Trolling Ban-How to vote the members out?

[c21478]

Does anyone know how we can attain the following information about the “Powers that be” with regards to the proposed C&R trolling ban?

#1 Identify who are the members who make suggestions and vote.
#2 How to contact them
# How did they get their job
#4 How to vote them out of their job

If more people had access to the above information and it was listed like a “Sticky” on sites like Tidal Fish, I think that they might have 2nd thoughts about what they do. As it is now, I don’t have a clue on how they got their jobs in the 1st place. Although, if the above info gets out I would bet that we would know why they lost there job.

[27 sailfish]

From what I've gathered - the board has two year terms. Some are appointed - others get on to represent various organizations like MSSA , CCA , CBF , etc.

[Mumford]

It would still be nice to have names and contact info.

[B-Faithful]

Sport Fish Advisory Commission (http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/recreational/sfac/sfacmembership.html)

.

[c21478]

#1 and #2 were answered but what about #3 and #4? How did these guys get their jobs? I truly believe that this won’t be the end of the changes against trolling. From what I’ve read, it was Brandon White who came up with the currently proposed ideas. I admit that I haven’t read all the posts, so I could be missing a part. If true, as I’ve said in another post, I don’t think he would have ever made a move against Fly fishing with the same data that he’s using against trolling. That’s the part the pisses me off more than anything.

Other than reading about it on TF, I have never heard a word about this. We all know that TF might make up about what, 1% of the people of the people who troll for rockfish. This is something that needs to get the front page of the sports section coverage. If the vast majority of the spring trollers knew about this, with all the feedback they would get, they would be pointing fingers faster than a New York minute. Putting it up on the DNR web site isn’t cutting it. Other than looking for the size limits and opening day, my guess is that the majority of people don’t even look at that site.

Thank you B-Faithful for the link you put up.

[Thoroughbred]

Tell me if I am wrong but I don't believe it's just them that are for a C&R Trolling Ban. There are a lot of people who don't like that practice, if not you wouldn't be seeing it as a way to save the breeding stock. Remember it could always be worse too as in NO fishing during C&R.

[jwinds]

Just looking at the names you can see how this came to be:

3 members probably extremely conservative
2 members are trout fisherman
1 member a trout fisherman and so called Bay Expert
2 members are bass fisherman
1 member representing the charterboats
3 members representing MSSA, CCA, and OC Marlin

The way I see it you have 6 members off the bat that are definitely going to oppose preseason C&R trolling, 3 members that are probably going to oppose it, and possibly 3 members that may support it. I don't think we Bay fishermen who like to fish preseason C&R (trolling or LT) are being fairly represented! I too would like to know how these folks received their "appointment" and their credentials. Am I upset.....yes I am pissed!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MIKE BURGESS]

I'm against it ! I'm not quiet !

[Shawn Kimbro]

Important to point out that it doesn't just come down to for or against C&R trolling. Many of us, maybe even most in this debate are opposed to closing days because of the principles that are being violated. For one thing, it's absolutely nuts to go after such a low impact fishery when we are stared in the face by huge problems like over-harvest, poaching, and a trophy season that probably kills more spawners in one day than are killed in the entire C&R season. Please take a look at this chart Phil K. put together and recently posted. All it takes as a glance and no comment is necessary:

http://www.mountainsoul.net/graph21

[jwinds]

Great chart....says it all.

[Thoroughbred]

You are right it's not all about C&R. I think they should limit the amount of rods year round to say 6-12 a boat (2 per person) and boards only 75' out to either side. Also reduce commercial take to about whatever the targeted reduction in rec catch would be.

[Zack attack]

Pretty simple make it a game fish with slot fish kept only. Like the florida Snook and redfish:fishing2:

[Ken Tidy]

All that information should be available through the freedom of information act.

Don’t be in a big hurry to blame this idea on individual commission members, because of the way they prefer to fish. I think someone not on the commission, someone that has a vested interest in seeing pre season recreational anglers curtailed, planted this seed. Follow the money!

[HawgHunter1]

Yep!!
Zack got the right Idea that one has my vote....

