Wednesday, March 12, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
NO WONDER the legislative session in Carson City is going so slowly. It's a wonder any bill ever comes out from bill draft, considering the silliness of some of the legislation being proposed. Even more boggling is that I'm told the bill I'm about to describe was introduced by a legislator from Clark County.
SB 165 was introduced last week and sent to the Senate Committee in Natural Resources. It relates to regulating the use of belly boats and float tubes, testing the operators to detect the presence of alcohol or a controlled substance and penalties for infractions of the above.
This bill would make it unlawful "to operate a belly boat or float tube within 200 feet of shore-based activity, powerboat launch ramp, designated jet ski area, water intake tower, designated beach area or designated restricted area."
Those using belly boats or float tubes must wear a personal flotation device and carry a whistle or horn that is either mechanically or battery operated. When it's dark, tubers must wear an armband or headband with a light attached.
Parents beware: A child under the age of 12 may not use a belly boat or float tube without supervision of a parent. An 11-year-old child may use such a device if a parent or an adult with supervisory responsibility for the child remains within five meters of the child.
There are pages of stipulations about the use of or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
All who fish from tubes are probably howling right now. What could have gone awry to make someone waste so much time, energy, manpower, paper and taxpayers' money that it should be regulated in such a manner?
I have spent hours and hours and hours inside a float tube flailing away at the water and occasionally even catching a fish or two.
I'm not sure how you operate a belly boat or float tube in a reckless or negligent manner. I'm not sure how you even hurt yourself or anyone else if you're under the influence in one of them.
Usually, as I was taught, you stand in your waders and flippers with the float tube around you while you back slowly into the water. I can see how you might get in the way if you choose to launch in a crowded area, but who would do that? Who would stand to get hurt if it came down to a showdown between float tubes and jet skiis or power boats?
Once you've backed into the water you slowly paddle your legs until you get where you want to be. I know I don't want a state law that requires me to be 200 yards from a shore-based activity. You take yourself away from some very good fishing opportunities, for one. Another thing, especially in Nevada waters, when the wind comes up, it's time to get off the water. By staying close to shore, it's surely much easier to accomplish that feat.
There are some crowded areas at Lake Mead where tubers would want to avoid fishing in swim beaches. But in most other spots, there's more fishing going on than swimming.
Senator Bob Coffin's office reports that this bill will likely receive a quick burial at sea. We can only hope. It was good for comic relief, though.
* REEL OUTFITTERS: The owners of Falcon's Ledge will be at Reel Outfitters in Masquerade Village at the Rio on Saturday from 10 a.m. The drawing for a fishing trip to Falcon's Ledge also will be drawn. This special day, which is concluding the grand opening celebrations at Reel Outfitters, will feature casting demonstrations and fly tying demonstrations. Reel Outfitters is a full line Orvis dealer.
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