Florida anglers worth millions

A recent study by the National Ocean Economics Program has revealed some interesting facts about Florida's fisheries.

In 1990, commercial fishing contributed $247 million to the state's economy. But by 2007, that figure had dropped to $143 million. recreational anglers in comparison, contributed Three Billion Dollars to the state's economy. Yes, that is billion with a "B".

Florida is the undisputed heavyweight champ of recreational fishing nationwide. But up until now, it has been difficult to quantify the impact the state's millions of resident and visiting anglers have on Florida's economy.

The commercial fishing industry has played, and hopefully, will continue to play, a vital role in the state's economy. But give the sport fishermen credit too. Many feel that fishery managers, both federal and state, underestimate the value of recreational sector. And as a result, do not consider the economic impact regulations, such as those proposed for gag grouper, will have On the health of the economy.

Perhaps now they will take notice.

Anglers sign here

A proposal by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal agency that ultimately governs our nations saltwater fisheries, wants to register all saltwater anglers beginning in 2009.

This measure is sure to face stiff opposition from many sportfishing groups which see angler registration as the first step towards angler licensing. Here in Florida, saltwater fishermen have had a license for more than a decade. But in other states, requiring a license to fish in the ocean is seen as un-American.

Anglers, however, have nothing to fear. An angler registry would help federal fishery managers keep track of the recreational catch. Right now, biologists must rely on blind telephone calls and dockside intercepts to see how many fish anglers really catch.

This system is hit or miss at best. Well, to be quite honest, most anglers believe it is mostly miss.

If federal officials had better numbers, perhaps recreational fishermen would get a greater share of the total allowable catch (TAC). This would prove particularly interesting here on the Gulf Coast where recreational and commercial fishermen have had an adversarial relationship for decades.

More information will be available in coming months. Stay tuned.

Local anglers shine

Blair Wiggins of Cocoa and his partner Travis Tanner lead the field after one day of fishing at the FLW Redfish Series Eastern Division event in Panama City. The anglers ran 60 miles to catch their two-redfish limit weighing 15 pounds, 14 ounces to move into first place, but heavy winds may prevent a repeat performance on Friday.

But Tampa Bay-area anglers are holding their own in this event that will net the winning team $50,000. Rounding out the top five teams are St. Pete’s Frank Jackson and his partner Charles Espenlaub of Lutz (two redfish, 14 pounds, 7 ounces); Ken and Jeff Mullett of Sarasota (two redfish, 14 pounds, 6 ounces); Brady Nelson and Josh Ramsey of Palmetto (two redfish, 14 pounds, 2 ounces) and Raymond McDonald and Sean Creel of Panama City, Fla. (two redfish, 14 pounds, 1 ounce).

The $1.9 million Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series features three day events. The full field will fish again Friday and then the top five teams will advance to Saturday’s final round. The winner will be based on the combined heaviest three-day total weight.

The Redfish Series has two divisions – East and West – and each one holds four $170,000 qualifying tournaments. The top 50 teams advance to a no-entry-fee $300,000 championship to be held Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Biloxi, Miss. The winning two-man team will take home a $100,000 purse.