Michael_Brown

Great work on this issue. Don't always assume silence means thay are working on it. As the person filing the complaint, you are allowed follow-up information concerning the status or outcome of the investigation. A freedom of information request will ensure they are following up as required. Might seem excessive but I can assure you it will bring this file to immediate attention in it's repective offices. The media is still a good option as accountablity to the public is always better when the majority of the public are aware of the issue. This will also send a message to others in the area that may have thought this shoreline clearing was a good idea. The more squeak the better.

I have tried crappie in the spring a few times on Kashe. I have still not found them. I found sunfish, perch, pike and just about everything else but no crappie yet. Main basin area around the boat launch should be good. I have tried the lower end near the river from bass lk. No luck. Try finding any little back bays out of the wind. Warm water should rule. Good Luck and let me know if you find any.

Ron, your like a jilted Rice lake lover. Biggest enemy....cash$$$. With enough cash you could just buy the whole lake and if that lake was Scugog you could drain the thing and start farming there again.

The credit should go out to the board members who have helped out in the process all along. Before the RLTA issue, a lot of feedback was provided and support generated for the new angling opportunities that we are currently enjoying. The issues of ice fishing, walleye slot limits, extended muskie season and panfish limits were not easy topics to approach. The hundreds of surveys completed by OFC board members, numerous comments on threads concerning these issues, e-mails to involved people and attending public meetings all had an impact on the decisions that were made. There is a wealth of knowledge on this board with our collective experiences and these have proved invaluable when discussing these issues at various meetings. After decades of staring at productive fisheries that were closed to all angling for months on end, I have been enjoying these new opportunites with my family, friends and Ron. Thank You OFC board members. Michael Brown

Great guys I agree, but the whole on water test is probably an excuse for Frank to get out on the lake. Ask him if he remembers how to cast? Enjoy the new boat.

You see this is what we want. The RLTA has supported ice fishing all along, just a few members who claimed they represented the RLTA, were opposed to ice fishing. As for the panfish limits they have always stated that they oppose them. I have no problem with this. I disagree with them but they are allowed their opinion. The topic can be debated for a long time but the fact is the new regulation is the 300/30 limit which has been discussed at length. Everyone understands that sunfish are not endanger of disappeaing from Rice lake, however the size structure of the fish is a concern. RLTA members have had a voluntary program to release larger sunfish, I see no reason for this program to stop. Just because they can harvest 30 over 7.1 inches and 300 total, doesn't mean we need to encourage the behaviour. Rice Lake is a great multi-species lake, sell it for the experience not the harvest ability. I spoke with a resort owner from northern ontario recently, guess what their business was down 60% last season. 95% of their clients are american. He is hoping the strong canadian dollar, gas prices, border security issues and weak american economy improve because his regular clients want to come back to enjoy canadian fishing, it is just tough to find the extra cash right now for a fishing trip. He expects business to improve this year. They strongly support live release at their resort with only a couple fish being harvested each day for shore lunch.

"the big deal of course is warranty if you need warranty work done you have to make the drive again." Warranty is valid in Canada on new boats and motors. Just pick a marina that services your brand of boat and contact them for repairs.

The petition posted by the RLTA does not allow you to view the signatures or the comments posted. Could one of you please change that so we may have a honest comparison of the two. I would like to point out to everyone that Mike Ferguson(aka Mayor of Rice) has signed the anglers petition. Ron you should be ashamed, for not stating the difference between bluegill/pumkinseed and the less common redear sunfish. Also the moose/sunfish thing is completely stupid. Should we allow anglers to harvest a thousand pounds of Rice Lake walleye? Unless you find a 1000 pound sunfish, then it should be larger than your hand so you can voluntarily release it. Maybe we could open the sunfish season on Rice for only a couple of weeks in the fall. That might work, I know it would be great help for a stressed fishery. Go ahead cottage owners, (I don't believe you people actually speak for the majority of the RLTA) keep annoying, fighting with and giving all your customers(anglers and friends)a reason to not attend your place of business. If only you had embraced the new opportunities presented to you and spent your time and energy realizing the new potential of an extended business season and healthy fishery resource. My relatives have rented most of cottage resort for a family/fishing reunion this summer. Spending thousands of dollars locally, to enjoy a weekend together having fun and fishing with each other and the kids. I'm fairly sure we are not the only family that does this. Michael Brown