[goose70]

I'm opposed to the proposed day limits and trolling ban, too, and agree that focusing on the C&R season in this way is misplaced. But to lobby to vote someone off the commission just on this one issue seems absurdly narrow minded. Face it, you're not going to see eye-to-eye with anyone all of the time.

To answer one of the OP's questions, the folks on the commission, if those are the folks to whom you are refering, got their job because the person who appointed them felt that they were both qualified and brought an important perspective to the commission, but even more important than that, because THEY ARE WILLING TO GIVE THEIR TIME.

So, now I'm curious about who the OP is and what, specifically, he/she does to give time towards the fisheries or the Bay generally (or any cause, for that matter). Maybe the OP does all kinds of great things, volunteer and otherwise. But if you're going to launch a campaign against one or more commissioners on here, then don’t do it behind a screen name. Let's hear who you are and what you've done, and what you would propose be done in the future.

Thanks.

[Thoroughbred]

Pretty simple make it a game fish with slot fish kept only. Like the florida Snook and redfish:fishing2:

Add this to what I said above it and I think it would work really well.

[27 sailfish]

Keep in mind the politics often involved with people getting appointed.
Rest assured - the powers that be keep the deck stacked in their favor.

[Bug Guy]

I have no direct knowledge, but essentially, I'm pretty sure these groups don't really set the rules. They just make suggestions. People in DNR do and they can't be voted out. They may or may not rely on these groups to help make decisions. But I'm pretty sure when it comes down to it, the DNR has final say. That doesn't mean you shouldn't feel a need to address your issues with these groups. Just saying.
Cheers,
bob

[MIKE BURGESS]

Are you going to the DNR meeting monday?

Sure where is it ! Will I get to speak my mind or just sit there ??????

[c21478]

I’ll go in order.
Shawn Kimbro – I saw that chart a few days ago. My problem with it is that I have a hard time believing everything I hear. I don’t doubt that there are fewer fish now than many years ago, however I also don’t believe that all of the data that comes out is 100% correct. It takes 10 people 10 minutes to figure out how many fish are in the tank at Bass Pro Shops. That’s when you can flat out see the fish. Some data might be right but I don’t believe all of it.

Ken Tidy – I only putting blame on the person who outright said they came up with the idea and the people who are tiring to get this through with as little exposure as possible.

Goose70 – Where am I being narrow minded? I disagree with this measure. There’s not even enough ‘shady data’ to support the ban. If anything, it would be un-American to not voice my opinion. Your answer as to how they got appointed is a cop-out and you know it. Who appointed the person who was appointed then? You can play with words all day long. I just want to know how they got their job. What is all this crap about a screen name? What’s your real name and all your info? Who cares unless you’re on this board of commissioners? I’m Jim Puccinelli – I haven’t given back to the bay other than picking up trash when I come across it. But then again I’ve been heavily involved in youth programs in Anne Arundel County for the past 10 years.

Bug Guy – I think your right that they don’t actually set rules but rather suggest. But if these groups are going to represent me when they make their suggestions, I guess I would feel better about it if there was actually a discussion with the constituents 1st. I did see it made today’s paper. It’s funny though from the DNR’s side of it, by the time I really have a chance to say anything about it, I have to choose between 2 proposal’s which both have the same impact.

[Bug Guy]

I... In fact, almost every chart I have seen that shows Rockfish population shows the population is high.

High compared to what? Please show us.

[paxfish]

ZAM - You and I have always disagreed on the issue of declining rockfish populations.

ASMFC came back and said that based on the Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB), that rockfish are not overfished. I say their conclusion is bad. To understand why, you need to know a little bit about SSB.

SSB includes only fish over 7 years old. Fish with spawning potential. We've seen significant decline in numbers of these fish over the last 5 or 6 years. When I queried ASMFC 2 years ago with my concern, they responded that they were banking on the big YOY of 2001 and 2003 to reverse the trend. And in fact, the most recent numbers show that a soft landing was achieved in the SSB due to these fish. The SSB leveled out.

