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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2005 15:47:23 GMT 8
I am beginning to worry and wonder what IF (this is a BIG IF) this White Paper goes through and the relevant authorities still does not permit flyfishing in the reservoirs............WHAT'S NEXT!!?? We will have to try and try, again and again. Look at the rowing and canoeing clubs. They are very well organised and they lobby very quickly when BG Yeo broke the news about opening the reservoirs for rowing and fishing and other water activities. We have to be like them. So we need people who can help us get the White Paper to the Ministers. Then the guys(Big Gun Civil Servants) next to the Ministers must say something good for us. If they say something detrimental about fly fishing and the Ministers agree with them we are finished. (My father say these people say "one word" better than we say one thousand words) There is still one more appeal we can make. The Prime Minister. Then if the answer is still "NO", well that's it. You can either migrate to somewhere to fly fish. Uneducated and poor people like me will chiong of course.  |
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2005 15:57:10 GMT 8
With the introduction of rowing and canoeing activities in the reserviors,
I had been pestering the PUB with feedbacks about allowing fly fishing in a boat
so that they(PUB) can rest better on their weekends.
(Maybe you guys can submit more feedbacks to them)
One very important reason of public safety must is resolved before they will even look into our requests.
And I don't blame these PUB managers and supervisors and rangers.
After all they are just like us, trying to earn a living.
They also have a family to bring swimming and shopping.
And believe me, an emergency call in the middle of a swimming session to attend a complaint
about somebody being hooked by a fisherman is no joke and irritating.
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Post by snakeriver on Jun 14, 2005 16:26:45 GMT 8
Uncle Billy,
You made some great points ;D, yes we just have to keep on trying and trying. We cannot afford to have different advocate from SFAS who is recognised by serveral government bodies and kudos to TY for sending the proposal to Chin. I am sure Chin will take a good look and it will be wonderful if we are able to get everyone in the ACT together. What has happened has happened in the past, we should be looking at the future. With a forum like this, information and discussion can be carried more efficiently and most importantly, discuss with an open mind. After all the different postings from Jimmy and fellow frens, we all know whatever we are debating or rather discussing just shows how passionate everyone is about our fishing. It will be wonderful to discuss over a cup of coffee or a glass of beer. To understand each other will make things better, to able to have the same dream and vision will hopefully take us into the next lap.
If all our proposals fail and the PM says "NO", at least we can all say we have a common heart and we have tried. You can proudly tell your children that you have tried.
Last resort, Uncle Billy please groom your son to be our future PM, so that maybe our children will have the chance to fly fish freely in our beloved country. ;D ;D
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2005 17:50:15 GMT 8
We cannot afford to have different advocate from SFAS who is recognised by serveral government bodies and kudos to TY for sending the proposal to Chin. I am sure Chin will take a good look and it will be wonderful if we are able to get everyone in the ACT together. What has happened has happened in the past, we should be looking at the future. With a forum like this, information and discussion can be carried more efficiently and most importantly, discuss with an open mind. After all the different postings from Jimmy and fellow frens, we all know whatever we are debating or rather discussing just shows how passionate[/size] everyone is about our fishing. [/quote] Thank you snakeriver. I couldn't have agreed more on this. We have a lot of passionate people here in this forum, in Fishingkaki and in SFAS. Each of us have different ideas and different methods on how to go about promoting and lobbying for a little more space in our reservoirs for our fishing activities. But that doesn't mean we cannot focus and work together for a single goal. We all do have "ONE HEART". I am very confident that with Tan Yik's White Papers, and the support of SFAS and Fishingkaki, fishermen of of walks will come together and support the White Paper. Kudos to all the seniors for the suggestions and Tan Yik for taking the trouble to write the White Papers. Lets hope with our "ONE VOICE", the sound can resonate up the reservoirs and to the Ministers involved. I very confident too that Jimmy will come back with good news for us from the SFAS. Last resort, Uncle Billy please groom your son to be our future PM, so that maybe our children will have the chance to fly fish freely in our beloved country. ;D ;D Alamak! Never say earlier. Jialat lah. He chiong ranger with me and kenna booked also.  So got black mark already. Cannot be PM lah.  I ask him be ranger and don't catch forum members, okay?  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by snakeriver on Jun 14, 2005 17:59:59 GMT 8
