The MFF is recognised as the largest online representation of Maltese recreational fishermen. Although we are not formally recognised by the authorities, since we are not a registered association, we do have regular meetings with various Gov departments and we are always treated with the respect which is reflective of such a large representative body of Maltese recreational fishermen deserves (e.g. Discussing and gaining buy in with FCD on the inclusion of BFT and Swordfish as permissible catch for the tournament). To be recognised as a club or association, we need to formalise things with the competent authorities, including the MFF becoming an affiliated club with the Federation. The MFF recognises this favourable position, and we are leveraging our strength in numbers to formalise our position.
All 2011 Premium and VIP members of the MFF do not need to join another club as the MFF is forming its own club. Premium and VIP members will automatically qualify for free membership to the MFF association for 2011. In addition, VIP members will also qualify for free 2012 MFF association membership as well. Discussions are underway between the MFF and the Federation to address this. The association will be run by an seperate committee from the MFF. The MFF also endeavours to pass onto the MFF association committee items purchased for last year's tournament, including a VHF, loud hailer, weighing scales ect. The MFF will also present a donation to the MFF association to start off things.
When we had the MFF fenkata was back in February, I had proposed the setting up of an association within the MFF. But we do have the Oris National Big Game Tournament to cope with as well at the moment. The MFF resources are really stretched to the limit with the Tournament organisation. However, the MFF recognises that the time is now ripe for the MFF to have its own functioning and formally recognised association, run by a seperate committee and funds. This is being set up ASAP :) to facilitate the inclusion of the MFF association in the MFF tournament and gain recognition as a club.
The full text of the changes will be uploaded soon by Skip.
Do not in the least be worried by these changes. These changes are being done to rebrand the MFF, and above all, recognise the loyalty of all Premium and VIP members who have contributed to the sustainability of the MFF as the leading online forum. These are exciting times for the Malta Fishing Forum, and another step in our continuous journey to improve and provide added quality and value to the recreational fishing community.
Well explained Gaffer. In order to be recognized as an Association, club, Federation or similar entity Maltese, as elsewhere, legistation recognises such entities ( namely NGO, non governmental organization)
once they form a governing committee with its executive President, secretary , treasurer ,their seconds and a couple of members. A statute has to be produced and obviously have members registered with the club. MFF can easily do this. Then it is up to MFF recognized club to join or not the Federation together with other local fishing clubs. One has to note that the Federation does not encroach on the committee of the clubs but simply represents all the clubs as a whole or individual clubs with the Local Authorities
according to the issue in question. As happened with BFT Tournament quota. Intervention of Federation always follows discussions with all the affiliated clubs regarding general issues or club when on local problems. Federation committee which is basically composed from two representatives from each club calls a monthly meeting and an Annual General Meeting.
Federazzjoni Sajjieda Dilettanti Maltin is the only fishing entity in Malta that is legaly recognized to have a permanent member on the Fisheries Board. Once there are MFF members in the Federation committee then the MFF club will be recognized as an NGO with representation on the Fisheries Board and can also apply for recognition with the Malta Sport Council.
I suggest that when MFF administrators consider the time is ripe for these changes, all MFF members rally with them and create an Association /Club.
The Federation will always be ready to give its advise and/ or help.
Joe Carabott Damato
Secretary Federazzjoni.
To touch on The Gaffer's last point, we will both be working hand in hand to try and get the formation of an MFF association completed as soon as possible, ideally if we manage before the Big Game Tournament that will allow MFF members to participate in the interclubs tournament once the association joins as a member club with the Federation.
We have/will be inviting people to join the committee from within the MFF, and who we hope will be interested in forming part of this new club association that will hopefully be one of the largest clubs in Malta.
I have already removed the Paypal membership button from the site today, as all membership dues will now go the MFF association and will be handled by the Association Committee Team/Treasurer.
2011 Premium and VIP members will automatically have membership within the MFF association in 2011 and current VIP members will also have the 2012 year for free.
As Gaffer stated the MFF online will endeavour to pass a financial donation to the newly created association so that they can get things going with things like €60 membership to the federation and association formation costs if any. In addition certain items purchased from last year's competition that will again be used this year in the competition will then be given to the MFF association (eg. Portable VHF, loudhailer, Weighing scales, clipboards, moneybox etc etc).
We have been discussing this extensively in the background over the past couple of weeks, but given the interclubs issue and following last night's meeting at Punch and Judy we have decided that it would be best if we try and form the association prior to the tournament.
After the tournament I will also update everyone concerning our online forum and how that will be structured, but what I can tell you at this stage is that there will be NO FEES whatsoever and the forum including the Gallery will remain open to all and completely free.
Existing VIP Members will be renamed and will continue to have access to their special boards along with their own Personal Gallery, Premium Members will also be given a slightly smaller personal gallery as well plus continued access to the special boards as a thank you for the support shown over the past couple of years. I will eventually start the process of pruning the very old photo's from the gallery or duplicates to make more room and I am confident that we will be able to enhance the server space in the future rather than reduce it as originally thought.
I will also be picking up more 20% vouchers from Misterfish as we ran out and these will be passed on to those who didn't receive them. These kind of benefits and discounts including the member card will be passed on to the MFF Association. The forum will remain as a strictly online presence, anything like activities, social events, competitions etc will be done by the association and its team.
Guys this is all a dynamic process and we are listening to feedback and doing our best to adapt as we go along. I would like the forum to continue to be the central reference point for fishing and boating in Malta, giving you all the means and tools to do this and share your experiences, and I hope to see other clubs coming along and utilising the forum to the benefit of all.
I hope that I've covered all the points at this stage, but if anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask.
Tight Lines, Skip
To further expand on our plans, I will in point form list down the major changes:
1. An association will be formed, and the official name will be 'The Malta Fishing Forum Association'
2. The association will be administered by either 5 or 7 officials, including Executive President, V. President, Secretary, Finance Secretary, Public Relations Secretary and possibly 2 other executive members
3. The association will join the Federation and 2 members from the association will sit on the Federation committee
4. The forum will continue to exist as an online community of recreational fishermen.
5. The forum will not be extending the current VIP and Premium membership status as of now
All current VIP and Premium members automatically qualify for free membership of the association for 2011. Furthermore, all current VIP members on the forum will have their association membership paid up as well for 2012.
6. Forum membership as of now is completely free, all boards will be accessable to the forum registered members later on this week
7. New members joining the association will automatically qualify for online membership within the forum and an account can be created for them or done directly by themselves.
8. The MFF will pass on to the association all items currently in possesion including a VHF, loud hailer, wieghing scales, ect.
9.A token membership fee which is yet to be decided will be levied to all new joiners of the Association. This fee will be not more then €5 per annum. All existing MFF paid up members join free of charge and follow the policy outlined above
10. As of now, all external activities, including Tournaments, competitions, BBQs, informative talks and get togethers are to be organised by the MFF association.
Welcome to the New Era.
Here she comes, we're on!!
Joe d' Gaffer
Well Done.
We are here to help.
Changes made this morning to open up online access and access to gallery.
Nick if I may ask.
Since that now everything is back to free, and the mayority of the funds the forum received was through advertising in special boards from various improters, from where woulod the new association gather its funds?
Here was much more easy since that from the amount of people that logged, one can have an idea of the impact the advert had, but now what would the association do?
