The Word of Gord (I couldn't resist the play on words)

[Fishboy]

Our problem is we, as fishermen/women, continually rely on an impotent government, provincial and federal, to shoulder our concerns. Do we have any politicians who are passionate about the outdoors and are willing to champion the cause? None that I am really aware of, or, if there is, then it verifies my claim of not getting it out on the front pages of the newspapers or mentioned regularly in the news.

"We have met the enemy and he is us." Walt Kelly from Pogo.

This is one of the key issues facing the outdoors community today - we expect someone else to fix the problem. The solution, IMHO, is for more of us to get involved in the political process rather than just griping about how the politicians and everyone else have screwed things up. I, for one, will be imploring candidates in my riding to pay attention to our concerns. As a member of Trout Unlimited, I am making my voice heard through a national organization - there is strength in numbers.

[dana]

I have not been there for a few years but i can remember opening days
when there were perhaps thousands of boats on the water and we were the only ones releasing them that we could see....that weekend we caught none under 6lbs...we were critcized/jeered/mocked for it.
yeh big deal!
df

[Jimmy]

So basically what the locals are saying is:

It's ok for the 49 fisherman from Fishawk (or 49 individual anglers who don't know each other.... are from anywhere else in Canada..... cause it should make no difference) to go to the local Grocery store in Picton and buy commercially caught Walleye

.... but .....

just don't catch and eat your own!

What the locals should do is ask themselves the last time that they made money off the commercial guy? The money spent by anglers in the local establishments must be amazing!

They should be putting their pressure and money towards improving the angler's experience... including sending them home with fish...not ... diminishing it.

Get rid of the commercial guy... What the FH guys or 49 individuals...kept in one day pales in comparison to what the commercial guys take!

Lets get serious here... Walleye are probabley one of the most boring fish to catch. They are definatley about the best to eat! I certainly did not drive 4+ hours to catch and release. I can do that with bass in about 40 minutes!

I drove for the thrill of fishing. I drove for the comrodery that comes with fishing. I drove for the ultimate prize ... no not some lousey trophy... not some stinking tape measurer... but the chance to sit down after a long hard days fish and enjoy the bounty with my fellow angler's. Tell a few lies, drink a few pops... go to bed and do it all over again the next morning.

And if I'm lucky... I can take some home to my wife and kids.. to enjoy... The looks on their faces are amazing when I pull a big one out of the box.. when they help me clean it.. when mum cooks it... when we sit down and eat it as a family... and I retell the same fishing story again over and over. And those same stories will be told during the cold winter
when fish is thawed, mum cooks up a batch... and we sit down to meal again.

All those moments and memories are priceless... and there is nothing that anyone will do or say will change that!

Wow...I think they should put their focus and energies on the real issues and culprits...Those that think they own everything (the politicians) and those that harvest for profit! Put controls for harvesting in place...decide who really it is that fuels your economy ... cater to them... send them home with fish....with sustainablity in mind of course.. and work towards a common end...
BOQ locals....Don't point fingers... remember there are 3 times the amount pointing back

[g unis]

fishboy good words also. if sportsmen would carry a collective vote by being involved in one of many outdoor organizations things can happen. the quinte issues reflect of the many fishery issues nation wide. it truly goes beyond the pilling of our heart strings. its a totally polictical agenda on all fronts. tourism dollars to commercial fishery royalties. the unfortunate things are mnr biologist, conservation officers are just dictated from the higher corrupt levels, goverment. join guys and gals let it be known your un satifaction

[jazman]

I have to admit I have just finally gotten aroudn to reading the word of gord. I am solo in a cambridge hotel room and have the time.

I am seriously annoyed that the message wrapped up in this thoughtful article get mixed up with our need to defend ourselves from the gossip, whining and bleating from some uninformed fools and inconceivably poor business people. Won't stop me though....If you look closely at my wallet you will see a symbolic long tusk of an elephant who does not forget. I have been served well in the BOQ... elsewhere.

I enjoyed this read. My typical reaction when questioned about keepin a trophy is.... get the nets out of the water and then question me about this single fish.... part of me still stands by that but I do appreciate the impact. I will likely keep my one big walleye one day, have not had the right one come to visit me yet. I will also keep some for the table. I will continue to be very selective in the harvest.

Mr Pyzer,

Thanks for the read. I wish we had been exposed to this article under more proactive conditions.

I would welcome any additional thoughts or discussions.

Good discussion folks.