I have been nominated and elected as one of the two representatives for recreational fishing for the Ventura and Santa Barbara area. I originally got involved with the MLPA process because of my effort to save West Goleta Beach from becoming a reserve (i.e. no fishing). Because I am primarily a surf fisherman and float tuber I am first and foremost going to be looking out for fellow inshore "human powered" type fishing and secondly for near shore power boat fishermen. My basic philosophy is that I don't believe the MLPA is completely bad. I do believe that the law that was enacted that is forcing the DFG to come up with the MLPA plan was enacted behind our backs (they had one letter against it - which to me says no one knew about it) and in bad faith by the environmentalists. I didn't get to vote on it - did you? Anyways, some reserves could be good and help with the fish stocks but the number, size, and location of the reservers they originally planned was utterly rediculous. My goals will be to: 1) help minimize the size and number of the "No Fishing" reserves as much as possible. 2) Suggest alternatives to complete No Fishing Reserves such as catch and release recreational fishing within these reserves or within the shallow water areas of these reserves, "shore-based" fishing only in the reserves (float tube, kayak, surf), artifical lures only, etc., etc.

First, I need other float tubers, surf fishermen, and kayak fishermen to give me input about the MLPA and what they thing should be done and the areas they fish (what they don't want closed). Don't bother sending me your opinions regarding the MLPA and that it shouldn't take place at all - that's not what this process is for and wading through that stuff will only waste my time. There are other things going on that are trying to fight the law forcing the DFG to come up with the MLPA plan - which I support. Not necessarily because I believe the MLPA is entirely bad but because I feel as though the original law was enacted behind my back.

Second, they are asking all of the representatives to suggest an alternate person to attend meetings in case we can't make them. It looks like there will be one meeting every 2 months or so and it is going to take at least 2 years. I am pretty dedicated to this but you never know what might come up. So if any of you surf, float tube, or kayak fishermen are interested, are willing to support my goals and the wishes of other rec. fishermen in this area please let know. They need the name of my suggested alternate(s) along with their address, phone, & e-mail by August 7th.

Thanks,
Pete
leapinbass@yahoo.com