A tentative step in the right direction

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - Many local anglers are in agreement with the recent decision by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to pursue new game and sport fish designations. However, others think the announcement is nothing more than a drop in the bucket compared to the problems plaguing tarpon in our waters.

At the September 6 meeting in Tampa, more than a dozen people stood to give their opinion on how our fisheries could be made more stable. Several of them were well-known local anglers and researchers.

Two well-known rival groups were also in attendance. Capt. Tom McLaughlin, a local guide and founder of Save the Tarpon, and Joe Mercurio, vice president and general manager of the Professional Tarpon Tournament Series, both took the floor to speak with the FWC commission.

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