Woods 'N Water is working on a series of stories regarding proposed new regulations that would affect redfish, red snapper and grouper.
We invite feedback from area anglers regarding what we are now being told is a proposed change in the redfish slot from the current 18"-27" to a NEW 20" to 26" slot limit (tail pinched) with the current one per person bag limit remaining intact.
A source who attended the most recent public hearing hosted by FWC this week said 31 people were in attendance (compared to six in St. Petersburg).
How do you feel about the proposed redfish slot limit change?
New redfish slot (POLL)
Moderators: bman, Tom Keels, Chalk
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piscivorousfotog
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New redfish slot (POLL)
"This is almost as much fun as being there!"
I would also like to know how they calculate their numbers.
I would like to see the breakdown by region. I would like to see redfish managed by region. They've done it with trout. Why not reds. The trout limit on the east coast is 4, with a closed season during November and December. Our area has a 5 fish limit, with a closed season in February. Rather than blanketing the entire state with "A" regulation, why not put more strengent regulations on the areas that receive the most pressure.
I'm not suggesting this because I, personally, don't want the changes. I I just don't see how more strengent regulations on an area that is not depleted is going to regenerate the fish population in an area that is over harvested.
I would like to see the breakdown by region. I would like to see redfish managed by region. They've done it with trout. Why not reds. The trout limit on the east coast is 4, with a closed season during November and December. Our area has a 5 fish limit, with a closed season in February. Rather than blanketing the entire state with "A" regulation, why not put more strengent regulations on the areas that receive the most pressure.
I'm not suggesting this because I, personally, don't want the changes. I I just don't see how more strengent regulations on an area that is not depleted is going to regenerate the fish population in an area that is over harvested.
What was I supposed to do today?
He's not just another pretty face is he! 
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piscivorousfotog
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CCA Stance on redfish
OCTOBER 30, 2006
I. INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION - Florida's redfish fishery has gone for more than 12 years without any changes in management regulations. Gamefish status and restrictive recreational regulations restored the stocks and created an outstanding fishery. Many more anglers have been attracted to redfish and it is now time to consider whether additional management measures may be needed.
CCA Florida has not yet recommended any specific size or season changes; however, we have urged the FWC to increase their management protection goal from 30% escapement to 40% escapement. Increasing the protection goal will require additional restrictions. Currently, the FWC snook management goal is 40% SPR, speckled sea trout is 35% SPR and mullet is 35% SPR. A 40% escapement goal is roughly the same as a 40% SPR (Spawning Potential Ratio) goal. Escapement is used for redfish because once the large redfish reach maturity they leave the inshore waters to go offshore most of the year. They return to inshore waters during the summer / fall spawning season.
We urge interested anglers to attend one of the nine public workshops and give FWC staff information on the status of redfish in your area and any comments or recommendations on management regulations. The workshops begin on Monday, November 6.
The FWC News Release which identifies the dates and locations for redfish workshops.
This Grassroots Report prepared by:
Ted Forsgren, Executive Director
CCA Florida
(850) 224-3474
I. INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION - Florida's redfish fishery has gone for more than 12 years without any changes in management regulations. Gamefish status and restrictive recreational regulations restored the stocks and created an outstanding fishery. Many more anglers have been attracted to redfish and it is now time to consider whether additional management measures may be needed.
CCA Florida has not yet recommended any specific size or season changes; however, we have urged the FWC to increase their management protection goal from 30% escapement to 40% escapement. Increasing the protection goal will require additional restrictions. Currently, the FWC snook management goal is 40% SPR, speckled sea trout is 35% SPR and mullet is 35% SPR. A 40% escapement goal is roughly the same as a 40% SPR (Spawning Potential Ratio) goal. Escapement is used for redfish because once the large redfish reach maturity they leave the inshore waters to go offshore most of the year. They return to inshore waters during the summer / fall spawning season.
We urge interested anglers to attend one of the nine public workshops and give FWC staff information on the status of redfish in your area and any comments or recommendations on management regulations. The workshops begin on Monday, November 6.
The FWC News Release which identifies the dates and locations for redfish workshops.
This Grassroots Report prepared by:
Ted Forsgren, Executive Director
CCA Florida
(850) 224-3474
"This is almost as much fun as being there!"
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piscivorousfotog
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- Posts: 38
- Joined: October 25th, 2006, 8:08 pm
- Location: Bird Island
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January Gulf Council meeting
The Gulf Council is meeting in Point Clear, Alabama Jan. 22-26
Committee reports on the red drum fishery is schedyled for Friday 9-9:30 a.m. the "Joint Reed Fish/Mackerel/Red Drum committees" will meet prior to that on Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Interesting side note: the meeting will also begin discussion of a soon-to-be implemented "Recreational Saltwater License for the Gulf of Mexico EEZ and reporting requirements for recreational for-hire sector" as well as new state licensing and reporting requirements.
For those who may have missed it, in its final hours the 109th (outgoing) Congress passed a revised Magnuson-Stevens Act (which governs NOAA, Gulf Council, all rules and regulations over oceans, etc.) that includes the creation of a national saltwater angler registry
The new bill will:
"require establishment of a regionally-based registry for recreational fishermen;" also.
Supposedly this is a step toward replacing the flawed Marine Recreational Fishery Survey that has caused anglers so much grief, but I will withhold further judgement pending more details.
Committee reports on the red drum fishery is schedyled for Friday 9-9:30 a.m. the "Joint Reed Fish/Mackerel/Red Drum committees" will meet prior to that on Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Interesting side note: the meeting will also begin discussion of a soon-to-be implemented "Recreational Saltwater License for the Gulf of Mexico EEZ and reporting requirements for recreational for-hire sector" as well as new state licensing and reporting requirements.
For those who may have missed it, in its final hours the 109th (outgoing) Congress passed a revised Magnuson-Stevens Act (which governs NOAA, Gulf Council, all rules and regulations over oceans, etc.) that includes the creation of a national saltwater angler registry
The new bill will:
"require establishment of a regionally-based registry for recreational fishermen;" also.
Supposedly this is a step toward replacing the flawed Marine Recreational Fishery Survey that has caused anglers so much grief, but I will withhold further judgement pending more details.
"This is almost as much fun as being there!"