How Recreational Fishermen Help the Local Economy

It seems to me that recreational fishermen are undervalued when it comes to our contribution to the local economy. It also occurs to me that a MORE ROBUST fishery would greatly enhance business opportunities in the region. Just think what the area would be like if huge schools of King Mackerel were available! How about a spanish bite that is dependable. regular and if spanish show up in schools by the acre with 4-6 pound fish? How about pompano stocks that are so plentiful that the increase the limit to eight fish or so? Would YOU fish more often? I think that visitors from all over the country would visit more often if there's a great recreational fishery available to pier fishermen!

I have a dream!

Imagine ALL of the local hotels, restaurants, bait and tackle stores -- all local businesses flourishing because of a burgeoning recreational fishery! Imagine all of the Gotchas, Looney jigs, leaders, hooks, live shrimp, frozen cigar minnows (notice that stinky squid is not included in this list!) line, rods, reels, ice, weights, sabikis, fillet knives, pliers, tackle boxes, bait buckets, aerators, pier gaffs/pier nets/pier carts, sunscreen, apparel, sunglasses (Geez, I have a lot of fishing stuff!)

Anyway - you get the idea. Developing the resource and allowing the recreational fisher to flourish is critical to the economic health of the Alabama Coastal Region. It's why I'm in favor of pressuring legislators to put further constraints on commercial fishing in the area with an ultimate goal of eliminating the gillnetting method of capturing desirable game species. It's my contention that a robust fishery for recreational fisherman will contribute more to the coffers of the state and ensure a viable fishery for the the future, enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the coastal community.

Your right on the boost to the economy that it brings, while commercial fishing brings in revenue in one area, recreational fishing can affect a dozen area, whether its buying bait, booking hotel rooms, or eating at a resturant at the end of the day, i agree whole hearted that the powers that be could do more to protect that kind of long term investment

Now we need some way to stick these arguments right in front of the noses of those who are responsible for the regulations, and keep them there. The netters are actually the beneficiaries of the law that makes the operate at night, since the public is not aware of their rape of our resources.

How much would a billboard in Montgomery cost?

Maybe we ought to get all fishermen, and their families, to save up their receipts and send them all in at the end of the year. Groceries, restaurants, rentals, gas, the whole nine yards.

Bumperstickers might help, too. Also a letter campaign.