Bill Introduced -> “H.B 187 Recreational Use of Public Waters” (Ferry, B.).

This last summer the state supreme court decided unanimously in the conatser v. johnson case (http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/u...tser071808.pdf) that the public had the right to use waters in the state for recreational purposes. This use includes streams and rivers on lands owned privately. This was a great victory Utah anglers as it ensured that the fish owned by the them, but trapped on a stretch of river that was privately owned, could be enjoyed by anglers who stayed within the confines of the river. Other legal recreation such as kayaking, floating and swimming is now also possible on these bodies of water.

Unfortunately, a few Utah House Represenatives are trying to pass legislation that would overturn the conatser decision. Mr Ferry has introduced bill 187 (http://le.utah.gov/~2009/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0187.htm). This bill will not please the many recreation enthusiasts in Utah.

Many anglers know of Mr. Ferry's bill, and everyone is very unhappy. We have begun to unite together to fight this bill. We believe that private land owners should not be able to hold public resources such as water and fish hostage from public use.

I want to encourage anyone that has been a follower of my blog, family, friends, fellow flyfisher's, anyone out their lurking...... PLEASE, PLEASE, Help and get involved in writing Utah House Represenatives. If you live in Utah you can follow this link below and look up your District Represenative.
http://www.le.state.ut.us/house/index.htm

Also, there is a website dedicated to this bill:
http://utahwaterguardians.wordpress.com/

UTAH WATER GUARDIANS and Fellow Fly Fishers U N I T E !!! We need your support. The outcome of this bill could effect YOUR state water rights as well.

Anyone that has questions please email myself or visit www.utahwaterguardians.wordpress.com and help all of us spread the word.

Thanks for all of your support!

~JayMorr

Day Tres' - A Break In The Clouds

I woke up this morning crawling out of bed. I stumbled a few times but made it to the window and cracked the shutters. "You going Hunny?", "Nah it is a blizzard - Damn!". I quickly sent a text to Brett and disappointment began to creep in. I had hopes of picking up the Canon 400m f4/2.8 and blowin up some shots.

While I pondered the thought of snow blowing the walks, I put it off and headed down the hill to Brett's.

His prints are sick! The framed pieces he just got back from the framer are incredible. I got the hook up and I am looking forward to busting out some new stuff.

It did not take long for us to look out the window and see the sun showing a glimpse of hope behind the gloom. After greeting Brett's beautiful dogs we were off and on a mission to come away with more bird shots.

We had the bay to ourselves. The air was cold, the wind pierced through my cap as I leaped from the birdcage. The wind had put most of the eagles off the ice and in an attempt to get some photos we scouted out a location I had been to a couple weeks previous.

It did not take long for the Harriers to glide in and present us with awesome opportunities to drop the boom! Brett and I spent the next 30 minutes in rapid fire shooting Harriers against the fresh snow capped backdrop.





I panned around and snapped photos of the sky as it began to starburst through ....."SICK!". The wide angle had me giddy and I took a few more picks of the bird mobile.





As quickly as it arrived it was gone, the clouds clammed up shutting down the light and we were calling it a night. We got the photos and it was a perfect way to end a three day trip to the bay!

It was a great one Brett! I can't wait to do it again. I got the "Nam" shotz...




~JayMorr

Up Close & Personal - Bald Eagles Day 2

"Hunting For His Majesty, I Am Struck By A Wave Of Humility, And I Witness Freedom!" ~jaymorr


Brett was already staking out a spot on the water-front and dialing in on some geese before I arrived. It was early morning and if today was going to be anything like yesterday, we were in for a real treat.

It was much colder and my cheeks could feel the sun from our first outing. It was cloudy and cold. But as we waited patiently in the morning our first set of "Baldies" made a pass. The cameras were in canon mode and rapid fire shutter clicks....
"Click, Click, Click, Click, Click, Click, Click...........".





Excitement and drenaline set in, I got the shots, I nailed the shots! Brett and I had a quick 20 seconds to scroll through the viewfinders to see the rewards and congratulate each other on our pics before another set of eagles bombed in. Those three passes proved to be the shots of the day as the clouds continued to get thicker. The lighting was difficult to shoot in and the birds became less active, moving farther out on the ice line. But it felt good. There is just something about it when I know I got the shot, it feels awesome. I was on a high.





It was awesome spending another day with Brett. He has some amazing shots from today and I am always appreciative for his insights and experience behind the lens. Again check it out at Fly To Water. Good stuff!

I am looking forward to day 3 out on the bay capturing the "Master Fishers" in flight!



~JayMorr

The Real Fisherman - Day 1 Out On The Bay

I spent all day shooting with Brett aka "Threshershark". The morning started off with me fumbling for my camera and quickly snapping some shots of a white weasel. My settings were off and by the time I had a chance to make close up corrections, an older couple crashed our photo session. This little guy was gone in a blink.



The Eagles were swooping in and the occasional fly by rewarded us with some opportunities to get a few shots up close. Most of the day I had lens envy with Brett's Nikon VR 500m Prime with a 1.7x converter. He had some serious range but I could tell his shoulder was gonna be soar come later afternoon.



Brett and I watched Eagles fight and pounce on carp. The seagulls had nothing to worry about for the most part.



These birds are so majestic. They are graceful yet powerful, master fishers in their own right. I was once again captivated by their beauty and grateful to be in good company.



The afternoon sunlight turned out to be perfect, the birds seemed a little reluctant to make their way near the inlet and my 400m at 5.6 was making it difficult to get decent shots. I am already beating myself up for not getting the prime for our next few days out on the bay together.



Today ended with a beautiful rainbow, a sunset that was fantastic and some light rain. I can only pray that the next few days will be as good.



It was great finally shooting with Brett and having him show me the ropes. I am a huge fan of his work which can be viewed at http://www.flytowater.com/ Be sure to check out Brett's work.





Coming soon....
Day Two!

~JayMorr