[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       GREAT LAKES, GREAT FISHING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, sportfishing is already an extremely popular 
activity in Michigan. In 1994, over 884,000 fishing licenses were 
issued and there were almost 900,000 boaters--the largest number of 
boaters in any State in the entire country. 1995 was an exciting year 
for many Michigan sports fishermen because we set three new records. 
The largest Longnose Gare, Mooneye, Red ear sunfish were all caught in 
Michigan last year. Furthermore, one new record has already been set 
for 1996. A 4 pound 2 ounce Gizzard Shad was caught on Lake St. Clair 
on May 12.
  With such a positive experience, it should be no surprise that the 
In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail anglers are holding the 
Lubrimatic/Stren Eastern Pro-Am tournament today through Saturday on 
Saginaw Bay and into Lake Huron, with its headquarters in AuGress, in 
my congressional district. One hundred and thirty professional anglers 
will be joined by amateurs as they compete over 1,300 square miles to 
catch the biggest walleyes they can. This is a regional tournament 
leading to the national championship this September in Bismark, ND.
  Sportsmen are among the best environmentalists we will ever find. 
They know the importance of the maintenance of habitat and good 
management practices. In fact, in 1979 fishing groups joined with local 
governments to form a Saginaw Bay Consortium to raise and stock Saginaw 
Bay. The Saginaw Bay Walleye Club and the National Guard Construction 
Battalion built points and upgraded abandoned sewage treatment plants. 
They raised walleyes, having planted more than 1 million in the early 
to mid 1980's. Later they were joined by Arenac, Huron, and Losco 
counties in raising more fingerlings, so that now about 750,000 
walleyes are stocked every other year, and northern pike are raised in 
the intervening year.
  Many people think of Michigan as the car State. As proud as we are of 
our auto industry, we are equally proud of the marvelous recreational 
and tourism opportunities offered throughout our state. In fact, I have 
more shore line in my congressional district than is contained in most 
other States, including many coastal States.
  Blue skies, blue waters, great scenery, great people, and great 
fishing. This is what the anglers at the In-Fisherman Professional 
Walleye Trail are experiencing right now, and this is what is waiting 
for anyone who visits the Great Lakes State, Michigan. I welcome all of 
our visitors, and invite many, many more.

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