Just a question!!!!
The Club/Association will generate its revenue from Membership dues as all members of the new association will need to be a paid up member, in order for the association to quality with the Federation its reported member base must consist of paid members.
As The Gaffer mentioned, the membership fee with the association will be less than €5 per year.
The online forum will not take any membership dues whatsoever, advertising on the forum remains something that belongs to the forum. However I would like that the forum is there to support the association in various ways, including possible sponsorship during events and activities etc. What the online forum will be offering to the new association as well is a presence on the forum, their own boards etc.
Given that all current paid members on the forum will receive free membership within the association, the forum will be providing the association with a cash donation so that it can start running. Of course it will then be self sufficient as new members start to register with the club.
The Club/Association's members will also be registered on the forum (they don't have to use their online membership) but it will be created for them as a value add. Remember that the forum needs to be just an online presence and NOT a club, hence the need to create the club/association to handle all physical events, social activities etc and in order to be recognised by the Federation.
I anticipate that the new club/association will have quite a large member base as it will not be tied to a specific locality but remain open to all from Malta and Gozo.
The online Forum's first task will be to contact all members currently registered with the MFF as ordinary members to sign up for membership with the association. Association membership will be €5 or less per annum. Realistically, there is no decision yet on the exact fee. I'd rather leave this decision to the new committee to come up with a final figure on what the fee should be.
As soon as the Association is set up, the MFF will contribute a donation to the association to provide adequate start up funds. Added to that there will be the drive by the MFF and association committee members to enrol as many new members as possible.
Good job.
But hopefully removing membership from the forum (ie funds) will not result in the degradation of the forum itself.
Also I dont like that all forum sections will be open to all. I think there should be a privilaged section for MFF club members only.
@Moonwalker
Julian, rest assured that the privildged boards continue to remain as is and are only accessible to current VIP members and a few less boards to the Premium Members. That has not changed and won't for the time being.
As posted above, the MFF Club Members will have their own boards as well to post in and these will be restricted to MFF Club Members only in a similar fashion to the current Privildged boards.
if it is of any interest,i offer my bar as a venue for commitee meeting.
Well done Caldaland. Thank you.
most welcome
thanks cal
least i could do
Thanks to Gaffer, skip and any others involved in this initiative for taking up all this work for the benefit of MFF members and the recreational fishing community in general. It is very much appreciated.
Let me ask one stupid question.
Why should people enrol in this new organization??????
What will they benefit from?????
It's not me asking. and You know it.. but people usually stay by the side, and contribute only if they need something.....
Actually its a very good question.
The MFF as it stands, is not an official body. The MFF was set up as an online fishing community, bringing recreational fishermen together online to discuss, share and help each other out. There are a number of reasons why we need to set up this new association:
1. Recognition. The MFF represents the overall online community of recreational fishermen. We need to formalise that recognition. We are nearly 2000 members here, but we are not officilayy recognised as an organisation.
2. Legislation. We know for a fact that the framework for new legislation which will govern all the activities of recreational fishermen is currently being discussed. The MFF association would ensure representation of our views concerning recreational fishing with the competent authorities.
3. Affiliation. As things stand today, although we have forged an excellent relationship with the Federation, we are not recognised as an organisation. The MFF needs to be affiliated as an association with the authority as an NGO, with its own statute, functioning committee, and membership. Once we have our own association, the next step would be to join the Federation and have 2 members of the association representing the MFF on the Federation committee. Step after that would be to join the Kunsill Malti Ghall-Isport. The MFF association would then be elligible for funds both from the kunsill Malti Ghall-Isport and the EU sports protocol to organise tournaments, seminars, subsidies to participate in international tounaments, seminars and workshops, ect. The association would also be allocated space for meetings ect at the Cottonera sports complex.
Dear baghira,
It is this general attitude you described which destroys all the past and present achievements so painfully gained in bygone years so jeopardizing also the future. Years back unless there were a group of persons who persisted to save amateur fishing in Malta the recreational (sport) category MFC would never have existed. Yes too many people benefit from a few. Unfortunately that is how things go and to add insult to injury those few are also critized and insulted by those many that never contribute to the cause.
It was those pioneers that formed local associations ( these count in hundreds per association)and then joined together while preserving their own identity into a National Group 'The Federation of amateur fisherman'. The Federation committee is formed from two members of each Association/Club who represent all their members.
As secretary of the Federation I assure you that what The Gaffer said is the plain truth and as things are evolving ,unless we all amateur fisherman rally together while keeping our differences, the future may be very gloomy.
MFF as Association/club can opt not to join the Federation, free to do so. However what about the representation on the fisheries Board? Affiliation within the Federation means joining the Kunsill Malti Ghall-isport with all its benefits and being recognized by all local Authorities. Through Federation membership local clubs can ,apart from what The Gaffer righty said, apply for a premesis.
Do help to form a strong committee, I met many of your organizers and I am sure that they are more than competent to launch a strong and healthy Association.
I agree with the association but for the federation secretary to tell me that we have made progress by being granted the MFC is close to an insult to me (this is my point of view only).
Let me put my point forward. We had PTF (part time fisherman) we used to pay less for registration but we were obliged to pay for and carry VHF ( I agree and it should be a law that all boats have a VHF whether portable of fixed). There were some who took fish to the Valletta (pixkerija) to sell, others kept for themselves and friends. We did not have an obligation to bring in an amount of fish to the vendor. We could fish in the Maltese territorial waters (25 miles) and although there was a law to have Valletta registered they never bothered us. Not a lot of people fished more than 7 miles. then Alungi came along and smaller boats were venturing out.
We joined EU and we started the new regulations part by EU and most by Local authority.
1. All PTF boats were moved some were privileged and were given MFB, the rest MFC
2. MFB had to bring in an amount of fish approximately 750 Euro worth of fish every third year. MFC were practically stripped of everything and reduced to an S
3. If one does not bring in the allotted Price in fish will forfeit the MFB and to get it back has to pay 1000 Euro.
4. Any boat whether it ventures out, of the now 12 miles limit has to have a Valletta registry if it is over 6mtr. Come again so if I want to stay close to shore and do a bit of fishing because one has a 6mtr boat one has to pay double (Mf? and Valletta).
5. We are supposed to preserve fish but with the decision to get 750 euro worth of fish most of MFB overfish and use Pariti.
6. We were told at a meeting in B'Bugia that we were lucky that the federation managed to let MFC use rods to fish (i consider that primitive).
7. if you are MFB registered u cannopt change the engine for a bigger one???
8. If an MFB and you have ONE inboard engine you cannot add an auxiliary outboard.(hear hear for safety).
These are the achievements(?!?!) that we obtained when we had this change over.
I am being an old sore by bringing these up but they are facts. I want to look forward and maybe get something decent for the amateur fisherman who spends thousands or Euros on this hobby, I know its close to impossible as monies involved are way too large and can move mountains, OH by the way these monies do not belong to the amateur fisherman.
Nothing personal GOGO when we meet u will remember me LOL. We argued enough at B,Bugia, you know my blood boils quick and I only do it because I have my hobby at heart or used to at least, because I am close to selling everything and forget fishing..........