;D ;D ;D groom him to be the head of Nparks so that all ranger will not catch forummers here ;D
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Post by mtshark on Jun 14, 2005 18:00:58 GMT 8
Hi Jimmy, Thank you for the time and effort to clarify our doubts about SFAS and also making time to make known to us about SFAS's direction. I would gladly join you for a fishing trip and we could discuss our concerns and our passion about flyfishing over some coffee or tea. On me ok? I see that we are actually heading towards the same direction and maybe, we could help each other to foster a relationship and we as an ally to fulfill our dreams for anglers in Singapore. In words, alot of things could be missed out and rather plain and not straight to the point. Sometimes, friction is created when we actually do not even notice it. Fire will start and flames will burn. Let's meet up soon. I believe many's beliefs here are the same as yours, all angling towards better management in the fish stock and ecosystem. As long as we are heading in the same direction, we should be ally and head for our dreams in Singapore for the benefits of all anglers in our fragile and precious water system. LET ALL ANGLERS OF THE SAME PASSION WORK HARD TOWARDS OUR DREAMS, STAND UNITED IN ONE MIND AND PASSION!!! So now, Jimmy, when are you going fishing? I cant wait liao lah. Everytime u so busy... hahaha. I am still waiting for my STS to break on me but somehow... this fellow is reluctant to leave me as it is... I have developed a feeling for it and I know it is crazy but I am sure you understand what I mean... Our rods are just like katanas to the Japanese warriors. We feel them to fulfill our wet dreams in fishing... I still cant forget that I actually went swimming with tarpons in my dreams... FLYFISHERMEN, UNITED WE STAND!  |
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Post by ShadowCaster on Jun 14, 2005 19:46:45 GMT 8
Now this "Serious Discussion" section is really getting seriuos indeed! But I'm afrid the points on leadership and national representation is a tad heavy for me as a fly fisher. I gladly and obligingly undertake leadership and national representation issues on my regular 24/7 job. But I sincerely hope that I do not loose the solace that fly fishing can provide for me for those few precious moments (they are hard to come by....) that I have to spare. All I want is a few more places to catch a few more fish..........
Hun brought up a valid point on the legal status of flyfishing. Perhaps, I'll share my 2 cents worth of thoughts on this.
The first decision I had to made while composing the paper was the content; should it be proposal for a "Sports Fishery" or "Fly Fishery"? Although I'm no fly fishing Zealot (despite the bamboo rods and #24 midge), I do fish with a fly rod most of the time and am acutely aware of its "outlaw" status.
If the content of the paper had been focused towards Fly Fishing, I predict that the probability of success would have been significantly reduced. Simply because of the fact that there are not as many fly-fishers in Singapore. The authority is unlikely to invest in such measures at the expence of others to satisfy a small group.
Let's analyze the causes and effects on why flyfishing was outlawed. I seem to remember that it was not the case when the reservoirs first opened. I think it may have been the culmination of several unfortunate incidents that caused the ban.
The fact that all existing legal fishing areas are tiny to start with, and all are located in high traffic volume areas is a key contributing factor. When many fly fishers meet many park users at a concentrated location, you get many concentrated troubles! I know a bit of common sense on the part of the fishers and park users will solve most problems but common sense are not common these days.
But would this problem extend forward if more parts of the reservoir are open to fishing? My guess is that as fishers are more spread out to areas of lower traffic volume, problems will reduce accordingly. CY rightly pointed out that the problem might go away entirely when water-crafts are allowed. So I think there is hope! Hence, it is important at this point NOT to entrench the idea that flyfishing is omni-dangerous in the minds of the authority so that they would not throw out such considerations later.
In order to ensure some level of success probability of the proposal, it was a quick and practical decision for me to focus on the more inclusive issue of Sports Fishery. Focusing on Fly Fishing from the start may doom the paper to failure. We can tackle the more focused issue of flyfishing after taking the initial step.
