There was an undeveloped lake we once fished freely as kids until its waterfront lots were cleared and developed. After the homes were built we’d sneak along the edges of the private neighborhood (now a golf course) lake to fish for bass. Rarely would any of us get caught there, but many a time we were chased away by its caretakers. We paid little mind to their rules.
Many years later we’d do our best to get our live baits as far into the closed areas north of Port Canaveral. Smoker kingfish, cobia, and other impressive pelagics roamed these waters, which made it worthwhile to troll the area anytime we were nearby. Whenever Port Security showed up, we made sure we stayed clear. We pushed the limits.
(Editor’s note: These were security measures adopted after 9/11 that have since been dropped.)
However, when it came to obeying seasons, size and slot limits we’ve never come home with an illegal fish or out-of-season catch. I guess my point is two-fold. One, it’s difficult to draw the line when it comes to giving up access to our waters. And two, poaching gamefish is taboo.
Following rules has always been a bit of a curse for some of us anglers. But the benefits to properly managing our fisheries can often be so obviously clear at times that we should stand up in support of them.
Take for instance the NOAA Fisheries new regulations that are aimed at reducing unwanted mortality of bluefin tuna on surface longlines, or NOAA’s effort to limit harvesting sea bass using pot gear (traps with ropes and buoys). This is a precautionary measure designed to prevent harmful interactions between black sea bass pot gear and whales listed under the Endangered Species Act during large whale migrations and the right whale calving season off the southeastern U.S. coast.
These are just two examples of how rules and regulations can be used in common sense ways.
Learn more about fishing by reading or listening to Captain Rodney Smith’s books Catching Made Easy and Enjoying Life on the Indian River Lagoon Coast. To contact Capt. Smith about a private fishing lesson or trip, call him at 321-750-3374, or send an email to irlcoast@gmail.com.