JB> I should have said licensed anglers!!! There are many more anglers that do not pay for a salt water licence to fish such as in my state that does not have a salt water license<br /><br /> The decline in licensed anglers continued thru the year 2003, down to roughly 28 million!!! But, in 2004 we have seen an increase to approximately 28,500,000 anglers!!! Anglers contributed $540.9 million in 2004!!!! Currently one out of 10 Americans has a fishing license!!!
rolmops, the biggest reason for the collaspe of the cod fishery is "Gill Netting" and the non knowledge of the National Marine Fisheriers!!! Bottom dragging also has contributed to the collaspe by destroying the bottom when they drag chains and what we call rollers over the bottom!!!<br /><br />When the National Marine fisheriers sets a 400 pound per day limit of cod fish and you are catching 2,000lbs. and throwing 1,600lbs. overboard to sour or rotten the bottom, that is not conservation of the species!!! Them fish are "DEAD" when hauled into the boat and have to be discarded because you are allowed 400lbs. for the day!!! So with 30 plus boats out there doing that, how can the species survive???<br /><br />Now they are considering closing recreational cod fishing to sports fishing and charter fishing in the coming months!!! If passed a few charter companies will be out of business and recreational fisherman will have to target other species 
Sounds like yall need a Cod preserv.(sp)Originally posted by Fly Rod:<br />