For considerations please.
Best Regards
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Post by Admin on Jun 15, 2005 9:53:33 GMT 8
There are two ways to go about it: 1) Join SFAS and elects your representatives, peoples who are capable to bring sport fishing in Singapore onto higher level. 2) Form your own society or association. All you need is just 10 members to form an organisation for registration with the Registry of Society. How to form one? I am hoping that SFAS can come on board and work together to help get the White Papers submitted to the Ministers involved. There are many seniors there who really care about fishing. Me and many others had benefitted from their free casting lessons conducted at Pasir Ris. I think it is not easy to join SFAS and get elected to the top few echelon of the organisation. There will be too many voices and too many difference of opinion. Maybe forming another society to complement SFAS would be a better idea. At least when the two societies meet, there will be more ideas and feedbacks. The PUB and NPark would have another organisation to serve on an advisory role for a second opinion. So Uncle Qwek, I vote for you to be President. |
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Post by Qwek on Jun 15, 2005 10:24:41 GMT 8
...It is a fact that the association has much work to be done with the limited manpower. As I have stated to Edward... every single move of effort is an personal contribution from the committee apart from their daily committment. There are simply not enough folks who have gathered & volunteer their hands into the work of SFAS. Maybe the SFAS should take another look at it recruiting policy and also find out why members had left the association. There are many who are equally passionate in flyfishing in Singapore and the region who are keen to join the SFAS. But if the association adopt such a stand, then no one will come forward. It time the mandarins take a look out of the well. This is the sentiment i gathered from ex-members and others alike. If the SFAS is getting attention because of the Semakau Fishing expedition, then it should goes into commercial fishing. Jimmy you are right on the PR that its lacking from SFAS. Till SFAS can attract members of the fishing community to join the association for its cause and not for the fishing trip, then it comes of age. Billy, the SFAS has one foot in the doorway to most government agencies. But it's has the wrong person(s) knocking at the wrong doors. Having another association or society is not the issue, it who advancing the cause for the local anglers. The post of president has been nominated... the envelope please.... Cheers Qwek |
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Post by AnglerAdventurer on Jun 15, 2005 10:52:03 GMT 8
Hi there ShadowCaster,
When I read your draft, there wasn't much mentioned about flyfishing......just the word "flies" were used. From there, I came to understand of your intentions. I agree with your thoughts........ but we mustn't give the false idea to the authorities that flyfishing is not part of Sports fishing.
Sportfishing as a whole, does include flyfishing and yes, we will convince the authorities that flyfishing is as safe as crossing the road or taking a bungee jump.
Honestly speaking, if we want flyfishing to be permitted at the reservoirs....... that body of water has to be strictly designated for FISHING only on paddle boats. No canoing or paddle boat for non fishermen is allowed, just fishing. That way, you will not have nincompoops paddling, sneaking up our back trying to comprehend what you are doing!
We will just have to take one step at a time and move on from there, but we must not loose focus what this forum section is all about...... you and me flyfishing at the reservoir in the near future with the PUB staff or the Npark ranger standing beside us.....helping us to take a photo of our price catch and telling us "Nice catch"........ and NOT, IC, IC, IC! Gimme your IC!
Huns.
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Post by Admin on Jun 15, 2005 11:01:54 GMT 8
Billy, the SFAS has one foot in the doorway to most government agencies. But it's has the wrong person(s) knocking at the wrong doors. Having another association or society is not the issue, it who advancing the cause for the local anglers. The post of president has been nominated... the envelope please.... I had been observing the rowing people and their associations. There are at least 5 of them. Rowing, canoeing, kayaking etc.......... but each under a different umbrella, and they complement and compete with each other. But when lobbying for space at the reservoirs to paddle, they do it in one voice with the support of the Singapore Sports Council and Olympic Councils. SFAS is the only fishing association in Singapore. They have a passive approach to lobbying for more space. They do it quietly and are not provocative in their approaches and opinions. They had already gain much trust in the NPark and PUB and recently NEA. They are also supported by the Singapore Sports Council. There are also conflicting views which I only notice also recently, on how the SFAS should have conduct their activities to the satisfaction of the fishing community in general. Some say they are not doing enough for Singapore fishing. I would like to fair in my comments. They run their association the way they seen fit and I had also notice that they had made a lot of progress over the years. They also had some recuitment exercises, but few joined them as members. I am one of the few who joined, but is not active in their work. After reading so much feedback in this thread, I think it is better that another society is put in place to complement and compete with SFAS. There are too much differences in the voices and opinions that I think if all were to come under the SFAS umbrella, it would be detrimental to the association. Because if put to the vote, nothing will get done. Please don't flame me har. I talk direct. But it is my honest assessment of the situation now. There are many people joining many clubs. So another fishing club would not be an issue. I'll join both too. |
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Post by AnglerAdventurer on Jun 15, 2005 11:30:07 GMT 8
Hi fellows,
This thought just came to my mind.............
