Unfortunately True..

[RidgeRunner]

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/nov/...coast-but-are/

I agree with the article. The latest is the black sea bass. Really? They are in jeopardy? Hardly, it is all political.
This is how FL Fish and Game responded to my letter last year. (letter below that)

Dear Mr. Allen,

Thank you for your recent email to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) regarding fishing regulations in Florida. Your views and concerns are important to us.

We understand that recreational anglers are frustrated with the increase in fishing regulations. Many of the new regulations you have cited in your email are the result of changes in federal fisheries management. In 2006 Congress amended the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This act dictates how federal fisheries under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Commerce are regulated. One of the most important changes made to the act was a provision requiring federal managers to implement strict catch limits for all species that are undergoing overfishing by 2010. This resulted in sudden changes to regulations for 14 species of reef fish in the Gulf and Atlantic waters surrounding Florida (including greater amberjack, red snapper, and several species of grouper). In most cases the Commission has adopted consistent regulations for these species in state waters because not doing so would only prolong the recovery of fish populations and likely result in even more stringent regulations in federal waters. While the Commission would normally take a more gradual approach to management than we are seeing at the federal level, we do share in the same goal of carefully managing all our fish stocks. Like you, we want to ensure that fisheries are managed to provide the greatest possible public benefit and enjoyment for the long term. We recognize that this new federal emphasis on rebuilding fisheries is having a significant, immediate impact on fishermen everywhere. Nowhere is this impact being felt more than here in Florida. We are exploring all possible avenues to lessen these impacts while still achieving a long-term improvement in our fisheries.

You stated a belief that the Commission has shown favoritism to commercial fishing over recreational angling. The Commission makes every effort to treat all fishing interests in a fair and balanced manner. While many of the new federal restrictions are being applied to recreational anglers to a degree they have not experienced before, similar restrictions are being applied to commercial fishers. Historically, there have been significant restrictions and limits placed on commercial fishing throughout the Southeast. In Florida, commercial fishing is still an important and unique industry providing fresh seafood to markets and consumers. We also recognize the enormous economic value of recreational fishing in Florida. We would like to see both industries continue contribute to the overall health of our economy.

Thank you again for your letter.


Kathleen Hampton
Office of Executive Director
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
Phone: (850) 410-0656, ext. 17225
Fax: (850) 921-5786
Email: [email protected]


Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are considered public records and are available to the public and the media upon request. Therefore, your e-mail communications may be subject to public disclosure.


From: victor [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 6:05 PM
To: FWC Commissioners
Subject: No more for me thanks, I've had about enough.



I read all of your Bios. very impressive, I think I could easily say that you have all done quite well for yourselves, congratulations. Because you were appointed by the Govornor I will attempt to show respect. I am furious as I am typing.

As a avid hunter, boat owner, fisherman and taxpayer residing in Polk County I was raised fishing the State's waters. (I honestly never hunt in Florida, that is another topic altogether.) I have seen positive and negative results from your rulemaking. The limits you have imposed on recreational anglers are unfounded and unfair. You have allowed the Commercial Fisherman to take take take while simultaneously restricting the recreational fisherman to laughable levels. I go for fun but I also go to bring home some meat to try and offset the huge cost of going in the first place, it is part of my heritage but not an entitlement.

I regularly catch redfish, sometimes as many as 100 in a single day but I am limited to one fish in the slot. Not even enough to feed my family one time.

Your limit on Amberjack to one fish is a farse. You obviously don't fish where I do, they are like mosquitos in the marsh they are so thick.

Red Snapper are closed entirely and now that the colder weather is upon us I can finally go catch some keeper Grouper near shore in my 23' Whaler. Wait, you have limited the number there to Zero also by closing the season for four months. I simply don't understand how you can actually think that recreational anglers could take enough to hurt the breeding stock when we are only allowed 5 and only of a certain size, soon to be only three if and when you open the season.

Believe me when I tell you I am practicing conservation, I refuse to spend the money it takes to go to the Grouper grounds without being allowed to keep anything. You keep changing the regulations so fast it is impossible to keep up. It is a joke but I am not laughing and I am not alone.

