Frankhawgbass wrote:WOW....Boys you're not making FH imagine any good here. FH is not design to be a crime fighter, which this post has turned into the B1 bashing for their actions and not options on OOS fishing. Firstly, well stated Norm... Here is a little history on the events that lead up to the creation of this now misidentified post and the decision to delay the 2009 Bass opener in Quebec .
The B1 made their announcement (registration open) of the event on 15 Jan 09. This was well after all necessary planning and other logistic administration requirements were secured or completed. Dates were picked for this tournament using all past available info and knowledge of previous bass season opening dates. (Who would have thought it would change) On 19 Jan Quebec MNR announced the change to the 2009 Bass opening season date. There was no attempt prior to this, to advise the public or any fishing organizations or oriented businesses, such fishing lodges, guide services, and a number of Quebec Bass fishing Series (that I'm aware of). What the Quebec MNR should have done, which would have advised all parties and public, as is being done presently by the Ont MNR in ref to FMZ 17 (Kawartha Lakes region). Make announcements that a committee has been created, which will consist of affected persons (Joe fisherman) and organizations that may be affected by any potential changes to present fishing season and daily limits, well before they come into affect. Or at least post an announcement of possible changes to the 2009 Bass season opener on the Quebec MNR website. What has happened post 19 Jan 09 QC MNR announcement, is that the B1 organizers after much planning effort and time has been expended in preparation for the event, have approached the Quebec MNR on the possibilities of delaying this change to the bass season opener until 2010. Big fishing events or fishing series such as the B1 and others (Kenora, Renegade, Quebec Bassmasters and CSFT for example,) don't happen within a few weeks or a month. Organizations have to make their intentions (series schedules or tournament date) available at least 6 to 9 months prior to the commencement of the event or the fishing series. This is to ensure max participation and that all potential competitors can plan their competitive fishing season. (events or series they are going to compete in). So as stated in other replies to this post; that all fisherpersons will benefit from B1 efforts here, and have the opportunity to legally fish bass in Quebec in 2009 starting on Monday 15 June. Again no crime committed here, just that an organization has approached the Quebec MNR/government to delay this sudden non-pre-empted announcement, that would have affected this opportunity to showcase the excellent bass fishery ( I have been told it is, as I haven't fished it before) within the Montreal region and to ensure max participation by those wishing to fish this event. As most of you have probably seen, that competitors are come from all areas of Canada and not just Quebec. So boys put down the torch, and as stated in an earlier replies, put your efforts into things that FH can affect (clean ups etc) within their control, that will bring positive recognition to the website and persons within this org. Just my two cents.
Cheers, Frank
This sounds like a very informed post. Thanks for that.
Had the sponsor said "We are pleased to announce that thanks to cooperation of the Ministry the opening date......etc etc , insread of comming on strong that they were proud to be pre-fishing prior to the opening date. This post would never have been started, at least not by me.
As several others have said it's all in the perception.
At various times I tell people I'm a hunter and you can see the change in perception. Large tournament organisers represent all of us who enjoy the sport of fishing and they need to beheave like Ceaser's wife. (At least in public)
As previously stated I'd still be intersted to hear the Ministry's reason for changing the date, was it such a weak reason that it could be easily changed back?
Is this a one time, this year only concession?
As for some of the comments about F-H reputation, I'm just glad we live in a country that allows us to challenge the authorities, and ask for explainations about why things are done.