But what of the overall numbers? Well, SSB is very deceptive. It is based on the WEIGHT of the spawners over 7 years old. Not their population numbers. And guess what? A 14 year old fish does not weigh merely twice as much as a 7 years fish. It weighs nearly four times as much! Now, they carry a lot more eggs, so if we get a good YOY, we should have decent numbers of eggs to take advantage of it. Then 7 years later, those can be added to the SSB. But right now, we have a huge slug of big fish in the SSB, and not much behind them. The "puppy in the python."

So, right now, the SSB estimate is greatly skewed by this imbalance in the weight of the fish that make up the SSB. A bunch of really big stripers, and a few smalls. The SSB today, if it were the same as 6 years ago, likely only represents HALF the numbers of fish. It could be as little as 1/4th! Worse yet, we don't have any nice YOY populations from 3,4 or 5 years ago waiting in the wings. Think about it, right now, there are some fish scattered around the upper bay in a couple of key places, and ONE big pod of fish that's been getting the hell pounded out of it off of Chesapeake Beach. And a smattering across from PLO. But you could run all the way from Solomon's to the Gas Docks and not see a breaker. It is November for crying out loud! We should be able to walk across the schooling rockfish!

Right now, we are enjoying some really nice fish in the bay that are leftover from a couple of very successful spawns in the 1990's. And they are partially bolstered by the 2001/2003 YOY that survived the netting off to VA/NC coast, the commercial poaching, and all the other pressures. But, I submit, that this will be a very short-lived blip on the graph. Those 2001/2003 fish? Our saviors? They been hit hard by harvest pressure. Not to mention Myco.

Politically, this is a very sticky situation at ASMFC. They are about to manage the rockfish population right into moratorium. Again.

When I say a storm is coming, this is what I'm talking about.

I'm all about water quality as many of you know. I spend a whole lot of time working on it. That said, water quality has not significantly changed during the last 30 years. During that time, we've had boom and bust on different fishes, and a lot of the time, we've had great abundance of many species at once and together (Rockfish, weakfish, flounder, perch etc.) All independent of water quality. And there's been a ton of menhaden around the last several years with very few predators working them.

I conclude, fairly I think, that the issues we are about to face have little to do with water quality or bait availability. Overharvest is the culprit here.

This chart that Phil put together using DNR and ASMFC data tells the story.

Catch and Release needs to be a significant strategy in fisheries management in Maryland.

http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/attachments/conservation-policy/25010d1258217865-picture-worth-thousand-words-graph2.jpg

[hedjug]

For you anti & banning types-

What type of fishing do you approve of or typically do? Flats C&R? Chum? C&K? Jig? Flyrod? Bait?

If someone got their panties in a wad about any of the above, a movement to ban them could be started. Don't think so? Don't kid yourself.

A pic or two of some bloody rock with a BA foul hooked in its belly, a pic of a rock with Tony A stuck in its gizzard, Capt Norm bashing your chum bucket, a 25 min fight on a fly rod caught on video, a gut hooked fish with a chunk of herring...

Just look at the youtube video those few yahoos put up during flats season. They did everything wrong & put it on the web. They way things are now, if we let it continue, the flats season could be on the table. All seasons could be on the table...

If you are in favor of banning any C&R while there is C&K and comm fishing going on, you are doing more harm than good for the rec fishermen.

The precident will be set for anyone to start a movement using some 1/2assed web pics & a couple of blogs. Next thing you know, YOUR style of fishing may be banned for litte or no reason.

[B-Faithful]

For you anti & banning types-

What type of fishing do you approve of or typically do? Flats C&R? Chum? C&K? Jig? Flyrod? Bait?

If someone got their panties in a wad about any of the above, a movement to ban them could be started. Don't think so? Don't kid yourself.

A pic or two of some bloody rock with a BA foul hooked in its belly, a pic of a rock with Tony A stuck in its gizzard, Capt Norm bashing your chum bucket, a 25 min fight on a fly rod caught on video, a gut hooked fish with a chunk of herring...

