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KAYAK CHRONICLES /
WON News by Paul Lebowitz

WON's first kayak fishing columnist, Paul Lebowitz writes about the affordable and sneaky little boats that are increasingly popular and deadly fish catchers. The native Southern Californian also covers other facets of the fresh and saltwater fishing world as a WON field reporter, often shining a light on lesser-known pursuits such as abalone diving or lobster hooping. Lebowitz strives to bring a unique and fresh perspective to his work.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Fish and Game furball heads for another dust-up
Muck and Grime column

Fish and Game Commission President Dan Richards still has a few of his nine political lives. As the Humane Society of the United States, assemblyman Ben Hueso, and 39 other Democratic assembly members learned the hard way, Richards is one tough cat.

They tried to hound the independent-minded stalwart into resigning over a successful Idaho mountain lion hunt. It’s not legal in California — so what? It’s the law of the land up north. Richards, never one to toe the party line of the paid operatives of the environmental crisis industry, isn’t one to back down.

That hasn’t stopped the commission’s “environmental” block of Michael Sutton, Richard Rogers and Jack Baylis from continuing to press their assault on Richards, who succeeded Jim Kellogg as commission president in that odd February 2-0 vote when Sutton and Baylis abstained (Rogers was absent) in the wake of a failed political hit. Richards’ term runs through January.

Sutton and pals have orchestrated another run for Richards’ hide. The gloves will come off when they convene for their May 23-24 meeting in Monterey. Officially, they’ll consider a motion to repeal the section of code governing the election of the commission’s sole officer. In theory — and this is uncharted ground for the body that derives its authority from the California constitution — the expected 3-2 vote against Richards would set up a new vote for commission president.

But not so fast! There’s red tape. If they vote to change the law, the Secretary of State and state Office of Administrative Law will both have to weigh in. The anticipated rubber stamp is likely to take until August. The commission could vote sooner, with the president elect — probably the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s own Sutton — set to take office once the ink dries.

As far as Richards is concerned, he was elected for a one-year term. If we take him at his word, he’ll bitterly contest Sutton’s coup attempt.

Last month, Richards stated his position in unmistakably clear terms. “There’s a very concerted effort by the enviro-terrorists to infiltrate and take over the Department of Fish and Game. They want the money and they want the people to implement their agenda. These enviro-terrorists don’t spend one penny on conservation. All they do is...they’re lawsuit machines. That’s their business. They sue people, departments and commissions like us, public agencies, and they get settlements and then go and appeal to the public that they somehow are out making a difference. But they aren’t out doing any conservation work. They are engaged in the process. They’re manipulators. I’m just sick and tired of it, and I’m sick and tired of nobody calling it like it is,” he told the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Ed Zieralski.

Richards has never said so, but presumably he’s just as tired of Sutton, Baylis and Rogers. Which brings us to this puzzlement: What’s at stake? Why doesn’t the Gang of Three wait until February, when Richards’ term as president ends?

They could. Richards doesn’t expect to be reappointed, but then again Governor Jerry Brown seems indifferent about the commission. The sell-by date on Rogers’ term passed eons ago. He continues to serve in the absence of a replacement. Not that it matters. Unless Brown looks down from on high to shuffle the deck, on most matters hunters and anglers care about, it’s still 3-2 in favor of Sutton, Baylis and Rogers.

According to commission executive director Sonke Mastrup, the president has very few powers. “Commission president is largely a symbolic position. The president serves on the Wildlife Conservation Board as a voting member,” Mastrup said. The Wildlife Conservation Board determines how to spend state conservation funds for the purchase of “land and waters suitable for recreation purposes and the preservation, protection and restoration of wildlife,” according to the agency’s website.

The Fish and Game Commission president is also a member of the California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Project executive committee. It’s too complicated to get into here, but the take-home is Richards is one man among seven bureaucrats hailing from the upper echelons of state and federal resource agencies. Whether he’s there or not wouldn’t seem to make a lick of a difference.

That’s it. There’s nothing else. For now at least, this is about influence, prestige and symbolism. Outdoorsmen won’t have any trouble reading the message if Sutton, Baylis and Rogers continue their attacks. The “antis” lost one battle to Richards. They aren’t done with their war.   one battle to Richards. They aren’t done with their war.

