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Political Issues

At the OIFC, one of our goals is to use the presence and influence of OIFC as a platform to attack various fishery/boating political issues. With the help and support of you fishermen out there, we have had some good success. What we are working on now is House Bill 421[HB421]. We encouraged Representative Iler[Brunswick County] to introduce this bill last year. The intent of the bill is to allow marinas to pass on to the customer at the point of sale, the gas tax rebate due boaters from the State of NC. This is because the State charges boaters road tax, but since a boat is used for off road usage, the State owes you back the tax you paid when you bought the gas. The problem is you have to ask for the rebate from the State, and only a few folks make the request. Thus the State is able to keep your money for it's own purposes. This is wrong; it's your money and they shouldn't have the right to take it from you.  HB421 offers marinas the opportunity to pass on to the customer at the gas pump at the time of the sale, the tax rebate that is due you. The marina then will collect the tax refund from the State. The bottom line is the marina can help you save some money on your gas purchases for your boat. Obviously this is done with the intent of lowering fuel cost in hopes of getting you back on the water. The Legislature goes back into session in May, so stand by for updates on this bill, but in the meantime, contact of your House or Senate Rep is the key. Ask them to support HB421. Thanks. Rube McMullan

Last year the NC Marine Fisheries designated AR460[Artificial Reef 460 established by the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association 3 miles off Ocean Isle Beach] as OIFC/Jolly Mon Reef in honor and appreciation of the work done by Ocean Isle Fishing Center to enhance and promote the fisheries. At the presentation ceremony, Captain Brant said "our goal at OIFC will be to make this the best artificial reef along the coast and we will put our minds to work to come up with a plan to make that happen". Fast forward to now and the OIFC  announces the establishment of a research project for the Jolly Mon reef as approved by NC Marine Fisheries wherein a "feeding station" will be located at the buoy at Jolly Mon Reef. Each day the OIFC charter fleet will deposit fish cascaras from the previous days fishing into the "feeding station". The hope is this chumming action will draw a variety of fish to Jolly Mon Reef and thus enhance the fishing at this location. It is requested those fishing the site report to info@OIFC.com the results of their fishing at Jolly Mon Reef. It is the hope this project enhances the fishing at Jolly Mon Reef and thus becomes a model for other artificial reef sites along the NC coast. 

Thank you to all the folks that have made contact with the Reps we listed on the March 31 report in support of HB 421 which will allow marinas to pass on to you at point of sale the gas tax refund, thus saving you 15-30cents/gallon at the pump. We need more contacts to be made with the committee members shown on the March 31 report as well as your own local Reps. Everyone remembers how this works with the passing of the menhaden net ban. The elected officials want to be responsive to their constituents, they just need to hear from you so they will know an issue is of importance. With the ever increasing cost of gas for boats, this is a good bill and will pass a savings on to you when you buy your fuel at a marina. Please make contact with the Reps. Thanks. Rube McMullan

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is

vitally interested in reasonable and fair treatment of the citizens of

North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, a great number of sport fisherman and recreational

tourists travel in and to North Carolina to enjoy the natural resources

of our great state; and

WHEREAS, sport fishing and recreational anglers contribute many

millions of dollars to this state’s economy on an annual basis; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Board of Transportation wishes

to promote healthy economic activity and the responsible and safe

utilization of the roads and highways by its citizens and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Board of Transportation strives to

encourage and support sport fishing and the boat building industry

through the review, clarification and revision of laws surrounding the

issuance of special permits and commercial driver licenses.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is resolved by the North Carolina Board of

Transportation that the North Carolina General Assembly be advised

that this body is aware of concerns from constituents regarding this

issue and strongly encourages the Assembly to look into this matter

during the 2008 Short Session.

Adopted this first day of May 2008 by the North Carolina

Board of Transportation.

Click on our "Political Issues" page and you will see copy of Resolution passed by Department of Transportation "asking" State Legislature to look at changing laws regarding towing boats. I spoke to Representative Stiller and he said this is VERY big, in terms of supporting his efforts at getting Legislation passed to change the rules. This will be a hot button issue when they go back in session in couple weeks and Rep Stiller is "on it". Having the DOT endorse the effort we have all put forth helps Rep Stiller and the other folks working on this. A lot of the credit goes to Lanny Wilson, DOT Board member for our area, as well as DOT Board member Mac Campbell[who has a home at Ocean Isle and is big king fisherman"Mack Daddy"] as well as all the DOT Board members who so aggressively sent their message to the Legislature. This is all very encouraging.
-Rube McMullan

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In our political work at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, we have learned the importance of having elected officials that understand  fishery related issues. As such, come election time, we want to do all we can do to help these folks get elected as we know we will need their help as we pursue additional fishery issues in the future. As such, it's election time at Ocean Isle Beach, and we want to share our thoughts on several of the candidates.

There are 3 seats on the Council up for election and 4 candidates. Here's what we see:

Suzie Wooten: Existing Council member. Suzie has been a champion of all things fishing[she fishes the Jolly Mon and Fall Brawl with husband and greatest fish story teller Woody Wooten]. Consistently Suzie has supported our efforts with fishing promotions, pogy ban, inlet buoying, and has indicated her support for new agenda items we will launch this year. Suzie needs and deserves your vote.

Betty Williamson: New candidate, but previous Mayor for many years and probably the biggest cheerleader we have in support of our fishery conservation issues. Betty has used her considerable influence in supporting our efforts and has pledged support for further conservation fishery issues as we go forward. Betty needs and deserves your vote.

Dean Walters: Existing Council member. Dean is straight up, no games, will take the position he believes is right for the Town. Dean has trolled a pogy, has a boat, and has great potential to take a active role with us on fishery issues. He is an important member of the Council and deserves your vote.

It is our opinion that these 3 candidates will best serve in the interest of fishery matters and we hope you will give them your vote. Thanks.