Has any one on here seen the survey put out by a NC school floating the idea of a rec trip report? If it happens , like any other reporting, it will be used against the fishermen. I did take the survey and my answers and comments were probably not well received. We do not need any further government intrusion into our private fishing trips. If they want rec numbers let them put boots on the ground and meet us at the docks. As with all reporting, there will be all manner of penalties and fines if we’re late or miscount in our reporting. There’s no good that can come from this . Its so wrong how the council has closed some of our best fishing areas(MPA’s) yet fails to include the MPA fish in their stock assessments.
We are going to get it regardless.
I applied to be on a council(Citizen Advisory Panel) and was approved. After 3 meetings of just “talking” about fixing stuff I bailed. You have no idea how F-ed up it is behind the scenes. It is already decided. They have no interest in solving any problem, real or perceived. They are government employees with hands in the government till. They are going to milk this for all they can. There is NO benefit to any of them to actually solve the problem.
The councils are just there to make it seem like we have a say. We don’t.
My understanding is that we will be required to purchase a rec snapper grouper permit sorta like the HMS permit. Then they will go to the limited entry rec with the 2 for 1 restriction. Recreational snapper grouper fishing will become a sport of the wealthy. Our rights to fish are being stripped away. very sad