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During a break at our last club meeting, Roy gave some of us a brief status report on the saltwater fishing license that has been proposed for Delaware. Briefly summarized, the idea is on hold for now because of the actions of The Recreational Fishing Alliance (www.joinrfa.org). What the RFA did was send out a mass mailing to their membership with a postcard to sign and mail to your state legislator if you are opposed to the license. Apparently many RFA members did just that and spooked the politicians.
I've been aware of the RFA for many years but have never been a member. I know that Lefty Kreh has been featured in their advertisements and I respect his opinions very much. Some of you may remember that an RFA member spoke at one of our meetings.
Checking their website I see their stated mission is:
- Safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers
- Protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs
- Ensure long-term sustainability of our nation's fisheries
In addition they claim "Commercial fishermen and environmentalist are pushing their agenda on marine fisheries issues affecting you. The RFA is in the trenches lobbying, educating decision makers and ensuring that our interests are being heard loud and clear too!" This mission statement is shown on the home page under a picture of the U.S. Capitol building. There is a box which proclaims "Protect your right to fish, Join Now!"
So it appears to me that the RFA is basically a lobbying organization, sort of like what the NRA is to the shooting sports.
I am in favor of the saltwater fishing license for Delaware because I believe it will benefit the recreational fisherman. Therefore I believe the RFA was wrong to organize their members against the license proposal and they should have, instead, supported the initiative because that would be in keeping with their stated mission.
I'd like to hear what other club members think about this.
I've been aware of the RFA for many years but have never been a member. I know that Lefty Kreh has been featured in their advertisements and I respect his opinions very much. Some of you may remember that an RFA member spoke at one of our meetings.
Checking their website I see their stated mission is:
- Safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers
- Protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs
- Ensure long-term sustainability of our nation's fisheries
In addition they claim "Commercial fishermen and environmentalist are pushing their agenda on marine fisheries issues affecting you. The RFA is in the trenches lobbying, educating decision makers and ensuring that our interests are being heard loud and clear too!" This mission statement is shown on the home page under a picture of the U.S. Capitol building. There is a box which proclaims "Protect your right to fish, Join Now!"
So it appears to me that the RFA is basically a lobbying organization, sort of like what the NRA is to the shooting sports.
I am in favor of the saltwater fishing license for Delaware because I believe it will benefit the recreational fisherman. Therefore I believe the RFA was wrong to organize their members against the license proposal and they should have, instead, supported the initiative because that would be in keeping with their stated mission.
I'd like to hear what other club members think about this.