A new law goes into effect in 2010 for boaters in North Carolina. Beginning May 1, anyone younger than 26 years of age who operates a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on a public waterway must take and pass a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators-approved course before taking the helm, according to Capt. Chris Huebner, the state boating safety coordinator.

All vessel operators may be asked by law enforcement officers to present a certification card or proof of compliance. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission administers free boating safety education courses that fulfill requirements of the new law. Toby Jenkins, the local N.C. Wildlife Officer, will hold the class on April 26 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Polk County Rescue Squad for two consecutive nights; registration starts March 16. For more information go to this web page: http://ncpaws.org/boatingsafety/CourseDetail.asp?txtID=20901.

To check other course availability, call (919) 707-0030. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron and other organizations, including Internet providers, also offer approved courses and can include a fee. To view the new law go to: http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/Senate/PDF/S43v4.pdf. &bsp;

The only problem with this law is that it punishes North Carolinas young boaters. Here is an example: my 25-year-old daughter takes her boat out on Lake Adger to go fishing, and she must prove that she has taken the class if a law enforcement officer asks her to present a certification card or proof of compliance. If she does not have it, she will be issued a violation. Now, if that same officer stops another operator under the age of 26 and he or she proves that they are out-of-state there is no fine.

So in reality you can be staying at your summer house on Lake Adger and not have complied with this states law, as long you demonstrate that you are not a resident but temporarily using the waters of this state for a period not to exceed 90 days. You must, however,&bsp; meet any applicable boating safety education requirements of the state or nation of residency. For example, South Carolina doesnt have any requirements.

What were these law makers thinking? Walter H. Dalton, president of the Senate, Joe Hackney, speaker of the House of Representatives and Beverly E. Perdue, governor, all signed this bill.

I am all for safe boating. So how is this going to make our waters safer, when not all operators under the age of 26 will have to comply? So go buy your kid a Jon boat with a 9.9 hp!

On March 20-21 in Brevard, N.C., the third annual Pisgah Fly Masters fly-fishing tournament will be held. A casting competition on March 20 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education determines the field in three categories for the catch-and-release trout fishing finals, to be held March 21 along a private stretch of the Davidson River.&bsp; All money raised will go toward programming at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission regional learning and visitor facility located near Brevard.

Although early registration has ended, entry fees will remain $30 for youth (ages 10 to 15); $50 for anglers 16 and older); and $50 for the professional level. For rules, a prize list and entry forms, go to www.ncwildlife.org/pisgahflymasters/ or call (828) 877-4423. I will have video of the completion online around March 23 so check it out!