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The problem is that there is a strong commercial bias to management of the resource. And by commercial I include the charter boat fishery. Both groups, commercial and charter industry, push for harvest at maximum sustainable yield. This ensures the quality of the fishery is way less than it would be otherwise (just witness the rapid final depletion of the remaining large fish now that sustainability is not a concern following several decent year classes).
It is absolutely true that non-charter recreational fishermen could and likely would abuse the resource if they were able. Just witnessing the carnage at the canal this year proves that. HOWEVER, the canal this year is an exception as most recreational fishermen lack the expertise, desire (sans a selling option) to put a serious dent in the fishery if monetary gain was not a motivating factor.
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