They are Killing Me!

I am all for conservation.  I have never been one to over harvest.  For some reason the fisheries management folks are out to kill my livelihood and your fishing dreams by shutting down everything they can.   Now they are going after more fish species to shut own.

The Florida Keys is a unique fish habitat unlike any other area in the United States.  We have varieties of fish rarely found anywhere else in the US and because of the warmer water temperatures, fish live differently down here.  Water temperature and moon phase inspire most fish to get frisky and spawn.  Because our water temperatures are more stable, fish can spawn more often and at very different times than they would further up north.  Basing fishing closures in the Keys on conditions that do not exist in the Keys is stupid!  The educated idiots that have degrees in economics and marine biology are too stupid to realize that the Keys is a whole different fishery than say the Carolinas or the Gulf states.  So these idiots include the Florida Keys in fishing closures for reasons that may apply to the Atlantic or Gulf coasts.  We get whacked by rules written for every fishery but our own unique fishery.

Also, unlike most areas of the US, the Florida Keys is mainly a recreational/charter fishery than a commercial fishery.  Income from charters and recreational fishing vacationers far out weighs the commercial income, unlike most other areas of the US.  Rules that may be applicable for other areas just don't make any sense in the Keys.

The Fisheries management guys now think that they can impose larger restrictions on species that have no evidence of over harvesting because they can.  These people are idiots that need to be educated in the surreal economic impact of the warm and fuzzy decisions they are making.  Unfortunately, one small county in South Florida does not have a loud enough voice to get enough attention.  We need the help of everyone from every state and every country that enjoys Fishing in the Florida Keys to speak out.  Keys fishing is an international treasure to be protected both from over harvesting and over legislation.  Bug anyone and everyone you can to be heard.  If you are American, start writing, calling and emailing your congresspeople and senators. If you are from another country, start calling, writing and emailing anyone you know in the travel industry or politics.

So while you are freezing your butts off dreaming of a visit to the Florida Keys, try getting a little bit active in protecting your dream vacation from educated idiots.  The Keys should be designated a separate fishery with regulations that are tailored to its unique environment.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination until it is closed. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success. That is until idiots close the Keys.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas