Petition for Rule Change on NH FFO - Accepted for review

[overmywaders]

As JC mentioned, rules are adopted that serve the fishery, as a fishery. Obviously, if the fishery biologists see long term benefit in the petition I presented - and benefit outweighs cost - it will eventually go before the public for public comment. It is a tremendous system of participatory democracy of which NH residents can be proud.

For those from NY, such as ridgeliner, your DEC adopted some new rules for Oct. 1, 2008. Among them are these:
"Great Lakes and Tributary Regulations:
* Restrict the use of weight on the line, leader, swivels or artificial flies in the Salmon River fly fishing-only area in order to reduce snagging of trout and salmon.
* Refine the allowable fishing tackle that may be used in the special regulations fly fishing catch-and-release areas on the Salmon River in Oswego County in order to offer an unimpeded traditional fly fishing experience."
see http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/46894.html

Note the weight restrictions and the move to an "unimpeded traditional fly fishing experience." This is to benefit the fishery and enrich the anglers' experience.

What I proposed is not dissimilar from the regulations in JC's neighbor to the North. In BC, there are areas that are "artificial fly only" and some which are "fly fishing only". Here is the definition of each:

"artificial fly - a single-pointed hook that is
dressed only with fur, feathers, hair, textiles,
tinsel and/or wire, and to which no external
weight or external attracting device is
attached. Two or more hooks tied in tandem
are not permitted. Where gear is restricted
to artificial flies, floats and sinkers may be
attached to the line.

fly fishing - angling with a line to which only
an artificial fly is attached (floats, sinkers,
or attracting devices may not be attached
to the line when fishing is restricted to "fly
fishing only")."

So, a traditionally-dressed fly with no beadheads, dumbbell eyes, coneheads, etc. And when FFO, no sinkers, floats, etc.

Please continue with your input, all is gratefully received.
Thank you.

Best regards,
Reed
http://www.overmywaders.com/


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