Comment from Mark Miller

Closing fishing for any species recreationally is absurd. It is against human rights and if it isn't already unconstitutional, it should be. Set size limits and even reduce the bag limits to 1 fish per boat, but do not close it. This is not right. In addition, you are closing it when red snapper is open. So when I go fish for red snapper, I can't catch amberjack. Then when red snapper can't be taken, amberjack can. I would rather go when I can catch both. Reduce the limits to 1 fish per person for both species and leave it open all year. If you guys would eliminate user groups (recreational and commercial) there would be less problems. Allow anyone to catch and sell and set regulations that apply to all. It is not right for me to go out and fish on April 1 and have to throw back all my red snapper and the commercial boat next to me is putting most in the boat and leaves a large stream of dead ones floating downstream due to their fishing methods. You should at least let them keep all they catch and count them against their quota. It would be better to eliminate the groups, set gear restrictions, like single or double hooks, and then let anyone sell their catch if desired. At the very least, set the same season. If the commercial guys fish the first 10 days of each month, do the same for recreational. Or perhaps just open it on weekends all year long. Just my 2 cents that I am sure will get trashed with everyone else's comments.