Signed....no one seems to care about the fishermen OR the opportune times the fishing is the best...blame is put on the fishermen....they are the ones messing things up, throwing garbage all over, etc. That is the furthest thing from the truth....it's the fishermen who are the true environmentalists....caring about nature, etc. Fishermen don't leave any footprint when they leave... Unfortunately many members of the other user groups (not all) but the ignorant ones that picnic, cause disturbances, etc. are the problem. Those are the ones that leave garbage, a mess, etc. Same on Greenwood.....the anglers are not the problem....the problem comes from other recreational user groups in their speed boats, etc. Find all kinds of garbage floating on the lake....KNOW it is not from the fishermen. The groups that rent dock space, (not all I emphasize)....are the problem. Those that have a little too much to drink and then get into a boat are the problem... Some don't even speak English and are oblivious to rules, regulations, etc. This is why marine police are needed and are often called out.....NOT BECAUSE OF THE FISHERMEN.
I had a marina owner tell me to my face, " I could care less about you fishermen".... I kid you not.... they don't make enough $$$ from the fishermen....they do make lots of money through slip rentals, and sales of wave runners and pontoon boats. In fact if you look at the marina slips on Greenwood now....it's all pontoon boats!!! Many owned by customers from the City, etc. I haven't seen a single fishing boat in a slip over the past couple of years.
But I diverge, I hope your initial efforts pay off in the long run and you get what you want. Be forewarned though...be ready for a slow tedious process....and don't relent....hang in there and keep the issue on the main burner.
UFANJ