PLEASE NOTE THAT AN ASSOCIATION IS FORMED WITH A NUMBER OF CLUBS. ONE CLUB ALONE CANNOT BE CALLED AN ASSOCIATION.
Dear gogo, beside the fact that shanook might have raised up (I cannot comment since that it did not involve myself), no word can desribe it better then you did...
May it all go as planned, and may we have the support from all to be one big and strong unity.
Quote from: mulett75 on April 28, 2011, 18:27:14 CET
PLEASE NOTE THAT AN ASSOCIATION IS FORMED WITH A NUMBER OF CLUBS. ONE CLUB ALONE CANNOT BE CALLED AN ASSOCIATION.
You're right. However the notion of an association was 1st suggested since technically, since the forum has a wide representation of fishermen who practice from land, sea or underwater, the idea was to form 3 committees and have the MFF association. Although now we're considering 1 club, by default we kept referring to it as an association.
@Shanook: For clarity's sake, there are a few points I need to highlight. When we switched from PTF to MFB, it was according to vessel size that determined the cost of fish to declare as sold. E.g. my boat, over 8mtrs, was supposed to bring in Lm1000 every year, not Euros!. It was only a consession for the 1st 3 years that you could declare Lm1000 over a period of 3 years. from then on, it had to be every year!!!. Finally, I surrendered my MFB permit to an MFC one.
In the future, all vessels, even the small ones that hug the coastline for gharajjes and serran, no matter what legislation will continue to be allowed to do so. At least that's what we were told. The trouble in Malta is that for some unknown reason, we always aim to be holier than the Pope, no matter what.
I am not aware of most of the conditons you mentioned, but they are really pathetic. It is for this reason too that we need to have our own club, duely recognised and affiliated. There are too many interests at stake to allow this opportunity to slip by.
Well said shanook :)
Before you opted to have your boat registered as S, PTF or F.
Now you can only register as S or MFC !!!!!
What about someone like me who would like to have an mfb permit on my boat ???? Why am i not allowed to get this permit ??? What a disgrace of a country !!!!
Im sorry guys for being so negative but thats my point of view towards the fisheries Department.
The only guys who get an MFB or MFA are those close to the ministers (eps in elections!!!!!) or else who have third parties working with fisheries and get them the licence !!!
just note that for land fishing there is already a federation well known with both KMS and also Malta Olympic Commitee. This year 2 teams from Malta will be competing in world championships of fishing in Toscana. If you try and organise well you can also take part in Big Game and other disciplines
for more information about the world fishing championships visit the webpage www.sfwc2011.it
there are many disciplines in which our country can take part and you must work towards that aim like we're doing with land fishing.
anyway ... if any good guy or company wants to help the national team by sponsoring uniforms and kits he can have his logo printed on our shirts and kits
As I see it, two issues are being discussed simultaneously,
1. the issue of MFC/MFP
2. The MFF becoming an official club/association.
I read with great interest the issues that shanook mentioned and was amazed when he mentioned,for example, the issue of not having an auxillary engine!
I believe that strength is in numbers and as we stand now, we have no say whatsoever, since we are not recognised as an official entity. So, as I see it, it would be of great benefit if we do become a club/association and in doing so we can tackle all sorts of issues which pertain to our hobby with the relevant authorities.
Ok, we can announce the provisional group that has been set up to oversee the setting up of the club. The tasks in hand include documenting a statute, extending membership of the present Premium and VIP MFF members to the new club too, publishing the draft statute for general comments, and calling a general meeting to officially launch the club. The people working on this are; Skip, Seafox, The Gaffer, Baghira, Robby017, Shanook and Clutch_Kick. This group represents the full spectrum of the forum, with Skip + gaffer+Seafox & Shanook for boat fishing, Robby017 + Clutch_kick for rod fishing, and Baghira for speareos. Anybody else who would like to join the working group, please feel free to join.
Thanks for all your great efforts guys!
Gaffer Some time ago I sent you the required paperwork to apply to kms. I do not recall if I had offered back then but if you need to meet with them just let me know as I know them quite well
@Toxictuna.Thanks, yes, I had recieved the documents you sent. Once we are complete with the set up, then yes, I would very much like to meet the reps from the KMS
All the best for the newly created Amateur Fishing MFF Association or Club.
Permit me to make a simple suggestion. Before uttering to the general public freelance statements which are inaccurate and to say the least false, together with a boiling blood and fast beating heart in favour of amateur fishing add some brains.
Persons in responsible positions do not shout their inner emotions without considering the outcome of their outburst.
Again all the best and good luck.
I stand with what I stated, there is more but I am not here to publish or make known certain attitudes of responsable persons.
If I stated anything false its better to let us know which one it is so that the members are aware of any misconceptions that I stated. I will also be made aware if the inofrmation I got was right or not.
@ Gaffer...... if the federation secreatry does not indicate which of my ''freelance statements'' are incorrect than I Officially resign my position from the forum association as of immediate effect.
@ SKIP.......if the federation secreatry does not indicate which of my ''freelance statements'' are incorrect than I Officially resign my position as moderator from the Malta Fishing Forum.
I am doing this as I will then be free say what there is to be said and not inovlve the MFF or the new MFF C/A.
Shanook all you said is correct !! ;)
thanks Bigboy for your support....I like to make sure of what I say, but anyone can make a mistake and I dont mind to be corrected....but just to say that what I said was not right and not point it out makes me LIVID.......
Lads this is a discussion. You all know I fully support discussions. Discussions are healthy as they challenge the status quo. My guidance to shanook is to stay on and use the appropriate area to drive your arguments home.
Joe to take or follow an arguement one has to state his mind Which I did BUT to get a post like the Federation secretary did and not point out anything tangabile is not an argument or discussion as a matter of fact I really dont know what it is??
If he was adressing me (as a matter of fact I had my doubts).......but to state that one has to use his brains and the outcome of their words are very close to threatening a person not to speak is mind..... do I now have to give my posts for my Lawyer to check them out?!?!?!?!?!
The concept behind forming an association has many advantages, several in fact. All MFF members would find the officially recognized "ghada" very useful as the Gaffer explained on opening this thread. I need not repeat what these are.
Bottom line...we currently have no "voice" at all anywhere. Membri kemm trid, forza xejn.
The PTF, MFB, MFC, rod fishing issues etc.... have now gone by, some decisions were bizarre imma...it is what it "was!".
Most probably there was not enough strength in numbers or organized associations those days to protect the real recreational fisherman, resulting in advantages being taken over the "minority".
Its all history, we now have to look forward, so pls. let's be constructive and not deviate from our assignment. Those who have met the Federation members can openly state that they are very well organized, have their own premises and all what it takes to be a very formidable "association".
Despite having only a few hundred members their committee has excellent representations significantly safeguarding the interests of all the "delettanti".
The MFF counts nearly 2000 members, where is our force? do we have any say anywhere? can we apply for funding or for a meeting premises? You all know the reply to this one.
Hence the proposal of having an "association" utilizing the structure & guide lines of the Federation, (who has kindly offered their unilateral support in this venture) was created. Lets all work together for this objective as it shall only be to our benefit.
I'd like to add my experience to this debate. I will take Shanook's 8 listed points and put in my say for each point.
