Catfish Anglers Society ready who is keeping the funds?

[atrkyhntr]

Here is a link to what we'll look like on the WWW:
http://www.geocities.com/beardbuster2k/cats.htm
Remember we'll not be using that free server with the pop up ads... Also many of the links are there for show only till we have our own in place along with forms ......
On that thought anyone who would like to see certain links on the site post them here or send to me via a PM

Now all we need to know is who will the collect our donations and then order the server and domain name?
We'll need to collect $121.45 to be good to go for one year which comes to about $10.00 each to those who were ready willing and able before...
Any volunteers???

Here is the link for the server:
http://www.focalhosting.com/services/webhosting.php

Time to roll ourselves out men :eek:

[MadCatter]

I am in for $20, I would do it but I am afraid that there might be too much up keep for me to handle, I would hate to get money from everyone and not be able to follow through ... How much up keep is involved:confused: :confused:

[mrfish/OH]

I said I'd donate & still will. Jim

[DavidWS10]

I'm in for $10.00 because that is all I can spare right now. If I can make a suggestion, I think that everyone who donates to get this cause off the ground, should be granted lifetime member status. That way, those individuals who took the bull by the horns and helped form this organization will be remembered by future members. Also, I think that we should create a graphic that can be placed on websites that are supportive of this effort.

One more thing, I want to take this opportunity to thank atrkyhntr for all of his hard work on getting this site together and getting the ball rolling on what I believe will be an outstanding organization.

[atrkyhntr]

MadCatter
I would hate to get money from everyone and not be able to follow through ... How much up keep is involved
Once we have the needed funds, by counting what is offered here, then have the money sent to you all that is then needed by you is to order the server (I'll show you how I know them from years of dealing with them) and that is it as far as you are concerned till next year. Next year I am hopeful we will have non-profit status and the server will be free :D I'll either get some help or do the website on my own...

DavidWS10
I think that everyone who donates to get this cause off the ground, should be granted lifetime member status. That way, those individuals who took the bull by the horns and helped form this organization will be remembered by future members.
I really like that idea:D These are also not donations butfor a better word "GIFTS"... would not want to hurt our chances at non-profit :eek:

Well I'd say we're about 1/2 way to our money goal now :cool:

[catslayer]

id like to donate 20.00 just let me know when and how.

[DavidWS10]

From the looks of the pair of responses Jack's post on the CMB received I'd say we've got our work cut out for us. Just a crying shame we are going to receive so much ambivalence from our fellow catfishermen. But I suppose bass fishermen had the same reactions when they first started lobbying for C&R, size limits, creel limits, etc. However, like the bass fishermen that came before us, we have to do something or there won't be any catfishing in the future.

[atrkyhntr]

We're not up and running yet flathunter... a few of those links go to my other website :eek:
That is simply a template website...

THANKS so far for all the support :cool: :D

[M.Magis]

Just let me know how, and I'll send my $20

[DavidWS10]

Jack, I will stop by the CMB and make a post. There is nothing like dealing with a caveman mentality to get the blood boiling.

[MadCatter]

I know the site isn't up yet .. but is there anyway to get a counter on it so we can keep track of hits .. what a about a poll, it would be nice to get some input from people checking out the site .... also, who would be tweaking the wording, adding links .. updating the site .. It would also be nice to get a message board if possible so we could get input from catmen in areas where cats are protected and also from places where they are dwindling .. just some suggestions...

[cwcarper]

I'm still in for my $10, maybe even more.

[MadCatter]

I have done a little reading on the site flathunter posted .. I guy could get nasty over there some of those guys are down right idiots.. anyway there are some C&R catfish guys over there ... for the most part it seems to be a meat market.... I wonder how many of those guys check out this site and gfo for info, its almost enough to make you quit giving it

[MadCatter]

I read a few posts where guys were in favor of limits ... one guy complained that his area of the ohio river was fished out .. gee I wonder who he has to blame for that one:D :D :D I don't think there are all that many people over there anyway, plus very few sportsmen.. You also have to keep in mind that in lots of places the catfish is a big food source... I read where WI was putting a limit on cats .. only like 6 a day and 1 over 24 inches .. don't quote me on the numbers they are off the top of my head .. I don't think many of the guys over there would follow rules anyway...

[flathunter]

I would gladly keep the funds and purchase the server space, however I dont have a credit card which greatly limits me from doing things like this.

