The Fish Sniffer has been the go-to for West Coast anglers for over four decades, and if there is one thing we have learned in that time, it is that you can’t have great fishing without a seat at the table. That is why we are officially partnering with the Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association (NCGASA) to bring their boots-on-the-ground updates directly to our readers.

If you have been paying attention to California’s water and wildlife battles, you already know James Stone. As the President of NCGASA, James is the guy who will actually skip a day of prime fishing to sit in a windowless room at the State Capitol or a grueling Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting. He is the guy who makes sure the people making the rules actually hear from the people who live by them. He isn't just a figurehead; he is a lifelong fisherman and professional guide who understands that if we don't fight for our hatcheries, flow levels, and habitat, our traditions are going to be regulated out of existence.

For years, James and the NCGASA team have been the ones going to bat for us. They were a primary force behind the recent push for striped bass slot limits to protect the big breeder females, and they have led the charge on innovative salmon recovery projects, like the massive effort to release juvenile salmon into flooded rice fields to give them a better shot at reaching the ocean.

Why This Matters for You

Many of you already follow James’s video posts on Facebook for a head start on what’s actually happening with seasons and regulations. We’re excited to bring that same insider intel here. While we give you the reports on where the bite is hot, NCGASA tells you why the season is open, how the fish counts are looking for next year, and what’s coming down the pipe before it hits the mainstream news.

Support the Cause

Advocacy isn't free, and it definitely isn't easy. If you are a professional guide, an NCGASA membership is basically insurance for your career. If you are a weekend warrior who cares about the future of the Sacramento River, the Delta, or our coastal waters, supporting this organization is the best way to ensure there are still fish for the next generation.

We highly recommend heading over to NCGASA.org to become a member. Whether you join as a guide or a sportsman, you are putting resources into the hands of the people who are actually on the front lines fighting for our water, our wildlife, and our way of life.

Keep an eye out for regular updates from James and the NCGASA team right here on Fish Sniffer. We’re proud to help keep the "Sportsman’s Voice" loud and clear in California.