[puddlejockey]

As a new fly fisherman who's been helped tremendously by the folks on this board, the whole theft issue really chaps my cheeks; particularly the seeming attitudes of the TVA and it's associated law enforcement policies.
I gained a little insight, however, into the fundamental flaws of the TVA logic towards out of state fishermen, and I think that may play a part in their policies about thefts.
The info I have IS THIRD PARTY, so take it as such, but I trust the source.
In a conversation between a guide from NC ( the guy I know) and a TVA creel survey worker doing a survey on east TN tailwaters this Spring heres what came out about how the TVA counts its money:
In theory, the guide brings about 4 out of staters every weekend to a put in on the Watauga or the Holston. At $33.50 each, the TVA counts that income as $134.00. per weekend. Keep in mind that these are different groups each weekend, so the annual total is about $6968.00 if he did this year round.

However, at the same boat ramp their are usually 8-15 local fishermen who bought an in state annual license. According to the guide, they are the SAME 8-15 guys EVERY WEEKEND ( he recognizes most of them)but they still each get counted once on Saturday and once on Sunday for the survey, so the TVA counts that as 780 local liscenses sold annually to fish that water. Therefore, according to them, this body of water is primarily supported by locals.

Never mind the fact that if they added up all of the regional surveys done, they would end up with a number far greater than the state total for license revenue. Apparently they DO NOT audit their figures against state totals for survey purposes; my guess is its a different department.

The same creel guy told him that fly fisherman on the river have a 60% mortality rate, and that there is no reproduction of Rainbows occuring on the Watauga or any of its feeder waters. This is interesting, since I caught a 4" fingerling on the watauga.


The only reasonable solution I can think of is a boycott of TN tailwaters by NC fishermen for a given period, if we could ever get it organized.
It costs them NOTHING for you to mail them a letter to be ignored, you've got to fight that kind of thinking by hitting them where it hurts.

[dukeofurl]

Two totally Seperate Machines
TVA being the Powerhouse and TWRA is in charge of liscensing
Not to be confused.
Josh

[psycho_fisher]

Originally Posted by puddlejockey

The only reasonable solution I can think of is a boycott of TN tailwaters by NC fishermen for a given period, if we could ever get it organized.
It costs them NOTHING for you to mail them a letter to be ignored, you've got to fight that kind of thinking by hitting them where it hurts.

I agree with you totally... this is a GREAT idea. How can I help you get this ball rolling... let's see if we can't get Virginia to join in on the fight!

[Gofisher]

Good idea puddle...PLEASE stay away...

[psycho_fisher]

now that's not very nice gordo... I was trying to help him make a point to the greedy, over-funded trout program at the TWRA, and you had to go and spoil it by being ugly.

I still say it's a FINE idea.

[puddlejockey]

Two totally Seperate Machines
TVA being the Powerhouse and TWRA is in charge of liscensing
Not to be confused.
Josh

Sorry about the confusings with 'em acroymns , boys....Im north caroliny edumicated!

Hey guys I was NICELY trying to suggest something that might actually get someones' attention in the TWRA ...sheesh.

Personally, I wouldn't be offended if someone commented on local law enforcements' lack of concern for out of state visitors.....Id call uncle Joe Bob down at the County seat and raise some cain! ( THem thar visi-taters bring money)

Besides, I thought I phrased that well, I did NOT to comment on the fact that the local VFD was raising money by selling fireworks .

[phg]

I know both Psycho and Gordie. There was a good bit of sarcasm there....

I think the point is, an out of state boycott of Tennessee fishing would have near zero effect. Heck, I've never been fishing in TN, and I don't think anyone has ever noticed, or expressed any concern.

The way to get attention to the problem is to take it to the politicians and the businessmen who stand to loose money because of it. There are ways of putting pressure on the responsible agencies, it's just not easy, and it won't be a quick fix. After all, you can't vote in TN either.

[Rockyraccoon]

My interpretation is that their attitudes reflect two folks who say if you don't want to pay your dues here....then don't come. Obviously, if they were wanting to steal your stuff.....they'd more than welcome you here.

It's good to know the money we pay for license in order to enjoy Tennessee fishing is going to good use. Yea, that does make you feel proud....knowing your carrying your own weight in preserving the resource.

YEa, the costs is steep...but it's all going to twra and it all goes back into our fisheries. Managing great fisheries isn't easy nor cheap.....and they are doing a great job here in Tennessee in managing some of the best tailwaters in the country.

As for the stealing. Man I truly hate that. But for all we know....they could be stealing to buy meth from NC. Now that was a joke....but seriously, theft can happen anywhere at any time. Just take care not to make a big target of yourself by leaving all the goodies in the car.

[Gofisher]

Puddle, I do understand what you are suggesting, it has been suggested here before. There is no easy answer to the problem, but there have been some good suggestions. You can take a passive, "I won't visit there" approach, which by itself will accomplish nothing, or you can get involved with letter writing and emailing and maybe, just maybe get your voice heard.

By the way, I seldom go there to fish, and one of my main concerns would be getting ripped off. It's about 4 1/2 to 5 hours away from me and I have plenty of fishable water closer! I certainly sympathize with fishermen who have to go there because of proximity.

[Phil]

Sorry for making it sound personal. I wasn't really talking about Tennessee fishermen.
Guess I lost my temper. It just scalds my butt that I can no longer go fishing (and spending big tourist dollars) in Tennessee without getting ripped off.