FWC CONSIDERS EXPANDING THE COMMERCIAL SEATROUT FISHERY

[kneeknocker]

CCA FLORIDA
GRASSROOTS ALERT!

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CONSIDERS EXPANDING THE COMMERCIAL SEATROUT FISHERY

CCA FLORIDA NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Commissioners have requested their staff to work with the commercial Seatrout fisherman regarding the final rule that will be voted on during the November 17th meeting in Key Largo. The FWC is recommending a two month extension on the three month commercial fishery along with opening a five month fishery in the northwest zone during the winter months. They have also been requested to consider a by-catch allowance for incidental catch, and are considering increasing the boat limit from 75 fish to 150 fish as long as there are two licensed commercial fishermen in the boat.

These proposed rules are being made in conjunction with the proposed removal of the closed recreational months, resulting in one or two additional months depending on the section of Florida. CCA is in favor of the removal of the closed months for the recreational anglers because of the potential in increased spending from fishermen and the help to our economy, but we are concerned with the increase in commercial pressure. FWC estimates that the commercial take of Seatrout is currently just over 2%, and do not feel that these changes will cause this percentage to increase. CCA is concerned that these changes will result in additional harvest due to more commercial fishermen targeting Seatrout, as well as the additional months.

Recreational Seatrout fishing is one of the most popular fisheries among Florida residents along with many tourists that travel to Florida to catch these fish. South Carolina, Alabama, and Texas have all given “Game Fish Status” to Spotted Seatrout. Georgia has the same daily bag limit for both recreational and commercial fisherman. These four states have already set a precedent for how valuable the Seatrout fishery is for the recreational fisherman and the long term goal of CCA Florida is to see Seatrout granted “Game Fish Status” in this state as well.

Currently, Seatrout may be taken only by hook and line or by cast net. CCA Florida believes that this fishery should be a hook and line fishery only. During the colder months Seatrout congregate in the deep holes in rivers and creeks and become more susceptible to take especially from a cast net.

Contact the Commissioners by clicking http://www.myfwc.com/contact/staff-cont ... issioners/ and let them know:
• Not to expand the commercial Seatrout Fishery especially during the colder months
• Remove Cast Nets as a form of acceptable gear
• Do not allow a commercial by-catch limit of trout


For more information please contact –
Trip Aukeman Deputy Director Advocacy CCA Florida at (850)224-3474 or email taukeman@ccaflorida.org

[silverking]

All right forum members. It's time to put up or shut up. If you enjoy the great trout fishing we have here in the Big Bend and don't want to see it permanently damaged, voice your opinions to the FWC by clicking on the link and sending in remarks. Yes, the commissioners do listen and read these comments and the squeaky wheels get the grease. It only takes a few minutes and will help influence the vote. And you SOWEGA anglers who come to paradise to fish need to get involved as well. Tell the commissioners how much it means to have a great fishery and how much you spend when you do come to Florida to fish.

Please take the time to send comments. THEY'RE IMPORTANT!

[Reel Navy]

Done!

[tallykenj]

Done. Jump on board everyone!

[RalphKramden2011]

Comments sent! Thanks!

[reelbad]

Message sent.

[Jumptrout51]

Where can I get a commercial license?

[Redbelly]

Done did.

[sorifish]

Sent

[fishinfool]

Another sent...

[silverking]

Thanks all. Keep 'em going. We've got hundreds of members between the forum and local clubs and every comment counts.

[redbelly7]

Done and sent

[yardman32317]

Done!

[DixieReb]

Done. As much as I love catching trout, I don't want to see any of this B.S. go forward. Spread the word!!

[kneeknocker]

Jumptrout I will send you the link on how to get the license. The only problem is that you have to have a record of actually catching trout to get a commercial trout license.