* * *

Muck and Grime is a political column that runs, usually, once a month, written by Paul Lebowitz who covers the political beat for WON, and was a Stakeholder during the SoCal Regional MLPA process. He writes a kayak column for WON each month, and edits a national kayak magazine. 
Posted By Sally On 04/03/2012 At 9:56 AM  Comments (0)  TrackBacks (0)  
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
LIVE FROM THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION
New Fish and Game Commission president Dan Richards is here. So is a roomful of interested public. I'm reporting or trying to while standing at a press table. Updates will appear at the top of the blog, just below this note.

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It seems we're done with comment on Richards and his cat. Public speakers with other commission business are now taking their turns. 

Commissioner Kellogg (who has been reappointed according to rumor), felt compelled to stop the meeting to point out that Richards' supporters are preaching to the choir. The FGC is not and cannot remove Richards.  Rogers chimed in that such matters are well above the FGC's pay grade. Richards thanked the public for their input, noting that the meeting is broadcast across the Internet to a wide audience.  

Still holding at five Richards ragers versus uncountable supporters. Outdoor writer Ed Zieralski, one of the deans of the profession who has covered the Fish and Game Commission since the 1980s, points out that today's hunting turnout is the largest he's ever seen.

"I don't want emotion. I want science. I hope facts and science prevail," an NRA representative says after offering Richards congratulations. "Nice cat!"

An Orange County resident asks why he can't go for a walk with his kids without getting stalked by mountain lions. Lion numbers in Southern California are outrageous. "We're letting mountain lions destroy our deer and eat our wildlife. Somebody needs to speak out and get the authority (to manage mountain lions) back to Fish and Game."

10:30
Do we want extremists making decisions and deciding what's best for our wildlife? Each commissioner here has an obligation to support Mr. Richards.

A speaker asks: Where were all the anti-hunters when non-native wildlife was removed from the Channel Islands?

Robin Parks of the Mountain Lion Foundation: "I'm not a tree rigger, not a witch hunter. Please don't attack my patriotism. It is not an issue of whether what you did was legal. It was clearly legal. We need to get beyond that. You are on the payroll of California. Californians have voted twice to protect mountain lions. Those are the people who pay your salary. It absolutely was poking your finger in the eyes of Californians. It is for that sole reason, it's because you essentially poked your eye in the fingers of Californians" that Richards should resign (sic)." That makes five Richards critics - supporters still own the room.

Another CRPA representative: "We are troubled by the unfounded allegations" leveled against Richards. "Are California residents now required to check with a higher moral authority" before taking part in out of state activities. "We are a country that operates on rule of law, not based on emotion. this is an outright attack on all California sportsmen by extremists."

California Rifle and Pistol Association: "We are in strong support. Richards is the epitomy of a Fish and Fame commissioner. We feel this is a tremendous waste of time. A really sad state of affairs. Dan Richards was exercising his personal right to hunt in a very legal way in Idaho."

10:00 am
The Imperial Valley Fish and Game Commission supports Richards says Merit McCrea, one of their number. "Stop this radical, nanny state madness. This is nothing but a political with hunt by an arrogant group of self-righteous zealots trying to force their way of life on others."

The fiery Wendy Tochihara takes aim at Ben Hueso, the HSUS, and others persecuting Richards for their own ethical lapses. She respectfully requests Hueso's letter be flushed down the toilet along with Hueso's own ethics. 

"This issue is about the precedent the removal of a commissioner would set for all of you and future commissioners. Anti-hunters are armed only with emotion and misinformation. What might happen to one commissioner might very well happen to another."

Another California Waterfowl spokesman: "Hunting creates a funding stream and provides an important incentive for landowners to maintain their lands as open space."

We're back in session and about halfway through the speaker cards.

"President Richards, we stand with you," says another supporter. That takes us to a ten minute intermission.

California Waterfowl Association, recently recognized for its passion for  conservation and wildlife. "The attack on Richards is an attack on science-based management. It's a witch hunt and it's dangerous."

Coastside Fishing Club shows its support for Richards.

On Richards: "Great leadership as president and on the commission."

"Mr Richards was appointed to the position to protect them," a "concerned taxpayer" says, calling it "a slap in the face. You showed poor judgment." That's four.