Just look at the youtube video those few yahoos put up during flats season. They did everything wrong & put it on the web. They way things are now, if we let it continue, the flats season could be on the table. All seasons could be on the table...

If you are in favor of banning any C&R while there is C&K and comm fishing going on, you are doing more harm than good for the rec fishermen.

The precident will be set for anyone to start a movement using some 1/2assed web pics & a couple of blogs. Next thing you know, YOUR style of fishing may be banned for litte or no reason.

NAILED IT!!!! :clapping2:

[SteveF]

Well this will probably get my boat sunk and my house fire-stormed but the over-harvesting graphic seems quite in time with the proliferation of now ubiquitous planers. Planing = harvesting, not sport.

Have a good week y'all ;-)

[WiFiGuy]

Does anyone know how we can attain the following information about the “Powers that be” with regards to the proposed C&R trolling ban?

#1 Identify who are the members who make suggestions and vote.
#2 How to contact them
# How did they get their job
#4 How to vote them out of their job

If more people had access to the above information and it was listed like a “Sticky” on sites like Tidal Fish, I think that they might have 2nd thoughts about what they do. As it is now, I don’t have a clue on how they got their jobs in the 1st place. Although, if the above info gets out I would bet that we would know why they lost there job.

MD DNR Tidal Fish Advisory Commission:

Through the Code of Maryland Regulations the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission has the duty of advising the Director of Fisheries Service on all matters referred to the commission by the Director. Here are the members' names and e-mail addresses, Tidal Fish Advisory Commission Members (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/tidalfish/tfacmembership.html)

MD DNR Sport Fish Advisory Commision:
The Sport Fish Advisory Commission has the duty of advising the Director of Fisheries Service on all matters referred to the commission by the Director. SFAC is comprised of individuals from across the State whom represent the interests of various constituencies in recreational fisheries. They meet at the Tawes State Office Building in Annapolis, Maryland. Here are the members' names and e-mail addresses,
Sport Fish Advisory Commission (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/sfac/sfacmembership.html)

DNR Secretary:
John R. Griffin
Office Of The Secretary Executive Direction
Tawes State Office Building C4
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401-2397
410 260-8101
jgriffin@dnr.state.md.us

Here is the agenda for today's meeting about proposed changes to C & R fishing:
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/proposed/StripedBassSpringCatchandReleaseProposal.pdf

As to your question about how they "get their jobs", for the Secretary, he is appointed by the Governor. My guess for the members of the commisions is that they also would be appointed, most likely by the Secretary alone or with input from the Governor's office.

Therefore, if you want a new DNR Secretary or want to change the make up of the Commisions, then you'll have to either:

Get a new Governor elected

Donate tons of money to Governor O'Malley's re-lection campaign so that he appoints you or your guy to be in charge of the DNR.

Either way, it'll be a tough row to hoe. In terms of voting power, I'm not so sure that a voting block (5K? 10K?) coming from the members of this site will be enough.

Good luck

[c21478]

B-Faithful, I don’t think he nailed it. I wish he did. Let me back up, he got it right with Chumming. I think there are too many Elitists out there who Fly Fish and jig to let it happen to their fishing.

I’m by no means a scientist but I would guess that if you stuck to the traditional management methods you could achieve better results. The proposed ban doesn’t manage fish. It sets up the precedents to better manage the fishery in the years to come when the ban becomes more extensive by eliminating trolling. At the same time though, you could propose bans against jigging and chumming and probably get the same results. If you’re worried about the future spawning populations claiming that there aren’t enough young fish around, then change the summer time size limits. If too many large rockfish are missing than change the spring time size limits or put a Fall size limit on them. For the guys who keep complaining about planner boards, limit how far they can go out. How about limiting them to weekdays when there is less boat traffic.

[Shawn Kimbro]

AS CHESAPEAKE BAY GOES... ...so goes Maine's striped bass population (http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/7101804.html)

Found this interesting.....

[B-Faithful]

I read that article and think of the summer fishery where we have 2 18" fish per person regulations that doesnt allow enough fish to enter the spawning stock, especially given problems with myco. Anglers are compounding the problem by releasing myco infected fish and keeping the ones that look the healthiest.