This forum is all about flyfishing......and most of the freshwater catch section thread is about the Peacock Bass. A few of them who flyfish are students.......
(A BIG IF again) If the students were caught by the rangers and this goes out of proportions......the files/documents landed on the MOE desk.......... are we doomed?
Are we advocating something not right here? Now that the school holiday is here.......
This is just my thoughts.......things can go our way or they can go against us big time.
Huns.
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Post by Admin on Jun 15, 2005 13:08:03 GMT 8
Hi fellows, This thought just came to my mind............. This forum is all about flyfishing......and most of the freshwater catch section thread is about the Peacock Bass. A few of them who flyfish are students....... (A BIG IF again) If the students were caught by the rangers and this goes out of proportions......the files/documents landed on the MOE desk.......... are we doomed? Are we advocating something not right here? Now that the school holiday is here....... This is just my thoughts.......things can go our way or they can go against us big time. Huns. The notice boards on all the reservoirs say, [glow=red,2,300]"advised not to use fly fishing tackle"[/glow]There is some grey area in that sentence and the word "advised". Some obnoxious rangers will say it is an offence. Some will tell us just to keep the tackle. Some will tell us to be very careful not to hook someone with the back cast. We are now lost as to the real meaning of that sentence. So as passionate fly fishermen, we interpret it as can fly fish but don't hook anybody. There are some fly fishermen who interpreted it as cannot fly fish too and go to the sea side for their fly fishing. There are also some fly fishermen who interpret it as cannot fly fish, and expect other fly fishermen not to fly fish at the reservoirs. Very selfish type lah, on seeing fly fishermen at the reservoirs, become "red eyed" monsters. We try to be discreet in our activities and not openly flout the rules. At least we do respect the people in charge, and they do reciprocate our respect too by not booking us every time they see us. I don't think fly fishing is a capital offence that we have to be so cowed that we gave it up all together. |
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Post by magminnow on Jun 15, 2005 16:49:54 GMT 8
Hi Guys, I would say maybe we can get one of ministers to try out flyfishing and fall in love with the sport during a major sporting and public event such as opening of Semakua. From there the minister can have more better understand about the flyfishing sport. Just like the runaway cycling and other sports. I would also see this propose activities can be done with lure fishing too. Get more media attention. I believe a majority of people who don't fish in Singapore still thinks that fishing is about using a rod and line with bait, wait patiently for the fish to come and bite. We are a island nation, water is all around us, and yet we got problems of getting public attention in this water sport, where all water sport are endosed greatly by general Singapore public. Just putting forward two cent worth of thought. |
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Post by Admin on Jun 15, 2005 17:16:36 GMT 8
I would say maybe we can get one of ministers to try out flyfishing and fall in love with the sport during a major sporting and public event such as opening of Semakua. From there the minister can have more better understand about the flyfishing sport. Just like the runaway cycling and other sports. Great idea Desmond. Jimmy, Chin, how? Can be done? I am pretty sure if he can feel hands on about fly fishing, and then hook up a fish then he might just give the nod for fly fishing in a boat in the reservoirs. Bedok Reservoir opening soon. Get the minister to fly fish for a photo for the press. July competition coming soon too. Maybe get one of the big guns in PUB to try fly fishing during the competition. |
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