Sunday, July 30, 2006
Fishing Beyond Limits
The other day in the bank I overheard a gringo fisherman bragging about his successful day fishing. He and his buddy bagged 17 Dorado. He was desparately trying to give fish away to anyone who would take it. "I have way more than I need." in his own words. Apparently he is unaware that there ARE limits to catches in Mexican waters. Not only because it's the law, but because it has been determined by research to maintain the species.
I agree with my friend John Henigan of Fish Rap Radio who says "Sport fishing will never deplete the species" Sorta true. Sport fishing ALONE will not deplete the species. HOWEVER, the fish populartion is underpressure from all sides, environmental, commercial and recreational fishing. In this year of good fishing, sport fishermen should use restraint. Practice catch and release a little more than you find comfortable. Call it a day when you have had a run of luck.
This last week a shrimper was caught with 8 tons of illegal Dorado in the freezers. It only takes 30 of the gluttonous fishermen in the bank to equal that bust. You would no sooner think of coming home with 17 deer strapped to the hood of your car. Why would you do it with fish?
Please, don't use the excuse "Everybody else does and how you gonna get caught anyway?" It is always up to each individual to police themselves, even when there are enough game wardens to enforce the laws. AS a responsible fisherman, you should take the opportunity to belittle the short sighted moron for taking more than his share. Make having fish for the future part of you efforts in having fish for dinner tonight.
