April 2006 American Sportfishing Association Member Update
Member Updates are e-mailed monthly to members of the American Sportfishing
Association and our partners on issues of interest to the future of
fishing. For more information, contact ASA
Communications, 703.519.9691.
This is a partial list of the topics covered in this update. Please
scroll down for the complete document. Previous ASA Member Updates
are available in the ASA
Newsroom.
Commerce Department Supports 2006 Ocean Salmon Season
Board of Directors Election
Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax Update
Registration for National Fishing and Boating Week 2006
Nominations for ASA National Awards Due in May
Exhibiting at ICAST 2006
Reelin’ & Dealin’—A Guide to ICAST-Only Show Specials
ICAST 2006 Sponsorships Available
Final ICAST 2006 Exhibitor Conference Call–May 22
ICAST 2006 Exhibitors—We Want to Help You!
ICAST Attendee Registration and Housing
New Product Showcase Expands for 2006
ICAST on the Web
MAATS Co-locates with ICAST
Striped Bass Game Fish 2006—A Landmark Event
2006 Sportfishing Summit—Mark Your Calendars for Sunny San Diego
Welcome New Members!
ASA Dues Payment Reminder
ASA Members—Please Update Your Business Contact Information
National Habitat Initiative Announced at Congressional Casting Call
Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Commerce Department Supports 2006 Ocean Salmon Season
On April 28, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the Department
of Commerce announced its support of the near unanimous April 6 Pacific Fishery
Management Council’s (PFMC) decision to open the 2006 ocean salmon fishing
season. This announcement is the culmination of weeks of effort on behalf of
the American Sportfishing Association, Coastside Fishing Club, ASA’s
West Coast members, the Fish Sniffer (a West Coast media outlet) and
other angling groups who joined together to inform the administration and state
and federal policy makers about the issue and its impact on the sportfishing
community. Nearly 8,000 individuals and ASA members sent e-mails and letters
to Members of Congress, state elected officials and federal and state agency
leaders through ASA’s Web site alone. The California season will run
from May 1 through November 12. For more information, contact Gordon
Robertson,
x237.
Board of Directors Election
ASA members should receive their ballots for the Board of Directors elections no later than the first week of May. Members will be electing six members to ASA's Board of Directors, with terms beginning in October. Elections are open for three regional and three at-large seats. Regional seats cover the Great Lakes, Northeast, Northern Plains and Inter-Mountain regions. Ballots are due on or before June 1, 2006. According to the bylaws, only members with Regular membership status may vote. Associate members are not eligible to vote. For more information about the ballots, contact Board Liaison Joyce Anderson-Logan, x233. For more information about membership status, contact Membership Services Director Ric Ice, x234.
Federal Manufacturers’ Excise Tax Update
ASA continues to wait for the final version of the IRS Director's Industry Directive concerning scenarios and factors determining how excise taxes should be paid by sportfishing manufacturers. As of April 26, 2006, the document is still being reviewed by the IRS counsel. ASA members will be notified when the document is available. For more information, contact Gordon Robertson, x237.
Registration for National Fishing and Boating Week 2006
ASA’s 2006 National Fishing and Boating Week events will be held on June 5–7, 2006 in the Washington, D.C. area. Registration packets for National Fishing and Boating Week were mailed in mid-April to all ASA members and partners. Registration information is available on ASA’s Web site. Highlights of the week include a members and guests reception and boat cruise on the Potomac River sponsored by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation; a luncheon with federal and state agency representatives; various ASA committee meetings; a Capitol Hill reception and meetings with Members of Congress and federal agency administrators. Please plan to attend and make your voice heard on important sportfishing issues. For more information, contact Patrick O’Rouke, x230.
Nominations for ASA National Awards Due in May
During National Fishing and Boating Week, ASA shines the spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond to promote recreational fishing and boating. The nominations for the Norville Prosser Lifetime Achievement and Future of Fishing Awards are due to ASA by May 5. For more information, contact Policy Fellow Patrick O’Rouke, x230.
Exhibiting at ICAST 2006
With the show floor completely sold out for several months, ICAST 2006 is the hottest sportfishing ticket in town. Booth space contracts continue to come in, but with 100 percent sold, remaining space is available on a wait list only. Exhibitor registration is open and all exhibitors are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The Exhibitor Promo Pak was mailed in early March. The Promo Pak is produced by ASA for ICAST exhibitors to assist them in building a successful show presence for their companies. Exhibitors who have paid both their booth fees and their ASA membership dues should have received their Exhibitor Service Manuals in the mail. Exhibitors may also access the Service Manual information through ASA’s Web site. Please contact Ann Sweeney, x241 if you need assistance regarding membership dues. For more information about the Exhibitor Service Manuals, please contact Kelly Camirand, x231.
