Grouper bash
Federal officials want to shut down the recreational grouper fishery from Jan. 15 to April 15 next year, and this quite predictably, has anglers up in arms. Also on the table is a plan to cut the bag limit from five to three fish, only one of which may be a gag.
Tackle shop owners, charter boat captains, and average anglers alike believe this will cripple the West Coast's recreational fishing industry. Sportfishing rights groups oppose the measures and say instead that federal officials should instead look at the way grouper stocks are divided between the recreational and commercial sectors.
The Seminole-based Fishing Rights Alliance is leading the fight to preserve anglers' rights here in the Gulf of Mexico and will be hosting a Grouper Bash tonight from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gators On the Pass in Treasure Island.
Nationally-known offshore angler Travis Paladeno will be giving a free seminar at 6 p.m. and FRA founder Dennis O'Hern will be there to give the latest update on this ongoing battle. To learn more, check out the FRA.
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The Gulf Gag and Red Grouper populations are healthy.
Fishing effort is WAY down, largely due to fuel prices. We all know that fuel prices will never come down, therefore we consider the current effort reductions to be somewhat permanent. Landings projections should be adjusted based on this reduced effort.
The recreational and commecrial sectors need to stand together and get back what has been taken by over zealous 'environmental' groups who care nothing about the anglers or reality; only about the agenda of their black box organizations.
If you fish offshore, the time to stand up for fair treatment is NOW.
March 19th in St. Pete at the Radisson in North St. Pete, 6-10 PM - The Gulf Council will take public input before considering final action on the Gag and Red Grouper rules (Final action may be taken on April 10 in LA).
Your voice makes a difference. It already has and it will continue to do so, as long as you speak up at every opportunity.
It is our fishery and we deserve to have it managed fairly and sustainably through the use of reliable science.
Sea ya all at GATOR'S TODAY!
Denny O'Hern
Executive Director
Fishing Rights Alliance
Posted by: Dennis O'Hern | March 08, 2008 at 11:27 AM