Noontootla Creek

AppalachianSlam · 06-12-12, 09:29 PM

I just noticed there is a tournament on the public section of Noontootla creek on July 14.

Blueridgeflies · 06-12-12, 10:12 PM

yep there is, I am debating on entering that tournament because I have a score to settle with that stream. (It has done me wrong twice now and I am determined to do good on it)

flyg · 06-12-12, 10:58 PM

I hope this doesn't come across as unpleasant but here it is: I've always been ambivalent about tournament fishing, but this will change that. It is a very bad idea, a poor use of my public land, and personally I hate the very concept just about worse than anything I've ever encountered on this board. I've nothing personal against anyone involved, nor would I ever judge someone's character based on their participation in this competition. I just think it is utterly disgusting and that is strictly my opinion. Formal fishing competitions have no place on this kind of public resource. Just to be clear, I don't like it. And I'll say it again to whomever I possibly can, whenever the chance arises.

G

SWMBKRN · 06-12-12, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyg

Formal fishing competitions have no place on this kind of public resource.

First, let me say that I do not feel you are being unpleasant. I appreciate and respect your opinion.
Second, can you please share why you feel that a formal competition has no place there? I'm not trying to start a urination match, just want to hear your reasoning.

flyg · 06-12-12, 11:42 PM

It is a small resource with wild fish and special regulations. The nature of the stream is such that an angler fishing a stretch will put the fishing off in that section for a long time. So that is annoying for non-participant anglers. "Wild brook trout" are specifically mentioned several times in the event description as a target species associated with special cash prizes. None will be caught, but that is beside the point. Targeting a relatively uncommon native species by offering cash prizes for its capture bothers me philosphically I suppose. The event is in the dead of summer, a period of maximum stress on a population that is recovering from several years of record low flows. Despite the assertions in the descriptive narrative, the section is not hatchery supported, so all the intense fishing will be targeting a wild population that is entirely subsidized by nature. Even a "mini" event looks to bring at least 20 participants and their cars to a stream where parking will barely be available, given that most/all of the camping sites will be occupied. This only increases the significant erosion problems the stream suffers from.

I just don't like it, I'll admit it. Whether the issues with the environment and the fish are real, who knows. I do know that is sucks bad for other anglers trying to take advantage of one of the few specially managed wild trout streams in the entire state. Frankly, I'm surprised the NFS has issued a special use permit for a cash competition on one of its only specially managed wild trout streams. Believe me, I won't go off in the corner and cry. Differences in opinion are just part of life, and I personally believe pay competitions with cash prizes belong on large streams, preferably stocked, with better infrastructure to support all the extra traffic. I think competitions on this type of water do a particular disservice to all non-competing legal anglers that use the resource.

G

Brotherbear · 06-12-12, 11:53 PM

Here is vote #2 against that thought.

May the Timber Ratler's win!

The Ole Man · 06-13-12, 12:07 AM

I'm with you flyg--for all the reasons you stated. It's a bad idea. Just wondering who came up with this.

Blueridgeflies · 06-13-12, 12:54 AM

I see absolutely nothing wrong with the idea. It is one single even on a single day. I know the area pretty well and can say that it will hold up to it just fine as it is only a single day. In way of the use of public land, I see absolutely no difference between holding a fly fishing tournament on a public stream, to hold a bass fishing tournament on a public lake. Actually if you want to think about it the competition circles have a greater "right" to many of these waters because they fight harder then most to save them. In way of pressure from fishing, you are only looking at one angler per 100-200 yards of stream (or more)(total changes with the event rules, and how the stream is). Having fished this creek both in the middle of summer and in the dead of winter(and during the low water times). Personally I say, comp guys have a great time and do what you love to do.

Because to put this in reality I would say one comp makes less impact then 5-10 inexperienced fly fisherman, and 2-3 of your average bait slingers (and trash dumpers for that matter). Again it is on public land for the same reason that an NGTO sponsored event is on public land. It is simply what is available or is a good choice given the circumstances. So getting all up in arms is just useless because these guys have the equal rights that you do. In fact I say go ahead and get some friends together and hold your own improv fishing comp. (just handle the fish well and have a great time)

IronLion · 06-13-12, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyg

The event is in the dead of summer, a period of maximum stress on a population that is recovering from several years of record low flows.

I am gonna go ahead and stick my nose here where it probably doesn't belong, but I completely agree. This is ridiculous. This is not a hatchery supported stream and the water does get low and warms up by this time. There will definitely be some sort of damage done with that kind of pressure during that time of year. Who decided to do a comp on a wild trout stream in the middle of the summer?

SWMBKRN · 06-13-12, 08:13 AM

Thank you for answering my question, G. Again, I appreciate your opinion.
It is concerns such as these that have caused me and my team (and others) to encourage folks that have these issues to come watch an event. That is a better way for us to explain the care and concern that competition fly fishers have for the entire stream system. For instance, my team adds a rule to all of our competitions that disqualifies any angler that degrades the water system, litters, degrades bank integrity, or most important purposely harms a fish. We have never had to disqualify anyone or even question anyone. Also through all of the tournaments I've fished I have seen hundreds of fish caught and never known of a fish to die.
What I'm trying to say is that a tournament of this kind WILL impact the stream differently than a "normal" angler because there will surprisingly enough be less of an impact than most. A 20 angler competiition is just like having 10 guys out on a stream fishing. The guys just happen to be OCD about caring for the stream and the fish they are trying to catch and release.