Reelin’ & Dealin’—A Guide to ICAST-Only Show Specials
Special product discounts—exclusive to ICAST—are a popular draw for retail and wholesale buyers. One of ASA’s latest endeavors, debuting in 2006, will give buyers a better opportunity to save money on product orders placed during the show. The new “Reelin’ & Dealin’: A Guide to ICAST-Only Show Specials” will be distributed to registered buyers before and during the show. Exhibitors who submitted their show specials on or before April 14 will be listed in the upcoming May/June issue of Fishing Tackle Retailer. The deadline for a listing in the show special guide is May 1. For more information, please contact Kelly Camirand, x231.
ICAST 2006 Sponsorships Available
ICAST 2006 sponsorship opportunities are still available for exhibitors and all ASA members. For more information, please contact Kelly Camirand, x231.
Final ICAST 2006 Exhibitor Conference Call—May 22
The final exhibitor conference call is scheduled for Monday, May 22. To ensure that you have as much information as possible, please plan to join in on this call. Additional details are available in the Exhibitor Promo Pak. For more information on any and all things ICAST, please contact Kelly Camirand, x231.
ICAST 2006 Exhibitors—We Want to Help You!
Every Monday afternoon, ASA sends a weekly e-mail to ICAST exhibitors with “important to know” information. Please watch your “in” boxes for these important e-mails from Kelly Camirand,ICAST coordinator. In addition, all important ICAST deadlines are listed on page 31 of the Promo Pak. Please check to make sure you aren’t missing important ICAST deadlines.
ICAST Attendee Registration and Housing
ICAST attendee registration is open on ASA’s Web site. ICAST 2006 attendee registration brochures were mailed in early March. If you didn’t receive a hard-copy registration brochure, please feel free to register on the Web site. It’s easy to register online with the step by step instructions. ICAST housing registration is also open. Please make your reservations as soon as possible. Housing information is available on ASA’s Web site.
New Product Showcase Expands for 2006
This year, the New Product Showcase, the show’s flagship feature will draw even bigger crowds as competition for the "Best of Show" awards intensifies. In order to better represent the diversity of gear and accessories, we’ve expanded our product categories for 2006. The Rod and Reel categories have both been split into freshwater and saltwater and we’ve added a new category for the growing Eyewear industry. Additionally, Electronics is its own category while Boating Accessories and Giftware have been consolidated into one category. Exhibitors will now have the opportunity to compete in a total of 16 product categories as well as the overall Best of Show. All New Product Showcase entry forms must be received by June 15. Additional details and the official rules of the New Product Showcase are in the Exhibitor Promo Pak. The Promo Pak is available in hard-copy and on the Web site. Questions concerning the New Product Showcase should be directed to Kelly Camirand, x231.
ICAST on the Web
We continually update the ICAST section of ASA’s Web site with new information to ensure that exhibitors and attendees alike have a top-notch experience at ICAST. Please continue to check the Web site for the latest information and updates.
MAATS Co-locates with ICAST
Once again, ICAST will coincide with the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Marine After Market and Accessories Trade Show (MAATS). For more information on any and all things ICAST, please contact Kelly Camirand, x231.
Striped Bass Game Fish 2006—A Landmark Event
Stripers Forever, along with the American Sportfishing Association, the Federation of Fly Fishers and the International Game Fish Association is hosting a landmark symposium to address northeast saltwater sportfishing. Speakers will address major issues such as the decisions behind designating wild saltwater species like striped bass as a game fish. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 in Foxboro, Mass. For more information visit the Stripers Forever Web site.
2006 Sportfishing Summit—Mark Your Calendars for Sunny San Diego
ASA invites its members and partners to join us for the 2006 Sportfishing Summit scheduled for October 18–20 at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa in San Diego, Calif. ASA plans to have a program in place and information distributed before ICAST 2006. For more information, contact Mary Jane Williamson, x227.
Welcome New Members!
ASA welcomes these new members or members who reinstated their membership in April: CAGI Outdoor Products, Gettysburg, PA; FishLips Jigs, LLC, Sioux Falls, SD; Hydro Glow, Inc., Dawsonville, GA; Lake Ontario Outdoors, Pulaski, NY; Loiland-Myers Group, Milwaukie, OR; Long Jack Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd., Ningbo, Zhejiang China; MD Lures, Niceville, FL; Modevation Enterprises, Inc., Winnipeg, ON, Canada; Pishtech, LaCrosse, WI; Quick Rig Corporation, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Seasonal Marketing, Inc., Milwaukie, OR; Sebile USA, Ltd., Abilene, TX; Smartshield Sun Care, Dallas, TX; The Sportsman Channel, Big Bend, WI; and Westfield Outdoors, Inc., Westfield, IN.
ASA Dues Payment Reminder
For ASA members who pay membership dues in installments; please submit your third payment by May 15. If you need more information, please contact Ann Sweeney, x241.
