Now you are FORCED to take a survey to get a license

[Dubble Trubble]

http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recr ... sh-survey/

Just another government intrusion making it harder and harder for us to enjoy the outdoors.


Dubble

[Salty Gator]

I've tried to take the survey about 5 times now. Is anyone else having problems w this?

[EddieJoe]

Glad to see some other folks are waking up.

When I raised the flag about this issue a couple of months ago I got very little interest on the Board. If you already have to purchase a license annually its only one extra button to push on the computer, and it is free.
For the geezers like myself that are exempt under law from fishing licenses and/or permit requirements, its more of a burden, since we aren't supposed to have to do this anymore. If you would like to complain about it, I wish you would. I did, and got no where. I was completely ignored by my elected officials who didn't even acknowledge my correspondence and the Commission had some low level lackey repeat press release platitudes to me in writing. Maybe more concerned voices will matter. Hope so.

EJ

[EddieJoe]

http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recr ... sh-survey/

Just another government intrusion making it harder and harder for us to enjoy the outdoors.


Dubble

To clarify, Dubble, you don't have to take a survey to get a license. The FWC has determined that you need a permit (they now call it a requirement to "sign up") to fish for Gulf Reef Fish. It's free and available online or at the store where you get your license. You only need it if you fish for designated gulf reef fish like grouper, snapper, AJ, etc., not inshore species. They will use the data base from the permit registrations to do an effort survey by phone. Texas has done this, too.
I complained, I got no relief, at all.

Have at it.

EJ

[sailcat]

I just purchased my yearly fishing license and didn't have to take a survey.

[Danibeth]

Perhaps I'm missing something here. I just got the Gulf Reef Fishing Permit. I've a Lifetime Sportsmans License so I'm not required to buy a new license every year. I got the permit without any difficulties. So at the risk of starting something, what is the big deal?

[EddieJoe]

Perhaps I'm missing something here. I just got the Gulf Reef Fishing Permit. I've a Lifetime Sportsmans License so I'm not required to buy a new license every year. I got the permit without any difficulties. So at the risk of starting something, what is the big deal?

For me, it's an issue because seniors (and others like disabled vets) are exempt by law from the requirements of fishing licenses and permits. The FWC decided they wanted an easy way to collect a database of reef fishermen, so they invented a permit requirement to register in order to fish. This also is part of a multi year multimillion dollar grant, and money is a major motivation.
Despite the legal exemption, the FWC ignored the law and made the permit mandatory, subject to ticketing for non-compliance. Their justification is that requiring participation from those otherwise exempt will make the data base better, and they can ignore the law by changing the permit to a registration.

It's philosophical for me. I don't think seniors and disabled vets should be forced to get an annual permit for the convenience of the commission staff if the law says they are exempt. It will require a lawsuit and deep pockets to challenge the rule.

If you already have to buy a license, it matters not at all. But if you don't, it can be a big deal.

EJ

[crappielimits]

They are to ignorant or crooked to ban commercial fishing. It solves all the problems or go to a tag system. The gulf produces the largest recreational fishing profits in the world and these federal/state officials are ruining it. Most recreational fisherman keep less grouper and snapper than a commercial fisherman has hooks on a single line. Guess it's like the buffalo, horses, rabbits, turkeys etc... The list goes on and on of the species spoiled by commercialism. If recreational fisherman don't stand up for our fisheries then politicians will continue to take handouts from commercial activists. Our next generations will miss out on the sport we love.

[Jhults11]

http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recr ... sh-survey/

Just another government intrusion making it harder and harder for us to enjoy the outdoors.


Dubble

Please explain to me how FWC trying to collect data is an intrusion of your outdoor enjoyment. This type of data can help researchers grasp a better understanding of recreational harvest rates of reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. This information can help FWC DMFM (department of marine fisheries managment) better manage grouper, snapper, and amberjack populations. If you fellas want to continue to have reef fish to target for years to come, I would think you would be open arms to any fisheries sampling technique no matter how much of a "hassle" it is for you.

[MuleTrainGA]

I'm with Jhults on this one.... I can't imagine how getting a FREE permit and taking 1 minute out of your time to take a survey can be construed as an "invasion" or "hassle" of any kind. With the past 10 years of controversy in reef fish management I am glad to see a survey in which fisheries managers and researchers will be able to more accurately determine fishing effort across the state. This survey in my opinion was an approach to gain knowledge on just how many fisherman are targeting reef fish per year. Since commercial fisherman are required to report their catches, fisheries researchers have a much better understanding of effort and catch from the commercial sector. This survey will help researchers focus on effort and catch within the recreational sector, therefore being able to more accurately determine how long the season should be and how many fish can be kept per person. Please, don't look at this survey as a hindrance or the government pushing you to participate, look at it as a way in which YOU as a sportsman, fisherman or conservationist can help your state better manage the natural resource which is our fisheries.

[Dubble Trubble]

To those Ok with this, do you really think that one little survey is all they will want. Once you register, then later they will decide you need to make a report every time you catch a reef fish.

What good do you think that little survey is going to do to give them info on reef fish numbers caught by recreational anglers?

Remember, government slowly takes our rights in incremental steps. They condition you for the next step. Just wait and see.

Funny how the younger ones on here are already "conditioned" to accept this so easily.

Come on folks, wake up!

Dubble

[EddieJoe]

I'm with Jhults on this one.... I can't imagine how getting a FREE permit and taking 1 minute out of your time to take a survey can be construed as an "invasion" or "hassle" of any kind. With the past 10 years of controversy in reef fish management I am glad to see a survey in which fisheries managers and researchers will be able to more accurately determine fishing effort across the state. This survey in my opinion was an approach to gain knowledge on just how many fisherman are targeting reef fish per year. Since commercial fisherman are required to report their catches, fisheries researchers have a much better understanding of effort and catch from the commercial sector. This survey will help researchers focus on effort and catch within the recreational sector, therefore being able to more accurately determine how long the season should be and how many fish can be kept per person. Please, don't look at this survey as a hindrance or the government pushing you to participate, look at it as a way in which YOU as a sportsman, fisherman or conservationist can help your state better manage the natural resource which is our fisheries.

I personally have no problem with the survey or taking the survey, although I am legally exempt from it if one cares about legality. I used to do them myself, for the commission. What I don't like is deception, disingenuous behavior, and playing games. The commission decided how to run the game and this is the result. It's the method not the concept of better data, which is necessary. If you already have to purchase a license, the additional permit isn't much, but for my 82 YO family member it may be. He hasn't had to acquire a license for a long time, and shouldn't have to just because someone at the commission decides it's easier for them that way. Same goes for disabled vets, who have been given exempt status as a thank you for their service and their injuries. Or at least state law exempts them, evidently the commission has exempted itself from the law and considers the convenience factor more important.

[Salty Gator]

To those Ok with this, do you really think that one little survey is all they will want. Once you register, then later they will decide you need to make a report every time you catch a reef fish.

What good do you think that little survey is going to do to give them info on reef fish numbers caught by recreational anglers?

Remember, government slowly takes our rights in incremental steps. They condition you for the next step. Just wait and see.

Funny how the younger ones on here are already "conditioned" to accept this so easily.

Come on folks, wake up!

Dubble

Or maybe they are well educated and understand what the survey is about. Data, not taking away your rights

[Gulf Coast]

DOUBLE EJ

[MudDucker]

So far, few government agencies and no federal agency has shown much responsible use for fishing data. I don't have a problem with voluntary compliance with data collection if it the use of the data is stated up front and then followed.

Unfortunately, with most fish data, all I have seen is that those with an agenda are picking and choosing their data to manipulate to support their own cause.