Meet your MP

[Qwek]

Hi folks,

I have arranged for a meeting with Dr Lim WK. MP for Sembawang GRC on the 6th (tentative) of May, noon.

Have not confirm on the Venue yet, it either the OSIM or a Picnic.

The main discussion will be the formation of the Club. Do post what topic you like for general discussion at the meeting.

Cheers
Qwek

[Qwek]

Here is a post by Billy in the other section, tht I post it here for discussion as well together with Aw's.

--------------------------

We would like the member to ask the PUB, NPark and whatever
the departments concerned to include the minority group
in their plan to utilise the reservoir for sport and recreation.
This minority group is the poor, often tekaned "fly fishermen"

We don't need extra budget to be allocated to us.
We only need very small, tiny portions of the reservoir parks
around Singapore (even if in hard to reach spots) allocated
and small notice board/warning marked for "Fly Fishing Only".

Allocate us the place and I think we can look after ourselves.
We can even write our own ISO procedures for the authorities
so that we can assure them that we can keep ourselves safe
and most importantly keep the public safe.

In return, we help the government educate the public on
keeping the water ways clean, protect our environment,
protect our fishes, protect our "wild" lifes, etc etc.
We can even go to schools/RCs to teach children about entomology,
fly tying, fly casting and fly fishing.

We can make these children know that it is fun keeping
our waters and parks clean and fly fishing is cleaner than bait fishing.
And it is not just the job for the authorities.
Educate the kids today and tomorrow they will educate their peers.

So we deserve a little stretch of shoreline on the water bodies
for our sport.

Billy

----------------------

I agree that our concerns should be heard by the powers that be. We also need to educate and spread the word around. We have already created the means - the Fly Fishing Club Singapore Blog.

This blog should be used as what it was originally conceived as - an e-zine. We have general articles and photos, but we can also put forth serious, burning issues that affect all fisher people. I understand that some of us feel very passionate about the state of affairs in this country, and it is also my opinion that within our generation, (sensible)laws will be passed for the betterment of all living in this country.

I mean, the fact that we are discussing this in a 'privileged' category is not helping our general cause is it?

We have a decent viewing and participating forum here in FFS. As I mentioned to Billy, we should make the link to the Blog clear and bold. Maybe also ask Jimmy Aw to advertise in the Kaki forum (Billy, me computer illiterate, dunno how to do it).

We may be seen as competing or even working against the SFAS, but hey, I think there's too much politics there from where I'm standing. We are all working towards a common goal, aren't we? If we are able to create a large enough 'noise' in the grassroots level, then maybe it may just alert someone to take notice.

The blog can always moderate what is too political and cut out cheap shots. But then again, it can also reflect the unhappiness of the way things are being done to manage our waterways and surrounding seas. I mean there was some debate on the proposed new waterparks recently if my memory serves me right. Someone could have given that MP a better picture of what's really happening out there in the reservoirs daily when there are no VIPs visiting.

It's late!... and I'm rambling, am I out of line here?........

Aw

--------------------

I have spoken to some members of SFAS including Mr Chin, and they are keen to work together with us to promote Flyfishing in Singapore. i will also extend an invitation to SFAS to join us for the meet.

Cheers
Qwek

[Chee Yung]

Wonderful Qwek!

Billy's humble but deeply felt request for flyfishing/managed water is also my thoughts about this meeting.

I'll make sure I can attend! Thanks for starting it rolling

Best
CY

[awjimmy]

Hi Billy, Qwek & Kuan,

This is a new shining start for this club here. Do work towards a managable proposal within the limited available manpower.

When the ball starts rolling with sound framework from the club & sound support from the top... Then, it would be a better timing to rally for the masses. FK would always be a venue for your publicity & PR works.

Nevertheless...get the best of all choice lands... Somewhere where running water flows ... Kekeke... We are so deprived from running streams & practising mending with the running waters.

Do let the top knows.... We, from Singapore .... have a Fishing World Cup in 2008 at New Zealand to participate. ;D

Cheers ~ Jim.

[FrancisThong]

Jimmy,

I am glad you understand where I was coming from about fly fishing is more than casting. The trickery of stream craft and line mending can be more challenging than having the best rod coupled with good casting skills.

Going forward about sending anglers representing Singapore to international fly fishing competitions. I trust that you know that what great publicity that could create for fly fishing in Singapore. It is a great chance to create positive publicity and milestones for the local community within and outside Singapore. Opportunity such as these come rarely and should be appreciated.

