Surveys

[Captain Rich]

When I chartered out of NJ, I had to fill out a State trip log about every trip. I also could be interviewed at the dock, which would automatically trigger a confirming phone call. If I was really unlucky, I would also get a form in the mail from a company based out of Mississippi called "For Hire Survey" which would ask some very basic questions, how many anglers, where did we fish, what were the target species. Nothing of substance such as what did we keep, what did we release, nothing that might help fishery management, paid of course by your tax dollars. Bottom line, that one trip could have four reports written about it. You ever wonder how recreation catch is over estimated ??

Fast forward, I move the boat to Florida. Here I have to carry Federal permits to charter and each trip has to be logged in by computer. These reports are very detailed, very invasive. How many fish kept, how many released, what types, what did the charter cost, how much fuel did I burn, cost of fuel ? I want to fish so I play the game. All of a sudden, For Hire Survey pops up, calling me when I'm fishing, calling at night. It came to a head when a young lady with a Connecticut phone number working for a Mississippi company, told me she was from FWC (Florida Wildlife Commission). I didn't call her a liar but I did tell her that because I fill out Federal forms that are much more detailed and accurate, I'm not filling out their form. Where is DOGE when you need it ? Last trip a young lady wearing a FWC t-shirt skipped down my dock with a measuring board in her hand while I was settling up the finances with the charter. My most excellent mate told her I was having a bad day and she probably shouldn't bother me. She slunk off before we started unloading the catch and I didn't have to deal with her. The level of over reporting of recreational catches is mind blowing and we the tax payers fund the organizations that keep us from fishing. My rant is over.