1. All PTF boats were moved some were privileged and were given MFB, the rest MFC
The Gaffer was registered as a PTF. When the new regulations were issued, I was not privilaged, and the Gaffer was automatically reistered as MFB. . Perhaps the privilaged boats that shanook is mentioning are those luxary boats which were registered to a few people here in Malta with a PTF licience for VAT exemption purposes.
2. MFB had to bring in an amount of fish approximately 750 Euro worth of fish every third year. MFC were practically stripped of everything and reduced to an S.
Actually MFB boats in the 6mtr range had to bring in Lm750 Malta Liri, while 8mtr boats had to bring in 1,000 malta Liri!!!. The third year mentioned by shanook was only applicable as a one time consession after we joined the EU. From the 4th year onwards, the minimum amount of fish brought in was on a YEARLY BASIS and not every 3rd year. That was the minimum set by the Fisheries to enable you to keep your MFB licence. By the time we switched to euros I don't know what the amount was as I had already downgraded my boat to MFC. I was forced to sign a decleration that I was surrendering the MFB licience and if I ever wanted to re register the Gaffer as MFB, I would have to pay Lm,1000. registration
3. If one does not bring in the allotted Price in fish will forfeit the MFB and to get it back has to pay 1000 Euro.
Refer to comment in point 2.
Again the same amount but in Malta Liri.
4. Any boat whether it ventures out, of the now 12 miles limit has to have a Valletta registry if it is over 6mtr. Come again so if I want to stay close to shore and do a bit of fishing because one has a 6mtr boat one has to pay double (Mf? and Valletta).
That regulation was set by the Malta Maritime Authority and not Fisheries. However, being an MFB, I do remember paying a much lesser annual registration fee for Valletta registration than ordinary vessels registered with Valletta only.
5. We are supposed to preserve fish but with the decision to get 750 euro worth of fish most of MFB overfish and use Pariti.
Agree, so can someone please explain the rational behind the decison to bring in a minimum requirement every year in order to preserve the MFB licence!
6. We were told at a meeting in B'Bugia that we were lucky that the federation managed to let MFC use rods to fish (i consider that primitive).
I wasn't present for this meeting. Again, an explaination would be in order here.
7. if you are MFB registered u cannopt change the engine for a bigger one???
Not aware of this one either
8. If an MFB and you have ONE inboard engine you cannot add an auxiliary outboard.(hear hear for safety).
Again, not aware of this either.
Having posted my point of view, which is reflective of some unknowns which I highlighted, is all the more reason why the Forum, yes this Forum, the largest online community on these islands representing recreational fisherman, should and will have it's own association, club, call it whatever you like. We need to challenge the status quo. We need to bring the myths and fallacies to the surface, expose them, and replace them with facts. We also need to be a presence where it counts. There are threats as well as opportunities. We have the power to convert threats to opportunities, become knowledgable and informative to substitute our weeknesses with strong and credible arguments, and continue to exercise caution and control when it comes to continuity and sustainability of practicing our hobby.
I also agree with Colin's statement that all this is now in the past. We are now facing a new challenge (threat if you like) with new legislation in the pipeline. The forum is prepared to take on this challenge and change the threat into an opportunity. An opportunity to fix what was (is) wrong, and ensure that the interests of the recreational fisherman are respected on the same lines as our European counterparts.
Hi Shanook,
First of all my words 'add some brains' means that we have to think and work out good arguments to oppose the Authorities regulations which jeopardise our hobby. Simple as saying look before you leap. A good heart and boiling blood controlled with some good thinking (here enters the brain) leads to constructive dialogue.
My post was a mere suggestion or advice (interpret it as you please) following Gaffer clarification of your post and had no intention to go through your article.
I am afraid that you proved me right. Your reaction to resign your post and have
your post checked by a lawyer is exaggerated and obviously without giving a thought.
Well hold your horses and stick with the MFF new committee. You can give a big help through your experience and also fighting spirit.
Now as you asked I would like to elucidate a few of your articles where I disagree. Apart from those named by Gaffer.
''We could fish in the Maltese territorial waters (25 miles) and although there was a law to have Valletta registered they never bothered us''
The 25 mile area is the EFZ (exclusive fishing zone). This is under the pertinence of the Fisheries Department which was introduced in 1971 by Malta and accepted in order to safe guard the Maltese Fisherman from the rampant trawling and pursiene net fishing by other countries. The territorial waters of Malta extend up to 12miles and unless it has been recently changed is the limit under the jurisdiction of Maltese law.
'All PTF boats were moved some were privileged and were given MFB, the rest MFC'.
This is not correct and the word 'privileged' is a serious allegation involving third parties.
PTF was not removed but given another name,MFB, within the commercial Fishing register to follow the MFA (fulltime). MFB as previous PTF fisherman had and have to land catches at fish market, ETC registration, tax registration and later VAT as local law demands for any commercial activity.
Since purely recreational fisherman were registered as part timers in PTF and could not honour these regulations another category was created to suit the amateur fisherman. ( sorry to say with the persistent pressure of the Federation, maybe the Federation should have left recreational without a category where to register.This category is the MFC which is the last category to be legally recognized within the Fisheries Department.
At the time well before EU any one that opted to remain in the commercial registry could stay whether MFA or MFB provided he adhered to the above regulations.
Also this statement worries me as it implies that once enforcement (which unfortunately lacks badly) is not applied we are happy to do what we want. Then why bother that nets are cast close to coasts and so and so forth .... Or we want regulations for others only?
''7.if you are MFB registered u cannot change the engine for a bigger one???''
''8. If an MFB and you have ONE inboard engine you cannot add an auxiliary outboard''
The capacity of a nations fishing (commercial) fleet is measured in terms of both tonnage and power. Malta's capacity ceiling is 15193 GT and 97805 KW.
At present available capacity is 2484 GT and 6705 KW. The amounty of engine power available is going to limit registration of new professional vessels.
The Fishing vessel register was closed on September 2003 and then opened for commercial vessels i.e. MFA and MFB on two occasions December 2006 and April 2008. One has to add that on 2008 there were 48 MFC who applied to change over to commercial MFA or MFB and were all accepted.
At present on the Fisheries Board part of the agenda include the third opening of register for commercial vessels and the next meeting in May discussion is based on the proposals and parameters to be used in selection of the prospective applicants.
This is the reason why an MFB or MFA is not allowed to add engine power and consequent tonnage. The available capacity should be shared by new applicants
and not waste engine power and tonnage where there is already an excess.
I think I made my point clear enough and I am not going to trouble MFF members any longer answering on all other passages in your posts referring to the Federation and me personally. I just want to point out only on this.
''we were lucky that the federation managed to let MFC use rods to fish (i consider that primitive)''.
Yes the Federation i.e. all Maltese Fishing Amateurs, is proud that despite the hard time against all odds on the Fisheries Board persuaded the Fisheries Department and yes achieved the use of Fishing Rods on MFC boats.
Last point not in your post however who posted this will surely understand and forgive me.
''Despite having only a few hundred members their committee has excellent representations significantly safeguarding the interests of all the "delettanti".''
I can assure you that counting Birzebbuga, Bugibba , Marsamxett, Denci Club, Sliema, Gzira and Gnejna members the Federation is second to nobody. Remember members should be paying members.
Here I close definitely my posts.
Joe Carabott Damato
.
