Comment Log Display

Dear Legislature:

These boats carrying anglers on "open party" trips are historic and
an integral part of the history of SoCal Fishing.  And most would
be affected by changes in emission and fuel efficiency standards
now being considered in the legislature and other agencies. 
 
Big Game Fishing was invented off the coast of California and these
boats (as fuel inefficient and/or polluting as they may be) are
nonetheless iconic and should be allowed to operate until no longer
safe.  A exception and/or exemption to these boats should be
mandated as part of any new regulations.  Or perhaps extend their
compliance to retrofit to 25 years.  By then, I would hazard a
guess that these boats may no longer be seaworthy.  But 
from what I understand, an approval process (through application)
could be created to be exempted from the new regulations.  And what
I am suggesting affects probably less than 200 small family owned
businesses.      

As for the boats, Granddads have now taken their Grandkids on these
boats once like their parents took them back in the 1960s.  These
boats have character and represent a grand tradition of angling. 
Combat fishing as it is sometimes called.  

It is the smell of the galley, the smell of the bunks, the dings
and scratches of the deck rails, the layout, the architecture, that
is what makes these boats unique and an integral heritage of the
Southern California.   

Of course, newer boats will be better for the environment but
sometimes there must be consideration given to the generations of
fishing these boats represent.  Many of these boats will be retired
in due course so there really is no need to shut off their heritage
now due to environmental concerns.  

Plus, the reason these boats have existed is to provide an
inexpensive, fun atmosphere, learning and cultural experience and
if they have to retrofit (assuming that is even possible), the
patrons will be forced to pay way too much money for the
experience.  

Open party boat Fishing is cheap and it should stay that way so
that all members of the community can afford it.  That is what
makes these boats so enjoyable as there is a true cross cultural
and socio-economic diverse group of anglers who for one day, or one
trip have to work together to land their big fish!!!  

Their lines may cross that day and their paths may never cross
again but if these boats disappear for environmental
considerations, I suspect the opportunity for people of different
ages, races, religions, etc. to interact will have one less
opportunity to learn from each other while sharing the common love
of the thrill of catch.    

Just thoughts.  
Thanks for listening. 
Scott Grant