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Thursday's Internet Edition, March 18, 2010.
RM Fishing Club to patrol lakes for violators
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Photo by Sheri Barile
Ian Oushakoff, 13, receives a few pointers on the art of bass fishing from RM Fishing Club President Bud Dodge.
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By Sheri Barile
River Valley Times Reporter
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Spawning season for large mouth bass is about to begin, and that means good fishing in Rancho Murieta. But according to members of the RM Fishing Club, good fishing in Calero, Chesbro and Clementia lakes isn’t something that should be taken for granted.
According to RM Fishing Club President Bud Dodge, the lakes of RM have seen a significant decline in the number of trophy-size bass over the years. He believes that it is due in large part to non-compliance with lake rules on the part of some residents and non-resident harvesting of fish. Further, he and his fellow club members believe they can do something about it.
Dodge, along with fishing club members George Fleming and Urban Stroy met last month with RM Community Services District Security Chief Greg Remson and Rancho Murieta Association General Manager Nick Arthur to discuss the problem. RMA Assistant General Manager Danise Hetland was also present.
Dodge said they presented their concerns and discussed strategies. “I think we came up with some good ideas at the meeting,” Dodge said.
Central to their strategy is daily patrol of the lakes conducted by two teams of seven club members plus two alternates. Each patrol officer will watch the lakes one day each week, with the two teams alternating weeks. They began lake patrol on Feb. 28.
The patrolling members are identifiable by the bright yellow fishing club vests they wear. Using binoculars, they scan the lakes looking for non-resident vehicles such as contractors’ trucks and vehicles with no bar code decals. They also watch for other violations such as harvesting more than the daily limit of two fish, taking fish smaller or larger than the size limit and using live bait.
Remson described the patrol operation as a back-area neighborhood watch. “They’ve asked for extra patrol, which we provide as best we can,” Remson said. “I suggested that if they see a non-resident fishing and it appears that there is no resident around, they give security a call, and we’ll dispatch an officer to check it out.”
Remson said he couldn’t confirm or deny that the number of sizeable bass has decreased, nor could he point to any one cause. But he did confirm that CSD Security has received complaints about non-resident fishing. “Occasionally we do find violators during our regular patrol,” Remson said.
Arther had a similar take. “I understand from them (the fishermen) that sizeable fish numbers are diminished, and I have no reason to doubt it,” he said. “They are very familiar with those lakes. They spend a lot of time out there and have for many years.”
Club member Steve DeMello had an informal meeting last August with the Department of Fish and Game and learned more about the possible causes of the decline. “I’ve fished these lakes for 20 years, and I have seen some decline in the number of large bass,” DeMello said. “I would agree that non-compliance with lake rules is contributing to the problem, but the overall biology of the lakes plays a role.”
To RM Fishing Club members, these factors make it all the more imperative that compliance with lake rules be strictly enforced. Dodge said that it is important to educate the community. “Many residents may violate rules without realizing it, especially if they’re not familiar with the lakes,” he said. “If they haven’t read the signs posted, they may send guests to fish without accompanying them. They need to be aware they are responsible for the conduct of their guests and the contractors they employ.”
Remson confirmed this. “Anytime you authorize a non-resident through the gate, you are responsible for them, and you need to accompany them in all common areas,” he said. “If they violate any RMA rules, the resident will be subject to citation and possibly fines.”
Arther said RMA is working to educate residents. “Our new communications director is looking at numerous avenues to improve communication,” he said. “We’re looking at increasing the use of both Channel 5 and our website to put the word out."
In addition, RM Fishing Club is offering bass fishing lessons for novices. Dodge is especially hoping to connect with local youth. “We figure if we catch them when they’re young, hopefully they’ll grow to respect the lakes,” he said.
Fleming agreed. “We don’t want to take the fun away for anyone,” he said. “We’re just a bunch of old dudes who are proud of our lakes. We want to promote and protect them.”
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