To say the least the response from captains and the general public has been great I cant wait for the meeting.

I feel bad for charter captains...between the state's gouging, insurance costs, liabilities and the hopes that Momma Erie and Momma Nature will cooperate; I don't know how they generate income.  Especially the guys that solely rely on fishing the big lake.  If it were me, I'd probably approach it all differently and include stream fishing and inland lake fishing....Maybe someday
 
That said, put yourself in a guides's shoes....I have a feeling that they aren't really concerned about the guys who are simply taking out a few friends who are helping a captain alleviate some trip costs (?), but rather those undercutters out there who will take strangers out for their share of fuel costs and then some in efforts to try to MAKE extra money.  I'm sure it happens but does it really effect business as much as the elements I spoke of above??  Are these fly by nighters taking a chance?  Hell yes, but so is the guy doing 85-90 on the highway.  For guys like you and I Bulldawg, I don't think we have anything to worry about...we are taking out friends and family, but overall, either way it would be SO hard to proove or to catch someone in the act of accepting money for underground chartering.  Enforcement would be some undertaking that I don't think the state really put any thought toward before they started pulling money out of the guide's pockets...If I was a guide, I'd expect their to be some sort of better enforcement and I think thats starting to happen, otherwise they can pound salt IMO!  I do see where charter captains are coming from though, especially after all they have invested into becoming licensed captains.  Its not cheap or easy. I feel their efforts should certainly be directed to the authorities who are charging them.  The state should offer their services in return.
 
Good luck with your new club, maybe someday I'll join.  Thats if I'm still around... 

Moose,
 
The bulk of the monies have been used to purchase permanent easements on the tribs, and or outright purchase of streamside properties. You may not have "noticed any difference", but you most likely have fished sections that are open, and will remain open in perpetuity, due to the stamp program. The restrictions on how the revenues can/could be used were such that boat access opportunities were quite limited. They were relaxed a bit under the renewal, but still are fairly restrictive.
 
I've discussed this with Dan, and others on the "boater" side of the issue in the past, when I was still active in the PSA. I understand the boater/lake angler's issues & frustrations regarding the expenditure of these funds. That said, my observations ( at least in the past ) have been that stream angler organizations have from the onset been pro-active in pursuing these funds. Working closely with PF&BC representatives, to identify project opportunities. As well as working with other agencies & municipalities to secure matching funds ( a major selling point ). While the boating/lake angler community has largely sat back & complained that they were'nt getting their fair share. Perhaps this new group will be more specific in what they want, and more agressive in pursuing it. My suggestion would be, that one all the organizational issues ( charter, bylaws, election of officers ) are complete. The 1st formal meeting should include an ivitation to John Arway ( PF&BC executive director ), Ed Mascharka ( regional commisioner ), Scott Billinger ( head of the Erie Access Improvement Grant Program  [ stamp monies ] & the Boating Facilities Grant Program ), and perhaps Warren Elliot and or Steve Ketter ( "Boating at Large" commisioners ). Be prepared to offer ideas, not just complaints.
 
As for the Walnut "safe harbor" that Dan mentioned. Well that's dreaming big. There are several issues. Cost being the biggest, but also permitting, and space. This would be an extremely expensive project, as the geography provides no natutral harbor. I'm not say stamp funds could not or should not be used in some capacity ( IE: handicap access to ramps, docks & faciliities, or the like ). But you could take every dollar generated by the stamp from it's inception, and not come close to the down payment on an overall project of that magniitude. 

"The Stamp was designed for access on the streams and we fund it period."
 
That is essentially correct. Other than "you" contribute, to funding it rather than "fund it". It's estblishment WAS requested, and promoted primarily by stream anglers and their representative groups. Who followed up by agressively in going after the revenues for projects/easements that benefit them. The original wording admittedly left little provision for the revenues to be directed toward the boating/lake angler's interests. The wording of the renewal allows more flexibilty to that end. Of the people I suggested speaking with, the two primary players would be Scott Bollinger, who can inform you as to how the monies can be spent. It's then incumbent on you to specify what you need/want & why. And Ed Mascharka to advocate on the commision for your project.
 
One thing that may be to your advantage going forward, is. That most of the land/easement purchase opportunities have already been pursued ( successfully, or not ). At least for the near future. Who knows what may happen as properties change hands down the road. So there may be ( at least for a while ) a subtantial fund, looking for a project. It's up to you to find them one. Good luck.

Why not join the EPSFA ?
The more fragmented the fishing groups are the less weight they carry.
Chris

What about the current Charter Capt.'s Assn. which is PLECCA. [Pennsylvania Lake Erie Charter Captains Association] which has been around since the late 1980's has, bylaws, a mission statement and has been already recognized by the PFBC.

Hello I just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone that attended the meeting. Lots of positive topics were discussed. 
Captain Dan Kelly