This is a very interesting topic and I can see both sides of the story!
First of all? For those who know where our fishery laws are heading? I believe a saltwater license could be the answer! Before I get egg on my face? let me explain.
This would be a great vehicle to accurately measure the power of this fishing group! This day and age, we are not getting the fair share of our fish allocation and the political powers (management) simply don?t take us seriously! Another words, when it comes down to fishery issues and time to make decisions ? the other lobbying (commercial) group has their game down and we simply don?t count ?or-matter! We are the weakest link to their equation and taken lightly!
Currently we are encountering heavier restrictions while the commercial sectors are handsomely getting the bigger share of the pie. Unfortunately to the general fishing public, everything seems somewhat OK , thus, we are seeing less fish to catch, less opening days, more size restrictions while the other user parties (powerful lobbying groups) are destroying the future of our sport! To them it all boils down to money while to us is just a ?recreational? pastime sport.
Sure we love the idea of taking the families out and simply enjoy the outdoors. You and I both don?t want anymore licenses because fishing is supposed to be free! It?s the America way and we should just leave it at that! However, if there are issues ? Let?s leave it to the government, they can work it out for us and everything will be just peachy!
NOT! This is far from the truth! Unfortunately we have to stand up and fight! This luxury mentality does not stand a chance anymore and we are losing this privilege to those that believes the mighty dollar exceeds the importance than this family sport. If I am wrong about this - I defy anybody who thinks I am wrong on this matter.
Folks, I am
not painting ugly picture here... This is what?s happening today! Slowly our rights are being abused and if we don?t do anything about it? we are just allowing them to win their ways! I don?t believe we are here to destroy their livelihoods but we certainly are looking for what is right and fair to our fishing communities.
As for promoting a saltwater license? certain criteria needs to be met. Like Capt. Neil said?
The funding must NOT be allocated into the General funds. If that?s the case? this entire topic needs to be dropped. Such fund needs to be distributed into the fishing communities! For better fishing access, laws, environments, fishery and resource studies, enforcement, education, legitimate / accurate data (we need to be counted) and most importantly? promoting the sport of fishing!
I also understand we have to be very careful what we ask for and it must be done smartly! Unfortunately this might be a price to pay for what we once had and to preserve our privileges. It has come down to this? We could do two things? ignore this and watch our privilege rot ?or- do something about it!
Your thoughts on this matter are important! Whether it?s good or bad? I like to know your opinions. Do you actually care?
"Crazy" Alberto
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