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The Politics of Fish

The Politics of Fish

By American Sportfishing Association

A bi-weekly podcast brought to you by the American Sportfishing Association covering the people, organizations, and issues that impact the recreational fishing industry.
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30x30's Impact on the Sportfishing Community with Chris Horton

The Politics of Fish Mar 11, 2022

00:00
31:45
 Understanding Fishing Equipment Federal Excise Tax Obligations

Understanding Fishing Equipment Federal Excise Tax Obligations

On this special edition episode, we’re talking taxes! Specifically, the federal excise tax on fishing equipment, which is paid by manufacturers and importers of fishing tackle and goes into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. These funds are then used on projects to create more and better fishing opportunities, like habitat restoration, maintaining fish hatcheries and building boat ramps. ASA recently held a webinar with a couple of experts in excise tax compliance to walk through the nuances of how fishing tackle companies can ensure they are meeting their excise tax obligations. What's provided here is the audio from that webinar.


Learn more about the federal excise tax on sportfishing equipment at https://asafishing.org/sportfish-restoration-excise-tax/


For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy, visit: https://asafishing.org

Aug 24, 202301:18:49
Growing a Sportfishing Business in a Rural Community with Josh Phillips

Growing a Sportfishing Business in a Rural Community with Josh Phillips

Josh Phillips, Owner and President of Spawn Fly Fish, joins host Mike Leonard to talk about his background, his experience starting a fly shop in the small town in coastal Washington of Ilwaco, and recently testifying before the Small Business Committee in the US House of Representatives. The hearing focused on the challenges of small business entrepreneurs in rural areas, and Josh provided some insightful testimony on issues that people in more populated areas may take for granted, like broadband access, local banking options and the high cost of essential services. He was also able to make the connection of the importance of sustainable natural resources and fishing businesses like his.


Learn more about Spawn Fly Fish at https://spawnflyfish.com , and follow Josh's impressive Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/fishingjosh/


For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit: https://asafishing.org

Aug 03, 202330:50
Shark Conservation and Depredation with Dr. Kesley Banks

Shark Conservation and Depredation with Dr. Kesley Banks

Dr. Kesley Banks with the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M Corpus Christi joins host Mike Leonard to talk about sharks, and specifically shark depredation. Kesley shares insights on the overall state of shark populations in the U.S., what’s contributing to increases in shark depredation and what she and other researchers are doing to better understand the issue.

Learn more about shark depredation, and recently introduced federal legislation to help address the challenge at www.asafishing.org/shark-encounters

Learn more about the Harte Research Institute at www.harteresearch.org

Jul 20, 202324:56
Momentum Building for Fisheries Legislation in Congress

Momentum Building for Fisheries Legislation in Congress

Podcast host Mike Leonard discusses three bills recently introduced in Congress that impact a wide range of recreational fishing policy issues. First is the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act, a bill referenced in a recent podcast episode that will help introduce more kids, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to fishing. Next, a bill titled the SHARKED Act that will mitigate the increasing challenge of shark depredation - when a shark eats your catch before you can land it. Finally, Leonard discusses the Protecting Whales, Human Safety and the Economy Act, which would prevent a disastrous new rule from going into effect that would effectively shut down the Atlantic coast to boating for half the year, until technology comes on board that can better help avoid whale strikes.


To learn more and to contact your Members of Congress in support of these bills, visit https://asafishing.org/advocacy/keep-america-fishing/

Jul 06, 202327:25
The Importance of Youth Fishing Opportunities with Mike Lum
Jun 14, 202333:39
Fisheries in the Farm Bill with Chris Horton
May 25, 202324:31
Rebuilding Striped Bass with David Sikorski
May 10, 202337:05
Confronting Menhaden Reduction Fishing with Steve Atkinson

Confronting Menhaden Reduction Fishing with Steve Atkinson

In the summer of 2022, several net spills in the Chesapeake Bay created some momentum in the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to do something about the many problems associated with commercial menhaden fishing. The result was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that describes certain areas and times of the year where purse seine fishing for menhaden will be prohibited.