Had I known this degree of favoritism was possible I would have never invested my money in an attempt to fish offshore. I currently own four boats worth approx $100,000, fishing gear $10,000 plus the fees taxes and licensing that goes along with four boats. For my investment I will have a poor return but so will the rest of Florida. Joe Tedder will no longer collect the registration money on my four boats, nor the tags for the four trailers. FWC will no longer receive my fishing license money. Stone's Outhouse will no longer be selling me hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in fishing tackle. Suwannee Shores Marina will no longer receive the ramp fee money or sell me gasoline at $3.35/gallon. Certified Marine will no longer have me as a customer. The Florida Department of Revenue is out their easy 7% on all of the aforementioned dollars spent. Boston Whaler, Wellcraft, Carolina Skiff and NV Boats have lost thousands in future profits from me alone. I would never spend that kind of money if I had it to do over again, why would anyone? You regulate and Florida and all sportsmen therein are the losers not to mention the tourism dollars you just canned. The economic impact is staggering.

I am seriously considering getting out of the recreational fishing business along with many of my friends who are fish guide captains. Many of the captains were once netters put out of business with the net ban (which I supported) and are being squeezed out again. Thanks to the seven of you who have taken the side of the Commercial Fisheries.

When I think about the unjust regulations that have been thrust upon us I can only see your faces. In your defense, I suspect you believe you are doing something good for the sake of Conservation, I believe you are misguided by environmentalist that have provided bogus numbers to support their agenda. Politics as usual. ("Politics" being used here in the worst manner imaginable) The resources you manage belong to all of us and are certainly worth preserving, I have been doing my part at conservation. How can you tell me that you have been doing your job when recreational fishermen are allowed none?



Sincerely sick and tired of getting the short end of the stick,



Victor V. Allen

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

I am seriously considering getting out of the recreational fishing business along with many of my friends who are fish guide captains.

I got out a few years back when I seen the writing on the walls and read about the proposed regs from NMFS. Unfortunately this is exactly what they want us to do so the whole fisheries can go corporate where they either catch them or sell catch shares back to us at Wal Mart. Keep in mind that Wal Mart is one of the BIGGEST corporations funding all of thios non sense in our fisheries right now as they see BILLIONS in profits once catch shares go into effect. I feel your pain though, and I sure can't afford to get out and go fishing any more even though I bought a lifetime license a few years back anticipating using it.

[phatdaddy]

excellent points RR. i am a 3rd generation native floridian and witnessed the depletion of the fish stocks in the mid 70's to mid 80's. i supported the net ban and the new limits when they began, but they pendulem has swung too far. its not only the marine regs, but the whole state. they keep passing laws to make us all criminals.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

excellent points RR. i am a 3rd generation native floridian and witnessed the depletion of the fish stocks in the mid 70's to mid 80's. i supported the net ban and the new limits when they began, but they pendulem has swung too far. its not only the marine regs, but the whole state. they keep passing laws to make us all criminals.

They ban nets, but noiw they are trying to bring back seine nets for seatrout so the commercial guys can start seine netting seatrout. I am about as much of a native Floridian as you can get, and it truly disgusts me to see everything that were getting screwed on. I've got family roots that can be traced back to 1843 to the same town I live in today, but even I am seriously considering leaving with how things have gotten down here.

[RidgeRunner]

Had a long conversation with a FWC chief yesterday. He is convinced the science behind the Federal fish counting program is sound. Although he couldn't recite the name of the woman Obama put in charge of that department. He claims fish counts are down so they have to slow the take. The ecomomic fall-out to recreational anglers isn't even a consideration. He personally manages routine fish counts on inland lakes and makes recommendations on limits. He and I argued for a while but eventually we came to the conclusion that the best thing to do is buy a jonboat, fish fresh water or inshore and come up with some tasy recipies for trash fish. He had a recipe for grilled armored catfish, if you don't mind gray colored meat. Not very reassuring for the future of recreational fishing.
I can't move but if I could, the bayou of the Loisiana coast is at the top of my list. Sorry for the long post, black sea bass just got axed down here.

