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Fishing Fork From: Jack Hammons (63.24.164.163), Texas
I hope they not wanting us to pay to fish on Fork..Im sure not going to. I got a place up there and have spent lots of money up there. I will start fishing Cooper and Winnsboro and the other good lakes around that area. If you hear of more info on this please post it . would like to read about it ..Thanks Twpd From: Stumpy (208.194.207.73), Texas I swear the people running the TWPD have rocks in there heads. I have fished all my life and now we are retired and spending the winters in south Texas. I have meet many RV's and y'all ought to hear what they think of TWDP. Nobody likes to use our state parks as they all say they are over priced and the people are very unfriendly. It seems to me they act as if they are doing us a favor to let us in our parks. Now they want to charge us for fishing on Fork next it will be Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, and soon all the lakes in Texas. Hey don't we all pay TAXES. Have a good year fishing.
Not just Fork... From: Rog (207.136.20.78), Texas I took the survey for Roberts and it centered around municiple water usage and how much we would be willing to spend per trip above current $ to maintain a viable fishery. I believe, forgive me but it has been a while since I took it, there is a bill or potential legislation surrounding water availability. The questions were how much did you spend on the last trip and how much would you be willing to spend above your current $$. If they ask, have them send you on of the surveys to your house. Sorry I can't remember all of the details so do not hold me to it. Maybe someone else can fill in my memory lapse. Tp&w From: tp&w (12.44.135.193), Texas F--- em Fork fees From: Jon K. (204.233.32.61), Kansas I just went to the TWPD web-site and didn't see anything about what you mentioned. I e-mailed them with the question and asked for a response. I will report here on anything I find out. If anyone else has any other information--please post. This is disturbing news for those of us that that travel great distances to spend money in the local economies. In my opinion a few dollars fee is pure BS. It would probably take more money to man ramps than would be collected in fees, as with the Kansas Turnpike Athority and the Indian Nations Turnpike. I'm done rambling (for now). Everyone catch something good this week! Jon K. Forked From: Hub (24.23.245.94), Texas Just another pitiful attempt by TPWD to get taxpayers in Texas to pay for there ignorance. They (TPWD) don.t have a clue as to the management of wildlife resources. First they let the lakes in Texas get to the worst condition I've seen in my 25+ years of Bass fishing through mis-management (little to no restocking program and an underhanded Hydrilla killing program )then have the balls to ask the fisherman to bail them out ! They didn't ask for more money when they were making restrictive slot limits unbearable or when they let every special interest group in Texas petition them to kill hydrilla out of most every body of water in the state except ( Fork ) or did they ask for any money when they put restocking the lakes on hold so they could build a premiere hatchery in Athens and a bunch of dog walking parks in Arlington,TX. no they waited until they had a problem with there baby ( Fork ) a little problem with a virus that emanated from another state where water dogs were raised and brought to Texas for sale as bait. Now they want to charge me to pay for there mistakes. Give me a break do they think everybody in Texas is an Idiot. I got a better idea lets all not buy a fishing license for 1 yr in protest of there ignorance and see if a few well placed letters to the representatives of this great state of Texas about maybe getting some of these seats in TPWD elected instead of appointed, then when the money stops flowing into there cold hearted little wallets ( 1 billion dollars a year industry ) then they will wise up and find that you don't bite the hand that feeds ya ! Fork Fees From: Forked Out (207.136.20.233), Texas I myself have fished lake Fork for twelve years and believe that it would not necessarily be a bad idea to to start charging to fish the lake. Charging the out of state fishermen that is. In my opinion, lake Fork's latest slump has been a result from ten years of overfishing, and not from last years virus. Let's face it, you can only take so many 7-8 pound fish from a body of water year after year before it takes it's toll. I am saying this based on photos and personal eyewitness to many out of state fisherman keeping fish of this size over the years. Now before you get angry, I too would