SEVEN LEADING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS JOIN RFA BOARD

[The dropoff]

Recreational Fishing Alliance 
Contact:  Jim Hutchinson, Jr. / 888-564-6732 
For Immediate Release
September 10, 2010     
 

Top Tackle, Tourney & Media Reps Unite To Protect Angler Rights
 
(9/10/2010) In its ongoing efforts to build strategic alliances within the recreational fishing and boating industry while strengthening representation of individual members, the Executive Board of Directors for the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has officially appointed seven, highly qualified new members to begin three-year terms effective immediately. 
 
The seven newest members of the RFA Executive Board include international fishing personality Tred Barta of The Best and Worst of Tred Barta (Versus Channel); Nick Cicero, Sales Manager at the Folsom Corporation; Robert Healey, Jr., Assistant to the Chairman for the Viking Group; Jack Holmes, Executive Director of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA); Tom Putnam, owner of Half Hitch Tackle in Panama City, FL; Norm Schultz, contributing writer for boating publication Soundings Trade Only; and Capt. Bob Zales, II, president of the National Association of Charterboat Owners and Operators (NACO). 
 
The newest RFA "Directors at Large" join an RFA Board that also includes Ken Ehlers, Northeast representative for Lamiglas and Wizard Lures; Peter Harper, Business Solutions Manager for GE Capital; RFA co-founder Bob Healey, Chairman and CEO of the Viking Yacht Company; Patrick Healey, Executive Vice-President of Viking Yachts; Phil Keeter, President of the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA); Mike Leech, Director of the World Cup Blue Marlin Tournament; Jim Motsko, White Marlin Open; Joey Prochazka, Director - Saltwater Division for Z-Man Fishing; Jim Simons, World Billfish Series; Jerry Straub Sr., Chief Financial Officer of Viking Yachts; William "Jamie" Wilkinson, Senior Director of Event Operations at ESPN Outdoors; and Dick Wood, President of Wood Advertising.
 
"These are difficult times for our recreational fishing industry, and the folks now assembled at the RFA's national advisory level truly understand today's challenges," said RFA Executive Director, Jim Donofrio.  "When we first incorporated the RFA in 1996, our goal was make positive changes in the way that our government manages our nation's saltwater fisheries by combining the voting power of a grassroots national membership with the economic power of the fishing industry.  These board members are truly engaged at both levels and can help expand our national message that fishing is a right worth protecting." 
 
As managing partner of the nation's largest saltwater tournament trail, SKA's Holmes has worked very closely with both fishermen and fishing industry during his career.  "I travel all over the southeast talking to both tournament anglers and weekend warriors virtually every weekend and I can say that the fishing community is visibly upset with current government controls," Holmes said.  "In the 30 years I've been affiliated with the marine and fishing industry I have never seen anything like this.  We're letting all we've worked for go down the drain because of a lack of vision and unity." 
 
Holmes said the recession is most certainly hurting business, but it's the regulatory issues that are killing the industry.  "When fishermen are denied access to their passion or they need an attorney to fish with them the results are obvious, they will give up their activities, that's not speculation, it's fact and we've seen it first hand and so have boat and motor dealers and especially tackle stores."  Holmes said joining the RFA Board of Directors provides a valuable opportunity to help fight for the rights of those individual SKA anglers.  "Over the years the Recreational Fishing Alliance has become the voice for these people," he said.
 
"All conservation groups that deal with salt water are more good than bad, and although many have their strengths and weakness I belong to each one of them," said Tred Barta.  A lifetime member of the RFA, Barta added "the fact remains that the RFA does more, accomplishes more to protect our rights as saltwater anglers than all of them put together." 
 
As representative of a major international fishing tackle wholesaler, Cicero stressed the importance of getting everyone in the fishing industry engaged in the process.  "Allowing the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement checks without proper balances is a dangerous proposition," Cicero said, adding "If left unattended, our industry would be in perilous jeopardy." 
 
"What's most important about the RFA is their willingness to address the inequities threatening our industry, which further undermine the recreational fishing traditions in America," Cicero said.  "Our fishing community is demanding attention, and I believe the RFA gets them the attention from a federal level," he added. 
About Recreational Fishing Alliance
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org.
 
 
 
    

[Capt. Birch]

Just got an RFA donation mailing today. I want to puke after reading all the fear mongering bullSh.t .  I had no idea that this country is in such bad shape and the end is near.  What a load of crap.I must assume it all went down hill in the last year or two. Hope these new members don't follow the leader blindly  and can effect positive change rather than fear mongering misleading bs all in the name of raising cash.

