Say NO to Proposed Recreational Grouper Fishing Restrictions

The proposed recreational grouper fishing regulations (Closed Season January 15 - April 15 & Limit of 1 gag in a 3 fish limit) is not necessary and will adversely affect Florida's already weakened economy. Almost two-thirds of the coastal homes in the Big Bend are owned by out-of-state fishermen (mostly South Georgia) who invest millions of dollars to enjoy this areas bountiful fishing.

{sidebar id=1}The price of gasoline and the struggling economy in recent times has already curtailed the fishing trips of every recreational fisherman, local and out-of-stater's.

I am a retired career Law Enforcement Officer (14 years with Florida Game & Fish--Asst. Chief). I fish for fun and know most of the other fishermen in our area. None of us fish as much as we used to because of the expense. What was once a recreational $150. (fuel, ice, bait, food, tackle,etc) trip has, almost overnight, turned into a $ 600. trip. Noone can afford that kind of fun very often. This fact alone has and will continue to substantially reduce fishing pressure.

Myself and the rest of the fishers in this area do not agree that there is any biological necessity for the proposed restrictions. Although none of us fished as much as we would have liked, last fall was one of the best gag grouper seasons in years. There are plenty of grouper out there. I have been fishing out of the Appalache Bay area since 1989. The grouper fishing is as good now as it was then. The only bad years we have experienced were associated with red tides. Now that the fish traps are gone, Nature will keep the grouper in good shape for a long time.

I seriously question any survey, study or statistics that attempt to substantiate such draconian measures as are proposed for recreational grouper fishers.
The State of Florida coffers will hear a sucking sound as the value of this areas coastal homes and economy plummet if these restrictions are implemented.

Respectfully Submitted by:
Major Alan Lamarche (Retired)
Shell Point, FL

This letter originally published on March 13, 2008.

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