Anti-Fishing Groups Bypass Ongoing Lawsuit in Attempt to Ban Lead Fishing Tackle

Sportfishing community calls for the dismissal of unwarranted petition for a national ban on lead fishing tackle

Alexandria, VA – December 6, 2011 – On November 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was yet again petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity and two other anti-fishing groups, requesting that the agency regulate the manufacture and sale of lead fishing tackle of certain sizes and uses under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If approved, such regulation could result in a de facto ban of lead sinkers, jigs and other popular types of fishing equipment.

This comes on the heels of a similar petition that the EPA dismissed in November 2010. The original petition also sought to ban lead hunting and shooting ammunition, which is exempted from regulation under TSCA. In dismissing the original petition, the EPA indicated that the “petitioners have not demonstrated that the requested rule is necessary to protect against an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment, as required by the TSCA.” Continue reading

AZ Bass Federation Holds Tournament for Paid Entry to EverStart Series on Havasu

(L-R); Robert Larson (Co-Angler), Tai Au (Co-Angler), John Griffith (Angler),and Jeff Erickson (Angler)

The Arizona Bass Federation held a one day draw format tournament at Lake Pleasant on November 26, 2011 with the prize being paid entry to the EverStart Series tournament scheduled for February 2012 at Lake Havasu. The tournament was restricted to active Arizona TBF members only and the competition proved to be fierce. Mother Nature contributed some wind gusts up to 40mph and a continuous wind of 10-15mph out of the South East to make things interesting for all of the anglers. Greg Krueger, Jeff Erickson, and Chad Jenkins (President, Treasure, and Sponsor DX) were looking for a way to increase the membership base, timely remittance of dues, and provide a “members only” opportunity. EverStart was and is the answer. The tournament was created to express to our anglers that there is a benefit of being involved with Arizona TBF. All entrants for the tournament were required to have their 2012 dues paid to be eligible. Continue reading

Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Propose Asian Carp Netting Trial

Ponca City, Okla.,-Nov. 17, 2011 – In a proactive attempt to stave off the onslaught of Asian Carp the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will be conducting a trial netting program in Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.

Ron Brooks from the KDFWR addressed a crowd of 40 interested participants who attended the Kentucky Dam and Village Convention Center. He explained to the group Asian Carp are now in every tributary of the Mississippi River ranging as far north as North Dakota. The waters of Kentucky and Barkley Lakes are infested and the numbers are growing in record proportions.    Continue reading

The Bass Federation Arizona Announces a Reel Kids Casting Event

Date of Event: December 11, 2011

On Sunday  at  the Sportsman’s Warehouse  at 19205 N. 27 Ave,  kids in two age groups will compete at flipping, pitching and casting at a target. This special competition develops and demonstrates the basic techniques that everyday anglers use while actually fishing.

The youth contestants will face a target at different lengths of 10, 20 and 30 feet and will utilize all three basic techniques.

The members of the Phoenix Bassmasters will assist each youth in the competition while also helping them during the practice time that each youth will have. Continue reading