Cobus Blouberg
Senior Member
In the Knysna area - per example only, there must be many communities with the same characteristics - many local recreational anglers are poor people, to whom the license fees already presents an obstacle. However, they have been coming around and get their permits in increasing numbers.
I know many of these okes, grew up there, any much of the little I know about fishing they taught me. I also know that they still walk great distances to go fishing and take their kids along sometimes (Often at night) to help get their catch home, should they be lucky for a change. And do not now think that they exceed the current limits, they are fined and prosecuted hectically in that area, fact.
I think these new proposed measures could only have a negative effect on that sector, probably causing them to do more illegal stuff.
Then, basic costs of living issues now - already bloody expensive to go on a fishing trip, now one fish a day sometimes and you have to go and play with your thumbs? Surely fewer people will go on fishing trips and thus cause local operators, guesthouses and the like to lose business?
Sure, it is a complex issue and no use just looking at negatives. So, I would suggest some more research should be encouraged and specifically to see if there are no international case studies that would help with assessing the nett result of all the pros and cons.
Personal feeling is quite strong about one thing though - the 'home inspection' story would have to be refined very nicely to cater for SA malaise of crime and security issues. I, for one, am not letting anyone into my home - also considering that I travel a lot and my family is then alone at home - without proper safeguards and arrangements. But the moment you put an early warning or notice of a visit aspect in place, the real skelms will make a plan and the whole exercise will be useless!!!
Last point, a financial assessment should also be done to some detail, as to the effect of having inspectors visiting homes. Surely there would need to be appointed many more staff members, or the current okes would not be able to do their jobs - given that they are already just scratching the surface? And should the money not rather go to policing of real crime, anyway? How about making angling safer, for instance?
Hard to make practical, I know - but what about a points system, which makes reference to the times when you catch nothing or below whatever kg limit is set? Could possibly balance things a bit...
Last 2 cents, would it not be easier to place more emphasis on copping the recreational guys selling fish as well as those buying from them? As opposed to making all of us subject to a 'police state' environment.
All of it is just becoming too much of a hassle.
And Strandwolf, about stopping angling and to go and play tennis - I do play tennis, and F&%k tennis
There is too much 'take it or leave (It)' in SA already, that is why so many guys are chucking good things or the whole country.
I know many of these okes, grew up there, any much of the little I know about fishing they taught me. I also know that they still walk great distances to go fishing and take their kids along sometimes (Often at night) to help get their catch home, should they be lucky for a change. And do not now think that they exceed the current limits, they are fined and prosecuted hectically in that area, fact.
I think these new proposed measures could only have a negative effect on that sector, probably causing them to do more illegal stuff.
Then, basic costs of living issues now - already bloody expensive to go on a fishing trip, now one fish a day sometimes and you have to go and play with your thumbs? Surely fewer people will go on fishing trips and thus cause local operators, guesthouses and the like to lose business?
Sure, it is a complex issue and no use just looking at negatives. So, I would suggest some more research should be encouraged and specifically to see if there are no international case studies that would help with assessing the nett result of all the pros and cons.
Personal feeling is quite strong about one thing though - the 'home inspection' story would have to be refined very nicely to cater for SA malaise of crime and security issues. I, for one, am not letting anyone into my home - also considering that I travel a lot and my family is then alone at home - without proper safeguards and arrangements. But the moment you put an early warning or notice of a visit aspect in place, the real skelms will make a plan and the whole exercise will be useless!!!
Last point, a financial assessment should also be done to some detail, as to the effect of having inspectors visiting homes. Surely there would need to be appointed many more staff members, or the current okes would not be able to do their jobs - given that they are already just scratching the surface? And should the money not rather go to policing of real crime, anyway? How about making angling safer, for instance?
Hard to make practical, I know - but what about a points system, which makes reference to the times when you catch nothing or below whatever kg limit is set? Could possibly balance things a bit...
Last 2 cents, would it not be easier to place more emphasis on copping the recreational guys selling fish as well as those buying from them? As opposed to making all of us subject to a 'police state' environment.
All of it is just becoming too much of a hassle.
And Strandwolf, about stopping angling and to go and play tennis - I do play tennis, and F&%k tennis
There is too much 'take it or leave (It)' in SA already, that is why so many guys are chucking good things or the whole country.