probably do the same if I traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to fish. In addition to the fact that an eight pound bass is the catch of a lifetime in some northern regions of the country. I realize that the current length limits will prohibit this, but surely guarantees that any fish over is coming out. In my opinion, the cost of an out of state fishing license is not high enough under these circumstances. Maybe charging a fee will ensure that the lake will be managed adequately to keep people coming back for the next ten years. I don't think it is from the Tourist, but from the In-State crowd From: tx_basser, Texas We pay very little for our right to fish, in the way of fishing licenses, etc. With the demand that our lakes/streams have taken because of the increase in Tournaments and Recreational Boating/Angling, I think some compromise is needed to maintain our fisheries, parks, etc. Yes, some TPWD parks are rather pricey to us, but if you don't like them go to Corp of Engineer parks and use them. I try to stay at all TPWD parks, because I want to make sure my family is safe and they have a good time. I have found that most of the TPWD park employees are very friendly and courteous. come on folks.... From: bigfish tx, Texas They've been surveying lakes all over East Texas with that survey for years and years. I've filled it out twice on Fork, once on Richland Chambers and once on Tawakoni I think. They're NOT going to charge anyone to fish on Fork. It's simply a question to guage what kind of money is being spent on fishing, and if you feel that it's justified. It's nothing more than a marketing survey. How much would you pay for gas? 1.50/gallon? 1.75/gallon? 2.00/gallon? Point is... there is a price there that you would stop buying gas or do something about the price, right? For those of you who have taken that survey, if you'll remember, there is a question asking how much money would you spend to come back to fish Fork again? Don't read more into it than it is. I got skunked that day 2 months ago that I took it again on Fork, and I told the game warden that for $50.00 cash, I would come back. haha They just want to know if you would spend more money on fishing if prices, (license, launch fees, hotels, etc..)went up, that's all. Calm down and stop worrying. Robert forked out From: ralph (12.13.248.4), Kansas Dear forked out I am one off those out of staters who come to your fare state to fish during the winter and also have meet up front and personal your so called guides as my boat was damaged by one there at lake fork when i talked to the TWD&P they told me that a guide in texas does not have to be bonded and insured I know that in missouri they rerquire a certifcation for thier guides thewhen i told them this they told me that anyone can be a guide all they have to do is buy a license and do not reqire they be bonded and insured some state you have maybe we all should stay home and not spend our money in texas and see how your taxes go up then I know cause we have no tourism and the taxes are the highest around so think next time you open that texas size mouth ok Ralph From: Bobby Johnson (166.35.145.48), Texas Great idea Ralph. Stay home and work on your english. Make sure you tell all of your buddies to do the same. Why did you have to come on here and put your nose where it doesn't belong. If you had Fork in your state you would probably be mulling over the same ideas the these guys have stated.(charging out of state fisherman more...etc.) Most of the people in Texas that aren't respectful towards other fisherman and our lakes, are the ones that are only fishing because it is the "popular thing to do" these days. They don't understand the art of bass fishing. I can't believe that I have let some yankee piss me off. Just stay home and I will go collect some cans or give up snuff for a week to make up the few dollars that you spend here. Hopefully if you come back it will cost you more. Later!!!!!! I'm Rippin and you're Lipping!!!! Bobby Johnson Kansas From: Joe (192.31.106.34), Texas Ralph, Perhaps the reason there is no tourism in Kansas in because of the apparent lack of hospitality. Not every boat encountered on our Texas lakes will be as discourteous as your guide friend. There's two sides to every story, so what was his? Did you handle the the situation with the same dignity as in your other comments? We all have to share these lakes, and everyone has a right to voice their opinions on this web-site, so let's all cut each other a little slack. Drive/Boat/Fish Friendly, the Texas way. Joe bobby From: ralph (12.13.248.14), Kansas bobby will remember what you said when i am cleaning all those big bass i catch on water