[The dropoff]

Tred Barta's Quote says it all:



"All conservation groups that deal with salt water are more good than bad, and although many have their strengths and weakness I belong to each one of them," said Tred Barta.  A lifetime member of the RFA, Barta added "the fact remains that the RFA does more, accomplishes more to protect our rights as saltwater anglers than all of them put together." 

[Bucktail]

I would agree with the above. 

As a side note, I was the person that brought the RFA on board here with us, after speaking with Jim Donofrio at length one night.  And although I have my differences with some aspects of the RFA, I continue to support their efforts.

Heck!  I have differences with some of my own family, but I support them as well.  Because I know, that no matter what our differences may be, when it all comes down to it, they are still on my side.  

[The dropoff]

Can not make everyone happy all the time.  But the RFA is in the battle all the time.  They are the only group that attends meetings all the time.  Capt. Adam attends every meeting up and down the coast.  He take the time off work to go.  Just remember when you need some one the RFA is going to be there but some fights are won and some are lost and the battle will go on.

Thanks to all who have supported the RFA.

[Capt. Birch]

 My post was about the mailing and the new board members and not about the RFA as a group or their mission statement. I thought our fight was in fisheries and fisheries management? When a mailing starts with "are you happy with American Politics" I instantly think here is a j**koff political mailing. And then when I read "most Americans are unhappy" I know its a political mailing. Keep the fear coming to raise money. Facts and unity would never work I guess. I have noticed the tone of these mailings changed  in the last few years and are more fear based than facts. Just read the latest mailings firsts paragraph what a joke. "An electoral revolution" Are you kidding me? Yep fisheries managent was the land of milk and honey when Hogarth was calling shots. A Republican take over in the fall and all our fishery concerns will go away. If this fear based strategy works so well just how many recreational anglers were in DC for the march? How well informed were they? I was there and I can tell you not many and not very.  My post was about the latest mailing and how I hoped the new board members would not follow blindly and that much of the language in the mailing made me what to puke. While we may not agree on all matters it is our common bonds (fishing) that hold us together. This latest mailing tears at those bonds in the name of fear and money.Not real sure why you brought up Capt Adam and his hard work as again my post was about the mailing and the new board  members and not the RFA and there core purpose.      

[The dropoff]

I thought our fight was in fisheries and fisheries management? When a mailing starts with "are you happy with American Politics" I instantly think here is a j**koff political mailing. And then when I read "most Americans are unhappy" I know its a political mailing. Keep the fear coming to raise money. Facts and unity would never work I guess. I have noticed the tone of these mailings changed  in the last few years and are more fear based than facts. Just read the latest mailings firsts paragraph what a joke. "An electoral revolution" Are you kidding me? Yep fisheries managent was the land of milk and honey when Hogarth was calling shots. A Republican take over in the fall and all our fishery concerns will go away. If this fear based strategy works so well just how many recreational anglers were in DC for the march? How well informed were they? I was there and I can tell you not many and not very.  My post was about the latest mailing and how I hoped the new board members would not follow blindly and that much of the language in the mailing made me what to puke. While we may not agree on all matters it is our common bonds (fishing) that hold us together. This latest mailing tears at those bonds in the name of fear and money.Not real sure why you brought up Capt Adam and his hard work as again my post was about the mailing and the new board  members and not the RFA and there core purpose.      

Sorry CApt. Bitrch it was for bucktail that we all to don't agree all the time.  I have not gotten the new mailer yet so I have not seen it.  The new members to the board are for the National Part of the the RFA.  

And yes you are right with a change in the party line things would be better.

I was also At the march and there was both com and rec guys there.  But it is not a rec VS com issue.  It was about fixing something that is broken.

[Bucktail]

Yep fisheries managent was the land of milk and honey when Hogarth was calling shots. A Republican take over in the fall and all our fishery concerns will go away.  

And yes you are right with a change in the party line things would be better.

I might be misreading Captain Birch, but I'm pretty sure that he was being sarcastic about that.

Sorry CApt. Bitrch it was for bucktail that we all to don't agree all the time.

Yes.  That is exactly why I said, "...  although I have my differences with some aspects of the RFA, I continue to support their efforts."

[Capt. Birch]

Yep fisheries managent was the land of milk and honey when Hogarth was calling shots. A Republican take over in the fall and all our fishery concerns will go away.  

And yes you are right with a change in the party line things would be better.

I might be misreading Captain Birch, but I'm pretty sure that he was being sarcastic about that.

