Speak Up, Be Counted

Date posted: June 21, 2016

The Gulf Council will vote to extend the separation of the recreational angler from their fishing rights. But only after listening to live public input and seeing the faces of the affected anglers tomorrow afternoon.

Be seen, be heard, be counted. At the Clearwater Beach Hilton, 400 Mandalay Ave. Public input begins at 1:45 and ends at 5 on Wednesday (tomorrow).

It seems like the majority of the council supports extending the ‘3-year sunset provision’ for sector separation. Your input may not change this but you WILL be counted and seen as the faces of the angler. As we speak, the audience at today’s meeting has 40-50 people, with only four recreational anglers. Time for them to see you!

Bring your swimsuits and flip flops. The place is right on the beach! The feature picture shows the view from the hotel.

Be at the meeting before 1:30 if you want to speak. You can sign in, fill out a comment card and choose NOT to speak. At least sit in for an hour of public input. Then hit the beach for an hour. Then pop back in to the meeting.

Talking points –

Oppose the extension of the sunset provision.

Regarding hogfish in the Gulf, there is strong support for a 14″ minimum size for both recreational and commercial sectors.

More to follow. Sea ya there!