 This
subject is one that is close to my heart. Whenever I travel
around the country or around Long Island, I am amazed
by the plethora of beauty and wildlife.
Try to imagine, however, the world without trees, flowers
or birds. How would you describe that world to someone
who has never seen it? Now try to envision a large lake
without aquatic life or a stream without fish. Difficult
isn't it? Well that could be the future for our children
and great grandchildren if WE don't clean up our act
right now.
Simply stated, when outdoors pick up your trash and
take it home or use the garbage containers provided.
Sadly, on Long Island this practice is consistently
ignored. For example, look at Twin Lakes in Wantagh
or McDonalds Pond in Rockville Centre. These are pristine
fishing locations for bass, carp, pickerel, bluegill,
crappie and more. Yet the individuals using these areas
leave literally tons of garbage. I often find miles
of fishing line, empty bait containers, cigarette packets
and butts, beer or soda bottles and cans. In addition,
broken lures and floats lay strewn over the pathways.
Where did we go wrong that we allow this kind of practice
to go unchecked?
Each time I fish at Twin Ponds I take a garbage bag
and fill it with discarded items. The conservation park
authorities and DEC representatives must begin to check
these areas on a regular basis. Violators must be fined,
their tackle and equipment confiscated, and fishing
licenses revoked. For those having no license, the penalty
should not only involve fines but also community service
to clean up the areas they fished illegally.
If you feel as strongly as I do, contact your local
DEC office or local government representative and tell
them you want some action to protect the fishing and
hunting rights for the good people of Long Island. As
taxpayers we deserve a higher standard of fishing and
hunting locations.
Additionally, you are exposing your child or grandchild
to injury because of someone else's inability to appreciate
their God- given surroundings. Teach your children now
or there will be nothing for them to show their children
except pictures!
The next issue will review crankbaits and the various
ways they can be used to catch bass, walleye and all members
of the pike family here on Long Island.
Tight Lines!
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