in 2001 totaling 467 million days. Including saltwater anglers, 437 million fishing trips totaling 557 million days were taken. From 1991 to 1996, freshwater fishing days rose 13 percent. The average number of freshwater fishing days per angler increased from 14.3 in 1991 to 16.7 in 1996. Between 1980 and 1995, the number of Americans who fished increased 16 percent. Residents of the South provided the biggest increase in fishing (21 percent) in the United States between 1980 and 1995. The number of males fishing increased 14 percent from 1980 to 1995.

Popularity:

Fishing ranks as the 4th most popular participation sport in the nation. It ranks ahead of bicycling, bowling, basketball, golf, jogging, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, football and skiing. Only walking, swimming and camping are more popular. More Americans fish than play golf and tennis combined. More Americans fish than play soccer and basketball. The number of youths ages 12 to 17 who participate in freshwater fishing increased 10.9 percent since 1991 to 4.5 million. During the same period, the number of youths ages 12 to 17 who play baseball decreased 15.4 percent to 4 million. Basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball participation declined between 2 and 46 percent. Fishing ranks as the 2nd most popular water-related outdoor sport in the United States. Swimming ranks 1st. Freshwater fishing ranks as one of the top-five participation sports in 7 states. Fishing in general (both freshwater and saltwater) ranks as one of the top-five participation sports in 18 states. Fishing is the No. 1 participation sport in Minnesota, Florida, New Jersey and North Carolina.

Women and Minorities:

11.9 million women 7 and older fish. That’s more than the number who participate in jogging, basketball, volleyball, softball, golf or tennis. Freshwater fishing is the 10th most popular participation sport among women. 2 26.8 percent of all anglers are female 2 (representing 8 percent of the U.S. female population). 5 percent of all anglers are black (representing 7 percent of the black population). 5 percent of all anglers are Hispanic (representing 7 percent of the Hispanic population). The number of women fishing increased 19 percent from 1980 to 1995 compared to 14 percent for males. The region that experienced the largest increase in the number of females fishing was the Northeast. Women spend on average $246 per year for trip-related fishing expenses and $70 per year on fishing equipment for a total of $3 billion. Hispanics fish at lower rates than African-Americans and women, but they spend, on average, more money – $434 per angler for trips and $154 for equipment. Hispanics spent a total of $696 million per year on fishing trips and equipment. Fishing equipment expenditures among African-American anglers increased 43 percent between 1991 and 1996. African-American anglers spend on average $324 per year for trip-related fishing expenses and $128 per year on fishing equipment for a total of $814 million. African-American anglers spend more days fishing (22 vs. 18) and take more trips (18 vs. 14), on average, than all anglers. 64 percent of African-American anglers live in the South compared to 39 percent of all anglers. 43 percent of female anglers live in the South. 16 percent of African-American anglers live in the Midwest. 26 percent of female anglers live in the Midwest. 43 percent of Hispanic anglers live in the South. 38 percent of Hispanic anglers live in the West compared to 20 percent of all anglers. The number of days fished by African-American anglers increased 72 percent between 1991 and 1996 compared to 22 percent for all anglers. The number of days fished by female anglers increased 15 percent between 1991 and 1996. The number of days fished by Hispanic anglers remained constant between 1991 and 1996, but fishing trip expenditures increased 50 percent during the same period. 1.9 million persons 16 and older with disabilities took 33 million fishing trips in 2001, fishing for 41 million days.

Why People Fish:

33 percent of anglers fish to relax. 25 percent of anglers fish as a way of spending time with family and friends. 65 percent of non-anglers and 88 percent of anglers say that being asked by a child would make them want to go fishing or make them want to fish more often.