''Despite having only a few hundred members their committee has excellent representations significantly safeguarding the interests of all the "delettanti".''
I can assure you that counting Birzebbuga, Bugibba , Marsamxett, Denci Club, Sliema, Gzira and Gnejna members the Federation is second to nobody. Remember members should be paying members.
@ Gogo: Well, you run your club with your rules, here we prefer to do things differently. ;)
Paid up members or not, the MFF has 2000 registered members. I don't think tha twe should lose any time and effort comparing numbers, not for now anyway. However I must say this. With your second to none paid up membership figures, the MFF, together with its 220 paid up members, and over 1700 non paying members, still manages to attract the highest amount of online traffic and activity. We cannot compare the MFF to any other club, because the medium in which we operate is different.
What Colin referred to is a fact no one can dismiss. On a like for like basis if we count members, the MFF is by far the biggest representation of recreational fishermen in Malta. So I guess your comment here was slightly uncalled for, and irrelevant to the discussion.
On the cemment about rod fishing and representation by the Federation with the Fisheries board, I have to admit I agree with Shanook here. If this was ever discussed, then it is a shameful and pityful situation. Whilst I'm sure everyone here will thank you for the efforts exercised by the Federation on this subject, it is indeed pityful and of utter disgust that such a proposal was ever mentioned. There is no concession extended here. Rod fishing is a right, enjoyed all over the world, and supported by the EU charter. The MFF would have made a laughing stock of any authority that ever challenged this. May I assure you that we would have invoked all our powers and contacts both in the EU, Big Game Italia, of which 6 of us here are members, and the IGFA, to ridicule and bring to light such a pathetic suggestion or discussion. In the EU regulation famously quoted by the FCD (regulation No.1967), recreational fishing is a recognised, supported and defended right.
OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH I SIMPY HOPE WE ARE ALL HEADING THE SAME DIRECTION,
Gogo - I think that you misunderstood what I was trying to convey. Consequently I wish to clarify. The Federation having a few hundred paid members with a very well organized committee has the necessary "forza" and can make strong representations in every sector, are entitled for certain benefits etc..
Despite the huge numbers enrolled in the MFF, the Federation is way ahead of us on these terms; cos we are not an association. Basically...we are a "kannol bla krema", hence the need to form the ghada.
Since you closed the post GOGO I will not be addressing you as I did before. I will write for the information of the MFF members. Knowledge is power. We have to learn from past mistakes to make sure not to repeat them. If one does not analyze the past then the future is bleak. The analysis is not to blame or point fingers at people but to learn. sometimes immediate circumstance dictate actions that will be seen as not so good in future times. The problem would be that one still insists that the result is a gain?
What I have written and what GOGO the federation secretary has written can easily be read and interpreted. I was not a hothead and I used my brains thank God for that I thought I was getting senile.
As it can be clearly seen by his post the regulations were biased. I am in favour that the Full time fisherman is safeguarded as it is his lively hood, but not at the expense of the Amateur fisherman.
The rest one can easily see all the fantastic gains we made when these MF's were introduced.
I will write about GOGO's comments in another post.
Some people cant take criticism it seems............one last thing lest I forget, to have premises and members and what have you and not be able to get the best conditions for the people you are representing is not a very good sign.
We have barely touched the subject....how about safe harbours for the tax paying amateur fisherman, filling stations, decent slipways, parking space for trailers etc etc........
Colin I would beg to differ that even today the MFF are "kannol bla krema"
Two summer's ago we succesfully negotiated having a catch and release authorisation during the summer season after they prematurely closed the season having issued a permit which we could never utilise. I'm not sure what position the Federation took on this issue but we didn't hear anything at the time.
The following year FCD issued a formal application for catch and release following some meetings with us where we communicated that at the very least we should have that facility complete with reporting of any catch and released as per EU requirements and this application was communicated to all forum members.
As you all know it is no good just relying on the Government Gazzette and a notice here and there in the newspaper, when these applications for such permits/authorisations cannot even be found on any Fisheries website, and if it wasn't for notifications on the forum the message would have never gone out to the right people.
We've also been instrumental in providing a place for the 'latest' fishing regulations and even in reporting some illegal fishing activity.......far from bla krema ;D
However in order to further continue our efforts in a proper manner and enhance on what has already been achieved we need a proper recognised NGO to be in place. Once that has been created we will be using our full force to protect Recreational Fishermen in general......I'm pretty confident that our numbers will be welcomed by the federation following a recent drop in its memberbase as some clubs pulled out, and together there will be the extra force needed to at least get our voice heard properly.
Hear hear Skip. ...Shanook, the MFF club committee is the best fora to discuss these issues. We can all benefit from everybody's experience. We should take the lessons learnt from past mistakes, and ensure they are never repeated again. This is not the end of discussion, indeed, it is just the beginning, and I see Shanook has already started to propose the items for an interesting agenda.I suggest we move on, speed up the formation of the club, and stick in. We have alot of work cut out for us for the benefit of the recreational fisherman.
Fine Nick, I do agree to a certain extent with what you state, however representations have been done on a sublime level being entertained on our goodwill on the issues you mention.
Therefore if the MFF has so much "krema" then why do we need an "Association"?.. you said it..our position today results in being notifed of certain regulations receiving info indirectly from "reliable sources",flipping tru the Govermnet Gazzette or newspapers.
As things stand we do not have any official "say", no horsepower at all, we cannot be officially recognized by the Central Government offices simply because we are today not an "accepted" NGO.
Shanook has already started the ball rolling with certain issues that are of huge value. Obviously what happened in the past with those silly decisions has to be forgotten.
My message of gathering support for this new era, which appears to be misinterpreted, is to establish a well organized strong association, which would allow us to move forward and have a strong "voice" in those departments where it really matters.
Right guys...lets move on please. How about all of you suggesting a catchy name for our new club. We don't have to incorporate the word club into the name, and no mention of association. We could though, include the MFF. try something catchy...something fresh, and modern. Go for it guys
lets keep it simple and informative.
"MALTA FISHING CLUB"
http://c.www.vphosted.com/vp/ns/logos/viewlogo.caspx?cnf=MALTA%20FISHING%20CLUB&icid=412&csid=86&fsid=2&txid=4&tid=1&cfid=0&xcf=&arid=8&msid=0&drid=0&width=285&height=225&admin=True&render_tech=HybridGdipWpf
ISLANDS RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN ASSOCIATION
Quote from: chrisxue on May 02, 2011, 17:34:37 CET
ISLANDS RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN ASSOCIATION
nice name but in my modest opinion we should go for something easy to remember. not all fishermen know english or are inclined to remeber complicated names even thou they sound nice.
MFF FISHING CLUB (or Association)
MFFC or MFF Club or MFF Fishing Club
I agree with whatever Name is used as long as it is simple.
Are we going to go SOLO in this or are we joining the federation?!?!?!
are we going to apply for premises? if positive on the North, Central or South of Malta?!?!
Close to a bay or more village like?!?!!?
will it be big for members to meet in or just office like???
It would be nice to hear the opinion of the members apart from the name of the club
I like the logo caldaland but a beer bottle would have been more appropriate LOL
Nice initiative
I was asking myself this...
Being it a club I think we would be needing a premises to meet.....
Somewhere central maybe, if it would be by the sea much better.....
