It's gotta change

[captbogan]

This is bad. Too much fighting between fishermen.

First the regulators put recs against commercial fishermen. Then state against state. Then it was private boat guys against for-hire boat guys. Now it's offshore guys against inshore fishermen.

One of the first rules of warfare: Divide and Conquer. That is exactly what the system, under the influence of the environmental industry, has got us into. These lobbying groups have nothing to lose while they keep raking in the $.

The sea bass population was increasing when it was 25 fish bag limit at 12" year-round. Now 230% rebuilt and we gotta cut back because we can't help but catch too many.

If fishermen would spend their effort on getting the quota increased, instead of fighting for their share of a shrinking piece of a small pie, we might have a chance to accomplish something.

The commission needs to be put in its place. We need common sense in fisheries regs. Or we will continue to lose fishing oppertunities.

Jim Donafria with RFA is in Washington today. From what I understand, he has an audience with the house. Let's hope he can get some reasonable wording put into Magnunson.