ASA Members—Please Update Your Business Contact Information
Please take a moment to review your listing in ASA’s online directory found under Member Services on ASA’s Web site. Especially important for ASA is having correct e-mail addresses. This is a vital means of communication for ASA and it’s important that we maintain current e-mail addresses. If you have any changes to your listing or need to update your e-mail address(es), please send them to Ann Sweeney, x241.
National Habitat Initiative Announced at Congressional Casting Call
On April 24, leading conservation agencies including ASA, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially announced a new initiative designed to stop the downward spiral in the populations of many fish and other aquatic species during the 7th annual Congressional Casting Call event on the Potomac River, Washington, D.C. The National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) provides strategies to protect, restore and enhance fish habitats in waterways and watersheds across the country. Six ASA staff members participated in the event. For more information, visit the Casting Call Web site or contact Patrick O’Rouke, x230.
Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
For more information on Future Fisherman activities contact Mike Bolinder, x238, Laura Jerome, x254 or Jesse Graytock, x224.
2006/2007 PE Grants Program Applications Received
The Foundation has received a near-record number of applications from schools in 27 states to implement fishing and boating instruction for the 2006/2007 school year as part of the physical education curriculum. Applicants could request up to $5,000 to support the program. A training session for all the grant recipients is scheduled for this July. For more information, contact Jesse Graytock, x 224.
Hooked On Fishing–Not On Drugs® Evaluation Completed
An ongoing evaluation of Hooked On Fishing–Not On Drugs® (HOFNOD) and similar angling education programs demonstrates that multi-day programs focusing on teaching fishing skills and conservation are the key to increasing a child’s interest in fishing and a child’s likelihood of becoming a long term avid angler. For a copy of the evaluation, contact Laura Jerome, x254.
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
For more information about FishAmerica activities, contact Johanna Laderman, x245 or Jeff Bloem, x247. For more information about the Gulf Fund, contact John Bryan, 804.356.9552.
Operation FISH Ball Caps—Sponsors Needed
FishAmerica is looking for additional sponsors to purchase the Operation FISH ball caps to help support the FishAmerica Gulf Fund. Articles in The New York Post, Boating Magazine, and others publications, have helped raise awareness of the project. For more information contact John Bryan, 804.356.9552. A special thanks to ZEBCO/WCB, The Game and Mailing Services Inc. for their help with this fundraising effort.
FishAmerica Research Projects to Enhance Sportfishing
FishAmerica awarded $80,173 in research funding to five projects that support fisheries management guidelines, investigate habitat utilization, assess migratory behavior and quantify mortality patterns of national and/or regional fisheries populations. The projects focus on Atlantic sturgeon, Chinook and Coho salmon and steelhead. The grant recipients will provide nearly $4.5 million in leverage funds through project partners and associated funding sources; a 56 to 1 return on FishAmerica funds.
Meetings and Conferences
FishAmerica staff attended the First International Mangroves as Fisheries Habitat Symposium at the University of Miami. FishAmerica staff also attended the Wal-Mart FLW Tournament on Beaver Lake in Rogers, Arkansas. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission received $7,053 to operate specialized habitat barges (donated by Bass Pro Shops) to restore fish habitat in Beaver Lake. The grant including proceeds from wristband sales, a $1,500 donation on behalf of the National Guard and each day’s leading pro angler and a $5,000 donation from FLW Outdoors. Since 2000, FLW Outdoors has donated more than $260,000 to FishAmerica for projects at their tournament sites around the country.
FishAmerica Contributors
FishAmerica Foundation thanks ASA member Do-It Corporation for donation to the FishAmerica Foundation. Do-It Corporation joins 41 ASA members and 44 other donors who donate to FishAmerica through direct donations, FishAmerica Gulf Fund donations, licensed-product sales, tournament partnerships and endowment donations.
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Over the past two months, the odds that there would be a 2006 ocean salmon
recreational fishing season looked pretty grim. However, with the National
Marine Fisheries Service (Department of Commerce) April 28 announcement of
their support of the 2006 season, there is reason to celebrate.
The combined efforts of local angling groups, lead by the Coastside Fishing Club,
the Fish Sniffer, a West Coast publication, ASA members and thousands
of individual anglers, turned a grim situation with significant economic impact
into a victory for the sportfishing community. Through ASA’s Web site alone,
more than 8,000 individual anglers and ASA members sent many thousands of e-mails
and letters to Congress and state and federal agencies asking for their support.
As a result, there will be a 2006 ocean salmon recreational fishing season.
I hope everyone understands the significance of this effort. This is advocacy
at its very best. When we come together as a community; we can accomplish what
looks like the impossible. There are at least 44 million anglers in the United
States. Just think what could happen if we took this same energy and multiplied
it out across the United States. Just think what could happen if we all rallied
around getting more kids into fishing? Getting more anglers to take a friend
fishing?
I believe that what we saw in California could be the beginning of a nation-wide
angler advocacy effort. I’m proud of everyone involved and I want to say “thank
you” for your hard work. Let’s keep the momentum going!