[atrkyhntr]

MadCatter
Let me answer your questions in the order asked

but is there anyway to get a counter on it so we can keep track of hits
Not a problem once we have secured a server.

what a about a poll
it would be nice to get some input from people checking out the site
I have a program that will allow polls and user input (need to join as a member of the site 1st) called PHPNuke. This program is free and very easy to use, if you can send email you can use this program which also can be set up for moderation to keep unwanted post/photos off :eek:

who would be tweaking the wording, adding links .. updating the site
I can do the updates but would like others to join in too so this does not become a job LOL I can teach those who know something about html, coding or creating websites how to help...

It would also be nice to get a message board
PHPNUke also has a forum along with other useful features.
Check out this little site I made for a local club:
http://members.hbtclub.com and look around...


flathunter
I would gladly keep the funds and purchase the server space, however I dont have a credit card which greatly limits me from doing things like this.
There are many ways to make payments take a look but don't order just yet LOL:
http://www.focalhosting.com/services/signup.shtml

[Flatheadmaniac]

I cant believe you really posted in THAT site...man your funny!

Those guys..LMAO are not in ANY way going to help or give advise..heck thier just happy to have a roof over thier heads and other fisherman(i say that term lightly) to talk to and trade meathuntin secrets with..your post only stired them up like a swarm of flys around a pile of...um....well you know;) :eek:

Without counting Robby, they have no one over there except Tiny...and he was only made popular because some field writer went fishing with him and sold the story to In-Fisherman...i went to that site long ago....NOTHING to learn there that i couldnt learn from the rednecks in W. Va. sorry W. Va. guys..geez us

You guys want to talk to real catmen and get a response, you should have went to Robby's(Katfish) message board..atleast there are a lot of Ohio catters in there!
or maybe even to http://www.brotherhood-of-catfishermen.com/Cgi-Bin/discus/discus.cgi

[drumkiller]

Hi all, this being my first post and all.
Well, flathunter, i would consider your actions to be called "trolling". You went to a board you know is mainly catch and keep, and preach your highly targeted (strictly Ohio) C&R propaganda. Sorry, but you are in the wrong in reference to respect for others. I frequent that board, have for years, but i am strictly C&R (except for drum, lol). If you were to take the time to actually consider where these folks live, where they fish, how they fish, and above all, how many fish they keep, then you will soon realize that what is desperatly needed in Ohio (or Illinois for that matter) is completely unneeded and unwanted in their respective locations.
While i fully disagree with your tactics in "spreading the word"(reminds me of an a-hole named Adolf), i do fully agree with the word you are spreading. Regulations are in order, both in Ohio, and in Illinois, for the protection of the trophy catfish that are left. By you rubbing folks the wrong way with immature postings you are hurting your own mission.
Folks are gonna disagree with ya, accept it. Say what you gotta say and be done, dont retort unless asked a specific question.
Our org is trying to get similiar laws passed in Illinois, and i understand the mountain that that task can appear to be at times.
I'm getting off topic now, so good luck to you and your organization, and especially to your cause, cuz the more states that pass regulations, the more states that will follow suit. We all need to be very vocal about our cause, but please try to be vocal in the right direction. Yelling at people in another state about regulations in your own state is just foolish and a waste of your time and their's.

Tight lines to all, even the meat hunters.

Jim Hamilton
Professional Catfishing Association (http://www.procats.com)

[atrkyhntr]

Well said Jim Hamilton
Onething we better learn and very quickly is that we need to watch our P's & Q's or we'll fall by the wayside... Using our link was not a very good idea now that we can sit back and think a little...
flathunter has a real passion thats a fact and we'll see about harnessing it for the good of us all towards our main interest SAVING BIG CATS :cool: :) :D
I always look for a bright side in any situation and my future has a Jim Hamilton and Professional Catfishing Association in it I can tell already ;) hoping at some point we'll be working side by side for us all....

[DavidWS10]

Mr. Hamilton,

Welcome to the Ohio Sportsman message forums.

While I welcome you to these boards and greatly appreciate your support of our cause, and although I don’t believe Flathunter needs someone here to stand up for him, I do take exception to you publicly berating him, with your reference to Adolf Hitler being entirely uncalled for. His post on the Catfish Meathunter’s Board may not have been the wisest of decisions but it did draw attention to what we are attempting to do. Furthermore, in attracting that attention, it had the desirable effect of getting someone like you, who has similar desires and goals, to come forward and make yourself known on these boards. And I do hope you come back and share your knowledge with us.