But I like to question how the selection for these representatives would be done? Must it only be restricted to SFAS members or would the selection be done on the whole Singapore basis? Would the selection be done on experiences and exposures? I personally hope the selection would be given careful thoughts and it would even create plenty of positive visibility for the community. ;D

I trust SFAS would come out with a blueprint for such selection based on a bigger pool of resources (anglers) and merits. If not, it would certainly be difficult to justify carrying the Singapore flag to an international event.

awjimmy said:

Hi Billy, Qwek & Kuan,

This is a new shining start for this club here. Do work towards a managable proposal within the limited available manpower.

When the ball starts rolling with sound framework from the club & sound support from the top... Then, it would be a better timing to rally for the masses. FK would always be a venue for your publicity & PR works.

Nevertheless...get the best of all choice lands... Somewhere where running water flows ... Kekeke... We are so deprived from running streams & practising mending with the running waters.

Do let the top knows.... We, from Singapore .... have a Fishing World Cup in 2008 at New Zealand to participate. ;D

Cheers ~ Jim.

[awjimmy]

francisthong said:

Jimmy,

I am glad you understand where I was coming from about fly fishing is more than casting. The trickery of stream craft and line mending can be more challenging than having the best rod coupled with good casting skills.

Going forward about sending anglers representing Singapore to international fly fishing competitions. I trust that you know that what great publicity that could create for fly fishing in Singapore. It is a great chance to create positive publicity and milestones for the local community within and outside Singapore. Opportunity such as these come rarely and should be appreciated.

But I like to question how the selection for these representatives would be done? Must it only be restricted to SFAS members or would the selection be done on the whole Singapore basis? Would the selection be done on experiences and exposures? I personally hope the selection would be given careful thoughts and it would even create plenty of positive visibility for the community. ;D

I trust SFAS would come out with a blueprint for such selection based on a bigger pool of resources (anglers) and merits. If not, it would certainly be difficult to justify carrying the Singapore flag to an international event.

Hi Francis & all,

Kindly allow me to clarify to all the current postings & comments as expressed are my personal views & DO NOT represent the association since I am not a part of the executing committee anymore.

Billy & the admin, kindly help to split the thread if deem necessary for this further World Cup Discussion. As this has not much of a linkage to the MP’s interview. Thanks for the help.

All I can say at here, at the least of what SFAS has contributed in her own ways to some of the government related events for these years. Having the chance to manage & visit the World Cup is what I see as the appreciation & acknowledgement from the Singapore Sport Council for recommending SFAS to the rest of the world.

For those who are not aware of the volunteering moments & events that SFAS has conducted for Sport Council, PUB, NPARKS, NEA etc …

Visit : www.sfas.net/activities.html

Francis, those that participate in the World Cup, may not be all SFAS members as you have thought…

As far as I can see, the association would certain like to share this opportunity with those who have labored in hands & her affiliates. Now this very discussion forum has started on her own cause & likely be able to gather the manpower behind her ideology into a functional engine.

Both clubs can have better collaboration in time to come & enjoys the extended privilege, why not ? I believe SFAS would be more than glad to extend the privileges to any of those who can in hand do something for the common goal of promoting sport fishing, irregardless of fishing techniques to Singapore.

For those that have “Been there, done that” has already “Been there, done that”. They have formed a true basis of essential recommendation, good advice & fine examples. With the association’s privilege of managing this event, why not further share the privilege with the younger generation?

One fine example I see would be with the schools. The association has shared the privilege with the ever renewing, young club members of NTU Angler’s Club. Well, winning is certainly an essential part of any competition, the young Singapore team sent in 2005 have certainly not disappointed the Singapore flag as held. They have raided at least 3 trophies in the mist of international event.



Francis, I am most glad that the World Cup 2008 has included a new category - fly fishing into the coming event.

Visit : - www.wsff.org/Eng/main/boardnews/boardcontent.html?code=ANNOUNCEMENT&no=97


I sure hope to see the rest of the banks of this bigger pool of resources (anglers) and merits who wishes to do something for Singapore emerges. As an individual, I am glad to witness the stirring of this new engine to labor in hand with other related organizations for the objective of conservation & further promotion of fly fishing in Singapore.

Ah… time for me to do some fishing soon. The flippers & float tube has finally touched down into my cabinet… kekeke…
Cheers ~ Jim.

[Qwek]

Hi Folks,

The meeting with Dr Lim WK of Sembawang is on this Sunday @ 1100am. Please contact me for the venue.

The agenda for this Sunday has not been finalised, please add to the list below for subjects you wish to bring up. We hope that you will be present to discussion any suggestion.

