[Down Deep Sportfishing]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Charter and Party Boat Captains, feel free to chime in here and keep me honest..

Bag and size limits aside, I think what Charter and Party boats are looking for is as many days on the water with something to fish for and a season that has specific dates so they can plan their schedules and or book charters... Further, those days on the water need to line up with the times of year their patrons want to fish.... The same is not true of commercials because they don't care about days on the water or what time of year they're allowed to fish. They'll fish any time of year and want to fill their quotas in as few days as possible..

If that's the case, by combing Party and Charter boat businesses with Commercials you have 2 parties with a totally different set of needs... Can you see that Fisheries Management meeting when they ask for public comment feedback about seasons, bag and size limits?

Party and Charter boat businesses need to be aligned with a group with similar needs as them so they have a better chance of having their needs met. IMO they line up better with Recreational then they do with Commercials.

Sure Gerry, all “fisherman” would agree to as many days on the water for all different species. True “fisherman” are a dying breed. We submit catch reports daily for everything that is brought aboard, regardless of size or specie. Forces in higher places have a stranglehold on recreational fishing. Couple that with days lost to weather, cancellations and unforeseen circumstances there are days you never get back. Seasons aren’t extended 40 days if 40 days are lost to weather. If you’re in this game for the money you need your head examined. Lastly, cut the cake anyway you like,

ROD AND REEL WILL NEVER HARM AN OCEAN FISHERY”, period, end of story.