Last Friday, Michael Braynen, Department of Marine Resources’ director for the Bahamas, auto flushed the proposed draconian, anti-foreigner flats fishing ‘regs’
It was welcomed by all stakeholders: Bahamian owned lodges, foreign lodge owners, second home owners, international flats fishing enthusiasts, travel companies, and more importantly, the economic interests of Bahamians who provide a wide range of services to angling visitors, including independent guides.
NOTE: Months ago, our anonymous ministry source told us, which we published, how it would conclude and that person was spot on
Background: A group of disgruntled, or at least naive Bahamian guides wanted to ‘control’ all flats fishing by setting up a graft-ripe system of management. They feigned conservation concerns in Trump-like speak with no show me the beef. Some of their proposed rules were: non Bahamian guided DIY foreign anglers go to jail with a $3,000 fine; shut down the flats, by again, claiming conservation interests and demanding anyone fishing the flats must have a guide whom the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) deemed worthy. Some of BFFIA’s ideas were good; professionalize anyone wanting to become a flats fishing guide and requiring visitors to buy a fishing license.
The regs proposed, but now dead, were authored by Prescott Smith, son of the most famous fly angling guide in the Bahamas, Charlie Smith (Crazy Charlie fly). Prescott Smith is the President/Director of the (BFFIA). He was publicly supported by some surprising names: Denward Rankine, Vice President/Director; Valentino Munroe, Asst. Treasurer/Director; Shawn Leadon, Director; Kendall Williamson, Director; Nathaniel Gilbert, Director; Paul Pinder, Director; Omeko Glinton, Director; James Smith, Director; Colin Cartwright, Director; Philip Williamson, Treasurer.
Mr. Braynen’s statement on the subject matter as reported by the Bahamas’ Tribune 242: “Fly Fishing Licenses ‘Largely Determined’”
DIY fly angling will continue in the Bahamas.
Pictured is Katie Mackey from Drift Waters Outfitters searching the flats of Long Island, Bahamas for bonefish. Image credit www.driftwaters.com.
Mr Braynen added: “With respect to licenses, it has pretty much been determined that there will be licenses for people to engage in fly fishing in the Bahamas.
“At present, one does not need to have a personal license to engage in this type of activity, and this will in all likelihood change. Certainly my department is recommending that it change. Everyone engaged in fly fishing will have to get a license.
“The license will be made available online, and persons arriving in the Bahamas and deciding they want one should be able to get it from border control officials,” he said.
“The fee would vary depending on the duration of the license. We would expect licenses to be issued for a day, a week, a month, six months or a year, whatever is applicable.
“We would not expect children under 12 to have to pay for a license. We would expect that fees collected from the license will be used directly for conservation, research and enforcement activities that support fly fishing in the Bahamas.”
Mr Braynen said the issue of do-it-yourself (DIY) fly fishing has been a point of controversy in the consultation over the proposed regulations to govern the industry.
“In what was put out it was contemplated that persons would have to be accompanied by a fishing guide, and this is what caused a lot of controversy,” he acknowledged.
A tailer gets fooled. BTT image.
“The feedback from visitors and stakeholders has clearly indicated that persons fishing without guides form a significant portion of the sector, and many persons routinely use a guide for portions of their visit and to fish without guides for the remainder.
“It was also noted that there are persons and companies that offer accommodations throughout the Bahamas who cater specifically to DIY fishers. Given the significance of the DIY portion of the sector, the management measures being contemplated now will require these fishers to obtain a personal license to engage in flats fishing, provide access by these fishers to all fishing flats except those under special management, and also ensure that DIY fishers have the latest information with regard to catch and release methods and fishing etiquette in the Bahamas.”
Mr Braynen said it was anticipated that professional fishing guides will be licensed in the Bahamas. “The intent is to establish a process that will license persons to be professional fishing guides, with requirements set so that persons employing professional guides could be assured that the guide has the requisite training, knowledge and skills, and will provide the required services,” he added.
Read complete story here . . .
Contact Tribune 242 reporter: nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net