Cobourg Civic Awards honour volunteers Fred Ball is being recognized for his involvement in environmental issues in Cobourg. He has been involved with or in charge of the fish-lift at Cobourg Creek for more than 25 years. Fred puts in many hours of work preparing each year for the lift and organizing it. Lifting the rainbow trout is an important environmental function and not an easy piece of work, and Fred has shown tremendous commitment to the cause. By my guess that is over 5000 rainbows lifted, thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of extra angler hours trying to catch the lifted fish and countless rainbow fry hatching in quality habitat. Excellent work Fred, congradulations you are an example for us all.

A couple of well written and researched articles on this topic. Great job by Dr T. Quinney and to the Peterborough county council for looking into the work and research done by the MNR, fishery advisory council and public input before making a decision on the topic. On a seperate note. I have submitted a few responses to the "Letter to the Editor" from the Northumberland Today, that have not been posted. Also on this topic in each posting thread, an RLTA person has had the last response and then the post is closed for comment. If anyone else has had this happen, please let me know. I am concerned that a local newspaper is practicing censorship to provide the information they(or staff), wish to appear. My posts were appropriate and not in any way vulgar or offensive. I received a response that my post was received and would be reviewed before posting. Apparently the problem must be that I supported the majority of anglers on this topic. Please let me know as I am planning to contact the upper management of this national organization concerning this issue. Time to contact Northumberland County Council and inform them that several thousand area anglers will be annoyed if they continue to support the half dozen RLTA members on this issue.

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately noting started or ended safely with this accident. Mike

Hi Guys: Excellent day today, great weather, lots of fanatstic fish and good company, plus Ron. I think I had the most impotant job. I had to guide the basket from the bottom and entertain the biologist. (they get bored easy) Here are some of my photos, you will notice the ATV Ron sat on all morning while everyone else worked. http://s867.photobucket.com/albums/ab233/Angler_friend/Cobourg-Fish-Lift/ Thank you to all the helped. Some beautiful fish went up and over today and lots left in the pool when we finished. 200 fish lifted over, not a single clipped fish...all naturals.

It would seem that Susan Irving-Coger is unable to create her own ideas and has copied the one by Chessy. I was forwarded the link to their survey. If you disagree with ice fishing and would like to see overharvest of the sunfish resource on Rice Lake feel free to sign theirs. http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?4233474 I think I will rent a giant billboard in Bewdley with my picture on it standing on the ice of Rice Lake holding a 8 inch bluegill.

For your information before your meeting with the Mayor. Two petitions containing hundreds of signatures supporting the issues of ice fishing and reasonable panfish limits were submitted to the MNR during the consulation process. I would also mention the number of views on this topic on various ontario fishing related websites is approx. 20,000. It might be in the interests of Northumberland county and the Mayor to review and research this issue before upsetting tens of thousands of anglers in their voting area.

Here is a clip from tonight's Peterborough news. Good job done by Dr. T Quinney of the OFAH, to present a good positive message concerning the benefits of quality fishery management and increased angling oppourtunities for families in this region. http://www.chextv.com/videos/Newswatch_LakeTourism.WMV If you watch closely you will see footage of the Bridgenorth Panfish festival. Now if someone could just explain to Peterborough and Northumberland counties that they were presented a bunch of crap facts by one member of the RLTA pushing her own agenda.

I don't think she considers me a friend. Public awareness of an issue is a good thing. Trying to take on a complex issue by yourself is difficult and frustrating. Other concerned anglers and citizens may wish to become involved if they are aware of the issue. Good Job on taking some action over this issue.

http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Preview.aspx?JobID=26662 Here is the link for a CO position posting. Good Luck to anyone interested. Mike B

Actually the perch population is fantastic on Rice. We enjoyed many days this winter slamming perch up to 14 inches. Maybe not as many as in the 50's but thet lake now has sunfish, crappies and recently gobies so more competition from other species but they are doing very well. You should try to get up here next winter and try them. You may be very pleasantly surprised.

http://www.chextv.com/videos/Newswatch_RiceLakeTourism.WMV This is a nice clip of their opinions. I really like when she calls the panfish a garbage fish.