dogs you have a nice day and see you in about 3 weeks ck the 515 bridge i will leave the carcass's there for you have a nice day Fork From: Ty (152.163.204.67), Colorado I hope things work out for you guys. We travel to Fork every year to fish for a week. (no we don't use mud dogs and everything is catch and release, except for a few crappie once in a while)I live in Colorado and all the lakes (mud puddles) are pay for fishing. We pay it and it sucks. At least you guys have something to pay for. Either way all the out of state fisherman aren't poachers. Hang in their and good luck. God Bless Texas. Forked out From: Gene e (12.84.111.49), Illinois Having fished Fork plenty over many years, I can assure you that I have never taken a fish out of the lake. Nor have my friends that have enjoyed Fork over the years. Nor do we fish with live bait. You are painting a large group with a big brush rather unfairly. What I have seen over the years included the boat with halogen lights (like an air boat of sorts) all around it with a bunch of drunken Texans arrowing bass off the beds at night for fun. TP&W got them after I reported them with their boat number. They did a tremendous amount of damage to the fishery during the spawn of 96. I have paid plenty to fish this water by purchasing an out of state license, and contributed a bunch to the local economy in cabins/food/boat and trolling motor repairs. It could still be a great lake if TP&W would invest in some enforcement of the increasingly stringent regulations that many people continue to ignore. Getting rid of waterdogs would be a good place to start. Try using one in Lake Michigan, you would get arrested if caught. My nickles worth...... from a seasoned Fork "out of state" veteran, who is as interested in the health of this lake as anyone. Out of State $$$ From: Mike Hutchings (208.223.196.32), Oklahoma I would like to comment on a few things mentioned in the above remarks. First, I agree that some are pointing a finger at a whole when it is just a few that they see. I know when you see an out-of-stater doing something that you don't approve of, it will stick out in your memory more than any thing else that happens that day or trip. But don't let it ruin it for those of us that act right, practice catch and release, and fork out more money in one trip than most locals do in a year. I may be wrong, but if you were to look and see, out-of-staters probably put more $$$ into your lakes than local people do by several times over. Why do you feel that out-of-staters should pay more for a license than we already do? We pay $30 for an annual out of state fishing license. For some of us who live close to the border, we may visit your state a handful of times. Those that don't may only visit once a year. Now figure out who pays the most per times visited to a Texas lake. I believe most out of state people enjoy coming down to Texas to enjoy some of your great fisheries and we understand that we should have to pay to fish it just as we do to fish our own waters. But for us to foot your bill would be asking a little much. Maybe you can't or will not see the points that I am trying to make. But I believe that you would if there wasn't an out-of-state fisherman on your waters for just one year. One more point I would like to make. I live and fish in southern Oklahom. You may not know it, but on a daily or weekly basis, I would have to say that there are more Texans coming north of the Red river to enjoy some of the waters in Oklahoma. Most of them may not be coming to fish a lake that can pump out the monster fish that some of your lakes are known to, but they come to fish or participate in other recreational activities on lakes that DO NOT charge. Plus they're, for the most part, not near as crowded. Let me give you an example. Go to Broken Bow Oklahoma on the 1st of July and sit in the McDonalds restaurant for the next three days. (24 hours a day, by the way) Count the number of Texans that flood into Broken Bow lake and Beaver's Ben area. Not one will be charged to use the lake. And believe me, two weeks at a major tennis tournament couldn't get your neck ready for the show. HOW DO YOU THINK THOSE FOLKS WOULD FEEL IF OKLAHOMA WAS TO CHARGE THE WHATEVER FEES YOU THINK WE SHOULD PAY TO FISH YOUR LAKES????? Ralphie From: Bobby Johnson (166.35.145.48), Texas You really know how to gain respect around here! You've done enough to make an ass of yourself where I'll keep my comments to myself. Its just unfortunate. I'm not on Fork everyday by any means, but I know the lake better than any other lake that I fish. I've spent just as much time talking and mostly listening to guides that do have many hours on that lake. Through