This just came from one of my legislators on the expanded lead ban.

[cyclone70]

Hi Tyler,

This bill is co-sponsored by the chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, (Sen. Odell) and the House Fish and Game Committee (Rep. Newton). I have done some homework and discussed this bill with Rep. Newton, as well as with a former F & G committee chair. The latter two I know to be avid fishermen.

Neither of them share your concerns. They describe the change as being from size (length) to weight. It appears that the one ounce jig is close in size to the one inch limitation that is already in place, but that it is more specific, and eliminates the problem of a length measured device that has broken, but still has the weight. Since the size is so close, if not identical, in the store, it appears that sale of "old inventory" will be affected very little.

I have also had contact with the NH Bass Federation. When they wrote to me, they were also opposed to SB224 for some of the reasons you mention.

The public hearing in the Senate was on January 19, but the bill has not come out of committee yet, so we don't know if it will ever come to the House.

You can watch the progress of the bill at

http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bi...4&q=1
That will show you, when or if, the bill makes it through the Senate, and when the public hearing will be held by the Fish and Game Committee. If you would like to personally testify at the public hearing, I'd be happy to help you with that. It is fairly informal, no oath, etc. Direct contact with the Fish and Game Committee is also helpful. We all like to hear from people who are directly affected by pending bills. Their contact info is at
<a href="http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/committeedetails.aspx?code=H42
" class="zf" target="_blank" >http://www.gencourt.state.nh.u...H42
</a>

Cordially,

Rep. Chris Christensen
Hillsborough District 19
Merrimack, NH

[george_l]

Sounds like they are pushing this as a "minor" change that will make it easier to enforce.

Someone should give him the percentages of jigs used that are under 1oz and greater than 1 inch as compared to 1 oz or over. They are being snowed on the fact that this will have little impact!

George

[triton186]

They banned the A-Rig in this state and now they want to take away my Jigs. Whats next fishing altogether...

[cyclone70]

This will also effect spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.

I figure this will cost me at least $200.00 in tackle I can't use,probably more


Modified by cyclone70 at 9:51 AM 2/17/2012

[yanknbass]

When he says he discussed it with 2 other politicians it sounds scary to me, and why didn't he discuss it further with others.
This is why we need to, 1) Vote out those who don't listen.
2) Get everyone we can to email and or call these bums before it's too late.

The day they try to ban fishing will come sooner than later.
We didn't even get a chance to vote on the ban here ( in MA.) as far as I know.


Modified by yanknbass at 12:53 PM 2/17/2012

[brianl]

Sadly, many of these politicians know nothing about fishing just like they knew nothing about speed concerns on the big lake. They vote based on the opinions of those they respect or whomever. Often times you send a letter or have a conversation it is very clear they havent a clue what they are talking about. I wonder if the two "avid fishermen" where trout or bass fisherman as that makes a difference too. I think they should take all the cash wasted on this, help the homeless veterans and other worthy causes and let the loons fend for themselves.

[yanknbass]

Good points Brian. I have never seen so many loons in NH as I do now and I fish a lot of lakes there. Waste of money and time that could be better spent else where.

[cyclone70]

This was my reply to Chris,he thanked me for the additional info.


Chris,walk down the freshwater fishing aisles at Dick's Sporting Goods
or Wal Mart.
Try to find a lead jig head that measures 1oz. or more in the
freshwater fishing aisles.
Why? because nobody uses jigheads that heavy in fresh water for
reasons that most bass fishermen already know.
Most bass fishermen are using jigheads that weigh between 3/16-1/2 oz in N.H.
The so called " avid fishermen"legislators don't know what they are
talking about,not surprising.
I can only assume they are fly fishermen which would explain their
ignorance in this matter.

The other MAJOR drawback is that this will also effect spinnerbaits
and buzzbaits.
At a cost of $6.00-$9.00 each,this will obsolete at least $300.00
worth of fishing tackle I currently use.
I certainly do not plan on throwing away that kind of money no matter what.

Maybe a few of the legislators should go to a local bass tournament
and talk to the anglers and see just how
much money this will cost them before enacting such a ridiculous law.
Ask them to look in their tackle storage systems and show them just
how much they will have to throw away.


regards,Tyler

[yanknbass]

Very well done Tyler.
Can't wait to see if there is another reply.

[brianl]

According to F&G response on the Alabama rig you cant use a spinnerbait now beacause they have more than 1 artificial bait(multiple blades and a skirt). I guess the hooks dont matter to them. Another fine example of how law makers overdue things! Obviously we all fish them and they have not been an issue. Its kinda like a union contract, over many years and conflicts you can go back and find something to support any arguement if you look hard enough. We then have to rely on an intelligent interpretation! Good luck with that. Have you noticed I hate politics . I would say run your 250 HP on winni as hard as you want, throw tha A-rig with only 2 hooks and 3 teasers and you have to throw that 1/4 ounce jig! Just dont do it when you are in a tournament! Maybe they will start selling tackle on the sides of the highway so they can tax it and all will be OK.

[yanknbass]

Sounds like the less they make sense the more hypocritical things are.
More like the way government is, than fishing.

[TMG]

Great job Tyler atleast this guy will talk about it

[john3dd]

As M ass resident I can tell yu this thing is gaining in momentum not only here, but in other states as well. 've just had to spend $100 for new jig heads. these politicians don't know one end of a jig from the other. We need to write to every politition & let them know that as sportsman we will publish the name of everyone who votes in favor of this bill, do our best to see that they do not get re-elected

[chefdlh1972]

Gotta agree. As I said in another thread, I bought a bunch of new tackle this year and there is no way in hell I am not using it this year. If I have to I will bill those jerks for what I replace. Yeah, I know, not gonna work, but f them.