[RIROCKHOUND]

I agree, by-catch is a problem, draggers are a problem, but we (rec anglers) have to look in the mirror too!!! We land a lot more than the commercial (I understand landings do not include by-catch!) but rec landings do not count ~8% release mortality on C/R fish. And you can argue that your release mortality is lower, but go watch some average jamoke releasing a fish; it is often not done quickly or easily, with little wear on the fish especially with a 2 or 3 treble hook plug. I bet it averages out close to the 8% I remember reading somewhere.

MJ; if you need to sell fish, or feel like if you kept the normal rec limit, you wouldn't enjoy yourself, I feel bad for you bud. Fishing should be about more than just catching a lot of fish. 5 fluke yesterday, three legal sea bass. Slow by any measure, but we had some laughs, all took some fillets home. Wouldn't have been a better or worse day with a full limit of fish. JMHO

Truthfully,
I see two major issues with commercial licenses (at least in RI) which are kind of juxtaposed against each other.
1. Out of state residents can get one, if I wanted to, I couldnt. Get rid of any out of state licenses, effective now.
OR
2. Make commercial licenses available to people who make a substantial portion of their income from fishing, not 'weekend warriors' who have a non-fishing full time job.

AND 3
1 fish, 36". lets reduce the rec catch as well.

I truly believe that aquaculture will never totally supply the demand for seafood in the US or world. There will always be some form of commercial fishing. Besides, if you've had farm raised and wild salmon, you know they don't compare. Same is probably true with farm raised bass. If that means some fishing for bass, so be it. The people who don't fish deserve to eat some as well.


Also;
I'm 100% rec.
for the record.