COLUMN:To all you boaters, take someone fishing

Ahoy.

Do you boaters and avid fishermen know what event begins tomorrow? Well, grab your boat keys and take someone boating or fishing for the start of the seventh-annual National Fishing and Boating Week from June 2 to 10. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation created this event with the idea that those enjoying the watery outdoors should introduce someone new to boating or fishing or both. This is a national event with activities planned, including fishing derbies, regattas, demonstrations and much more. You can find out what events are in Southern California by going to www.takemefishing.org.

On another important topic is the sinking of Assembly Bill 1458. It was withdrawn by Assemblyman Michael D. Duvall (R-Brea). This bill would have required recreational boaters to have a vessel operator certificate issued by the Department of Boating and Waterways. This is the first time that I have actually agreed with most of the language in the bill and that the certificate would be valid for life.

The reason for withdrawal seems to be the definition of a vessel, which refers to anything that can transport people on the water including kayaks, canoes or rowboats. I do not think it is necessary that you have a boating certificate to paddle a canoe or sail a boat as small as a sabot, but we do need to address the operators of PWCs and boats more than 16 feet.

I believe some form of licensing is needed, and that will happen in a few years, so be proactive and take a sanctioned boating class now so that you will be grandfathered into any new program.

The tip of the week is join us in Lake Arrowhead this Saturday at noon for live radio broadcast at the 23rd annual Antique and Classic Wooden Boat Show. This show is recognized as the premier wooden boat show in Southern California, and it is organized by the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce.

Our broadcast tent will be set up above Woody's Boathouse Restaurant in Lake Arrowhead Village. This is a great show to see some rare and beautiful boats. Go to www. lakearrowhead.net for more information.

Every Saturday, tune in to the No. 1 boating radio talk show in the nation, "Capt. Mike Whitehead's Boathouse Radio Show" from noon to 1 p.m. on KLAA-AM (830).

Safe voyages.