Burt... you have been a true sportsman and have tagged many fish for release in the past and I would assume you will continue to do it. But just for the record, If you can sell your fish with a GC pemit vs tagging them.... would you start selling your fish if it cost less than $50 for the GC permit?
As I understand it, the GC permit would turn the rec guy into a Comm guy. That means if you have insurance on your rec boat, get ready for sticker shock. If you have Boat US or SeaTow... say goodbye to that as you are no longer covered under their policy, If you don't have an ice machine, you will need to get one. Basic rule is 1 lb of ice for every Lb of fish no matter if you catch fish or not, that's a minimum of 200/400lbs of ice on average per trip.
Bluefin Tuna sales were allowed under a GC permit and there are now 1400 permits out there from SC to Maine. Being that we have a "near shore" fishery, it's easy and the masses will come here for sure so bank on that. That may or may not be a good thing... you decide after listening to the facts as we know them.
So I'm against the GC permit as I understand it currently. I fish rod/reel and with gear and I sell tackle to both sides of the line. Business wise, I should be jumping up and down for enabling the GC rec permit as that would surely boost sales in a slow economy but I'm not for it at all.
I'll be at the Swordfish club meeting to hear more about all this as should everyone else. I will also be at the meeing on the 28th with my bag of pennies as I will give my 2 cents as many times as they will let me.
There are other ways to increase the quota without opening up our backyard to the masses and we should be focused on presenting those options on the 28th. If we can't find a way to increase our quota, we will loose a part of it which could potentially close down swordfishing for months on end for rec and comm guys.
There's a lot to think about and there are tons of grey area's to consider. Hope to see everyone at the meeting.
-Tek