Would you like to see the CCA champion the Swordfish Battle?

[ALW]

Last week I went to the directors meeting for the Palm Beach chapter of the CCA. I believe that they are very interested in re-educating themselves on the Swordfish / Florida Straights situation. From there - these good folks can bring it to the National CCA folks.

I did the best I could as far as bringing them info. I used Quack Quacks post and it was a big help. Thanks QQ.

Anyway, I am confused. I spoke with an active swordfish guy and I am getting the feeling that he is not all that interested in the CCA getting involved.

So I bring the question to you. Please tell me your opinion and vote.

Thanks.

[ALW]

I would really like to hear the reasons for the NO answers.

[Ambitious]

No voter here:

I have a lot of respect for CCA and have often worked hard to support them (like during the net ban) but this is an area I think we need the lead to be someone like TBF and if they are still around NCMC (they seem to have disappeared). CCA' s support will certainly help but the thing I learned years ago is that all these "fishery conservation" groups are very much in comeptition with each other (for our $$$s) and they do not always play well together. Its best to have one central group hopefully supported by the others but more importantly, supported by us. TBF has been in the lead on billfish for a while now and has an excellent rep in my opinion. I think they have been and should continue to take the lead on this.

[Gaitor]

No voter.
CCA is headed by George Geiger. He is also the chair of the SAFMC ... the organization that reduced the rec angler creel of golden tilefish and snowy grouper to ONE FISH; thus giving an unfair advantage to the commercial fishermen.For those that don't know ... the former name of the SAFMC was Bureau Of Commercial Fisheries. That being said ... to my way of thinking, it would be like asking the fox to guard the hen house.

[The BEAST]

Doesn't surprise me. Whenever it comes to politics of any sort, there is always a hidden agenda for a vested interest.

[ALW]

Ambitious and Gaitor (or whomever),

Please forgive my ignorance on the topic. This is the first time I have taken an interest in any of this and I am finding it very interesting and trying to do my part.

Just how powerful is The Billfish Foundation?

I was under the impression that CCA had more pull.

[Gaitor]

Well ... my guess is that as anglers begin to realize the alignment of the CCA with the SAFMC (both chaired by the same person), TBF will emerge as your strongest ally.
Jusy my opinion.

[Edge Sportfishing]

Originally Posted by Gaitor

No voter.
CCA is headed by George Geiger. He is also the chair of the SAFMC ... the organization that reduced the rec angler creel of golden tilefish and snowy grouper to ONE FISH; thus giving an unfair advantage to the commercial fishermen.For those that don't know ... the former name of the SAFMC was Bureau Of Commercial Fisheries. That being said ... to my way of thinking, it would be like asking the fox to guard the hen house.

"NMFS" is the former Bureau of Comm. Fisheries.

[Square Grouper]

Originally Posted by Gaitor

No voter.
CCA is headed by George Geiger. He is also the chair of the SAFMC ... the organization that reduced the rec angler creel of golden tilefish and snowy grouper to ONE FISH; thus giving an unfair advantage to the commercial fishermen.For those that don't know ... the former name of the SAFMC was Bureau Of Commercial Fisheries. That being said ... to my way of thinking, it would be like asking the fox to guard the hen house.

Wow :shock:

[Ambitious]

I was semi involved with fisheries issues a few years back and based on that experience my opinion is, CCA - inshore fisheries. NCMC and especially TBF : offshore pelagics. As far as having "pull", that needs to come from US the guys fishing. We need to write the letters, go to the meetings, send our money and get our clubs involved (it would be nice to see a MAJOR club like yours in West Palm more involved, kind of surprised they aren't). This is why I am fixing to make a 3 hour round trip to Pompano tonight, not fun but sitting on the sidelines and watching the fishery disapper AGAIN in my lifetime is not an option in my opinion.

[Bait Washer]

Recently joined both.
Have been very disappointed with CCA.
Won't go into a lot of detail as I don't want to throw stones
at anyone in particular.
Ellen at the Billfish Foundation seems to be our best voice.
Great gal and will take time to talk with anyone.

[CaptKen]

Originally Posted by Gaitor

No voter.
CCA is headed by George Geiger. He is also the chair of the SAFMC ... the organization that reduced the rec angler creel of golden tilefish and snowy grouper to ONE FISH; thus giving an unfair advantage to the commercial fishermen.For those that don't know ... the former name of the SAFMC was Bureau Of Commercial Fisheries. That being said ... to my way of thinking, it would be like asking the fox to guard the hen house.

I second that NO !!!

They are the same ones that screwed up the REDFISH for the recs also ! I used to be able to drive 2 hours to Flamingo and was able to come home with 10 red fish if I wanted, They came along and screwed that up so you can keep 1 !!

BEWARE !!!!!! money money money

Thats 3 fish I love that they screwd up !! DONT LET UM HAVE THE CHANCE AT MESSIN UP 4 !!!!!!!!!!

[ALW]

I am trying to decide if I should continue my path to get them involved or let it die.
I am now seeing a different side but the vote is still split and the opinions, while excellent, are still too few.

Please help.