[Hippie Joe]

I read that article and think of the summer fishery where we have 2 18" fish per person regulations that doesnt allow enough fish to enter the spawning stock, especially given problems with myco. Anglers are compounding the problem by releasing myco infected fish and keeping the ones that look the healthiest.


where you going with this?

[c21478]

I hope that I’m not coming off the wrong way when I refer to some as ‘Elitists’. By no means am I tiring to imply that everyone who owns a Fly rod is an Elitist. And there are ‘Elitists’ who prefer to troll, though not as many.

WifiGuy you’re probably right about how these guys get in. I agree that it’s probably next too imposable to change the makeup of the commissions. But that doesn’t change the fact the many anglers out there who are having there fate’s determined by people that we don’t even know exist. By the time that I have a chance to say anything to people who at least pretend that their listing (DNR meetings), all of the proposals that we can suggest voting for or against, don’t represent my view point. The 2 proposals that we can voice our thoughts on tonight do the same thing, basically saying that we don’t have a choice. Regardless if the tonight’s DNR meeting agrees with people who do share my view points, both of the two proposals have the same wording that restricts my interests.

It’s like someone breaking into your house and saying to you that he’s going to take away your son or your daughter. He gives you the choice. Either way you lose but he walks away from it happy. Not only did it serve he’s interests but he got you to vote for he’s interests as well. He gave you the illusion that you had a choice in the 1st place.

[goose70]

I’ll go in order.
Goose70 – Where am I being narrow minded? I disagree with this measure. There’s not even enough ‘shady data’ to support the ban. If anything, it would be un-American to not voice my opinion. Your answer as to how they got appointed is a cop-out and you know it. Who appointed the person who was appointed then? You can play with words all day long. I just want to know how they got their job. What is all this crap about a screen name? What’s your real name and all your info? Who cares unless you’re on this board of commissioners? I’m Jim Puccinelli – I haven’t given back to the bay other than picking up trash when I come across it. But then again I’ve been heavily involved in youth programs in Anne Arundel County for the past 10 years.


As I stated, I do not have a problem with your voicing opposition to the C&R restrictions (as I also stated, I too, oppose the proposed restrictions). Where I have a problem is when people have a knee-jerk reaction to "throw the bums out" over one issue, especially in light of the many serious issues facing Stripers and recs, and considering that the folks on the commission are volunteers. If you're going to start a personal witch hunt, I think that it's only fair to provide some insight into who you are (as you've done -- thanks).

As for me, I am not a member of this particular commission, nor was I calling for dedicated volunteers to resign or be removed. However, when matters have arisen on here and elsewhere concerning the commission on which I sit, the Severn River Commission, I have identified myself and my position (easy to look up the info...not may Jeff's on that commission).

[Shawn Kimbro]

I get what you're saying, Jeff but on the other hand, if your dogs keep barking up the wrong tree it might be time to stop hunting 'em. :D

[tksmitty]

:thumbup: Thanks for taking the time to put that down into words. Hopefully more people will take note of the flaws with the SSB.


ZAM - You and I have always disagreed on the issue of declining rockfish populations.

ASMFC came back and said that based on the Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB), that rockfish are not overfished. I say their conclusion is bad. To understand why, you need to know a little bit about SSB.

SSB includes only fish over 7 years old. Fish with spawning potential. We've seen significant decline in numbers of these fish over the last 5 or 6 years. When I queried ASMFC 2 years ago with my concern, they responded that they were banking on the big YOY of 2001 and 2003 to reverse the trend. And in fact, the most recent numbers show that a soft landing was achieved in the SSB due to these fish. The SSB leveled out.

But what of the overall numbers? Well, SSB is very deceptive. It is based on the WEIGHT of the spawners over 7 years old. Not their population numbers. And guess what? A 14 year old fish does not weigh merely twice as much as a 7 years fish. It weighs nearly four times as much! Now, they carry a lot more eggs, so if we get a good YOY, we should have decent numbers of eggs to take advantage of it. Then 7 years later, those can be added to the SSB. But right now, we have a huge slug of big fish in the SSB, and not much behind them. The "puppy in the python."

