The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

The argument about "law" could go on forever and you are absolutely correct in your points, which I believe I ageed with in my previous post. Let's address another facet of California fish and game laws.

If someone can't see a few sections of a restricted number of streams set aside for fly fishing only with fly fishing equipment, a position I just don't understand, then why are most perfectly content with having different hunting seasons? As an example and an excellent parallel between two different types of sport: There is a separate and completely regulated Bow Huning season for deer. Not only is the equipment for bow hunting strictly regulated, it even goes so far as to prohibit the use of a cross bow during archery only season. Cross bows only shoot arrows and are very similar to regular archery equipment except in one important facet. So, if the DFG can regulate this why can't the same be said for fly fishing equipment? We all know what it is, understand the differences between it and other equipment, and would know that we were breaking the law if we used something other than described in the regulations. Is that so hard?

Another proposal. Since fly fishing has been proven to be less harmful to fish, why not open streams and rivers to fly fishing only during the regularly closed season and open to all during the regular season? Gear folks aren't allowed to fish now anyway, so what would be the harm? Many other states have year round open trout fishing with no adverse affects, why are we still in the stone age?

By the way, I completely reject the reasoning that fly fishing is too difficult, too expensive, too whatever. What a lame excuse!!!