As a kid growing up fishing along Florida’s west coast there were a couple of fish we mastered early. We caught Spanish mackerel, and silver trout by the buckets full using small white bucktail jigs. When these fish were feeding, it was easy and fast fun landing them on our Mitchell 300s. At times in seemed as if there was an endless supply of fish and back then there were few bag or size limits, or closed seasons. Florida’s population was 30th in the nation

Over time we learned to catch red and black drum, sheepshead, jack crevalle, snook, king mackerel and most fish that swam near the long piers we frequented. We also discovered each fish had its value and special attributes. We got a thrill fishing for them all!

Today Florida’s population is third in the nation, and many of the fish we caught in the past, now have strong regulations protecting them, but some do not. With Florida’s intense growth there has been an influx of anglers, each of them looking at each fish differently.

What are wonderful gamefishes to some of us anglers, for instance, jack crevalle and ladyfish, are a nuisance to some and food or money to others. With jack crevalle fetching up to a buck per pound (best price is for the under two-pound size jacks you can find in most northeastern U.S. fish markets for sale) these fish, along with barracuda, bonita, blackfin tuna, whiting, and a short list of others need to be better protected to ensure the health and diversity of our fisheries.

The Anglers for Conservation understands new regulations are not always popular. However, wise and experienced anglers realize once you place a price on a fish, this fish will need to be protected to maintain its sustainability. For this reason, the AFC will work together with Florida’s marine resources shareholders and government to ensure future generations will be able to experience the joys of recreational fishing.