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Bow fishing banned from San Diego city's pier, shore
By Leslie Wolf Branscomb, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
June 29, 2003
IMPERIAL BEACH – For decades Imperial Beach has been home to a subculture of sportsmen who like to hunt fish with bows and arrows.
But within a month they will become another part of the city's colorful history.
The City Council passed an ordinance last week banning bow fishing from the pier or shore. It will take effect in 30 days.
It was the fourth time in 15 years that the city tackled the issue of whether those who used steel-tipped arrows and those in the water could coexist at the municipal pier.
Each time the bow fishermen prevailed by convincing the council their pastime was safe.
But now, with tourism and beach crowds increasing, council members unanimously felt bow fishing had to stop.
Two bow fishermen came to the council to plead their case one last time.
Bobby Hart, who was armed with petitions, complained that it seemed the wishes of the surfers took precedence over those of the fishermen.
Mayor Diane Rose disagreed.
"It isn't all about the surfers," she said. "For me, it's all about the tourists who are coming to our beach and the safety of so many people."
Hart said the council misunderstood the technical side of the sport, and said the fish are hunted at close range with arrows fired no more than 10 feet off the side of the pier.
Surfers and swimmers are supposed to stay clear of the pier for 20 feet on either side but don't always follow the guidelines.
Tom Wallace, a former lifeguard and avid bow fisherman, said there have been no documented accidents statewide related to bow fishing dating to 1994. He said many other recreational activities, including swimming, are much more hazardous and are not banned.
Serge Dedina, also a former lifeguard and the director of an environmental organization in town, applauded the council's action.
"Basically, my kids can go out in the water and not worry about being shot by a bow-and-arrow fisherman," he said.
The city last tried to ban bow fishing from the pier in the summer of 1998. Under organized pressure from the bow-fishing community, council members relented and allowed the practice to continue, with restrictions. Bow fishermen were required to pass a safety course and obtain a certificate, and were prohibited from fishing during the daytime in the summer.
But, the council members said, the beach crowds have increased too much to let bow fishing continue. A city staff report concluded there were approximately 1.5 million visitors to the Imperial Beach shore in 1998. This year the city anticipates 2.5 million beach-goers.
"Six years ago we did try really hard to find a compromise to allow the sport to continue," Councilwoman Mayda Winter said. "But I just don't see how you can mix a lethal weapon and large groups of tourists.
"That was then, this is now. Things have changed."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leslie Branscomb:
(619) 498-6630; leslie.branscomb@uniontrib.com
By Leslie Wolf Branscomb, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
June 29, 2003
IMPERIAL BEACH – For decades Imperial Beach has been home to a subculture of sportsmen who like to hunt fish with bows and arrows.
But within a month they will become another part of the city's colorful history.
The City Council passed an ordinance last week banning bow fishing from the pier or shore. It will take effect in 30 days.
It was the fourth time in 15 years that the city tackled the issue of whether those who used steel-tipped arrows and those in the water could coexist at the municipal pier.
Each time the bow fishermen prevailed by convincing the council their pastime was safe.
But now, with tourism and beach crowds increasing, council members unanimously felt bow fishing had to stop.
Two bow fishermen came to the council to plead their case one last time.
Bobby Hart, who was armed with petitions, complained that it seemed the wishes of the surfers took precedence over those of the fishermen.
Mayor Diane Rose disagreed.
"It isn't all about the surfers," she said. "For me, it's all about the tourists who are coming to our beach and the safety of so many people."
Hart said the council misunderstood the technical side of the sport, and said the fish are hunted at close range with arrows fired no more than 10 feet off the side of the pier.
Surfers and swimmers are supposed to stay clear of the pier for 20 feet on either side but don't always follow the guidelines.
Tom Wallace, a former lifeguard and avid bow fisherman, said there have been no documented accidents statewide related to bow fishing dating to 1994. He said many other recreational activities, including swimming, are much more hazardous and are not banned.
Serge Dedina, also a former lifeguard and the director of an environmental organization in town, applauded the council's action.
"Basically, my kids can go out in the water and not worry about being shot by a bow-and-arrow fisherman," he said.
The city last tried to ban bow fishing from the pier in the summer of 1998. Under organized pressure from the bow-fishing community, council members relented and allowed the practice to continue, with restrictions. Bow fishermen were required to pass a safety course and obtain a certificate, and were prohibited from fishing during the daytime in the summer.
But, the council members said, the beach crowds have increased too much to let bow fishing continue. A city staff report concluded there were approximately 1.5 million visitors to the Imperial Beach shore in 1998. This year the city anticipates 2.5 million beach-goers.
"Six years ago we did try really hard to find a compromise to allow the sport to continue," Councilwoman Mayda Winter said. "But I just don't see how you can mix a lethal weapon and large groups of tourists.
"That was then, this is now. Things have changed."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leslie Branscomb:
(619) 498-6630; leslie.branscomb@uniontrib.com
