>[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Jun-26-06
>AT 07:47*PM (EST)[/font]
>
>How are the fees that they
>are talking about a small
>price? The fees per
>fisherman are very small, but
>the fees that they are
>talking about charging the organization
>are rediculous. I suppose
>you would vote for a
>tax increase as well?
>The ramp is paid for
>by my launching permit every
>year, the fish that I
>release by my fishing license,
>and the water that I
>use by my Indiana state
>taxes. You want to
>pay more? Send them
>a check with a big
>thanks from the rest of
>us!
>
>Also, What tourney organization do you
>fish with Crappie? I
>fish with several and I
>can tell you that myself
>and most of the other
>I fish with need food,
>drinks, and GAS when going
>to or leaving the lake.
> We have also used
>lodging at many of the
>lakes in Indiana. What
>memo did you get that
>told you that 99% do
>not help the economy?
>
>As for "public funded", I contribute,
>you contribute, and so does
>every other member of our
>state that does not even
>visit the lake. Taxes
>fund most of these fisheries.
>


The 99% number was exagerated, however, I will still say a majority do not contribute to the local economies. As stated before most people fill up their gas tanks in their hometown before going to the lake. A serious tourny angler does not stop to pick up lures on the way, they have this stuff prepared well in advance. The hotels/motels won't see an impact, if it is near a lake they will be full regardless.

No matter what anybody says the tournies do have payouts, so people are profiting. The lake is owned by all of us, so you are using my property to make a buck, so I think the fees are a good thing to an extent, either set aside an organization only fee, or a per boat fee, but earmark the money for DNR only use, not this general fund #####. Your arguement about the ramp being paid for already by your other fees, well I could say the road to your driveway is paid for by my taxes too, so I can drive on over and set up a yard sale on your property to make a few dollars.

When you break it down the fees will only add about $5 per person, which isn't much. If it is alot and money is tight, then one might reconsider fishing the tournies, afterall it is a form of gambling, why gamble if money is tight?

Pay the small fees, forget about it, and go fishing.