So, right now, the SSB estimate is greatly skewed by this imbalance in the weight of the fish that make up the SSB. A bunch of really big stripers, and a few smalls. The SSB today, if it were the same as 6 years ago, likely only represents HALF the numbers of fish. It could be as little as 1/4th! Worse yet, we don't have any nice YOY populations from 3,4 or 5 years ago waiting in the wings. Think about it, right now, there are some fish scattered around the upper bay in a couple of key places, and ONE big pod of fish that's been getting the hell pounded out of it off of Chesapeake Beach. And a smattering across from PLO. But you could run all the way from Solomon's to the Gas Docks and not see a breaker. It is November for crying out loud! We should be able to walk across the schooling rockfish!

Right now, we are enjoying some really nice fish in the bay that are leftover from a couple of very successful spawns in the 1990's. And they are partially bolstered by the 2001/2003 YOY that survived the netting off to VA/NC coast, the commercial poaching, and all the other pressures. But, I submit, that this will be a very short-lived blip on the graph. Those 2001/2003 fish? Our saviors? They been hit hard by harvest pressure. Not to mention Myco.

Politically, this is a very sticky situation at ASMFC. They are about to manage the rockfish population right into moratorium. Again.

When I say a storm is coming, this is what I'm talking about.

I'm all about water quality as many of you know. I spend a whole lot of time working on it. That said, water quality has not significantly changed during the last 30 years. During that time, we've had boom and bust on different fishes, and a lot of the time, we've had great abundance of many species at once and together (Rockfish, weakfish, flounder, perch etc.) All independent of water quality. And there's been a ton of menhaden around the last several years with very few predators working them.

I conclude, fairly I think, that the issues we are about to face have little to do with water quality or bait availability. Overharvest is the culprit here.

This chart that Phil put together using DNR and ASMFC data tells the story.

Catch and Release needs to be a significant strategy in fisheries management in Maryland.

http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/attachments/conservation-policy/25010d1258217865-picture-worth-thousand-words-graph2.jpg

[goose70]

I get what you're saying, Jeff but on the other hand, if your dogs keep barking up the wrong tree it might be time to stop hunting 'em. :D

Nothing like a Tennessee-ism to put things in perspective.:D

I also agree that if a person has a history of repeated mistakes on different issues, that's different than asking for their head because of just one issue. Perhaps I'm missing some history, here. Maybe it's just the nature of the TF forum, but I was getting the impression that the focus was on one new commissioner, in particular, who so far has tackled just this issue.

[tksmitty]

Do you think the striped bass stock is in any trouble? Say 5 - 10 years down the road? Just curious.


See when people say "the Rockfish population is high conpared to" I think they really know the population is high thats why they have to compare it to something to try to make it look lower then it really is.. I could compare it to a lot of things but I don't have as much time to chat on the internet like some of you, but compared to other species like Weakfish it is very high

[Shawn Kimbro]

Nothing like a Tennessee-ism to put things in perspective.:D

I also agree that if a person has a history of repeated mistakes on different issues, that's different than asking for their head because of just one issue. Perhaps I'm missing some history, here. Maybe it's just the nature of the TF forum, but I was getting the impression that the focus was on one new commissioner, in particular, who so far has tackled just this issue.

I agree, Jeff. We don't have much history on any of the new members.

[B-Faithful]

The voices of the recreational angler have spoken on the commission. The DNR has just chosen to ignore them

[paxfish]

I wish someone with a TF super subscribtion would make a poll to see what the majority of TFers think, it wouldn't show what the majority of Americans
think but it would be interesting

Uh...You have a super subscription.

[Old Hat]

I'm all about water quality as many of you know. I spend a whole lot of time working on it. That said, water quality has not significantly changed during the last 30 years. During that time, we've had boom and bust on different fishes, and a lot of the time, we've had great abundance of many species at once and together (Rockfish, weakfish, flounder, perch etc.) All independent of water quality. And there's been a ton of menhaden around the last several years with very few predators working them.

