Fishing pastime in decline?
Assembly bill aims to attract more anglers by offering year-long fishing licenses, discounts
Barry Pearson and daughter Kendra Pearson of Auburn fish for steelhead in the Yuba River near Hammon Grove Park.
For the past couple of decades, James Stone of Elite Sportsmen Guide Service has seen a significant decline in the number of new anglers jumping into his boat and exploring the myriad of waterways throughout the Mid-valley.
The decline has not just affected Stone, who lives in Sutter and is also president of the Nor-cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association, but is part of an overall decline throughout the state. According to data collected by California Sportfishing League, there has been a 55 percent decline in fishing licenses sold since 1980, while the state’s population has grown by 60 percent in the same span.
To help combat the decline, local Assemblyman James Gallagher introduced a bill that would give anglers a 12 consecutive month fishing license option, in addition to discounting licenses for California’s veterans. Advocates of Assembly Bill 986 say the legislation will help to increase fishing license sales and in turn, aid conservation efforts from the state and boost rural economies which rely on recreational activities like fishing or hunting.
“It’s one of our big attractions,” Gallagher
He’s worked his way up the chain of command from being a reserve deputy in the 1990s to running the detective bureau and SWAT team today. In a few months more he will be the head of a department that has fiscal uncertainties and is fighting to keep the peace in an everchanging landscape for law enforcement.
It’s a tall task for anyone to assume, but Wendell Anderson said he is ready for the challenge.
“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” Anderson said. “(This campaign) was a pretty humbling experience. I had a lot of support, and I want to thank the voters of Yuba County for their confidence and support. Yuba County sheriff-elect