gaining respect from them they have passed alot of knowledge on to me. In turn, when I am there, and hearing someone having a tough time, i do my best to help them out. Wether it is marking a spot on the map, giving them a lure they may not have,or just giving them alittle story to build them some confidence that when they go out the next day, they think every cast is going to be the one that makes their trip. People like you like to discourage......nevermind I said I would keep it that to myself. I am no expert, but I do know Lake Fork....and I owe alot of people for that. I am blessed. Ralph...get the net..I just hooked another one. I'm Ripping and you're Lipping!!!!! Bobby Johnson Mike From: Mike (166.35.145.48), Texas Mike, I'm not saying that bringing in more money from out of staters is the answer. There are many issues that need to be looked at. I'm worried about Fork and every other lake out there whether it is in Texas or not. Unfortunately I let Ralphie piss me off, because I feel that many people take Fork for granted. That you can just roll in and pick up you 10lber and go back home. That is simply not the case. Fork wins 9 out of ten times, but when you beat Fork, there is no better feeling because you probably just had one of the biggest fish days of your life. I'm not here to put out of staters down, i do my best to help them, only the ones who bored enough to get something started. Bobby Good Opinions From: Beckett (152.163.201.68), Texas Fishing brings out some spirited discussions doesn't it? My initial point centered on the need to "discourage" TPWD from charging us anymore than necessary to fish Fork. Lets face it, whether you are from OK, Kansas or Texas, it cost too much already to catch a fish. The money we spend ALREADY benefits the sport as well as the taxes TPWD uses to manage the fishery. Unfortunately, government has a never ending appetite for revenue. If in doubt, add up the federal tax, sales tax, auto taxes, taxes associated with phone use, property tax, gas tax, etc., etc., etc., that you pay every year. I have.......and it makes me sick to my stomach. It is time we say NO. Beckett!!!!! wake up!!!!!!!!!! From: bigfish tx, Texas THEY'RE NOT GOING TO CHARGE MONEY TO FISH ANY FREAKING LAKE IN TEXAS YOU IDIOT!!!!!!!!!! I guess that they need to check the intelligence levels of the people they survey before they do it. If what you're saying is true, they're going to start charging to fish on every freaking lake in Texas. Is that the first survey you've ever been a part of? THEY'VE BEEN DOING IT FOR YEARS!!!!!!!!!! They're just trying to get an idea of how much money you would spend, AND NOT IN LAKE CHARGES, to keep fishing, and IT'S NOT JUST LAKE FORK, it's all the lakes. DAMN. Robert Duh! From: xxx-hook (63.97.252.2), Te I have taken numerous of these surveys on various lakes around Texas. TP&W has been doing economic surveys for a number of years… and yes, some of those statistics relate to the number of dollars spent by out of state folks. They actually make these results public… DUH! I have fished Fork since 1979. I have met some really rude fisherman and more rude boaters, but they are far and few between, compared to all the average Joes! I have sat on my dock & talked to hundreds of out of state fisherman. I see dollar signs in their eyes and they’re leaving them at the local marinas, with guides, restaurants, boat repair shops, gas stations. I’ve also seen as many big bass on Texan’s walls as out-of-staters! %%%% PRACTICE CATCH & RELEASE %%% SHARE-A-LUNKER %%%% and take your trash with you! Check the intelligence level would be a good idea. From: Bass Xpress (165.91.65.32), Texas I guess that is why they started charging to get on Amistad in the last 6 years and many other lakes. Well bigfish, maybe you should get out a little more before calling someone an idiot and find out all the facts. I am not saying the survey's have anything to do with charging for lake permits, but WAKE UP if you do not think we are going get charged to access more and more Texas lakes in the future survey From: jgoris-18 (199.35.119.5), Texas Guest what, they are doing the same survey at Lake Austin. I did not know what is was for, but I know now . Lake austin is free to fish right now. I guess they want to make money of all the free lake.jgoris bass xpress From: bigfish tx, Texas did you even consider that amistad may charge a fee because it is a NATIONAL PARK???? get out more? 25+ years, over 50 lakes in texas, other than a park fee at a corps lake, NEVER HAVE HAD TO PAY TO FISH. jeez, sharp one you are!! stick to perch jerkin you worn out old dump truck driver.