I conclude, fairly I think, that the issues we are about to face have little to do with water quality or bait availability. Overharvest is the culprit here.

This chart that Phil put together using DNR and ASMFC data tells the story.

Catch and Release needs to be a significant strategy in fisheries management in Maryland.

http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/attachments/conservation-policy/25010d1258217865-picture-worth-thousand-words-graph2.jpg


Well writen PAXfish!! Phils chart says it all without words.

[B-Faithful]

Really, Do more recs support unrestricted C&R trolling during the spawning run? I wish someone with a TF super subscribtion would make a poll to see what the majority of TFers think, it wouldn't show what the majority of Americans
think but it would be interesting

MSSA took votes on it at their chapter meetings. MSSA alone represents 7000+ maryland anglers. While not unanimous, the votes largely went if favor of supporting the catch and release only season. There is no science to show other-wise.

[B-Faithful]

If you didnt vote, Did you call the MSSA to express your views?

[B-Faithful]

A caught and released fish isnt wasted. Even the very small percentage that die provide enjoyment to many recreational anglers (and stand a great chance to be caught again).

I would be willing to bet that far more (higher percentage) kept fish go to waste than fish that die as a result of C&R.

[RM]

Anyone know how the numbers of fish C&K by the recreational angler compare to the numbers killed as by-catch by the pound nets and Reedville Menhaden fleet? or to the commerical netters offshore?

[Brandon]

c21478

I can answer all your questions, please for fairness of the discussion identify yourself as to your name and any affiliations you have so I/we can better understand your background.

Brandon







Thanks

Brandon

[c21478]

Brandon,

My name is Jim Puccinelli. I live in Edgewater Md. I fish almost exclusively out of the South River. I also own a place in Wachapreague Va. As of now, I’m not affiliated with any organized fishing groups with the exception of occasionally posting on TF. I used to be a member of the MSSA. I like the idea of what the MSSA could stand for however personally I feel that the management, if you will, is about as crooked as it can get.

I’m sure that by now, you can tell that I’m against the proposal that you brought forward. As many others have said for multiple reasons, this is the wrong approach to take. In addition to the arguments that others have talked about, such as, lack of data and promoting against C&R, I have another view point.

You as well as a number of other members are on a commission that is able to make recommendations that are sent to the DNR for consideration. I’m interested to know how you and your fellow members became a part the commission that you represent. As of the time I’m writing this, 2153 views of this post were made with 54 replies. It appears that nobody really knows how this commission came to be. I believe, for fairness, that if your vote as well as your fellow members is either meant to represent my views or would have an impact on my activities, then I/we should have a say as to who makes up this commission. Members of these commissions should represent their constituents and speak on their behalf even if it goes against their interests or their better judgment.

By the time that the average person has the impression that they have a say when a new proposal is brought forward by the DNR, they are limited in choice, as is the case for this last proposal. Again in the case of this last proposal, constituents had two options to choose from with both proposals having the same wording with regards to the trolling aspect of them.

I would like to know how I/we can have an impact on the makeup of the commission. If a member/s of the commission votes against his or her constituents, then the constituents should be able to vote a member out. I don’t mean after each vote but rather after the members term is up.
I think this is a good starting point to work from if you truly wish to have a discussion about this subject.

Regards,
Jim Puccinelli

[c21478]

I could guess that you didn't want a discussion.

[Sea Gristle]

Simpler solution. Recreational and commercial fishing license lottery. Cut the current number of available licenses in half. Can't have a license two years in a row. Same bag limits. Fish any method you like.

[c21478]

Sea Gristle, you think a license lottery is the ticket? Are you blind? Can't you see that it's people like Brandon who screw up fishing not only for me/us but for my great, great, great grand-kids as well. He is self-serving his own intrests without even considering other peoples view points. It doesn't really matter if over all he's right or wrong with regards to this issue. This is a jackass who thinks he's somekind of god or something and doesn't need to answer to anybody. Nov. 17th he said he could "Answer all my questions". Todays the 19th of Jan. and he hasn't done crap.