I personaly think contacting the MNR will have little effect. They already agree with us, that's why the changes took place. It is the media that one member of the RLTA is using. She has also done a presentation at most municipal and county council meetings in the area concerned. They have listened to her without looking into the facts for themselves. (?) With all of the anglers here, we represent a lot of voters and taxpayers. It is time to remind the councils who they work for. With the closure of most hunting in the Northumberland forrest and now the council supporting a motion against ice fishing, it is becoming clear that Northumberland county does not want any outdoor fishing or hunting related tourism. Closed for business. Bill Pyatt, Chief Administrative Officer 905-372-3329 ext 2235 1-800-354-7050 Hector Macmillian - Trent Hills Mayor [email protected] Linda Thompson -Mayor of Port Hope [email protected] Mark Loveshin - Hamilton Township Mayor [email protected] Marc Coombs - Cramahe Township Mayor [email protected] Christine Herrington - Mayor of Brighton [email protected] William Finley - Mayor of Alwick/Haldimand [email protected] Peter Delanty - Mayor of Cobourg [email protected] Also feel free to conatct anyone at the Peterborough county council http://www.county.peterborough.on.ca/government/index.php?sec=1 Here are a few assorted ones that could use a look: [email protected] http://www.northumberlandnews.com/opinion/submitletter [email protected] [email protected] Or any of these listed in this link: http://www.ricelakecanada.com/members.htm If you are concerned or offended it is time to spend a few minutes showing support for the outdoor activity that we enjoy.

"Running off to the media before any real investigations have begun would seem counterproductive, for the timing.If things stall sure, but the moment the cameras start rolling folks focus on striking poses and CYA rather than investigating. At this time I can say that the NPCA will now be initiating an investigation. We have managed to direct a number of public complaints in their direction from concerned outdoors enthusiasts . The MNR and the DFO are already investigating. The violations are just too visibly blatant to ignore." I actually disagree with this. Media attention will increase the response and awareness of the levels of enforcement. The managers that direct the investigators will never want to look poorly in the public eye. Good media coverage will ensure action will be taken and not just warnings. I would definately suggest contacting the local news station and newspapers. Public awareness will increase focus on this issue and will trigger other agencies that might be intrested in this shoddy work. Political knee jerk reactions can be very effective when they think they are being held accoutable to the public. You would be surprised what they are willing to ignore unless the public is watching.

http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2505648postbox Somebody please explain to this person that she is not representing anyone but herself! Sounds like we need to contact the county to explain ourselves. Anyone know how to make an online petition that we could forward to these local municipalities? Mike

I have been considering trying the slack water bays in the upper canal section near Trent U in Peterborough. Close to where I live and I think with some pre-chumming I might be able to convince a carp to come out of winter hibernation. Glad to see someone enjoying the new spring oppourtunity. I have heard of a couple of carp being caught already in Little lake so they will bite. I might target a deeper run early or late in the day but shallow water if it gets hot and sunny. I will post any results.

I have Ron's back but he would have to shave it first. "no more mud slinging from this side.THE MAYOR" I always agree you can have an opinion, even if I don't agree with it. Lets move past the bad feelings and enjoy the great new angling oppourtunities we have here in the Kawartha's.

Sorry Mike: I will have to decline. You have been given a second chance with your health, enjoy it. This thread is about a new angling oppourtunities and protecting a quality fishing resource. I would like to point out that we have offered to help work with the RLTA in an effort to increase business. We have no interest in losing any of the tourist operators that serve the lake community. The economy and other issues not related to the fishery, have caused a major downturn in cottage rentals, we understand that. We support tourism and actually enjoy fishing with and meeting anglers from all over North America, the fishery is for everyone to enjoy. That being said it also needs to be protected. I'm glad you have enjoyed the ice fishing in the Kawartha's with your family. So did I and and thousands of others. The potential for new business oppourtunity is there and very real. Now we just need to celebrate what we have and invite people to come enjoy it. Fighting about who said what on a website this large will not benefit anyone but maybe the RLTA should make an effort to put forth a clear message about what they do support and make that known to the local municipalities or other groups that may have been mislead or confused. I will support them if they want to move forward.