PFBC Proposes Changes to Fly Fishing Only Areas - Action Today

Centerpins Permitted on C&R FFO Areas?​

This past January the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Commissioners were asked to expand opportunities for anglers across the state. A New Rule Making Proposal #264 just hit the PF&BC page.

It is named the Simplification and Consolidation of Regulations.

Many of the 9 major item categories involve mundane Summary Book Changes to language, semantics on baitfish, size, lake regulations, elimination of the WBTEP program, etc. But one change in particular may be of interest to followers of this page.

#8
In § 65.14, {C&R FFO Areas} the Commission proposes that the reference to single hooks be removed to clarify that multiple hooks are permitted. The Commission also proposes that the reference to “flyline with a maximum of 18 feet in leader material or monofilament line attached” be removed to eliminate a gray area regarding center-pinning techniques, which is becoming a popular technique to fish nymphs and utilizes a much longer leader.
To eliminate confusion and having to name or describe all prohibited lures and substances, the Commission further proposes deleting the list of prohibited items in favor of naming the permitted lures and substances only.

View the whole proposal Here.

What are your thoughts on letting Centerpinning into FFO areas? This regulation change would suggests that Centerpin fishing is fly fishing. Fly fishing it the act of delivering the terminal fly using the weight of the line and leader to carry it. Centerpinning uses the weight of terminal tackle to fling the bait upstream.

The PF&BC have literally rewritten the definition of fly fishing with this one. We feel this is an unnecessary change to the Fly Fishing Only regulation and diminishes the integrity of fly fishing as a form of fishing. We clearly need to let our voices be heard. We have been encouraged to comment on this proposal so send a comment today. Please let the PFBC know you are opposed to the changes with a written letter or comment online.

...While increasing the length of the leader material to allow for Euro-nymphing is a reasonable change, eliminating Flyline from fly fishing areas is clearly a mistake and must be kept in the regulation to maintain the integrity of fly fishing.

Comment period is April 4 - May 4. Comment Here.

Letters: PFBC Executive Director John Arway, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.

 

Hello Maurice,

I'm involved in a discussion on Facebook about the use of center pins in FFO waters. A couple of guys have said I am incorrect and now pins are permitted in FFO water. Is this true?

"What are your thoughts on letting Centerpinning into FFO areas? This regulation change would suggests that Centerpin fishing is fly fishing. Fly fishing it the act of delivering the terminal fly using the weight of the line and leader to carry it. Centerpinning uses the weight of terminal tackle to fling the bait upstream.

The PF&BC have literally rewritten the definition of fly fishing with this one. We feel this is an unnecessary change to the Fly Fishing Only regulation and diminishes the integrity of fly fishing as a form of fishing. We clearly need to let our voices be heard. We have been encouraged to comment on this proposal so send a comment today. Please let the PFBC know you are opposed to the changes with a written letter or comment online.

...While increasing the length of the leader material to allow for Euro-nymphing is a reasonable change, eliminating Flyline from fly fishing areas is clearly a mistake and must be kept in the regulation to maintain the integrity of fly fishing.

Comment period is April 4 - May 4. Comment Here.

Letters: PFBC Executive Director John Arway, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000."

Thanks in advance,

Matt