There is a good article on this topic at...
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?n...id=99784&rfi=8
This is a quote from that article...
Quote:
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When the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries made its second attempt to license our saltwater fishermen I was one of the most active and vocal opponents to their proposal. I have witnessed, first hand, what the Florida saltwater license has done to the small tackle shop and livery operators along with their support restaurant and supply industry in that state
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I agree with most of the article but he author doesn't elaborate on what became of bait and tackle shops. Perhaps John W. can explain the impact (if any) on Florida B&T shops.
It is demostrable fact that you can lobby all you want for the funds to go back to fishing related expenditures but a new legislature is voted in every two years and it can all change overnight in a double secret backroom legislative session (and it will).
I remember when a resident freshwater Mass license used to cost $12. Now it is $27 and the fishing hasn't improved that much to justify it.
The recreational fishermen don't need another burden placed on them. Keep it simple. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.