Right on Bucktail . Sorry if some do not get my sarcasm kool aid has that affect on people lol (more sarcasm)   Not trying to hijack this thread but............ My comments concerning the DC march was to point out how un or really misinformed rec fisherman are and how un motivated we are as a whole and how the latest mailing does more harm than good . At the march Recs were way out numbered  by commercal interst. And when the recs were asked why they were there many around me replied with "the government is taking away our  rights", They wont let me keep 16" fluke", "dam commercial guys get to keep everthing but we cant" and so on. Not to many replied about the need for flexibility in MSA. The post was to point out that 2500 (many uninformed) rec fisherman in DC  shows that the current "message" is not getting across to the average fisherman. I have no idea were the Com VS the recs came from and sorry if I presented anything point in that direction. I am pro fisheries and have always been.....Not trying to take up to much of your time but maybe you can help me see some other points of view. ...      Just wondering if I could see a list of 5 things that would be better concerning our fisheries with a party change. . A list of 5 things that did not exists prior to 18 months ago and will be solved within 18 months of this election. A few facts or two to support your statement would help   thanks 

[HutchJr]

Capt. Birch,

From the bottom of every release, it’s spelled out that the RFA is first and foremost “a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues.”   

As we remind ourselves and our members all the time to help stay true to the course we rely on a very specific mission “to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries.”

In March of 2009, former Environmental Defense Fund staffer and Pew Charitable Trusts darling Dr. Jane Lubchenco was confirmed to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, appointed by President Obama.  Following her confirmation, Ms. Lubchenco – who had previously authored a paper extolling the virtues of ‘catch shares’ as a way of getting fishermen off the water – declared that ‘science would guide the agency’ and noted that she was expecting science to ‘play a role in developing a green economy.’

You might feel otherwise, but we feel the former Pew staffers now working inside the present Administration don’t see a fit for fishermen – recreational or commercial – in their long-range economic plans.  Dr. Lubchenco recently noted that she would allow councils to establish how and where to implement these catch shares, but she herself helped bounce several regional incumbents in place of representatives with a background of working with Pew groups.  This ideological warfare Capt., and those of us who want to win that war feel strongly about the annual revolution that occurs at the polls in November. 

Sorry we didn’t meet each other personally in DC on February 24th – I was there, you were there, some 5,000 other fishermen were there, including 2,500 recs by your count – that’s way I saw it too, roughly an even, 50/50 split.  Not sure that I agree with your other estimate that comms far outnumbered recs – bottom line, fishermen were there in the president’s backyard, he had no comment.  Neither did he or the White House have a comment three weeks ago during the flotilla protest in Martha’s Vineyard as two dozen commercial vessels (I was on one of them unfurling an RFA banner in an unprecedented show of unity) and a handful of recreational vessels poured into the Harbor to gain his attention. 

Let us not forget that in July, the president used his presidential privilege to circumvent the legislative process, signing a new ocean protection law that’s vastly similar to legislation which has languished in Congress for nearly a decade. At the time of this signing, we specifically noted “While environmental groups are hailing it a momentous day for America’s oceans, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) said these are sad times for our democratic process.”

The RFA believes that your rights as a fisherman and a fishing business owner are rapidly being taken away from you in this current political climate.  Partisan politics are playing havoc in the management of our day-to-day activities, and fisheries management in America is caught up in the crisis.  Just these few points above show the reckless disregard for our coastal community – the increased push for MPAs, the closure of huge areas of the South Atlantic, the BP tragedy, lack of credit offered to our boat buying community to support our boating infrastructure…

We’re a political action organization Capt. Birch, that’s what we do.  It’s not fear-mongering at all – it’s acknowledgement that this November will have a big impact on our country’s direction for the next several years.  I personally believe that the present partisan gridlock and ideological arrogance is something that has to change – perhaps you don’t like the tone of our message to folks in the recent political mailing, but that’s why I thought I’d drop by and present the other side.  It’s great that the debate is set to begin two months to go before the polls open up.

By the way, I’m a big fan of this editorial that ran in the Wall Street Journal back in June, some three weeks before the president disregarded input from the fishing community and signed the OCEANS 21 National Ocean Council into law through executive order - we're not alone in our view:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704895204575321303593443786.html

[Capt. Birch]

 Hey thanks for the reply. I can say we do not see eye to eye on many issues and that we may never on most. Where I was in DC it was more like 90% commercial fisherman(with 30 feet) but that really does not matter. I made the statement  concerning the march as an example to point out the the message is not very effective at this time. A very small fraction of anglers from even the tri state area that were not very well informed as to the purpose of the march. I an not looking for a pissing contest or am anti RFA. I said the mailing made me sick to my stomach and I hope the new board members would not follow blindly but it appears that is the message you are trying to convey. Great job, hope it helps you and the RFa raise lots of money and increase membership.