Now with that being said and out of the way, I do hope that our organizations will work together through the mutual sharing of information so that everyone will benefit. Also, to know that there are others in different states working towards the same goal as we are really lifts the spirits. Hopefully in time, enough momentum will gather and there will be enough support nationally that things will change. And for this change to occur, it all starts with us. If we don’t do something, who will?

[mrfish/OH]

I don't know it for a fact, but I read on a MB where they said it was indeed passed. A one catfish limit per day, and it must be over 34". That's it.
We can get this done.
Jacko- you love controversy don't you ?;) :D
Let's get this off the ground & then we'll attract more & more out of state members who want to pool their resources & ultimately get the cats into the same status as bass.

We all know it's coming, call it the bandwagon, or whatever, but there's a definite shift of attention on catfish.
I've been slacking off temporarly as I have a tooth that cracked & the pain has overtaken any thought process. I had a root canal done today, so hopefully I'll have more to say. I did go thru all the posts we've had about this topic & I really don't want to rehash everything. I do think that whether one wants to admit it or not, there is not huge catches of catfish being caught in Ohio waters. With the DNR saying there's no evidence of overharvesting of flatheads or channel cats, I would still have to ask, what is a "normal" day ? A normal creel size & size of the fish ? Seems to me there's alot of guys who very seldomm catch large cats, much less flatheads. Wouldn't it be nice to get catches of 15 fish over 20# on a regular basis ?

I'm going to throw this back out again. I can go thru all my thoughts behind each point if necessary, and I think when it's on the web site (if that's what we decide to shoot for) we can explain why each point is important. Go back thru the olds posts & you'll see.
Anyway. Here's what we propose for the state of Ohio:

To protect flathead, channel cats and bluecats with a 10 fish limit. No fish over 40" may be kept. Only one (1) fish over 30" may be kept.

[Flatheadmaniac]

Glad you said it as i was thinking it this whole time reading these replys!

Who started this WHOLE topic of getting flatheads listed as a gamefish and protecting them in the first place on here....hmmm...maybe JACK?
And for his thanks and attempts to get the word out..fellow catmen from OHIO turn and take shots...great guys really great:rolleyes:
My predictions are that this will NOT get off the ground as it seems as always the catmen around here cant stick together and stick up for our own...geez some of you treat Jack as if his name was 'ManiacJack !
As ive told a few in here through PM's i have stayed out of these threads because if others see my name connected with this "cause" they will not join in the fight! Most anglers on these boards cant stand anyone who doesnt think, talk or act like the "norm" in here and usualy go running to the Mods. crying about it...its funny as all heck to me because ive recieved PM's from Mods asking me to stop cause ive hurt someones feelings...but yet you guys turn and make remarks about another member..like calling him Adolf ..(which i will bite my lip and not reply MY response to such BS..atleast out in the open forum i wont!!) but nothing is said to you guys..funny is'nt it?:confused:
Guess those who follow everyone elses path is a good guy..others who live by THIER own rules and ideas are the bad guys.

To me i would love to see Flatheads listed on the GameFish list here in Ohio..heck i'd chip in as much money as needed to do so..but the fact is its a long term goal that aint going to happen over night..and fighting amongst ourselfs wont help it along any faster either.

When you all settle down and figure out something SOLID about getting this done...give me a shout, until then i'll be in the stands watching the circus.(that is unless i see shots takin at friends of mine again..heck you all can sling anything that you want at me..i'll just keep on LMAO..no biggie)

[MadCatter]

I would like to take a minute to formally apolgize to all of those at the Catfish Message Board for my remarks in this thread .. After reading some of your responces, and your replies it is plain to see that I misjudged you. My use of the word idiots and implying that you were not sportsmen was clearly out of line... To all of those on this thread, lets use the lessons learned of our mishandling this situation on CMB an example of things we do not want to do in the future .. it is not our intention to alienate any sportsmen regardless of their views ... We must never take an elitist stance. we must go out of our way to make everyone feel welcome regardless of their viewpoints .... Lets chalk this one up to a lesson in how we don't want to do things in the future and move on ... Our only hope is that some good people on the other site will excuse us for our inexperience, look past our mistakes and take us for what we are ... catmen that are concerned for everyones right to fish, preserving a fishery for the future for all to enjoy. Hopefully some will come join us, or offer some assistance, if not then that is a decision that is left up to them and they should not be judged by it ....

