Comment from T C

Has anyone proposed creating a time where commercial fishing vessels can harvest red snapper that would be seperate than recreational vessels? How can any organization expect the amount of people in any of these given states (LA, TX, FL & so on) that fish for red snapper, to be able to get it done in a short window of 9 to 12 days? Do you have any idea the impact that has on those fishing communities? People are selling their boats & gear, giving up something that they've done for many years, grown up with as a part of their lives. Trips that families make to these commuinities each year are cancelling out...all because a governing organization is putting impossible limitations on something that is provided by God. Now, that being said, I am NOT opposed to limits on how much we can keep, to help rebuild the population,but there has to be a better way to get there than just limiting the little guy that works hard all year long and wants to take his family on a fishing trip, but can't make it until June 30th. Why not shorten the season for the commercial vessels...and I don't mean the charter boats...I mean the big commercial fishing boats that keep track of what they catch by pounds, not by how many they bring in with a rod-n-reel!! I've met plenty of charter captains, they are not damaging the red snapper population. Their job is hard enough (and a high risk investment) without a shorter season. A 9-12 day limit will hurt their business immensly! Go down and travel to these places along the Gulf, meet with the people this is going to have an impact on. Come up with a better solution!! There has to be one, if we put our heads together, I'm sure we could figure something out. Thanks for your time.