Compleat Thought » bite http://compleatthought.com Conservation, Education, and New Media in Fly-fishing. Don't forget the Peanut Butter & Bacon. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:25:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Felt Bans – Coming to a state near you… http://compleatthought.com/2011/01/18/felt-bans-coming-to-a-state-near-you/ http://compleatthought.com/2011/01/18/felt-bans-coming-to-a-state-near-you/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:45:58 +0000 kyleindenver http://compleatthought.com/?p=1142

Well folks, looks like it’s time to retire those old felt soles and get yourself a new hip pair of sticky rubber. Following Alaska, Oregon, and other states, Montana has put forth an initiative to ban the use of felt soles (except of course in cases of emergency).

The initiative states:

NEW SECTION.  Section 2.  Use of felt-soled boots and waders prohibited.
(1) A person may not use external felt-soled boots or external felt-soled waders in the waters of the state.
(2) The possession of external felt-soled boots or external felt-soled waders on the banks or shores of a stream or lake or in a boat, raft, canoe, or other water vessel is prima facie evidence that the person or persons in whose possession the boots or waders are found were using the boots or waders in the waters of the state.
(3) The provisions of this section do not apply to a state or federal employee or emergency personnel, including fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical technicians, using external felt-soled boots or external felt-soled waders when acting within the scope of duty.

My first thought is that at least someone is doing something to combat this problem, but my second is, well, Don’t Tread On Me. I know boat inspections and warning signs are everywhere, but an actual ban is, in my mind, is a little odd.  I’ve always done my best to wash and dry everything I’m taking to different rivers. Since these invasive species have been around Colorado for some time, I’ve tried to do my best in my cleaning practices. Though, it’s surprising to me that states without such a widespread (or known) problems are taking steps before states where it lurks on every stream.

But I can’t help but ask the question – what does federal/state government and emergency personel mean? Are they saying that they get a pass ‘just in case they’re caught’, or that in fact felt is better than other soles and may help their efforts? I’d like to know. Also, If someone were to own a pair of Korkers, but have felt inserts in their truck – is that a violation? I don’t get it. I still have to wash and dry my boots (because of shoelaces, etc.), my waders, my boat, etc. I can see why felt would hold more of these species, but why are we implementing laws that only target a small part of the problem. Why not educate, inspire – or shit, force other rules upon our brotheren?

Let it be known that I have never had a better grip than felt on the San Juan, portions of The Blue, or even the Gunny. Rubber will advance, but for now, I’ll be keeping my felt around as long as possible (and, I’ll be responsible).

It really doesn’t matter what I say – get ready folks, felt bans are coming to a state near you.

Plus, the NBA banned a certain sole – though I don’t think it carries the same species… Maybe they’ll work on the river, no?

]]> http://compleatthought.com/2011/01/18/felt-bans-coming-to-a-state-near-you/feed/ 3 Bad Pike!!! http://compleatthought.com/2010/02/04/bad-pike/ http://compleatthought.com/2010/02/04/bad-pike/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:10:55 +0000 kyleindenver http://compleatthought.com/?p=487 Might want to think twice before taking that fly out of your pike’s mouth.

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