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schoolie monster · 07-14-2003, 01:10 PM

Flatts, I think you have to expect some of these stances when you support a conservation group.

Conservation of striped bass doesn't mean forming a system that completely favors recreational fisherman who want to keep fish. If we want to oppose increases in commercial quotas, how can we support increases in recreational take and be taken seriously.

Supporting conservation and supporting recreational fishing interests are not the same thing.

And I think there would be support from alot of conservation minded rec fisherman for a saltwater license if the money was sure to go back into the resource... most people are probably pretty skeptical about that (me being one of them) and would therefore oppose it.

And your point about the EEZ opening sounds again like you are for for the opening since it will benefit you. How will opening the EEZ help conservation of striped bass as a resource? It won't. If its protecting some fish, that seems like a good thing.

I just don't think CCA's agenda is just protecting or enhancing the rights or wants of recreational fisherman. I think they are more about the conservation of the resource.

I'm not sure if the RFA might be something that focuses on boosting recreation fishing interests and that might be more of what you are looking for. I don't know much about them.

My personal opinion is if the fish are doing well, why not keep the measures in place that have allowed them to recover and flourish. Why chip away at that? There will always be forces working to open things back up to netting, increase quota, etc etc. That's why you need forces on the other side calling for gamefish status, more conservation, etc etc.

You need that balance in the political arena. That may be why you get comments like the one about a shortened season... that sounds more like political posturing to me though I would like to voice my concern to them that I as a member, would never support that.

07-14-2003, 01:10 PM	#2
schoolie monster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 1,195	Flatts, I think you have to expect some of these stances when you support a conservation group. Conservation of striped bass doesn't mean forming a system that completely favors recreational fisherman who want to keep fish. If we want to oppose increases in commercial quotas, how can we support increases in recreational take and be taken seriously. Supporting conservation and supporting recreational fishing interests are not the same thing. And I think there would be support from alot of conservation minded rec fisherman for a saltwater license if the money was sure to go back into the resource... most people are probably pretty skeptical about that (me being one of them) and would therefore oppose it. And your point about the EEZ opening sounds again like you are for for the opening since it will benefit you. How will opening the EEZ help conservation of striped bass as a resource? It won't. If its protecting some fish, that seems like a good thing. I just don't think CCA's agenda is just protecting or enhancing the rights or wants of recreational fisherman. I think they are more about the conservation of the resource. I'm not sure if the RFA might be something that focuses on boosting recreation fishing interests and that might be more of what you are looking for. I don't know much about them. My personal opinion is if the fish are doing well, why not keep the measures in place that have allowed them to recover and flourish. Why chip away at that? There will always be forces working to open things back up to netting, increase quota, etc etc. That's why you need forces on the other side calling for gamefish status, more conservation, etc etc. You need that balance in the political arena. That may be why you get comments like the one about a shortened season... that sounds more like political posturing to me though I would like to voice my concern to them that I as a member, would never support that.