Steve Atkinson, President of the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, provides background on what led to the MOU, what is and is NOT expected to come from the MOU and what more needs to be done to address conservation concerns.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/



Apr 27, 202327:21
California Salmon with Marc Gorelnik
Apr 13, 202334:21
Combating Aquatic Invasive Species with Connor Bevan

Combating Aquatic Invasive Species with Connor Bevan

Connor Bevan, ASA's Inland Fisheries Policy Manager, talks with host Mike Leonard about improving aquatic invasive species (AIS) management and policy. AIS alter natural ecosystem, reduce biodiversity and degrade waterways. All of this amounts to impacts on fishing opportunities. ASA and several partners released a report recently with recommendations for improving prevention, eradication, control and mitigation of AIS. This is the first step in the process to combat AIS and improve fisheries.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Mar 30, 202325:12
Testifying Before Congress with Martha Guyas

Testifying Before Congress with Martha Guyas

On March 8, 2023, ASA's Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, Martha Guyas, testified on the importance of sound fisheries policy before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. The oversight hearing, titled, “Benefits and Access: The Necessity for Multiple Use of Water on Resources,” included discussion on the multiple needs and benefits of water resources throughout the United States, including fishing and fishery-related topics. Guyas began by showcasing the various ways that fishing benefits conservation, jobs and the U.S. economy. See ASA's press release to learn more. 

In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Guyas describes the experience of testifying before Congress and all of the prep that went into providing written and oral testimony. 

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Mar 10, 202326:21
Improving Water Quality and Habitat with Kellie Ralston
Feb 27, 202330:13
Getting to Know BoatU.S. with Chris Edmonston
Feb 01, 202332:59
Novel Halibut Quota Approach in Alaska with Andy Mezirow

Novel Halibut Quota Approach in Alaska with Andy Mezirow

Charter Captain and Member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Andy Mezirow, led efforts to reform the halibut quota system in the Gulf of Alaska. In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Mezirow details why the charter sector was willing to buy halibut from the commercial and explains how the Recreational Quota Entity, which facilitates the purchase and transfer of quota, works.  

 At the end of 2022, funding for the Alaskan halibut catch-share program was passed as part of the omnibus spending bill. Compensated reallocation in Alaska will allow the recreational sector to acquire more quota, enhancing opportunity and access. This is a novel approach and the rest of the country is watching to see how it plays out. 

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/

Jan 19, 202333:08
Driftnet Modernization Law with Theresa Labriola

Driftnet Modernization Law with Theresa Labriola

Theresa Labriola, Pacific Fisheries Program Director at Wild Oceans, talks to host Mike Leonard about California's drift gill net fishery and the recent legislative success of the Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act. The conversation provides context on the fishery's history and the advocacy efforts that led to the passage of the new law and the phase out of destructive gear. 


To learn more about Wild Oceans, visit their website: https://wildoceans.org/

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://asafishing.org/


Jan 05, 202328:48
Advancing Federal Marine Fisheries Policy with Jeff Angers
Dec 20, 202229:40
Sportsmen Working Together with Whit Fosburgh
Dec 05, 202224:41
How the Midterm Elections Impact Fishing with George Cooper

How the Midterm Elections Impact Fishing with George Cooper

George Cooper, Partner at Forbes-Tate Partners, provides an overview of the midterm elections and how the results impact the recreational fishing community. In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Cooper also details his professional background and why he likes working with ASA and the recreational fishing industry.

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Nov 17, 202226:45
Giving Back to the Resource with Bill Shedd

Giving Back to the Resource with Bill Shedd

Bill Shedd, Chairman and CEO of American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO), spoke with host Mike Leonard about his background, the importance of giving back to the resource and the changes he has seen over the years in approaches to marine conservation. 

On Thursday, October 27, Shedd was presented with the inaugural Gary J. Zurn Conservation Award at the 2022 ASA Sportfishing Summit. The award is named for long-time ASA supporter and Government Affairs committee Chair, Gary Zurn, who passed unexpectedly in August 2021. Like Zurn, Shedd has worked tirelessly to conserve fisheries, benefiting anglers and the industry. 

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Nov 03, 202227:22
Keep Florida Fishing with Gary Jennings
Oct 21, 202225:42
Chairman Phil Lillo on the Importance of ASA
Oct 05, 202215:26
Federal Legislative Update and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting Recap

Federal Legislative Update and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting Recap

Podcast host and ASA Vice President of Government Affairs, Mike Leonard, provides an update on federal legislative activity, highlighting two recently introduced bills: The Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act  and the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. After the update, Leonard talks with ASA Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, Martha Guyas, about South Atlantic red snapper. Guyas gives a rundown of a recent South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting, where bottom fishing closures for red snapper were discussed. 

Take action of the issues mentioned in this episode:

  • Voice your support for Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act here
  • Voice your support for the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act here

Learn more about red snapper here

For more ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Sep 30, 202231:42
Implications of Proposed Right Whale Regulation with John DePersenaire

Implications of Proposed Right Whale Regulation with John DePersenaire

John DePersenaire of Viking Yachts spoke with host Mike Leonard about a proposed regulation to limit vessel speeds along a vast swath of the Atlantic coast. The proposed regulation, in NOAA Fisheries' words, "would expand mandatory speed restrictions to include vessels 35 to 65 feet long and broaden seasonal speed restriction zones." NOAA Fisheries said the proposed changes are part of the federal agency's attempt to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales. 