I had no idea that there were hard feelings on the other site, with some people on this site ... I apologize for speaking out of line, and for not taking the time to gather information before I spoke out ...

MadCatter

[flathunter]

I dont really give a flying rats behind anymore, so you all can do what ever it is ya want:mad:


Thanks Scott and David!.....

[MadCatter]

There is no reason to get discouraged flathunter ... you had and idea and you did what you thought was best .... Don't let anyone or anything keep you from achieving your goals ... what we are trying to here is a good thing. There is always going to opposition, things will work out in time ... You didn't think it was going to be easy did ya:D :D :D :D :D Right now in this country it seems like everyone is trying to take someone elses rights away .. It is only natural for some people to get defensive ..

[Flatheadmaniac]

With all the AMENS im handing out..well here goes some more...

AMEN Flathunter.......AMEN Flathead brother !!
After a few of my replies on the CMB..i think they all agree that they dont like me:( ..ahhhh too bad:rolleyes:

[atrkyhntr]

Hey flathunter....
Who cares what the few think about you we know where your heart is.....
To all who want to know he has PM'd me and offered behind the scene help because he thinks his being involved may hurt us in the long run....
If they can't see the man for all trees then scew them!!!
Just this one statement sums it up for me:
I am not discourged at all, the waters I fish are not being harmed by commercial netters
and he still wants to be involved to help others who are affected having their areas harmed even if its behind the scenes and not getting any acculades for helping....

Clyde

[mrfish/OH]

There's always going to be differences of opinions. If you go back & re-read all the various threads & posts on this topic of protection you can see for yourself. I did that the other night, there's alot of reading too. That's why I keep harping about let's decide what we want & see if we agree & then push for it.
I see Jack getting excited now, hey, you're a big man, why worry about it? Jack's been bringing up protecting catfish for YEARS. Now, with more interest in them, it's finally got some support. You mention no commercial netting in your area, guess what, creel & slot limits won't stop netting ANYWHERE. What it will do for your area is keep someone from running their trot lines & 50 limb lines & keeping 40-75 fish and all the really big ones would have to go back. They can still run them, and of course there will be poaching, there is now, but at least with a new law, it will be illegal to take more than 10 cats out. How would you feel if things remain the same & you hit your spot, or Scott hits his spot & finds 50 legal limb lines & a couple of 50 hook trot lines loaded with fish ? What would you say to someone who is legally taking all of them from your honey holes ? If you do anything-YOU would be breaking the law.
That's why I keep coming back to getting this thing going. First things first. In the future, we can do more. There is no "gamefish" designation. What we need is a creel & size limit. I'd like to see some debate on the size limit too. I've been saying only one fish over 30" and NO fish over 40" maybe that should be altered. I want to see big fish protected. Maybe only one fish out of 10 between 30"-35" ? No fish over 35" ?? Or 36" so it would be easy to remember- 3 feet long= one yard stick !
I see how we get fractured at times, with that being said, I think we all want to see something happen. Earlier posts mentioned only flats, then commercial fishing, netting, etc. Ohio doesn't own the Ohio River, so it's not about that. In time I think things may change. I know a buddy of mine just talked to an IN warden on the river & he's in favor of some changes too. The big obstacle to netting in the river will be KY. They have the largest part of the river along their border.
Once we get some regulations in Ohio, I think maybe some of our neighbors will follow suit, Indiana already has a 10 catfish limit.
Anyway, like I already said somewhere, with OH having regulations, most Ohio anglers will still abide by Ohio rules even while fishing in the Ohio River.
I guess it all comes down to this. Do you think catfish should be protected ? Are they as valuable a resource as largemouth & smallmouth bass ? Should they be protected the same way ?
Personally, I fish mostly in the river, I also catch & release all my catfish, so it really has no bearing on me for the time being. This will protect inland waters. Over a period of time, I do believe it will affect the intrastate mutual regulations on the river, but I'm guessing that will be an awfully long time.