Staunch free dive advocate Paul Romanowski is reminding the commission of unintended consequences such as the closure of every disabled accessible ocean access in Laguna under the MLPA. "We'd like you to get back down to work," he says.

An LA attorney who says she recognizes the rights of hunters is castigating Richards for poor judgement. That's 3 against.

Another assemblyman's spokesman says they'll only consider signing the Hueso resignation demand letter when every member of the assembly is held accountable for sports betting.

90 speaker cards were submitted according to a count Richards shared prior to public comment. It's easy to keep track of the antis. So far there have only been two. At the end of the day it'll be a decent quick and dirty way to gauge Richards' support.

"He's not a one-way guy," says the owner of Corona Lake of Dan Richards. He's a guy that uses his judgment. "Commissioner Richards has done nothing illegal."

The former mayor of Rancho Cucamonga says it is shameful that Richards is under attack for a legal hunt. "I think we need to go back to scientific management of mountain lions. We had to pay people to come in and control problem animals," in the interest of public safety he says - hiring people  because the state has abdicated its responsibility. "We're very proud of you," he adds towards Richards.

Saying she's surrounded by an audience of "bloodythirsty psuedo neanderthals," a woman rips into Richards. "I wish sometimes that the animals would turn around and point a rifle or something in our direction. This is below our civilized life," she says.

9:15
So far every speaker supports Dan Richards. Where is HSUS, his chief critic? Apparently not here.

George Osborn is presenting photos taken from an underground poaching operation. They show mountain lions and bears illegally taken within two hours of the state capitol, highlighting the serious issues the state faces in enforcing its own fish and game laws. This is where the state assembly should focus its efforts, not on a commissioner's legal out of state hunt. Osborn represents the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans and the Coastside Fishing Club among others.

A member of the public just challenged the other commissioners to raise their hands if they think Richards should step down. Predictably, none did. The speaker then continued. "If they do, they shouldn't be on the commission."

Quail Unlimited: We are firmly in support of you Dan.

Bill Gaines, California Outdoor Heritage Association: The hunting community is still the cornerstone of California's conservation community and we're proud of it. We have grave concerns. COHA respects authority of legislature to have that right (to remove a commissioner). Hunting legally outside the state of California has no bearing on (Richards') ability to make sound decisions for the state of California. We urge the legislature to focus on other issues rather than the removal of Dan Richards.

The California Rifle and Pistol Association supports Dan Richards and wishes that he'd continue in his present position.

"We feel he is a commissioner who represents our interests," says John Riordan of United Anglers of Southern California.

9:00 am
Public comment started with a letter in enthusiastic support of Dan Richards, delivered by a spokesman for state assemblyman Bill Donnelly, R-53rd district. Judging by the reaction of the crowd, Richards doesn't lack friendship.




8:40 am

Here's your manufactured controversy update. In the matter of the Humane Society of the United States vs. Dan Richards, legal and unapologetic cougar hunter, point to Richards. HSUS doesn't appear to be here, nor were there any of the promised animal rights demonstrators marching a picket.

The law enforcement presence is heavy. There are more wardens here than I've ever seen in any one place, explained by the violent comments and outright threats "brave" Internet posters submitted here at WON and many other news sources.  

With the scene set, I'll try to settle in and keep up a commentary as long as my equipment and uncertain connectivity allows.
Posted By Sally On 03/07/2012 At 8:34 AM  Comments (4)  TrackBacks (0)  
Monday, March 05, 2012
TRUTH HUNTED
Is it the missing piece of information that puts the fizzle to the Fair Political Practices complaint against Dan Richards? Kathy Bowler, a former executive director of the California Democratic Party, accused embattled Fish and Game Commissioner Richards of violating the state's $420 annual gift limit for politicos when he went a' lion hunting.

While Richards has defiantly defended his legal hunt far and wide, he has refused to clear up questions surrounding the complaint, choosing only to maintain his innocence.

It looks very much like he's right, and the complaint is little more than political mud slung at the behest of the shrill anti-hunters at the Humane Society of the United States and those who were gunning for Richards' spot on the commission since who knows when - but certainly predating the cat controversy. 

The key is an Associated Press interview of Flying B Ranch manager Joseph Peterson. Peterson told the AP that Richards paid for a two-day bird hunting trip at $3,200.

