THE GOOD , THE BAD , AND THE UGLY;
FISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS;
A SUMMARY FROM MY HOME STATE.
 

When I visit the States periodically to catch up on friends and family we
invariably spend a few days fishing. With the purchase of my Pennsylvania
license came a 48 page, A4 size book, titled SUMMARY: Pa Fishing Rules and
Regulations 2003. This little gem makes our regulations booklet look pretty
good. It assumes that the average person has an IQ130+ and an education is
fishing to match.

However, there are something's they are doing very well and we might benefit
from a look at. To start with the good points. When you are fishing your
signed license must be displayed on the Outside of you clothing. The license
comes in a small plastic clip-on holder that easily attaches to vest or hat.
In addition, photo I.D. must be carried. The regularity with which
licenses were checked was great. Each time we fished from the boat our
licenses were checked as well as the boat registration and safety gear, and
size and number of any fish on board. While stream fishing we were also
checked. The penalties are frightening, the policing of the resource
impressive.

Now, back to the 48 page regulation book. I have read and reread it and
became more and more confused. It starts out simply enough, listing the
species; walleye, pickerel, bass, pike, trout, and panfish. It gives the
usual details of size, limit and season. Full colour pictures are provided
to help with identification. These include patters, fins, position of jaw,
and tooth patches on the tongue. It doesn't not tell you how you get the
fish to show you his tongue. A picture of the correct way to measure your
fish is included. Now, you up to page 12 , 36 to go.

In Penna. there are some lovely streams and a well resource trout fishery.
Figuring out which of the following set of regulations they fall under is a
different story. The following are the categories for the approved trout
streams.
1. All tackle selective harvest
2. Delayed harvest, all lures
3. All tackle trophy trout (14 inches)
4. Trophy trout fly fishing only
5. Heritage trout stream
6. Classic trout stream, barbless, catch and release
7. Delayed harvest
8. Select trout-stocked lake. (open only in March?)

Confused, I decided on flyfishing only, barbless and released anything
caught and prayed a lot it was not a March only stream.

The last 10 pages are the ugly: titled Public Health Advisory; Fish
consumption 2003. Here you can learn about how to clean and cook your fish
to limit ingesting the fatty contaminated parts or the juices. Page after
page lists the waterway and the species and the contaminant, mercury, PCB'S
, or chlordane. It advises on meal frequency, i.e., 1 meal per month, 6
meals per year, or Do not eat. Even trout from the state hatcheries are
included in the health advisory that limits consumption.

To finish on a few good points again, Twice a year there are " Fish Free
Days'. A licensed person can take an unlicensed friend fishing without
penalty. What a great way to introduce a beginner to the sport. Also, the
booklet positively promotes a number of environmental issues. Things like,
'mind your manners' you are a guest of the landowner. Or, 'get the lead out'
a plea for non-toxic tackle. A reminder for the safe disposal of nylon and
tippet material, leaders and spinning line to reduce the environmental
hazard they pose to bird and wildlife if left by the stream.

In conclusion, we certainly have it good in NZ, let's hope we don't realise
it too late. We all need to do our share to protect and promote the health
of our resource.

JUNE RITTING