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If these boats are taking more than commercials can take, I don't think they should be lumped into the recreational sector in terms of blame.
How we define a recreational angler may need to change. If I take my small boat out and catch a few cod in Boston Harbor, how can I be lumped in with these people taking truckloads. And how can I be lumped in with a party boat that can take hundreds of pounds of fish in a few hours.
If these six-pack boats and party boats are taking big numbers of fish, than they need limited. If they are taking the same or bigger numbers as commercial guys, then its just as ridiculous. Certainly the dragging does alot more damage. But we brought this up before and I still say 400lbs. from a comm, 400lbs. from a party boat, 400lbs. from a six-pack boat... why is one more acceptable than the other. I have to side with the commercial guy in the respect that you can't limit them just so these so-called "rec" anglers on party boats or charters can load up. That is completely hypocritical.
The part I don't get is the private rec boat guy who is already limited to 10, getting cut to 5. How many fish are these people taking? I mean, I'm really asking, I don't know. Are there that many recs out there taking alot of cod?
Personally, I hope to learn that near-shore cod fishery a bit this year, but I would only keep a couple fish here and there anyway. 5 is more than I would ever need. But that seems a bit out of whack.
You gotta love the loopholes. Why is there always someone there to take advantage of the loopholes for their own personal gain. Greedy.
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