Quinte Fishing

There seems to be a whole host of reactions after reading through a number of the posts here about the new Environmental Bill of Rights which proposes seniors having to pay for their privelege to fish the world class fisheries we have here in the province of Ontario. I'm so glad that a few out of province and anglers from the US have shared their views, as it appears we have a few fishermen here in the province who've gotten a little too used to our very low fees for fishing or fishing for free. In my administrative roles with Metro East Anglers Inc. and Port Whitby Sport Fishing Association, we enjoy an excellent partnership with the MNR and our local municipalities as we work to enhance the trout and salmon fisheries in Lake O and its tributaries. We also enjoy a great relationship with all those involved with CLOSA out your way and appreciate their willingness to work cooperatively with us and the MNR, supporting our hatchery operations, coordinating chinook pen projects and doing fundraising. I put in my share of volunteer hours in a given year to give back to help make our fisheries better in this province, whether it's helping run our fish hatchery operation in Ringwood, write newsletters, seek sponsors, drive down the harbour a couple times a week to feed penned chinooks in the spring, make stocking runs for cohos and browns or get out to assist the MNR with chinook egg collection. Should I be asking the government to fish for free because I put in my share of volunteer time. I've never even considered that. It's what we all should be doing in varying degrees, depending on the opportunities that avail themselves. Our fisheries are under threat and so are our rights to utilize the resources we have here, but it serves no purpose to just throw in the towel or comment that we're getting screwed again. Get out there, raise your voice and make a difference by getting involved. I fully support the fact that I'll continue to pay my annual license fees when I become a senior, and I'll just keep volunteering as well. The government is absolutely correct in their assertion that the aging demographic is having a negative affect on funds being allocated to the special purpose account that contributes directly to the maintenance and enhancement of our hunting and fishing resources. I don't disagree that we must continue to hold our governments accountable, but it is much easier to work with them than against them. Being a senior shouldn't necessarily give us the right to hunt and fish for free. Sure, some discount priveleges are nice when we go to Walmart of Shoppers...who doesn't like to save a buck or two when we can. I just don't buy the argument that we as seniors should have special rights or priveleges because we've paid our dues to fish for all those years leading up to 'retirement'. The amount we pay in licensing to fish for an entire year is a pittance in context of what the average person spends on fishing annually, when you factor in all the costs. I dunno, but if you're like me, I spend a ridiculous amount of money on tackle and fuel and launching to enjoy my fishing. My harvested fish probably cost me $24 a pound!! When you really break down the numbers, paying an additional $30 a year for privelege to fish any body of water you so choose is an absolute bargain. The senior's pay clause is just one part of the new Environmental Bill of Rights, and is a fairly comprehensive document and definitely worth the read to get informed. We're all entitled to our opinions on this matter, but I think some different perspectives are always a good thing.