Time to fight the anti-striper bill!

They’re at it again! The water mongers down south are trying completely turn California into a fishless desert. This time around, the target is striped bass. Another Assembly bill (AB 2336) has been introduced into the California legislature that would de-list stripers as sportfish, opening them up to anarchy-style fishing in which there would be no bag or size limits.

It’s basically a striper eradication plan by the water users in Fresno…they’re claiming that striped bass are the reason the salmon collapse has occurred…which, of course, is just to divert attention from the fact that the massive water exports are really one of the main causes. And if this passes, guess what’s next? Other non-native species like largemouth, smallmouth & spotted bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, etc.

Here’s where you can help! There will be a hearing at the State Capitol Tuesday, April 13 in Room 437 at 9AM and we’re encouraging everybody who fishes for stripers to come out and show your support.

Here’s the details from the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance:

The AB 2336 Hearing is on Tuesday, April 13 in Room 437 at the California State Capitol Building. Fishermen need to be there EARLY – do not let the water buffaloes stack the hearing room! We will be meeting at 7:30 am at the west entrance at 10th street and Capitol Mall. Please try to show up no later than 8 am. The hearing formally starts at 9 am.

Once the doors open we will go through security (camera phones ok, but take no photos), and take the elevators toward the left to the 4th floor, where we will immediately assemble and wait for the meeting room (located near the elevators) to be opened. We may have to wait an hour, so be PATIENT. Note – meeting Room 437 may be changed, so everyone look at posted rosters. We seek the AB2336 Hearing of the Water, Parks & Recreation Committee – California State Assembly (not Senate).

We will possibly hold a post hearing rally, but this won’t be known for a while. A few things to note irrespective of whether we hold a brief rally or not:

1. DRESS: please no flip flops and we strongly prefer long pants. WEAR FISHING SHIRTS AND FISHING HATS. BASS GUYS – show us what ya got. We represent fishermen (hopefully proud fishermen!)

2. Signs/Banners: NO SIGNS ALLOWED. Just come in your most visable fishing clothes and be presentable

3. The best parking is in the lot at 10th & L street, very close to where we will meet at the west entrance. This parking facility takes credit cards.