Peterson denied that it was a gift. "It (the mountain lion) was going to die anyway. I was going to kill it. The purpose of shooting it was to reduce the population. I don't do much for gifts. I'm here to turn a profit and keep people employed," Richards said.

That $3,200 rate matches the Flying B price list found on the Internet. A wing-shooting trip includes two days and three nights including lodging and no meals for that price - that's $1,600 a day. The $6,800 that Bowler cites is for a 7-day, 8-night cougar hunt lists for $6,800, or $975 a day.

Assuming Richards didn't extend his 3-night stay, it looks from here that Richards is due a $625 rebate per day of cougar hunting - but Peterson and his hands should keep it to make up for all the HSUS fuss. 

For further details, read the prior story "Hunting for the Truth."
Posted By Sally On 03/05/2012 At 8:57 PM  Comments (0)  TrackBacks (0)  
Monday, March 05, 2012
HUNTING FOR THE TRUTH
The latest chapter of the Dan Richards mountain lion controversy is a classic he said, she said. The he not being Richards, but Joseph Peterson, manager of the Flying B Ranch where Richards shot his cougar.

The woman is Kathy Bowler, a former executive director of the California Democratic Party, and apparently no friend of Richards (this is definitely not a case of politics making strange bedfellows - quite the contrary). Bowler filed an ethics complaint late last week alleging Richards has violated gift acceptance rules for the state's political set, alleging that his hunt was worth a cool $6,800.

For his part, Richards isn't talking other than to maintain he's done nothing wrong.

Ranch manager Peterson told WON over a week ago that Richards traveled to the ranch to hunt upland birds. The 5,000 acre ranch on private land has a lot of mountain lions, and they're decimating the local deer herd. "In the last year, I've seen 6, 8, 10 cats myself while I'm out working," Peterson said.

Peterson determined to cull three cats from the property. In Idaho, "some elk populations are down 85 percent," he said, explaining that deer herds have also suffered steep declines. While in the past he's allowed locals to hunt the ranch for deer meat for the table, in recent years he hasn't been able to extend the courtesy. 

Richards visited the ranch sometime in January. When ideal hunting conditions presented themselves, the wing-shooting plan changed. Richards would hunt lions with Peterson. "It was an extra favor to me. He was helping in wildlife management here on my ranch," Peterson said.

They successfully culled the three lions over the course of at least two days; it is unclear if Richards participated in more than one. "We saw a lot more; we let them go," Peterson added.


Richards hasn't addressed whether he paid for the upland game hunt. A little Internet digging reveals Flying B Ranch advertised rates of $3,200 for two days and three nights including lodging and no doubt gourmet meals - that's $1,600 a day. A 7-day, 8-night cougar hunt lists for $6,800, or $975 a day. If Richards paid his upland bird hunting freight, there's no gift. 


California limits most politicians to a maximum of $480 in gifts annually from sources other than family and other intimates. The California Fair Political Practices Commission website is a little murky when it comes to reporting requirements. The San Jose Mercury News reported Friday that Richards had thirty days to file a statement.

FFPC fines over unreported or misreported gifts to politicians are not exactly rare. In August 2011 Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was fined $123,500 for a combined $41,849 in unreported gifts. According to the Sacramento Bee, in February 2010 31 California lawmakers were fined a composite $9,400 for nearly $5,400 in unreported gifts. The violations accumulated over an 18 month reporting period.

The FFPC has not returned a call asking for clarification of reporting time frames and potential penalties.


Posted By Bradley On 03/05/2012 At 12:37 PM  Comments (0)  TrackBacks (0)  
Friday, March 02, 2012
Kayak Fishing Central
Once again Fred Hall Long Beach will be a tour de force of all things kayak fishing

With each year, it seems kayak fishing is a bigger part of the huge Long Beach edition of the Fred Hall Show. It’s only fitting; the modern revival of the sport has deep roots at this centerpiece of the California fishing scene.

It’s all here: the newest, fishiest rides; the latest in rigging accessories and plenty of expert installation know-how; seminars from some of kayak fishing’s leading lights. You can even book trips to far-off fishing adventures centered on the plastic craft that can go virtually anywhere.