The agenda so far:

1) To form a body or club under the CDC or on it own.
2) Using the club to introduce and promote Flyfishing and all its relate activities.
3) Using the club as a platform to launch and promote the White Papers.
4) To promote safety in fishing and relate water activities.
5) Use the CLub and flyfishing and it relate activities to keep kids and teens off the street.

There are many things that we can bring forward for discussion. I feel that we should not push forward the demand for a body of water for the sole purpose of flyfishing or competition. We should get the club formed and reach out to the community (thru CDC or other) to promote flyfishing.

I think we should discard the unnecessary baggage: Sport. Do we want to be know as an another sport club promoting sport fishing. Or do we want to be recognised as a community caring for the environment and providing social cohesion for the community.

We can use the CDC and the PA network to promote flyfishing since fishing is not recognised as a sport in Singapore, how do we play a role in promoting this activity?

There are many sporting activities conducted in many RC. CCC and Adventure Clubs. Many of them are not competitive, and are enjoyed by many, youngs and olds from all walks of life. Fishing and Flyfishing can also be enjoyed by young and old, as we all do.

Use flyfishing as an extension of recreation fishing in general to promote it art and form. There are many activities associated with flyfishing that the general public are not aware of.

When the papers were forwarded to Nature Society, SEC and Waterway Watch, they are surprise to find that there are indeed a core group caring fishermen and ladies who want to help protect the environment. All of them highlighted that is a serious lack of public education to promote safety and environment concern in the fishing arena. This is where we step in to promote the White Papers.

Please add to the above and do not pull back any punches ;D

Any idea for potlucks? Drinks?

Cheers
Qwek

[BillyTeo]

1) To form a body or club under the CDC or on it own.
2) Using the club to introduce and promote Flyfishing and all its relate activities.
3) Using the club as a platform to launch and promote the White Papers.
4) To promote safety in fishing and relate water activities.
5) Use the CLub and flyfishing and it relate activities to keep kids and teens off the street.

All of the above

There are many things that we can bring forward for discussion. I feel that we should not push forward the demand for a body of water for the sole purpose of flyfishing or competition.
Agreed we do not push too hard.
When the Marina Dam is in place, we can go anywhere
left right centre and we can fly fish safely.
Only need the NPark and PUB to tell their rangers that Fly fishing is legal.

We should get the club formed and reach out to the community (thru CDC or other) to promote flyfishing.
Form the club under CDC or some RC, CCC godfather first.
Then promote flyfishinf from there.
After that it is up to us to see that the club and fly fishing succeed.
I think we will.
We just need to be given a chance.

I think we should discard the unnecessary baggage: Sport. Do we want to be know as an another sport club promoting sport fishing.
Agreed too Q
Or do we want to be recognised as a community caring for the environment and providing social cohesion for the community.
This is secondary and it will follow when we lead by example.
If each of us can adopt a teen and bring them fishing and
teach them how to tie a fly and teach them to keep the place clean
and teach them to keep the water clean, the bonding will follow naturally.
Look at the fishios at LPR.
The social cohesion and the sharing(of free flies started by Uncle Wong)
was passed on and on and on. There was a time when everyone knew everyone there.
That is what we need when the club is formed.
An inclusive club.
Not an exclusive club.


We can use the CDC and the PA network to promote flyfishing since fishing is not recognised as a sport in Singapore, how do we play a role in promoting this activity?

There are many sporting activities conducted in many RC. CCC and Adventure Clubs. Many of them are not competitive, and are enjoyed by many, youngs and olds from all walks of life. Fishing and Flyfishing can also be enjoyed by young and old, as we all do.

Use flyfishing as an extension of recreation fishing in general to promote it art and form. There are many activities associated with flyfishing that the general public are not aware of.
There are so many thing.
And after the club is formed, the new members and newbies
will have plenty of feedbacks that we can tap to make the club better.
We all have the commitment.
Most have the time.
We will succeed.

When the papers were forwarded to Nature Society, SEC and Waterway Watch, they are surprise to find that there are indeed a core group caring fishermen and ladies who want to help protect the environment. All of them highlighted that is a serious lack of public education to promote safety and environment concern in the fishing arena. This is where we step in to promote the White Papers.
Agreed

Please add to the above and do not pull back any punches
(No punching but can let the dog go after you...kekeke)

[ShadowCaster]

sorry for the late reply....... was tied up with work.

A big thanks to Master Q for this arrangement.