06-12-12, 09:29 PM	#1
AppalachianSlam Native Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 54	Noontootla Creek I just noticed there is a tournament on the public section of Noontootla creek on July 14.

06-12-12, 11:53 PM	#6
Brotherbear Native Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Woodstock, Ga. Posts: 416	Here is vote #2 against that thought. May the Timber Ratler's win! __________________ He was wide around the middle an broad across the rump running 90 miles an hour taking 30 feet a jump ain't never been caught ain't never been treed.Some folks say he looks a lot like me!

06-13-12, 12:54 AM	#8
Blueridgeflies Native Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 760	I see absolutely nothing wrong with the idea. It is one single even on a single day. I know the area pretty well and can say that it will hold up to it just fine as it is only a single day. In way of the use of public land, I see absolutely no difference between holding a fly fishing tournament on a public stream, to hold a bass fishing tournament on a public lake. Actually if you want to think about it the competition circles have a greater "right" to many of these waters because they fight harder then most to save them. In way of pressure from fishing, you are only looking at one angler per 100-200 yards of stream (or more)(total changes with the event rules, and how the stream is). Having fished this creek both in the middle of summer and in the dead of winter(and during the low water times). Personally I say, comp guys have a great time and do what you love to do. Because to put this in reality I would say one comp makes less impact then 5-10 inexperienced fly fisherman, and 2-3 of your average bait slingers (and trash dumpers for that matter). Again it is on public land for the same reason that an NGTO sponsored event is on public land. It is simply what is available or is a good choice given the circumstances. So getting all up in arms is just useless because these guys have the equal rights that you do. In fact I say go ahead and get some friends together and hold your own improv fishing comp. (just handle the fish well and have a great time) __________________ Coffee is liquid personality in a cup

06-13-12, 08:13 AM	#10
SWMBKRN Native Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 381	Thank you for answering my question, G. Again, I appreciate your opinion. It is concerns such as these that have caused me and my team (and others) to encourage folks that have these issues to come watch an event. That is a better way for us to explain the care and concern that competition fly fishers have for the entire stream system. For instance, my team adds a rule to all of our competitions that disqualifies any angler that degrades the water system, litters, degrades bank integrity, or most important purposely harms a fish. We have never had to disqualify anyone or even question anyone. Also through all of the tournaments I've fished I have seen hundreds of fish caught and never known of a fish to die. What I'm trying to say is that a tournament of this kind WILL impact the stream differently than a "normal" angler because there will surprisingly enough be less of an impact than most. A 20 angler competiition is just like having 10 guys out on a stream fishing. The guys just happen to be OCD about caring for the stream and the fish they are trying to catch and release. __________________ Live slow Creel limit = zero

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06-12-12, 10:12 PM	#2
Blueridgeflies Native Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 760	yep there is, I am debating on entering that tournament because I have a score to settle with that stream. (It has done me wrong twice now and I am determined to do good on it) __________________ Coffee is liquid personality in a cup

06-12-12, 10:58 PM	#3
flyg Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,187	I hope this doesn't come across as unpleasant but here it is: I've always been ambivalent about tournament fishing, but this will change that. It is a very bad idea, a poor use of my public land, and personally I hate the very concept just about worse than anything I've ever encountered on this board. I've nothing personal against anyone involved, nor would I ever judge someone's character based on their participation in this competition. I just think it is utterly disgusting and that is strictly my opinion. Formal fishing competitions have no place on this kind of public resource. Just to be clear, I don't like it. And I'll say it again to whomever I possibly can, whenever the chance arises. G

06-12-12, 11:42 PM	#5
flyg Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,187	It is a small resource with wild fish and special regulations. The nature of the stream is such that an angler fishing a stretch will put the fishing off in that section for a long time. So that is annoying for non-participant anglers. "Wild brook trout" are specifically mentioned several times in the event description as a target species associated with special cash prizes. None will be caught, but that is beside the point. Targeting a relatively uncommon native species by offering cash prizes for its capture bothers me philosphically I suppose. The event is in the dead of summer, a period of maximum stress on a population that is recovering from several years of record low flows. Despite the assertions in the descriptive narrative, the section is not hatchery supported, so all the intense fishing will be targeting a wild population that is entirely subsidized by nature. Even a "mini" event looks to bring at least 20 participants and their cars to a stream where parking will barely be available, given that most/all of the camping sites will be occupied. This only increases the significant erosion problems the stream suffers from. I just don't like it, I'll admit it. Whether the issues with the environment and the fish are real, who knows. I do know that is sucks bad for other anglers trying to take advantage of one of the few specially managed wild trout streams in the entire state. Frankly, I'm surprised the NFS has issued a special use permit for a cash competition on one of its only specially managed wild trout streams. Believe me, I won't go off in the corner and cry. Differences in opinion are just part of life, and I personally believe pay competitions with cash prizes belong on large streams, preferably stocked, with better infrastructure to support all the extra traffic. I think competitions on this type of water do a particular disservice to all non-competing legal anglers that use the resource. G

06-13-12, 12:07 AM	#7
The Ole Man Chief Financial Officer, Past Director, Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: NW Georgia Posts: 8,030	I'm with you flyg--for all the reasons you stated. It's a bad idea. Just wondering who came up with this.