"When it comes to the issues -- whether it's fisheries management, tournaments, regulations, etc. -- we've been a lazy group. We haven't spoken up" (Mitch P).

You are right Mitch, as fishermen we need to advocate for ourselves!

I have read a lot of good points made in this thread, but if we want to get the DEP and state reps on our side we need to support them and their efforts. One way to do this is to police ourselves as was mentioned earlier, but to also assist the DEP in conservation efforts such as lake cleanups and youth fishing programs.

If we assist with youth fishing derbies, Casting Kids, C.A.R.E. (CT. Aquatic Research Education) programs, urban youth fishing programs, etc. we would do a lot to improve our image with the DEP and state reps (Gov. Rell). This would give us much more leverage than we currently have when we voice our concerns with state reps for our rights as fishermen.