President's Report

by John Toth

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association December 2008 Newsletter)

Operational Manager Update

Several of our Board members met on November 6th to review the many resumes (about 50) we received from our ads for the Operational Manager that were placed in the Asbury Park Press, the NY Times, the Star Ledger and the Fisherman Magazine. We have narrowed our search down to 12 candidates. I have sent emails to them requesting references and a writing sample that they would create for our annual fluke tournament since writing skills are essential for this position. Our board members have reviewed these documents on November 11th and we have determined whom we will invite for our interview process scheduled around November 22^nd.

Elections

We are still looking for members to serve as President and First Vice President. You will not be alone in these positions since we have dedicated board members who work as a team to assist you in fulfilling our agenda for recreational anglers who fish in New Jersey. I know that many of us are busy with our families, work and other obligations. However, you can help to make a difference! You can call me at (732) 656-0139 or email me at tothjohn@verizon.net if you have any questions about these positions.

JCAA Sportsperson of the Year

This prestigious award goes to Dr. Pat Donnelly from the Manasquan Fishing Club. After careful consideration of other candidates at the JCAA October 28th General Meeting, the representatives voted in favor of Pat Donnelly. In addition to his many contributions to the recreational community, Pat has volunteered so much of his time to serve on the NJ Marine Fisheries Council and he also chaired the Black Sea Bass, Tautog and the contentious Reef Committee. We will honor Pat at our November 16th Dinner Dance. Congratulations, Dr. Pat Donnelly!

NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife

I was invited to an October 23rd meeting hosted by the Division of Fish & Wildlife to discuss the staffing and money problems that this Division is facing and the problems that lie ahead if these issues are not addressed. I, and Tom Fote, represented the JCAA, and about 15 other organizations were also invited such as the Littoral Society, Reef Rescue, The NJ Outdoor Alliance and others. The big problem the Division is facing is the hiring freeze that was imposed on it since 2004. Since that time, the Division has lost 50 staff members that have not been replaced. More staff and many with a wealth of knowledge and experience are looking to retire. Lifting of the hiring freeze can only come through the Governor and legislators. To help us better reach the ears of our legislators, I recommended that the Division prepare a report (white paper) that details what the priorities of the Division are, how much staff does it need to accomplish its goals and how much money is also needed for their projects. Armed with this information, we will be in better shape to contact our legislators on behalf of the Division. David Chanda, Director, indicated that my recommendation is a good one and that his staff will be working on the document in question.

Al Ristori

The Star-Ledger is facing difficult financial pressures and as part of their cost-saving measures, this paper has limited Al Ristori’s column to only one day and that day is Friday. Al Ristori gives us the latest scoop on what is happening on the water and we hate to see Al’s column reduced to only one day. I wrote the following letter to the Star-Ledger staff on JCAA letterhead to support Al and you can also support Al by writing to Mr. Bergeron to the Star-Ledger at 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark NJ 07102-1200. If you prefer, you can call Mr. Bergeron at (973) 392-4023 or FAX at (973) 392-5845. His email address is tbergeron@starledger.com. My letter follows:

JERSEY COAST ANGLERS ASSOCIATION

Working For the Saltwater Resource & Marine Anglers

Dear Mr. Bergeron,

I have been told by my many of my fishing friends that Al Ristori’s column in the Star Ledger has been reduced to only the Friday edition of your newspaper. This is very disappointing news to our recreational fishing community and we all hope that you may reconsider your decision to reduce Al’s column to only one day.

New Jersey has very many saltwater anglers, estimated to be over one million, simply because of its large coastline. We look to the Star Ledger to read Al’s column since he gives us the latest news on what is happening on the fishing scene such as which lures are working the best and what type of fish are biting. This information can only come from a person like Al who is regularly on the water or through his many contacts with his fishing associates. Al’s columns also cover the important fishing regulations that are having a big impact on the fishing industry. In short, Al is a very respected figure in the fishing community and we look forward to his columns in the Star Ledger to provide us with the latest and best available information on the sport we anglers all love. If his column is restricted to only one day, we cannot get the best information from Al that we all know that he can deliver.

There are not many newspapers like yours that provide such good fishing information and I know that many anglers buy the Star Ledger just to read Al’s column. I also know that the Star Ledger is having difficult times like other newspapers. However, we do wish that you would reconsider your decision in regard to Al Ristori since he not only provides us with the fishing information we are looking for, but his columns also sells many of your papers. This is a win/win situation for all of us!


Sincerely,
John J. Toth
President, Jersey Coast Anglers Association

Donations to the JCAA

The end of the year is rapidly approaching and in addition to the holidays, people also think of tax saving strategies. You can lower your taxes by donating to the JCAA since it is a non-profit entity and your contribution is tax deductible. Your contribution will be utilized to support and protect the rights of all anglers who fish in New Jersey. Please call the JCAA office at (732) 506-6565 if you have any questions in regard to your contribution. I can be reached at (732) 656-0139 Thank You!

Upcoming Winter Shows

The following shows will be here before you know it and we will need volunteers to staff it. You do not have to stay at the show for an entire day. Usually, you work several hours and we always have others at the booth so that you can take a restroom break and also have time to see the show. As a volunteer, you do NOT pay to get into the show. The show schedule follows:

January 8–11 - Garden State Outdoor Sportsman Show
January 10th - Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar
February 4-8 – AC Boat Show
March 20-22 – Somerset Saltwater Expo

JCAA’s Mark Taylor coordinates the shows for us and he can be reached at (732) 929-2591. His email is MTSPORT46@aol.com.

Sunday Bow Hunting Bill (1669)

This bill is strongly supported by the NJ Outdoor Alliance (JCAA is a member) and it allows bow hunting on Sunday on lands that are privately owned and on Wildlife Management Areas. The NJ Outdoor Alliance has worked hard to get this bill moving and now the animal right activists are calling legislators to kill it. Please call the following legislators in the Assembly and tell them you support this bill. We have a lot of hunters in the JCAA and I know you would want this bill to pass. Anglers and hunters have to stick together since there is strength in numbers!

DeCroce (973) 984-0922
Doug Fisher (856) 455-1011
John Amedro (609) 677-8266
Herb Conway (856) 461-3997
Marcai Karrow (908) 782-5127

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