What People Fish For and Where They Fish:

Bass fishing is the most popular type of fishing in the United States. 38 percent of all freshwater anglers in the United States fish for black bass. 28 percent of freshwater anglers fish for trout. 28 percent of freshwater anglers fish for panfish. 27 percent of freshwater anglers fish for catfish. Bass are sought on 36 percent of all freshwater fishing days. 92 percent of freshwater anglers fish in their state of residence. 23 percent of freshwater anglers fish out of state. 85 percent of freshwater anglers fish in flat water, including ponds, lakes and reservoirs. 44 percent of freshwater anglers fish rivers and streams.

U.S. Anglers by Age Group:

17 percent of 16-to 17-year-olds fish, comprising 4 percent of all anglers. 13 percent of 18-to 24-year-olds fish, comprising 9 percent of all anglers. 19 percent of 25-to 34-year-olds fish, comprising 19 percent of all anglers. 21 percent of 35-to 44-year-olds fish, comprising 27 percent of all anglers. 17 percent of 45-to 54-year-olds fish, comprising 20 percent of all anglers. 16 percent of 55-to 64-year-olds fish, comprising 12 percent of all anglers. 8 percent of 65+ year-olds fish, comprising 9 percent of all anglers. Fishing among 35- to 44-year-olds increased 60 percent between 1980 and 1995. It was the largest increase of any group.

Economic Impact of Fishing:

Anglers spent $35.6 billion in 2001 to pursue their sport. They spent $14.7 billion for fishing trips, $17 billion for equipment, and $4 billion for licenses, stamps tags, land leasing and ownership, membership dues and contributions, and magazines. 1 If hypothetically ranked as a corporation, this revenue figure would put sport fishing at 32nd on the 2002 Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies. Total economic output generated by freshwater fishing in 2001 exceeded $74 billion, including the impact on retailers, suppliers of goods and services to retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, plus the indirect and induced impacts resulting from these activities. Including saltwater fishing, economic output reached $116 billion. The average angler incurs $1,046 in fishing-related expenses. Freshwater fishing expenditures in 2001 generated more than $19.4 billion in wages. Including saltwater fishing, $30.1 billion in wages were generated (up 23 percent since 1991). 683,892 full-time jobs exist due to freshwater fishing. Including saltwater fishing, the total exceeds 1 million (up 16 percent since 1991). $2.07 billion was spent on fishing tackle in 2001. Fishing tackle ranks 4th in terms of consumer expenditures for non-team sports equipment. Golf equipment ranks first followed by exercise equipment and firearms for hunting. Florida anglers spend more than $4 billion annually on fishing and related equipment. California and Texas anglers spend more than $2 billion. Angler expenditures exceed $1 billion in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

Economic Impact of Fishing:

U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-associated Recreation. National Sporting Goods Association. Sports Participation in 2001. Future of Fishing project conducted by Responsive Management of Harrisonburg, Va. American Sportfishing Association. The 2001 Demographics and Economic Impact of Sport Fishing in the United States. Participation and Expenditure Patterns of African-American, Hispanic, and Women Hunters and Anglers. Addendum to the 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Black Bass Fishing in the U.S. Addendum to the 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. 1980-1995 Participation in Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Watching. National and Regional Demographic Trends. Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Web site, restorewildlife.org.

Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline) fishing@bassonline.com
BassOnline.com / 888-829-BASS

First Place overall went to the team of Danny Williams and Malcolm McCollum with a total weight of 35.19 pounds for the two days.

First Place Big Bass went to the team of Jeff and Jared McMillan with a 6.53 pound Big Bass.

Second Place overall went to the team of John Burke and Bill Bolek with a total weight of 34.57 pounds.

Second Place Big Bass went to the team of John Bechtold and Dustin Daggett with a 6.10 pounder.

Third Place overall went to the team of Aymon Wilcox and Kevin Thomas with a total weight of 33.98 pounds.

Congrates to all the winners.

September Events Dates:

Super Bucks Sept 12th & 13th  $200.00 Entry
Silver Division Sept. 19th    $60.00 Entry
Gold Division Sept. 20th    $100.00 Entry

Chris “Flippin” Fickey
Tournament Director
(941) 232-9539

chris.fickey@bassbustersflorida.com
www.bassbustersflorida.com