I’ve always said that December is the Apex of offshore bottom fishing … and it is, but October is when it starts. I have traditionally lived my entire year specifically for October, November, December and January. These new regulations have not just got myfeelings hurt, they’ve got my blood pressure up.
For the agency that says Gag grouper, and American red snapper (ARS) are endangered need to look me in the eye and say that. This is where I’m gonna throw the BS flag for several reasons.
1) They are not speaking with anyone that is an experienced grouper fisherman.
2) The data collection system they are using is at very best flawed if not intentional.
3) They do not speak to divers that actually have a real world view of what’s down there.
4) Maybe the most important variable in this equation is, they will not spend the time and/or money to do real UNDERWATER VIDEO SURVEYS of Gag populations on productive grouper and snapper grounds like they did along the Gulf Coast to rectify the Red snapper debacle they had for many years.
The true FISHERMAN down there kept telling these federal fisheries managers that the American red snapper population was exploding while they insisted it was depleted and kept restrictions on both the recreational and commercial fisheries. The same thing is happening here on the East Coast now, and the only way we will rectify this once and for all is duplicate the underwater video surveys (of known productive fishing grounds) to reinforce what we know. In the past I know of commercial fishermen that were hired to take “observers” on day trips to count Gags. They were paid to fish federally supplied GPS locations. The guys knew these were numbers out in slick, flat sand bottom they weren’t going to catch very much but had to obey the rules. These numbers along with phone surveys have got us where we are now.
I would gladly invite a federal observer to go fishing with me now, but they don’t want to see the truth. Some people spend their lives chasing big bucks, ducks, trout and other things, but I have spent my life chasing Gags, Reds and Scamps offshore (and flounder inshore). I’ve never seen the amount of American red snapper we have now, and the numbers of gags are off the charts. It’s time we draw a line in the sand and demand true data that make our laws!!!
These bureaucrats are taking away my freedom(s) and the freedom of my children and grandchildren’s children. I think they spoke about this in the constitution… just saying. Remember this folks, they overturned the Chevron case… look it up. Changes are coming.
I’m sorry I got on my soapbox. Let me get back on subject.
Distinct temperature breaks occur 25, 30 and 40 miles off the beach during October that hold bait on structure. Catch your Scamps and Reds and keep the light line out because the kings will surely be snapping and there will be some large wahoo caught (on the light line)… Mark my words
Dress your children appropriately, take them offshore. Have a great time and take plenty of photos and videos that will last forever.
CAPTAIN TIM BAREFOOT
910-264-9118
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