canadagrey

While a lot of responses here are great, If we want something done we have to get out and do it. . Having attended a number of meetings where these types of probems are identified, little has been done. All of us bitching on the web and not getting focussed on the problem and the solutiions for the big picture does little to rectify the problem. I believe that if we are as concerned over this issue as this thread seems to indicate that we are the solution. I like this multi targeted approach. Now how can we get it done? Who's going to take the lead? How are we going to get all the interested stakeholders? Get the goups together Establish a plan. Oh, by the way. Are YOU going to give up a prime fishing weekend to be envolved or just give lip service?

Licensing Guides Not Just for Bow or Crow, requires a set of rules for all of Alberta. ie: lodges, fly in lakes etc. Some of the regs will also align with Hunting? Regardless of what Stake you have in the ground on this issue, it definately does not have an easy answer. As for BC retribution ,Let's through one more curve in the picture. What is the province dealing with BC or other provinces on other issues re interprovincial trade issues (oil, gas or lumber) and will this complicate these and overall may not be in Alberta's best interest and the opportunity to change regulations may not recieve any Cabinet attention. STILL

I believe this meeting is being driven by AFGA and Walleye Council. I believe this meeting is replacing the Fisheries Round Table originally scheduled for Edmonton. Get involved with your club, talk to SRD about how to get involved.

FULL TIME, PART TIME GUIDES, IS ANY INCOME TAX PAID? THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN AROUND THE ROUND TABLE MORE THAN ONCE OVER THE PAST 3 OR 4 YEARS. IF YOU HAVE A ONE SIDED VIEW ie: BC Guides (only an example) Consumer facing higher costs etc. etc. etc. Your view then looks easy. When you look at the whole picture? STILL STILL STILL

Will licencing guides improve quality of the experience for the client? My experience has been good and bad by full time professional guides. I will not under the cover of this electronic media identify either. Only on a one on one conversation relate these experiences. Still

Limited number of Guide Days? Float or Walk & Wade is there a difference? What about the number of just anglers?If the resource can handle the pressure OK, as soon as it can't does the Guide take preference? Do the guides then start to dictate fishing opportunities? Still

Proficiency Tests? Insurance? Business License? First Aid, CPR training? Should the client expect the above? Still

If guides were licenced and something happened to the resource, are we going to pay millions to buy back their licences as is the case of commercial fishing? Still

The opportunity to fish is a priveledge not a right. Heck if you are under 16 or over 65 you don't even need a license.

To better educate everyone we should all show what position we are coming from, then we will truly have those postions relative to their stake in the pie. I'm not saying that a guide stake is more important only we know where he is coming from. I am a fly only fisherman and have used professional guides. What's your stake in the matter?

What about Alberta Guides going to BC????

Smitty: I firmly believe that the most important one is the resource. Though I'm not totally convinced that just by licensing guides does that. This licensing will effect all Alberta Waters not just the Bow or Crow. Maybe single barbless hooks and a bait ban would do more for the resource than licensing guides. Still

What the REAL REASON for Licensing Guides? For the Guide's Benefit? For the Client's Benefit? For the Resource's Benefit? For the TAX Dept's Benefit? Because I keep

From Edmonton: Where's the Horse?

I think you have to compare the longevity of the fly as well as the price. I know the tree gods don't care. My experience with some of the import flies is they while esthetacly pleasing are tied very loose and as a result fall apart quickly. If you are taking off more flies because they fall apart compared to others then the cost of locally tied will be less. Let's calculate cost be cast!!!!

ROD REPS: Manufacturers of all products target market their product for a couple of reasons. 1st and foremost is they have a cost to manufacture and a profit to make. Based on their ability develop new technology to build a better mousetrap on a continuing basis, or whether they lead or follow in this area generally identifies (if nothing else) who will be more recognized. Thank God for the technology or we still might be using glass rods. In most cases you receive value for the dollar amount spent. And as always the manufacturer and retailer will charge what the market will bear. REPS sell your product based on the benefits of it and quit bad mouthing the other, as this paints a bad picture on both companies.