Let’s start our show tour with the exhibitors, listed in alphabetical order. Fred Hall attracts the top shops – the ones whose staffers speak the lingo, rig the boats, and get out on the water themselves.

Dana Point Jetski and Kayak Center is bringing a truckload of hands-free Hobie fishing kayaks to the show, including the newest boats to join the fleet. One example: The Mirage Revolution 11 is a compact performer, easy to store and transport, yet it is flush with fishing features. The Dana Point Jetski kayak fishing team will be front and center. Bring your questions for salt and freshwater bass fanatics Ken Rossburg, Gilbert Hernandez and Joe Petralia. One more note: They’re taking bookings for a June 15 1.5-day mothership trip aboard the Islander out of San Diego.

The big OEX Kayak and Dive booth will feature Hobie kayaks plus several other lines. Ocean Kayak will be in the house showing off a pair of fish killers from down under, the Trident Ultra 4.3 and 4.7. The fish-savvy factory rigging is as good as it gets. Other expected highlights include the brand new never before seen Moken 14, a sleek ride built around a bait tank, and maybe even the Malibu 4.4, a surf-ski style ‘yak built to take on the toughest beach launches. Stop by for info on upcoming tournaments, and a just-announced set of two-day Channel Islands mothership runs aboard the Black Pearl originating in the Los Angeles area. OEX Sunset Beach owner Andrew Allen promises his staff’s crack rigging skills will be on display.    

Santa Cruz Kayaks is hitting the show for the first time. They produce a one of a kind boat, the Raptor, a wedge design with a sharp nose and wide stern that provides an interesting mix of speed and stability. Ask about the coming sit-on-top version, available soon.

Southwind Kayak Center is the next up. Stop by for Wilderness Systems’ line of paddle-powered fish hunters, including the brand spanking new Ride 135, a big boat with a novel trim on the fly seating system. Hobie will be here too. The company’s pedal-drive kayaks have caught on in a big way. Don’t miss the details on the shop’s kayak fishing classes and definitely stick around to look at the Southwind’s selection of slick aftermarket rigging accessories from Mad Frog Gear and YakAttack.

No place beyond the US border does a better job of catering to kayak anglers than the welcoming and legendary Rancho Leonero Resort. John Ireland’s staff gets it. The hotel fleet offers a fine mix of Ocean Kayak and Hobie fish ‘yaks. Launch off the beach to chase tuna, dorado, cabrilla, and jacks including the muscular and majestic rooster fish, or load the kayaks on board a panga or cruiser. Don’t leave the show without a look at the famous photo album.  

In addition to the two mothership operations you can book through the shops, for the ultimate in long-distance options stop by the Excel Sportfishing and Qualifier 105 booths. Both sportfishing operations offer 6- to 8-day skiff / kayak mothership runs down Baja’s remote Pacific Coast, culminating at the incomparable Cedros and Benitos isles: yellowtail central and trophy calico heaven.

As seen on The Kayak Fishing Show with Jim Sammons, Cedros Outdoor Adventures offers a similar experience with the long boat ride. Fly in; a set of Trident 13 fishing kayaks is ready and waiting.

Don’t overlook the expert seminars. You can catch experts in all kinds of fishing, including the kayak kind. Jim Sammons of WFN and NBC Sports Network fame will take questions on anything ranging from how to best fish the local bays to how to take the show on the road to fish the most exotic destination. Kevin Nakada is newer on the scene, but he’s compiling an excellent local big game record. His seminars focus on kayak tackle, the hunt for yellowtail, and how to choose a kayak fish finder. Finally, lobster guru Jim Salazar will cover his favorite, buttery subject. That’s right – you can catch lobster from kayaks. Go ahead, ask him.

fred hall kayak 1

THE HALL SHOW IS CHOCK FULL OF KAYAK FISHING — Nothing can match the huge Long Beach Fred Hall Fishing Show for sheer variety and volume of kayak fishing goodness in one place. It’s all here: the newest, fishiest rides; the latest in rigging accessories and plenty of expert installation know-how; and seminars from some of kayak fishing’s leading lights. You can even book trips to far-off fishing adventures centered on the plastic craft that can go virtually anywhere. WON PHOTO BY PAUL LEBOWITZ
Posted By Bradley On 03/02/2012 At 2:02 PM  Comments (0)  TrackBacks (0)  

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