[ssiredfish]

Well put Ridge.......

If its against the law to take f'n Seabass........consider me Al Capone.

In my mind, and several others, I'm no more a criminal than they (NOAA) are.

Here's how I plan on getting around this......

If you go to the SAFMC website and click the "regulations by species" on the left, a printable document comes up. The same one they mail out annually. Inside you will notice that Seabass is currently 15/per and Red Snapper is 2/per with gear restrictions in place.

Now when I show this DNR/FWC after being accused of harvesting a closed specie, not over the limit mind you, I will show him the document I printed off stating the aforementioned. I will tell him that I was told to go online to check the current regs and this is what I found. When he tells me these aren't the regs anymore is when I drop the haymaker.......Well sir, there may have been more accurate info on there but this was THE BEST DATA AVAILABLE

see for yourself....... http://www.safmc.net/FishIDandRegs/R...8/Default.aspx

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by ssiredfish

Well put Ridge.......

If its against the law to take f'n Seabass........consider me Al Capone.

In my mind, and several others, I'm no more a criminal than they (NOAA) are.

Here's how I plan on getting around this......

If you go to the SAFMC website and click the "regulations by species" on the left, a printable document comes up. The same one they mail out annually. Inside you will notice that Seabass is currently 15/per and Red Snapper is 2/per with gear restrictions in place.

Now when I show this DNR/FWC after being accused of harvesting a closed specie, not over the limit mind you, I will show him the document I printed off stating the aforementioned. I will tell him that I was told to go online to check the current regs and this is what I found. When he tells me these aren't the regs anymore is when I drop the haymaker.......Well sir, there may have been more accurate info on there but this was THE BEST DATA AVAILABLE

see for yourself....... http://www.safmc.net/FishIDandRegs/R...8/Default.aspx

This excuse will get you a hefty fine, and cost you your catch. I know for teh gulf regs there is an exclusino wrote into the fine print that specificly says these regs can change at any time. Years back I remember you had to radio in for red snapper season to make sure it hadn't closed yet over here as it changed hourly.

[ssiredfish]

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

....says these regs can change at any time.

They tell us to check the internet. I checked the internet and this is what I found.....hence "the best data available" line......

As far as the fine, good luck with that holdin up as I have a printed document from them that states otherwise. Its not my fault that their website is hypocritical and I think a judge would see my side of that argument.

More importantly, I'm not going to be one those that just sits on the couch and gives up saying, "oh well, thats what the rules are. I guess I'll just sit here and sniff the cat's butt...." No sir I will not!!!!

A couple hundred years ago a few guys broke the rules set forth by tyrants they knew to be false and misrepresenting and impeded their pursuit for happiness and man's inherent right to provide for himself and family. Maybe a different scenario today but is it not the same?????

Besides, Im pretty sure T-Jeff and the crew would come Seabassn' with me

[Blue_Runner]

SSI, the best way is to not get accused in the first place, hint, hint.

p.s. I refuse to go more than 9 MPH over the speed limit. Most of the time I go 5 to 7 over on the interstate, in good driving conditions.

Question - why is it that the law, for the most part, turns a blind eye to speeders that speed b/t 5 - 9 over the speed limit? We don't see our DNR letting people off for a fish that is 1 millimeter too short or 1 fish over the bag limit? This seems really really backwards to me. Speeding can cause loss of life, your own and/or other innocent lives. Poaching can cause unsustainable wildlife shortages. Obviously the one that involves loss of life should be more strict and more heavily enforced.

Solution: Let the state HWP trade places with DNR. Our roads become safer and SAFMC's dumb @ss laws won't be as strictly enforced.

[ssiredfish]

Thats a good point you have there. Guess it just comes down to discretion but why???

As for being accused, I'll be the first to say it, I'm keepin my Seabass and will continue to support and abide by the previous creel limits. You can call me a poacher or whatever you want but before you do know that I have assisted in more conservation projects(tagging/data collection/catch and release) in my few years then most would in a lifetime. Its complete BS. They know it, admittedly, and I know it....guess it will be to the officer's DISCRETION.

Prohibition didn't last........why?