bzzboyz
06-04-2004, 07:54 AM
Article published Jun 4, 2004
Fla. commissioner snagged by his own fishing rules
By Michael Werner
BOCA GRANDE -- This one didn't get away.
A commissioner with the agency responsible for creating the state's fishing rules has been caught violating one.
David Meehan, a member of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, admitted Thursday that he violated the rule forbidding boats fishing for tarpon in Boca Grande Pass from having more than three lines in the water at one time.
"I'm sorry, but I was just mistaken about which rules were in effect at the time," Meehan said in a press release issued Thursday by the commission.
Meehan was photographed Monday morning, fishing from a boat with four lines, in the pass off the southern tip of Gasparilla Island. He could not be reached for comment Thursday, and it was not clear what, if any, penalty he might face.
"It just sends a clear signal to us that he doesn't care," said Mark Futch, a director of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association.
"Yesterday it was like the Rush Limbaugh show, everybody was so pissed off about it," said Futch, who said the marine radios used by local fishermen have been abuzz all week with talk of Meehan's violation.
Meehan and the commission's six other governor-appointed commissioners approved the three-line rule in February. In April, it was replaced by one that applies to all fishermen, not just those fishing for tarpon. The new rule takes effect July 1.
Under either rule, a boat fishing for tarpon with four lines would be in violation.
The pass is a premiere tarpon fishing spot that is packed with boats every April, May and June. But it also has been the center of controversy in recent years.
Fishermen who use live bait complain that those who use artificial lures called jigs have caused a decline in the tarpon population.
Boca Grande fishing guides, who traditionally fish with live bait, had lobbied for the three-line rule as a means of limiting the use of jigs.
"There is enough controversy going on with the jig fishers and live-baiters that we don't need to be adding any more fuel to this fire," said Cappy Joiner, president of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association.
"We have a serious problem in the pass. We're losing this fishery and we just aren't getting any help," said Futch, who saw Meehan on the boat Monday.
But Pat Kelly, president of the Florida Guides Association, which opposed the rules and supports the use of jigs, said Meehan is caught in the middle of a turf battle and that "he has always been a solid person in this whole conservation effort."
Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto defended Meehan in a statement released Thursday.
"He is a man with extremely high regard for sportsman ethics, and I know he would never knowingly violate a fish and wildlife regulation," Barreto said.
Fla. commissioner snagged by his own fishing rules
By Michael Werner
BOCA GRANDE -- This one didn't get away.
A commissioner with the agency responsible for creating the state's fishing rules has been caught violating one.
David Meehan, a member of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, admitted Thursday that he violated the rule forbidding boats fishing for tarpon in Boca Grande Pass from having more than three lines in the water at one time.
"I'm sorry, but I was just mistaken about which rules were in effect at the time," Meehan said in a press release issued Thursday by the commission.
Meehan was photographed Monday morning, fishing from a boat with four lines, in the pass off the southern tip of Gasparilla Island. He could not be reached for comment Thursday, and it was not clear what, if any, penalty he might face.
"It just sends a clear signal to us that he doesn't care," said Mark Futch, a director of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association.
"Yesterday it was like the Rush Limbaugh show, everybody was so pissed off about it," said Futch, who said the marine radios used by local fishermen have been abuzz all week with talk of Meehan's violation.
Meehan and the commission's six other governor-appointed commissioners approved the three-line rule in February. In April, it was replaced by one that applies to all fishermen, not just those fishing for tarpon. The new rule takes effect July 1.
Under either rule, a boat fishing for tarpon with four lines would be in violation.
The pass is a premiere tarpon fishing spot that is packed with boats every April, May and June. But it also has been the center of controversy in recent years.
Fishermen who use live bait complain that those who use artificial lures called jigs have caused a decline in the tarpon population.
Boca Grande fishing guides, who traditionally fish with live bait, had lobbied for the three-line rule as a means of limiting the use of jigs.
"There is enough controversy going on with the jig fishers and live-baiters that we don't need to be adding any more fuel to this fire," said Cappy Joiner, president of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association.
"We have a serious problem in the pass. We're losing this fishery and we just aren't getting any help," said Futch, who saw Meehan on the boat Monday.
But Pat Kelly, president of the Florida Guides Association, which opposed the rules and supports the use of jigs, said Meehan is caught in the middle of a turf battle and that "he has always been a solid person in this whole conservation effort."
Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto defended Meehan in a statement released Thursday.
"He is a man with extremely high regard for sportsman ethics, and I know he would never knowingly violate a fish and wildlife regulation," Barreto said.