[MISFIT]

i think you're being realistic with the creel limit issue,and my intent is not to put a damper on anything,but i think the max. length limit would be a tough one.
just off the top of my head,without reading all state regs..i can't recall any other fish with a maximum length limit.we have minimums and slot limits,but i just think it would be a much more obtainable goal to go for a minimal number over a certain size.be it 1 or 3,or whatever.to me,30 inches would be a fair cutoff for both channels and flatheads.something along the line of 10 fish with only 1 over 30 inches of any species,as you suggested.my reason for the 30 inch mark,is that i don't think a lot of people catch big numbers of channels bigger than that in most places on a given day anyway,and taking 1 flathead over that ,in my opinion would not devastate the population.another reason is that,after a certain age,i believe the reproductive potential of most fish tends to decline,just as in any other animalthat being said,i'm all for some kind of regs. on catfish,just as many others are.

[dip]

i member when jack flamed a gar board by posting on THEIR board that when he catches a gar he puts a stick thru its eyes and hangs it from a tree!

[Flatheadmaniac]

that sounds like too much work..if i land one..i just do the old "boot stomp" and be done with it!

[DavidWS10]

The following link is some information I found doing some research about paylakes in Ky. This information is why we will have a very tough time getting anything accomplished on the Ohio. In my mind, this really sux.

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AgEcon/publications/esm_28-3.pdf

[MadCatter]

David .. those stats appear to be for farm raised channel cats, paylakes don't buy river channel cats .. they are not suitable for eating

[DavidWS10]

MC, you are definitely correct. I posted the wrong link. The problem I now have is I can't find the one I was wanting to post. I use a program called Copernic to search the web, and I save all of my searches. Only I can't find what I found earlier.

BTW, for anyone who hasn't heard of Copernic, it is a free download that searches the internet through all of the major search engines. Probably one of the best freebies I've ever been fortunate enough to find. It can be found at http://www.copernic.com

[atrkyhntr]

Dude ... You just freakin crossed my line
I bust out laughing everytime I see that hahahahaa :D

[Erie]

that I use at times:

http://www.monstercrawler.com/

[mrfish/OH]

I know what you mean about having a maximum size could create a problem. Here's my thinking.....it would create a problem for those guys selling them to paylakes. Right now, anyone could throw one (or several) of those big monsters like Robby has been fortunate to catch into a tank, or the back of their truck to kill, or eat , etc. They can be caught with limb lines, trotlines, etc, all legal. Now we all know that not too many people are really going to eat them, they are being sold to a paylake somewhere, or maybe even stocked to a private pond. Some are drug around to bars & such to be shown off & then discarded. Having that regulation, would prevent that from occuring. A 39" fish is still a huge fish. Probably about 35-40 pounds. Just because we ask for it, doesn't mean we'll get it either. If someone uses the argument that they are stocking their pond, they can still keep that 30"-39" which is most likely going to be a flathead vs. a channel cat. This way we are protecting the larger flatheads. How often does anyone catch more than one fish 30"-39" anyway? From what I see, it seems when they are most vunerable, in the late spring, prespawn season and in the fall feeding binge season. The rest of the year, it's only an occasional large fish caught here & there. It will also help stop illegal selling (poaching) of fish, at least those 40" and over as you won't be allowed to possess them, and you can only have one(1) over 30" in your possession.
As time goes on, there will be alot more tournaments sponsored by baitshops, tackle companies, various clubs & organizations. I can see how that could become a problem as someone may have to release the winning fish. Maybe there could be exceptions for sanctioned events, live release, only those with a tank big enough to hold one would be permitted to keep it & then it would be released quickly, etc. I just hate to see anyone take them & either destroy them or remove them from the environment that produced them in the first place. I fish the Ohio River, these proposed regulations won't have any effect on that body of water. They will protect catfish everywhere else in Ohio. Other than improving the status of catfish, it's not going to change anything on the Ohio River for the time being. Eventually, with increased awareness, I think it will. Maybe Ohio & Indiana & West Virgina might get together & join forces & convince Kentucky it's a good thing for everyone. If the Ohio River was developed into a fishery like the James River in VA. or the Cumberland River in TN, it would open up all sorts of economic growth for the river towns.
I think Missouri made a size limit and it's enforced & they have commercial fishing and they are restricted by the size limit as well. Most anglers there claim there's a marked increase of quality catfish caught there now.

[atrkyhntr]

Anyone?? :(

[flathunter]

It's dead.

[atrkyhntr]

I belive your right :(
If you need anything give me a yell...