Woods & Water: Find ‘Free Fishing Day’ activities on the Net
Finding a place to fish in Tennessee will be easier than ever for this year’s “Free Fishing Day”, set for Saturday, June 11.
“There has been terrific coordination between TWRA’s Information and Education Division and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation,” noted Dan Hicks of the TWRA. “If you have access to the Internet, you are going to be able to find dozens of events scheduled for ‘Free Fishing Day.'”
Anglers should check events between now and June 11, as more and more fishing rodeos and tournaments are added to the list of “Free Fishing Day” Activities.
The website address for TWRA is www.tnwildlife.org. Once the website comes up, click on “fishing” then click the link under “2005 Free Fishing Day Activities”. There are some age limits on certain events, so please review the website information prior to registration.
There are events scheduled for Warren, White, DeKalb and Van Buren Counties in TWRA’s Region 3. As details become available for these events they will be added to the agency’s website or you can e-mail me at twra@blomand.net for more information or contact your local wildlife officer.
BOATING SEASON BEGINS SOON
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wishes to remind all boaters that the traditional beginning of the boating season will begin on Memorial Day. Memorial Day weekend and the Fourth of July are the two biggest boating weekends of the year.
The TWRA wants to remind all boaters that once again wildlife/boating officers will be patrolling the waters and will be watching for intoxicated boaters. “If you are caught boating while drunk, you will be arrested and charged with boating under the influence,” said Ed Carter, the TWRA’s Chief of Boating.
Anyone operating a boat while intoxicated may be subject to fines and court costs that range from $250 to $2500 for first offenses; $500 to $2500 for second offenses; and $1000 to $5000 for third offenses. In addition, boating privileges may be suspended and incarceration may accompany fines. “There is a mandatory 30-day jail sentence if you are caught a third time,” said Carter.
The designated driver system works on boats as well as in cars. At least one member of the boating party should not drink and that person should be the one to operate the boat.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in more than 50 percent of the boating accidents that result in death. It induces fatigue and affects coordination and balance, and when combined with the motion of the water, the noise from the engine and the effects of the sun, wind and glare, it can be a deadly combination for someone on the water.
Any intoxicated person is a danger on the water, not only to themselves, but also to all other boaters.
DON’T DRINK AND BOAT!
For all you other boaters who are wondering what is needed for their boat, here’s a quick checklist. First, make sure that the registration on your boat is current and that all numbers and registration decals are applied. If not, you will probably be stopped and checked while boating. If your boat registration has expired, you can now reregister your boat at any license agent of the TWRA, through the new Remote Easy Access License system. Only renewals may be accepted through this computerized system, all new registrations will still have to be run through the county court clerk’s office.
Also your boat should have a wearable lifejacket for everyone on board the boat. It’s always a good idea to carry a couple of spares just in case you take on more passengers. You should also have at least one Coast Guard approved “throwable” PFD, such as a seat cushion or ring buoy, per boat. Children under the age of 12 and anyone riding a personal watercraft are required by law to wear a PFD while the boat/watercraft is underway.
If you plan on being out after dark, boats should also display “running” lights. This includes a red/green light on the bow of the boat and a 360-degree white light on the rear of the boat. These lights should be used while the boat is underway. If the boat is anchored, then the 360-degree white light should be used. Personal watercraft are prohibited by law from operating after sunset.
A fire extinguisher is required in all boats that have a permanent/built in gas tank. Make sure yours is charged and in good condition. It’s also a good idea to keep it in the front of the boat. Most fires begin around the motor, so this will make it more accessible.
Other things that would be recommended but not required to have around, would be a paddle for those motor emergencies, extra gas, flashlight, whistle and jumper cables. TWRA boating officers will be on the waterways this summer in full force, if you have an emergency, just flag us down, we’ll be glad to help. BOAT SAFE!
(Do you have questions about boat registration? Joey Wray will answer some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject in Sunday’s edition.)