Washington ralley?

[Flukinator]

What a long day, but what a feeling of accomplishment. Ray Bogan did a GREAT job up there in keeping the speakers flowing and keeping the proceedings on track and focused. It was great to see the politicians actually speak in support of us publicly, and towards the end, to have groups of fishermen actually get to meet personally with their local politicans for discussions. It was a feeling of making an actual impact, and that something may actually be done to help all fishermen, both rec and comm.

Also amazing is just how many fishermen we had there, and the reality that that was just a tiny fraction of the actual number of fishermen in our area! Imagine if more came?? HOPEFULLY it won't be required that we hold even bigger demonstrations in the future. I'm proud to have gone, and will march again if necessary, but hopefully it doesn't come to that.

Thanks Shirtguy for the hand towels. One will be used on the boat, and the other will go on my wall at home.

[ReelNauti]

Originally Posted by CaptTB

United We Fish - Gloucester Times

Tony,
do you think THIS QUOTE, reflects the statement, "...we made some mistakes and we cant call it flexibility, but now we can have "certain exceptions based on biology and other issues."..."

good grief!

"I understand the criticisms of the ... rebuilding time frames in Magnuson," Schwaab said in the prepared statement. "However, I believe Magnuson already contains the flexibility we need for rebuilding stocks by allowing certain exceptions based on biology and other issues."

[GDubya07]

It was awsome

It was very cool and humbling to be apart of something bigger then myself and trying to make a difference. I have never been part of anything like this but I am sure glad I was.

Can't say to much more that has already been said but?

The speakers,politicians and everyone who was there - Thank you- Thank you and Thank you
Captain Bogan you are correct when you said you did not need the mic for everyone to hear you - that was great and I heard ya loud and clear - Awesome -

Great energy, crowd and support- from the recs to commercial - people came from Alaska and California and up and down the east coast- those poor bastards are very screwed (West Coast)??? That is why they came to let us know on the east coast what is coming our way ?

Anyboday want a catch-share or should I say fishing to the highest bidder?

Seen some of the usual suspects - Capt. Jerry and Capt.Wayne from the Monger , Stellie, Brian from the Angler and of cousre Ms. Marilyn

Captain RON - YOU ROCK - took charge of our bus and I wish you would have gone up there sir and spoke - I NEVER GET TIRED OF HEARING YOU SPEAK AND WILL HOLD THE SHOT GUN SHELLS HELP YOU RELOAD AND HOLD YOUR SCOTCH ANYTIME SIR- Good Luck with the new computer

The worst part was the bus ride back - the other bus broke down but luckily another one pulled up and picked em up - and thank god nobody took a dump on our bus - I was sitting right next to the bathroom - that would have been it and would have walked home

Couldnt have been happier and prouder but we are not done we need to fight for our right to fish.

This is not the end but the beginning - Please suppport our right to fish anyway you can - I did

" I FISH I VOTE "

G-

P.S. - Love the terrible towels parting gifts - very, very cool -

[CaptBob]

Great write up on the ESPN web site

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/s...ory?id=4945625

[jwstand]

Thanks to all who took the opportunity to go to DC and put our system to work for us all. I, for one, am greatly appreciative.

I know we can all offer many excuses, I am in great peril of losing my job with the continuing economic spiral. Rebound my A** that said I was too nervous to miss any time.

Our system of Democracy can only work if the people, like you, make the effort to be seen and heard. I owe you all a drink, figuratively of course. Though those who catch me on a party boat need only let me know you were on the bus, and I will fork over one ice cold brew, maybe some of my Scotch as well!! I always pack the cooler and almost never seem to have more than 1 or two so I will be well prepared.

THANK YOU ALL for doing what some of us could not.....

[dales529]

Glad as hell and proud I went yesterday, What a showing! Thanks to all the organizers and fellow Jersey fisherman. Felt good to be part of it. Met up with Leif and Tin Squid after the train and went to the rally site early. Once on the platform we ran into Monger Nation, Stelly, Capt Dan Reelmusic, Capt John Chev, Reel Nauti and all the usual suspects. Great group to hang with for what turned out to be the best 17 hour non fishing but fishing related day I have experienced. Ray and Tony Bogan did a great job and the crowd from all over the country was like you knew them your whole life. Speakers were well versed on the issues and i hope they follow through on their statements of support.
Maybe a first step in change but I believe it was a huge statement and a sounding call for the participation to continue. Sounds like more rallys and unified participation will be the norm instead of the exception as the fight continues. Keep reminding your elected officials of their role and their statements in the future via e-mail, fax etc.

Again great day and good job by all who went and those who couldnt but supported via other means.

Thanks Leif and Ken, had a great time.

[Topeka Boy]

I went to the rally yesterday not really knowing what to expect. I got a real education on what these govt agencies have been doing to the whole fishing industry on the entire east coast. My heart goes out to you guys and gals and me as a fisherman can only promise to give you my total support and be there when I am needed. I fish I vote.