A boathouse maybe :-)
Guys, I'm thinking maybe we were not clear enough with the plans. The MFF will remain as it is, only it will become completely free to join up. The MFF club is something new, and a very modest membership fee will be payable per year. The money collected by the club will REMAIN WITH THE CLUB, administered by a seperate committee independent of the forum. Club members automatically get registered as full members of the MFF.
The forum will donate a sum of money in the form of a start up donation to the club. Present VIP members of the MFF will automatically qualify for free 2 year membership in the club. Premium members will automatically qualify for 1 year full membership. So todate, we shall have about 120 members already subscribed in the club. Club membership fee has not been decided yet, but it will be less than €4 anually. So, if you know anybody willing to join the club, get his details.
Maltese translation
L-ahwa, jidher li ma fhimtkhomx sew fuq il-club il gdid tal MFF. L-MFF ser tibqa kif inhi. pero ser issir b'xejn ghal kullhadd. Il-Club hu xi haga gdida, u ser ikun hemm hlas zghir hafna kull sena ghal membri tal club. IL-flus kollha tal club jibqaw ghand il-club, u jigu amministrati minn kumitat independenti mill-MFF. Dawk il- membri godda tal club, issiru membri ukoll fl-MFF b'xejn. Il-VIP members tal MFF, ikollhom sentejn membri tal club b'xejn, filwaqt lil-Premium members ikollhom sena. Sissa, il-club diga ghandu 120 membru mhalsa. Il-hlas tal-membership ghal club ser ikun modest hafna, inqas minn €4 kull sena. Allura, jekk tafu b'xi hadd li irrid jidhol fil club taghna, resquh!!
€4 per year?? Come on - are we selling pastizzi. If this is going to be a serious club then it would need more funds I believe. Keeping a very low price can attract more members but we need active members not just numbers. I think €10 per year would be more realistic any anyone can afford that.
What is not yet clear is about the VIP/premium sections in the forum. Skip said that these sections will stay on but then you say that MFF will be completely free. I think that VIP and Premium sections should be merged to an MFF club section that only club members would have access to.
@Moonwalker - you got that right 1st time round moonwalker. The privilaged boards will be merged. The intention is to provide a few boards to club members too.
On fees, I understand your concern, but we really need to look at the bigger picture.
Depends what you mean by active members. The idea to introduce a low entry fee is to ensure that the club is accessable to all. I know, €10 is nothing today, membership is not about money and fees, its about having a stong presence and a massive backing. So for the first 2 years, we are suggesting that the club membership fee is kept as low as possible. Once the members start realising the added value of having a club, I'm sure we can raise the fee. The Malta Fishing forum will for the first year, donate a sum of money to the club to help it start up. Depending on the number of Forum sponsors, the MFF will hopefully be in a position to donate another sum of money for the second year too. The aim of this club is to be of presence, and indeed exert influence on the up coming legislation which is currently in the pipeline regarding all forms of recreational fishing. With our VIP and Premium member base, we are already 120 members, more than enough to constitute a club. Once the statute formalities are done with, we hope that by then, our member base will have doubled, even trippled. The Forum setup and admin facilities places the club in a unique position whereby we shall soon be contacting all MFF ordinary members to sign up for club membership. The forum admin group is also persuing a number of initiatives, which I won't divulge at the moment as they are rather sensitive in nature and possibly will do more harm than good if exposed on a public forum. What I can tell you, indeed all of you who are reading this, is that the MFF's visit to Porto Rotondo served its purpose. We really learnt alot there on EU charters, policy, lobbying, projects, research and yes, admittedly funding.(this is thanks to our afiliation with Big Game Italia) These are the avenues we as a forum are persuing at the moment. In order to turn the wheels, we need to be a recognised NGO, with the appropriate affiliation. Without the club status we as a forum already enjoyed a high degree of respect by the authorities. Can you imagine what we could achieve if we had official NGO recognition, affiliation and status?
lol shanook
I liked MFF CLUB.
I think this club can help a lot to the recreational/sport fisherman and divers because all the members of the comitte are recreational /sport fisherman and divers so they will always try to get the best things for us.
As Gaffer said, a low fee of €4 can attract more members to join. But if after 2 years the fee is raised to €10, one might start making absurd suggestions that the club/association is now seeing big or getting greedy and wants more money. So why not a nominal fee of €10 straight away so that things would not complicate themselves. Premium and VIP members would definitely not have any problems paying this fee. I have never been part of a committee but I presume that to run a club/association, one needs some decent sum of money to start things going. Just my thoughts.
Quote from: malvizzu on May 03, 2011, 09:06:32 CET
As Gaffer said, a low fee of 4 can attract more members to join. But if after 2 years the fee is raised to 10, one might start making absurd suggestions that the club/association is now seeing big or getting greedy and wants more money. So why not a nominal fee of 10 straight away so that things would not complicate themselves. Premium and VIP members would definitely not have any problems paying this fee. I have never been part of a committee but I presume that to run a club/association, one needs some decent sum of money to start things going. Just my thoughts.
Agreed 100%.. better set the fee immediately.. cos SOME people will SURELY make these suggestions
before deciding on any fees its best as a commitee to meet up and plan out a budget for the forthcoming year.... inc running expenses, confirmed donations, income from fundraisers and after we've got a plan spread over 1 year, we can see what the balance is and then really decide on a membership scheme..... just my 2 c worth.
Good idea Robby, guys the accountant has spoken :)
That is certainly the best way forward so that we have an idea of costs involved.
today,we have a lot of fisherwomen (somehow that does not sound right),and i think such a woman will do more good than otherwise in the commitee.im not sure,but i do recall a lawyerness (neither this sounds right) who generously contributed before. how about it?
Name for the club- F.IS.H.= Fishing is Healthy
nevermind me all. my age must have taken its toll!!!!!!!
i must learn to contribute less.
whatever its worth!
Keep them coming guys, we'll need to then sit down with the committee and see what we come up with.
caldaland, i did not understand your last point....
what last point robby?
B.L.S Fishing Association
Boat/Land/Spear Fishing
Quote from: caldaland on May 05, 2011, 01:41:37 CET
nevermind me all. my age must have taken its toll!!!!!!!
i must learn to contribute less.
whatever its worth!
I think the association name must have reference in the name to: sustainablility, catch and release or enviroment.
(just like FKNKonservazjonisti ). This shows that we are not just after "killing" or eating fish but we also care about the future etc and hence society needs our input/help to take care of the sea!
Maybe.... Fishing for Future Association
robby,it means that when one puts his input about a subject and never gets a feedback of any sort,that would discourage him from further contributions.
Quote from: caldaland on May 05, 2011, 16:31:25 CET
robby,it means that when one puts his input about a subject and never gets a feedback of any sort,that would discourage him from further contributions.
The reason no feedback was forthcoming is because I am only aware of one female member, who just recently joined, and I'm sure she is not a lawyer. Certainly everybody is welcome to join. Don't take it personal Caldaland. People often come in here, read everything with interest, but have nothing to comment. Thats the way forums operate.
Maybe Malta Fishing & Conservation Club / or Association.
Quote from: fishfinder on May 05, 2011, 17:57:11 CET
Maybe Malta Fishing & Conservation Club / or Association.
I like it!
