Ol'Pajamas....you do not clarify which group you side with, and you do not really give any idea of solution other than your attempt to level "all" of the blame at the commercial fisherman. My belief is that both sides have an equal hand in the problem, and among both groups are those that do not follow the letter of the law. They choose to ignore the rules that are in place that, if followed, would benefit all. As I said, I am not a commercial fisherman, simply someone who goes out to enjoy the resources that have been given to us. A beautiful day or night, on the water, and catching some fish and enjoying myself and occasionally, taking a fish home to enjoy (and as I said, I take very few...that is not to say that others should not be able to take what is allowed them by law). It is those in my belief, that skirt the laws and the rules to turn a quick, dishonest buck. We all see it going on and it is up to us as individuals to let them know that what they do is wrong, set them straight and if need be, turn them in to the environmental police. Though these agencies I believe have their problems, we must work with them to see that people who skirt the laws are held accountable. I was not pleased when the state of Mass. went to a two fish at 28" a day limit, I do not believe anyone has the need to take more fish in a day than they can use. There is much gluttony out there both in the recreational ranks and the commercial industry. People who fish recreationally, In my estimation, many of them believe that since they are allowed to take two fish a day do just that.....and much of it will go to waste. Self-restraint and good catch and release practices and policeing others when we see them do wrong can go a long way to helping the resource remain strong in numbers. I do see many people fill their freezers to overflowing for the winter, and come spring, many of them will dispose of much of what they have not eaten do to freezer burn and just the fact that soon they will be able to stock up with fresh fish. I am hoping in the near future the state of Mass will return to a one fish a day limit at 28 inches. I will always believe that one fish a day is more than anyone needs as it will feed a family of four and still have a few filets for the freezer. Need more, go out and get another but to just keep for the sake of "well the state says I can have two so two is what I will take" is preposterous. Just my own opinion folks, agree to disagree is OK with me. I respect others opinions, that is why I asked this question and I look forward to hearing others thoughts.
As far as calling JohnR into question.....you better have all your eggs in one basket before you call him to task. JohnR is far from uninformed and by no means stupid.