out of staters From: ralph (12.13.248.3), Kansas Boby, you know if you get any dumber you should check your self in ,my father was shocked at the way you attack out of state people as he and my mother have been going too the valley for the winter months for about the last 15 years and ever spring I meet him in east texas to fish for a week and over the years others have come to your far lake fork to fish for crappie on thier way home in the spring .you act the same way the guide acts when I come to the great state of texas each year too fish which i have done for the last 33 years as many as 12 others come along to experience the fishing and they are spending money while they are there on rooms meals tips etc. AND if your wondering how good of a fisherman i am well I have been in the top 10 in the redman for several years was in your far state in october of 1998 at Sam Rayburn to fish the redman regionals. I will say one thing most of the people in your state are good people and I enjoy thier company ,and when I meet someone that is going to texas to fish I try and help them out to show them on a map where they can catch fish as i have done that many times on my way home when I stop at Brannon's tackle shop,once i meet a guy there that was going to fork for the first time with his father and remember Mr Johnson family is the most important part of life as his father took him fishing and now that he has grown older he takes his father ,and his sons just do me one favor and never open the mouth about out of staters again and no I do not us waterdogs did that to pull your chain,so remember bass fishing is a great sport for everyone no matter what state. OH yea my son says to tell you to name the time and we (him and myself) will fish against you anytime but must let you know he has been coming to your great state to fish for the last 18 years and he also is in the top 10 in the redman in his divison (now the BFL)we can call it the 2nd civil war as we won the first (settle down it was just a joke) my hats off to the rest of you texans see you in 2 weeks The men and women of the Texas Parks and Wildlife From: Bob Masters (168.57.16.159), Texas Service continue to do an outstanding job for us. Gathering information is one of the ways they learn about our fisheries here in Texas. I feel for them because for everything that goes wrong with one of our Texas lakes, THEY bear the brunt of criticism and gripes. But, when folks go out on one of these lakes and have a GREAT day and catch a boatload of quality fish, rarely do you ever hear anyone stop and say "Thank You" to TP&WD. But, have you ever considered that our fishing here in Texas is the absolute best it has EVER been and continues to improve on a yearly basis? You can, in large part, thank the TP&WD for their outstanding management efforts for that, too! In case you're wondering, I'm a native Texan who grew up in the 40's and 50's and I have fished seriously for bass since about 1955 here in Texas. I can promise you that "the good old days" were not all that "good", you just need to take a look at what records there are from the 50's, 60s and some of the 70's to see what I mean. Sure, our lakes are more crowded now...what do you expect when our state population has gone from less than 7 million in the 50s to more than 20 million now! This presents a real challenge to our TP&WD folks to continue to maintain high quality fisheries! And if you think this can be done for free, man are you mistaken! I do not begrudge paying more to do this sport, if need be. But, I do know that TP&WD ARE NOT the villians some like to portray them as! And, Bigfish is absolutely correct...the Feds do charge for entry into just about ALL their National Park systems. They "own" them, so it is their right. Another 2 cents worth. Thanks and good fishing. Bob out-of-staters From: Joe (192.31.106.35), Texas Ralph, Maybe you should check YOURSELF in - to a local elemetary school. Frankly, I'm surprised you know who your father is. Take a pill. Life's too short. I'm glad many of the other out-of-staters that I've met have some manners. Comments to Ralph From: Bobby Johnson (166.35.145.48), Texas Hey, it is unfortunate that you are giving Redman a bad name. I'm sure that they would not appreciate someone associating their name with your actions. But anyways, if you read my post, you would calm down. You are out of line and probably did a good job of just try to stir something up. I'll continue doing what I do and you do the same. Don't portray may me as some prick, but I will defend myself, other fisherman, and who ever else you are being a smartass to. Move on, and good luck in the future. Take a deep breath and enjoy it while you are here, it aint that bad. Good Luck, Bobby out of staters From: ralph (12.13.248.4), Kansas Bobby you should read your 1st post where you attacked out of staters and as for giving a bad name what do you think the texas terrisom department thinks of your comments on out of staters , you started this war not me. out of staters From: Bobby Johnson (166.35.145.48), Texas Ralphie, that first post was directed at you and only you. Don't try to sway things. Admit your mistakes and move on. When it comes to fishing it doesn't matter where you're from if you respect the lake, the fish, and fellow fisherman.