Better MALTA FISHING & CONSERVATION CLUB because "Conservation" and "Association" it's like we're doing poems at school :)
Or how about CATCH, EAT & RELEASE CLUB :)
Malta sport fishing & conservation club
In my opinion we should leave 'conservation' out ax jaqbsu fuqna tal FKNK u jghidu li ikkopjajnijhom......
I recomend
Name: Kick line:
Malta Sports Fishing Forum/Club...... for sustainable fishing, today and tomorrow.
And Malta sport fishing club sounds nicer too ;)
The problem is that we are not sport fishers, we are recreational fishermen. There is a difference.
and what ever we are,I dont think that we should be so specific......better to leave a name as open as possible
Yes, I agree with Gaffer and Shanook. Words as sports, recreational and conservation are too specific.
May be '' Malta Amateur Fishing Club'' is more appropiate. Amateur is a person who engages in an activity as a pastime. All 'S' and MFC boats, land rod fishing and spear fishing can be included in this category. Professional fishing is the opposite of amateur fishing.
I think we should say club instead of Association for the simple reason that a club is a complete entity while an association is an aggregate of clubs.
Congratulations on your effort on this guys.
Don't know if l missed reading it, but was wondering if you (the club) will be affiliated with the 'International game fishing association'?
The MFF is already a member of the iGFA. The club will also join too.
joe,i dont think this person is a member but she helped when she was needed.
'Hook & Spear - Fishing Club'
or
'Fishing For Fun' ........motto.....Preserving our hobby, and nature..........
the first one proposed by baghira is really nice, but it makes sense without a dash
i.e. Hook & Spear Fishing Club
the second one is to scrap in a constructive opinion - too common and kind of childish - some of us fish not just for fun but also to get rid for some time of their children and wives ;)
Quote from: baghira on May 06, 2011, 06:39:14 CET
'Hook & Spear - Fishing Club'
or
'Fishing For Fun' ........motto.....Preserving our hobby, and nature..........
I like this 'Hook & Spear' phrase...goes with the logo too!!!......Can anyone suggest another name for club?
Quote from: caldaland on May 06, 2011, 02:52:05 CET
joe,i dont think this person is a member but she helped when she was needed.
Ahhh...you must be referring to Robby's girlfriend, Dr. Tizianna Maria Refalo. Dr. Refalo is a Public Notary. No, she's not a member.
gogo there are MFB who are regarded as Full Time/part time certainly not in the same category of Amateurs. So if we specify amateur in the club name, does that mean they are not represented or not welcome????
Up till now the best I have heard is Malta Fishing Club as it includes all categories and branches......
whoever designs the logo please keep in mind that it can be embroidered as I am having a headache to embroider the MFF logo....
Well related to hook and spear I think that if we find the right person, we can have an amazing logo...................and not difficult to embroider.....
Tal-genn
I like Hook and Spear fishing club :)
Let me trigger some ideas...e.g. Pakula Lures have their own club, its called the Marlin Bar. I'm rather (hooked) on the MFF Hook and Spear ______,
it would be great if someone came up with a word to replace club. Still it will be an all member decision, so, keep those ideas coming, and we'll have an online poll at the end!
I still think we can call it an association, as the club brings together all forms of recreational fishers together under one roof: Boat - big game, boat fishing, deep drop fishing, trolling, jigging, bottom long-lines; Land - pole fishing, beach casters, spinning, Mrejkba users; and finally Underwater - Speareos. So, by definition it would be an association of all recreational fishers whether they practice from land, sea, or under water!...just my current thinking.
Quick google search offered these:
Club as a Noun has these synonyms:
association, society, organization, fraternity, sorority, fellowship, brotherhood, sisterhood, federation, union, guild, lodge, alliance, league, order, consortium, company
perhaps........ The MFF Hook and Spear Alliance
it that a movie freedive? lol
yes gaffer,she is the one. i did not know she was Robby's girlfriend. actually,im a bit surprised Robby did not notice i was referring to his g/f. Dr. Tizianna Maria Refalo must be a gratuated lawyer hence the doctorate but prefered to work as a public notary. the fact that she is not a member should not jeopardise any help if she wishes so. this new club needs a lawyer badly and the fact that she is a female is certainly a plus. just my peso worth.
the name should be something everybody can easily remember. we do not all have photographic memories.
K.I.S.S.
keep it simple stupid.
lol
robby,i guess anything goes as long as it works but, please, not brotherhood!
IMO the word alliance does not quite sound right - it sounds bombastic and reminds me of NATO or countries coming together for a purpose rather than a group of fishing enthusiasts - I think we should stick to club or association
Quoteyes gaffer,she is the one. i did not know she was Robby's girlfriend. actually,im a bit surprised Robby did not notice i was referring to his g/f. Dr. Tizianna Maria Refalo must be a gratuated lawyer hence the doctorate but prefered to work as a public notary. the fact that she is not a member should not jeopardise any help if she wishes so. this new club needs a lawyer badly and the fact that she is a female is certainly a plus. just my peso worth.
Actually I did notice it but i did not bring it up as Tiziana, in simple terms, hates fishing (since i spend to much time fishing and talking about fishing).
Yes, she does have a doctorate in Laws (same as lawyers) but opted to work as a Notary as she always wanted that career path.
In having said that, should the commitee require any assistance, I am sure she could give us a helping hand.
Yes Shanook I see your point. However an MFB can still take part in Fishing Sport Activities and at times entertain himself fishing as a pastime. An MFB has this dual activity and should be represented and welcome within an Amateur Fishing Club.
All other Fishing Clubs unless specified by the Club's Statute in Malta have MFB registered within their members.
It is not the name of the Club that dictates the rules but the statute.
If one wants to avoid any specificity then '' The Malta Fishing Club'' will be fine.
In my opinion the word ''The'' puts the club as the one and only open for everybody.
Then aims and regulations are drawn within the statute of the club.
As for Dr. Tiziana once she holds a doctorate in law, the new MFF club can appoint her as Legal adviser of the club. Malta Sports Council always askes clubs, Federation etc..... for a Legal adviser.
Maybe so she will start fishing and make robby017 a happier man.
I agree with Gogo regarding the name "The Malta Fishing Club''
Quote from: Gogo on May 06, 2011, 17:39:44 CET
As for Dr. Tiziana once she holds a doctorate in law, the new MFF club can appoint her as Legal adviser of the club. Malta Sports Council always askes clubs, Federation etc..... for a Legal adviser.
Maybe so she will start fishing and make robby017 a happier man.
HEAR,HEAR
Quote from: framerc on May 06, 2011, 18:41:19 CET
I agree with Gogo regarding the name "The Malta Fishing Club''
HEAR,HEAR
With the name Malta insrted in the name, sounds like the only fishing club or the only offical club in Malta. Remember guys that there are more clubs in Malta taht has to do with fishing. Infact this August a representaion of 2 teams, from the National Federation of Sea Anglers, are going to Italy to participate in a world fishing comptition, from shore, representing Malta
Yes this is the bare truth. This new MFF Club is as mulett 75 inadvertently said, the only Malta fishing club that incorporate the main three fishing activities i.e. boat and shore fishing whether rod, line, longline, imrejkaba etc and spear fish.
