No John, I have not. In certain areas frequented by huge numbers of boats, sure,
you could make that argument, but I have not seen such a thing in the areas in which
I fish commercially and take my charters. To blame any perceived decrease in average size on
commercial fishing is lazy and irresponsible. We took 750,000 pounds last year.
Recreational fishermen took in excess of 4 times that amount. Tell
me again how commercial take is the problem here? Too many people are all too
willing to take the intellectually easy way out and blame the guys who, fishing just the
same way you do, catch more fish. The bass stocks are NOT in trouble, so the point is moot.
To conjure up a crisis, then blame is on fishermen who take 1/5 the total catch
is disingenuous at best...
CMP