The recreational fishing community fully supports protecting North Atlantic right whales, but believes there are far more effective ways to help the species. Speed restrictions are difficult to enforce and vessel strikes are incredibly rare. This regulation would negatively impact various stakeholders, including the recreational fishing and boating community, while likely doing little to help North Atlantic right whales in a meaningful way. 

Submit comments on the rule here.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Sep 12, 202236:29
National Fish Habitat Partnership with Ed Schriever
Aug 24, 202233:37
Unpacking Atlantic Menhaden Challenges with Chris Moore
Aug 11, 202241:21
Latest Numbers and Trends on Fishing Participation with Dave Chanda
Jul 28, 202224:38
Proposed Legislation Undermining Wildlife Conservation with Kaden McArthur

Proposed Legislation Undermining Wildlife Conservation with Kaden McArthur

Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager at Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), speaks with host Mike Leonard about a recent bill that would undermine the Wildlife Restoration Program, which exists thanks to the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. 

Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and 53 cosponsors introduced the RETURN our Constitutional Rights Act, which would eliminate the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Hunters and the firearms industry lobbied for the creation of this excise tax, authorized in 1937, making the proposed elimination puzzling. While the proposed legislation offers a replacement for the tax, the replacement would be a cut to recent levels of funding. 

All this is to say, don't mess with a good thing - a highly popular user-funded conservation model that hunters and anglers are passionate about. Luckily, McArthur and Leonard don't think this bill will gain much traction. 

This bill does not make any changes to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, however, the precedent it sets underscores the importance of organizations, like ASA and BHA, having a presence on Capitol Hill to represent the interests of hunters and anglers. 

For more about BHA visit their website and listen to their podcast here

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Jul 14, 202222:43
Red Snapper Management with ASA's Martha Guyas
Jul 01, 202237:32
Sportfishing Spotlight: An Insider’s Guide to the Critical Policy and Legislative Issues Affecting our Industry

Sportfishing Spotlight: An Insider’s Guide to the Critical Policy and Legislative Issues Affecting our Industry

This special edition of the podcast is a recording of the webinar, "Sportfishing Spotlight: An Insider’s Guide to the Critical Policy and Legislative Issues Affecting our Industry," which aired on June 16, 2022. You can also watch a recording of the webinar on ASA's YouTube channel

Hosted by ASA’s VP of Government Affairs Mike Leonard, the webinar features the entire ASA Government Affairs team as they discuss the top national and regional issues affecting the sportfishing industry. In addition, the webinar includes an exclusive preview of the midterm elections by ASA lobbyist and political expert George Cooper of Forbes-Tate Partners. The webinar concludes with an interactive question-and-answer session.

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Jun 17, 202201:05:25
Putting An End to Pebble Mine in Alaska's Iconic Bristol Bay with Sam Snyder

Putting An End to Pebble Mine in Alaska's Iconic Bristol Bay with Sam Snyder

Sam Snyder of the Wild Salmon Center talks with host Mike Leonard about the economic, cultural, and environmental importance of Alaska's Bristol Bay fishery. It is the last great sockeye salmon fishery of its kind, in addition to being home to rainbow trout, bears, and more of Alaska's incredible wildlife. 

Pebble Mine is a proposed copper and gold mine that would be built at the headwaters of Bristol Bay. It is estimated that about 96% of the material mined would be considered waste. With so much waste, the threat of damaging acid mine drainage and further degradation of this habitat is predicted. Conserving the habitat is critical because it is spawning ground for salmon. Likewise, damage to the watershed could damage the economy, as Bristol Bay is a major worldwide fishing destination. 

The EPA is expected to set restrictions on Bristol Bay that would make it impossible for Pebble Mine or any other large-scale mining operation to operate. This is exciting news that would protect Bristol Bay once and for all. 

Take action to conserve Bristol Bay's iconic fishery by visiting the Wild Salmon Center and Keep America Fishing. By adding your name to these support letters, you will encourage the EPA to act urgently. 

May 27, 202225:48
Recovering America's Wildlife Act with Kurt Thiede

Recovering America's Wildlife Act with Kurt Thiede

May 19, 202229:08
Giving Back to the Sport with Jesse Simpkins

Giving Back to the Sport with Jesse Simpkins

Jesse Simpkins is Vice President of Marketing at St. Croix Rods and the chair of ASA's Board of Directors. Simpkins' love for fishing began in childhood. Both of his grandfathers fished and shared their love of the sport with him. Before he entered the sportfishing industry, Simpkins was asked during a job interview what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Without skipping a beat, Simpkins said he wanted to be paid to talk about fishing and hunting. Fast forward a few years and Simpkins achieved that goal by working at Plano. After many years and a great career with Plano, Simpkins left for an opportunity at St. Croix Rods. 

Simpkins doesn't have a lot of time for people who just sit and talk about sportfishing policy. He wants to see engagement. Practicing what he preaches, Simpkins has dedicated his time and energy to advancing sportfishing and sportfishing policy with ASA. In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Simpkins discusses the importance of engagement and bringing the sportfishing community together through ASA. 

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

May 06, 202226:12
Bringing Together the Outdoor Recreation Industry with Jessica Turner of ORR

Bringing Together the Outdoor Recreation Industry with Jessica Turner of ORR

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is a coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations. By bringing together various outdoor recreation stakeholders from recreational fishing to the RV and education communities and beyond, ORR promotes the growth of the whole outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities.  

Jessica (Wahl) Turner is ORR's President. After graduating from Georgetown University, Turner started her outdoor recreation career at the Department of Interior where she managed external relations for the Secretary, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Outside and Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiatives. Before leading ORR, Turner directed the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) outdoor recreation portfolio in Washington D.C. Under Turner's leadership, ORR has successfully brought together the outdoor recreation industry and advocated for the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act and achieved millions of dollars in funding for public lands, waters and rural gateway communities.

In conversation with host, Mike Leonard, Turner discusses her career, the importance of bringing together the outdoor recreation industry, and ORR's diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, Together Outdoors

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Apr 29, 202241:09
Gulf Menhaden Management with Chris Macaluso

Gulf Menhaden Management with Chris Macaluso

Chris Macaluso is the Center for Marine Fisheries Director for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). He works with partner organizations to advance habitat restoration efforts across the Gulf of Mexico and improve federal fisheries management law and policy. 

Menhaden are an integral part of the food web for sportfish and the largest volume fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Management of the fishery, however, has been lax. Macaluso talks with host, Mike Leonard, about why conservation-based management is needed and provides an update on state legislation in Louisiana.  

If you are interested in Gulf menhaden advocacy, you can contact Macaluso at cmacaluso@trcp.org

You can view images of menhaden fishing in the Gulf here

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Apr 07, 202231:30
Meet Larry Phillips, ASA's New Pacific Fisheries Policy Director
Mar 28, 202222:21
30x30's Impact on the Sportfishing Community with Chris Horton

30x30's Impact on the Sportfishing Community with Chris Horton

Chris Horton is the Senior Director of Fisheries Policy at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), an organization dedicated to protecting and advancing hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. In response to the Biden Administration's “America the Beautiful” initiative to conserve 30 percent of national lands and waters by 2030, CSF created the Hunt Fish 30x30 Coalition. The coalition raises awareness about the critical role hunting and fishing play in conservation and advocates for solutions that allow hunting and angling to continue this legacy. 


Horton and host Mike Leonard talk about the different ways conservation is being defined to create federal and state 30x30 policies, supporting and undermining the importance of recreational fishing in the process. 


For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/


Mar 11, 202231:45
Guy Harvey's Marine Conservation and Education Work
Feb 24, 202235:52
Rep. Rob Wittman Discusses Politics and Sportfishing

Rep. Rob Wittman Discusses Politics and Sportfishing

On Tuesday, February 15, the American Sportfishing Association hosted a webinar with U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA). Representative Wittman is one of Congress’ biggest anglers and has been a champion of recreational fishing and conservation throughout his tenure. He also serves on the House Natural Resources Committee. 

In this audio release of the webinar, Rep. Wittman provides us with an inside view into what Congress is doing to advance conservation and sportfishing. Rep. Wittman discusses some current events in U.S. politics, such as manufacturing, supply chain issues and the national implications of the recent Virginia gubernatorial race.

You can also view this conversation on YouTube

For ways to get involved in sportfishing policy visit https://keepamericafishing.org/ and https://asafishing.org/

Feb 15, 202247:07
ASA's Mike Waine Talks Striped Bass
Feb 11, 202228:38
Dave Bulthuis of Pure Fishing: Loving Work and Getting Involved in Sportfishing Politics
Jan 28, 202220:27
Inaugural Episode: ASA's Strategic Plan and Supporting the Sportfishing Community
Jan 14, 202217:03