On the other hand, as the name implies National Federation of Sea Anglers besides being a Federation not a club is orientated on rod fishing mainly from shore. (Prosit and keep it up)
Also other constituted clubs, except one which involves mainly cliff fishing enthusiasts, as far as I know are local district clubs with the majority of members that moor their boat in a particular area.
The Federazzjoni Sajjieda Dilettanti Maltin does not enter in these categories as it embraces all representatives of these clubs once they opt to join the Federation. The Federation is a National entity formed by Maltese fishing clubs whatsoever their fishing gear with the aim to protect all fishing activities and local district issues as a compact body. One can say similar to a commercial union however without any commercial outlet or motivation.
In my opinion MFF club has the above mentioned unique feature.
Actually, we are (or rather will be) the first online fishing club (association) representing the full spectrum of recreational fishing community online. We are all Maltese,hence the reference to Malta. The MFF club (for want of a better name for now) represents the three main recreational fishing activities practiced by the MFF members, from, sea, shore or underwater.
the federation is National Federation of Sport Anglers not sea anglers!
full practice of 100% catch and release of all species during our matches.
any news regarding the new committee? anything we should know? was there a first meeting? what are the functions of each member? please,do keep us informed. thanks
We are trying to finalise the magazine which has fallen behind the original date so this is the #1 priority at the moment and then hopefully we will be able to have an initial meeting at the of the month/begining on June to discuss the set up
Nick's right. We had the magazine fall through the cracks because of a number of reasons, and we've been fully focused on bringing that ship (the magazine) to port. Finally, 30minutes ago I proof read the final draft, and should be at the printers tomorrow. What can I say, the magazine (1st one of its kind in Malta - the MFF is getting into the habit of being 1st in all things related to recreational fishing!!) looks fresh, neat and cool, but beyond the BS, its quite informative, especially for the novice fisherman!! It should hit the public by early next week. Do I hear of any volunteers willing to gave a helping hand in distribution??
fair enough. first things first! yes,this tournament and anything related to it should have first priority.
thanks for the promt reply.
I can distribute some in my zone gaffer being dingli/rabat/zebbug/siggiewi/qormi
when you need just call Joe u know I will do my best to help out........Attard but can take to Bugibba club or this area anyway
No problems to help with distribution Joe :)
sorry joe ,but i do not drive.
i can distribute in all leading stationers if you want!
Thanks Guys. Distribution will be restricted to all marinas, fishing localities, and selected outlets. We just need a few volunteers to help us out at the marinas - any takers??
As discussed I am taking care of distrubuting the mags in the South part of the Island, inshalla next week cos its been one hell of a "battle" to get this thing finalized, poor Joe he has been spending very long hours doing corrections, pushing the designers, formatting the pages etc..
how can i get hold of one mag?
AQ copy of the magazine will be made available to all VIP and Premium members. However, its up to you guys to pick it up!!
can't wait to see it!!!! ;D
okies I will do
Well, now its at the printers. We will review a draft copy on Friday, and if all is well, give the go ahead for the actual printing. Am soooooo tempted to provide a preview of the front cover!!!
From where can we pick it up please ??? ???
Hold back Joe - let the guys wait to view the front cover heq heq, maybe once we approve the first run/samples on Friday you can post.....definately a nice surprise chaps!
@offken - I can meet you somewhere and give you a copy so long as you reside in the southern area. Same for other members.
Quote from: SEAFOX on May 18, 2011, 19:54:31 CET
Hold back Joe - let the guys wait to view the front cover heq heq, maybe once we approve the first run/samples on Friday you can post.....definately a nice surprise chaps!
@offken - I can meet you somewhere and give you a copy so long as you reside in the southern area. Same for other members.
OK Boss...qed tisimhu guys hux, mhux jien, is-seafox. :)
Seriously, It was our 1st attempt at producing a magazine, I say producing because some of you here contributed with excellent content articles, so the magazine is ours!
Our sponsors contributed also, so in all, everybody pitched in...MFF members with articles and content, sponsors with donations and adverts, designers, printers....and you know what, it was all worth it, because the magazine will prove to be the biggest donation in this initiative....
ok seafox send me a Pm with your contact number so we can meet some where
Well said Gaffer, mhux "tal boss" imma, was boss but no more cos I am retired now and most times your "slave", but plenty of time on my hands to go fishing heq.....just wanted to keep the guys on suspense mhux hekk!!
Now that the "battle" is over with the mag its best not to mention the constant frustration, delays, corrections, set-up and all the awful moments that you had to experience,.... its all water under the bridge siehbi Joe but your perseverance has resulted in a memorable "MFF" publication.
I do not think that you wish to re-visit these last 4 weeks again!
Certainly a huge shout of appreciation to all those who in some way contributed, lest we forget.... special mention must go to Malvizzu, his immense involvement in artwork formatting at short notice & late hours was impressive, thanks Kevin.
@Offken - sent you a pm with all the info, glad to meet you when we have the mags in hand.
Yes, we must mention Malvizzu - great team player, never complains, just gets on with the job. We can safely say that Malvizzu saved the day a number of times, and was instrumental delivering the artwork for a number of adds!!...For free :)
However, I need to also give credit to Seafox. Silent, resilient and always there...tell you the truth guys, he was often my punching bag, and I would vent my frustrations on him. Great guy, what a friend.
Thanks goes to the article contributors, without you, the magazine would not be there. And last but not least, the sponsors who advertised on the magazine. Where would we all be without you.
Thanks Gaffer for your very touching words which I really appreciate. Four months ago I gave you my word to help out & be at your side. Little did the "team" know that collecting ads, articles and having a 64 page magazine formatted was a mountain that we had never climbed before. I had to share your aggravation with some of the advertisers, the designers who drove us beserk, while maintaining you "on course" under very trying circumstances was no simple task.
Without your passion, zeal & drive to achieve this journal we would not have succeeded, no doubt.
Despite a few weeks late in having the mag go to print we truly appreciate the massive support of all those who contributed, including Antoine of course.
We now look forward to the next step, i.e getting the tournament well organized "a la Gaffer, Nick & Gogo".
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
What touching words guys and friends........
You made me cry
Halliek mil biki Silv, ara kemm int sabieh tibki eh....issa how can you make use of your "Baghira" to distribute a few magazine copies? Any help is highly appreciated.
mhux diga ghidtilkom jew.......
Meta tghiduli fejn trid tqassmu xi ftit
Talked today Baghira re the above, mags should be in hand on Friday, bhal illum gimgha, will contact you Saturday to discuss a few deliveries in your region.
Your help is highly appreciated..oh..and see you next week down at the pier for a swim:)
got the lift bag already bob........
see ya
Well what can I say. We inspected the mag yesterday, made 2 adjustments and gave the go ahead for the mag to go to print. Massive effort by all involved. This was our main source of income, as the magazine generated over €12,000. We need to deduct the printing expense. Now one last push to get the magazine distributed and then the Tournament.
i can distribute gzira,sliema area.
Thanks Caldaland, very kind of you too - Gaffer & I shall draw a list of those who offered to distribute giving details of each outlet plus mag quantity, in the respective areas that are within reach of the member/s..
EG Gzira - Medcommes, RLR, Nautica, Camilleri Marine, Curmi & Partners, Yacht Marina etc..all in the same square mile..we have to start by Saturday cos we are already 3 weeks behind schedule.