I agree with the opinion that we should not allow "Sports" & "Competition" over-shadow our key agenda of creating a first class fly fishing environment in Singapore.

In addition to the agenda listed above and the vision articulated in the White Paper, may I suggest that we propose something more tangible? For example, propose a designated area to showcase a pilot project in fly fishery? I feel we need to provide some action oriented proposal to get this going, otherwise all our effort may become just another academic exercise........ Lessons learnt from our previous encounter with PUB......

Another fact that we need to recognize is that we need to identify the area where the agenda overlaps between the fly fishers and the CCC/GRC. Only then will the GRC works towards helping us achieve our goals. We need to be realistic that no one else would be interested to forward our objectives beside ourselves unless there is an overlap of interest.

Perhaps we should meet up before Sunday to synchronize the objectives and direction we want to put forth ?

[alberto]

Hi TY,
I have already made the suggestion to Q last night to meet before Sunday.

We need alignment and be seen as one voice and mind by the MP.

By sheer concidence, just after I spoke to Q, I picked out the April issue of the American Angler I purchase the day before and chance upon an Article titled A Dissenting Voice - Fly fishermen need to be more accepting of those who don't think like them.

The author of the article is basically asking if there is a real difference between a "Hardware angler" (Luring) and a fly fishermen.

He lives in central Oregon and he remarks that "Fly fishing is not just the accepted type of fishing around here, it has morph into a form of religion. Bait fishermen are viewed as infidels who are lower than whale droppings and walking through town with a spinning rod in your hand raises eyebrows that it make a guy feels like a criminal."

We must be careful not to ever progress to that state or level. We are all anglers and we want to catch fish. We just do it differently that others.

What struck me most of all is the last para of this article -
"I note that on you magazine cover that it states that American Angler is "The magazine of fly fishing and fly tying" but I'm curious about "Klausmeyer's Quick Fly" pictured on page 10 of the November/December issue. In addition of the requisite feathers, there is an object dangling from the fly that looks suspiciously like a piece of hardware to me - a spinner perhasp? Does that make the fisherman who uses it a "hardware angler," or is he given a pass because he delivers it with a fly rod? If that is the case, if I use a fly rod to deliver a worm to a hungry trout, am I fly fishing?"

I'm the first to admit that I do the same thing every now and then with bread, worm and maggots... cause I want to catch fish with my fly rod.

I'll try and make copies to pass around when we meet up.

regards
Alberto

[67er]

Just Do It!

Let me know when to meet for alignment of thoughts.

YH

[Qwek]

Hi folks,

Thanks for the input, shall we meet at Kampong Glam Cafe (Beach Rd), Friday nite around 6.30pm.

If not the only time left is Saturday afternoon.

For Friday Nite @ 6.30pm
1) Qwek
2) Alberto


Cheers

Qwek

[Chee Yung]

Hi Q n Bros in wands ,

Cant make it tonight due to Singapore Institute of Architect's Dinner and trust that the rest and Al will contribute well . Everyone is frank about their occasional bait fishing and berleying and y'know desperate times do end up with desperate measures. However, every game has its rules not to make it stuffy but to make it fun & fair to all players and the club needs its minimal rules to do just that. No more no less.

I'll try to bring my TU stuff, some links to healing with flyfishing ( soldiers, ladies with breast cancer, elderly etc), some stuff written by kids about flyfishing, look up some famous flyfishers etc. Just to show how beneficial and communal this activity is and sometimes if we want it, it could be really 'sophisticated' too. YH is great at entemology and stuff about the environment and by showing such skills, it will really impress the MP.

Uncle can bring his Leo... ;D ;D ;D to show craftsmanship..

My 2 cents.

Cheers
CY

[Qwek]

Hi CY,

The TU links and reference would be very useful, I got some FFF stuff from Christopher Soule, courtesy of John Hooi. We need to compile these materials for future use, might come in handy. I got some links to Mr Tang Beng Yong's articles on fishing in the local catchment areas, will write to him for permission to use them.

Here is the list of wand-erers for this Sunday's meet;

1) Harvey
2) Kuan CY
3) Tan Yik
4) Edward
5) Matteh Seah
6) Amin
7)Yu Hock
8) Uncle Wong
9) Hun
10) Jimmy wong
11) Billy Teo
12) Alberto
13) Qwek

Would appreciate if you could pm or sms any points or subject you wish to bring up that you are unable to do so for tonite meet.

All the Best!

Cheers
Qwek

[67er]

For Friday Nite @ 6.30pm
1) Qwek
2) Alberto
3) Tan Yik
4) 67er