( and everyone else) I think you lack that. Move on........Good Luck!! Lake Fork From: Out of state (12.41.229.20), Other I’m an out of stater. A friend and I like to take a trip each year (800-900 miles or less) to one of the better lakes in the country. We have always had a tremendous time and have been treated super bye the locals. This year we thought we would try Lake Fork. After reading this posting it appears that we will be greeted with a log of animosity from the Texas folks. With that and another posting depicting the thievery at this lake I think we will just go elsewhere. I fish for the pure pleaser of fishing and don’t need a bunch of BS during my pleaser time. We have canceled our reservations and you all can have your little O lake to yourselves. There are to many other excellent lakes around with nicer people. P.S. I’ll help you guys out and mail these postings to all the people I know and ask them to pass them on. Hopefully you will get what you want. to above post From: Bobby Johnson (166.35.145.48), Texas if this is not Ralphie, dont take things out of text. If you read the above, everthing is not directed badly towards out of staters, only out-of-line out of staters. If you count yourself in that group then good luck. We don't need you here. If you don't then come on, we'd be more than happy for you to come fish fork. after all, last time i checked, it is public water. bobby Out of state From: David (205.188.199.33), Nebraska Bobby I think Ralph is right here it was a post by (forked out) that got this started and then you jumped in maybe we should let the lake fork bussiness know how you texas people feel about us non texan's, you owe every out of state person that comes too your state fishing an apology and yes that includes (RALPH) as he was the one that stuck up for us non texan's first, you have brought on alot of negative post about lake fork as you well know , yea you have seen the post from others about stolen property , so be a man and tell the others you are sorry , ( and ralph you should do the same) Thanks from a bass fisherman that loves our great sport. out of line From: ralph (205.188.195.26), Kansas yea maybe i was a little to rough but most lakes built in every state has some kind of federal money spent on it,Do not get me wrong i am not saying the are paid for by federal money, just that alot of them do receive some kind of federal money and we all pay taxes in the good old USA so where do any of us get off calling any like our own, sorry to have upset anyone but never paint such a bad picture and people will not act negative thanks Ralph out of staters From: Bobby (166.44.244.42), Texas Ralph.....you are a fisherman...therefore you are my friend....friends have differences then move on....I did not in any way bunch people from out of state together. I like to fish, I want to fish, I dont get to fish near enough. You wont hear from me again on any negative post. Sorry if i stepped on anyones toes. Everyone knows that Lake Fork is one of the best lakes in the nation. We all love to be there catching or not. We all see alot of b.s. from people with TX tags and out of state tags. Look past em and meet me at the cabin and we will have a cold one and laugh about it......hopefully while sharing polaroids...of fish that is...ya'll take care....you can call me with hate mail....or for advice where to fish...bobby.johnson@wcom.com im out of here Surveys From: Castmaster (208.152.106.143), Texas As Y'all might have noticed; Emory, Tx is just a few miles from Lake Fork. A few months ago the newspaper that serves Emory posted an article about a meeting that was held concerning how Lake Fork affects the local economy. It was suggested that a survey be taken of fishermen at the lake to see how much money is being spent in our area. The article said that there was a representative from TPWD at the meeting. Now I don't KNOW if the survey was ever taken but it sounds like this is what may be going on at Fork now. The business' around Emory and the other small towns around Fork are definately impacted by fishermen from all states and we appreciate all of you. Thanks |
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