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TimestampEnter your full nameemail addressCity, State, Zip CodeCheck all that applyComments
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4/16/2015 11:23:09Charles Manncharlesmann@paveselaw.comCape Coral, FL 33914Private Recreational AnglerFirst, as a response to the press release implying that Council action might be somewhat impacted by members of the public testifying that gag do not appear as abundant as indicated, I would provide my observations to the contrary. In SW Florida in the areas I have fished (consecutively over 15 years) gag has been as abundant as ever, and in larger sizes.

Further, it has been my experience with the council that anecdotal evidence of abundant fish stocks has had no impact on Council recommendations when the assessments show otherwise. Therefore, it would be discouraging to now see anecdotal evidence on the reverse situation to be found compelling.

The above notwithstanding, I would like to support Alternative 2 for 2015. While some of the alternatives cannot be implemented in 2015, Alternative 2 can be, particularly as delay has been experienced due to concerns over the 2014 red tide event that turned out to be unfounded.

Further, as a long term measure, I would support Alternative 4. Alternative 4 would seem to allow the most flexibility to allow harvest and monitor the ACT.
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4/29/2015 20:19:10Warner fosterjwkillntime@gmail.com32405Private Recreational AnglerHave no idea where NOAA came up with their belief that Gag Grouper are not over fished. Were I once caught Gag Grouper there are none. A lot of time and fuel was expended during the 2014 grouper season attempting to locate Gag Grouper. What we have noticed is an increase in the number of commercial boats fishing for Gag Grouper.. It is believed the commercial boats are depleting the Gag Grouper population. the commercial boats can stay on the good Grouper grounds for day at a time. There by depleting the the Grouper population in any given area. With the catch share system they keep all the different species of fish they catch.
Set a specific season for us recreational anglers.
Warner
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9/17/2015 19:42:22Paul Harbeckbarhopper51@yahoo.comGrand Island, Fl. 32735Private Recreational AnglerI believe that the minimum size limit for both Gag and Black Grouper on the Gulf side should remain at 22". It is much easier to catch either one on the Atlantic side and in Monroe County.
As far as the closures for both on the Gulf of Mexico, there should be at least an extension of the season because, I can only speak for my area, during Scallop season in the Big Bend area it is almost impossible to fish period. There is no way that an equal quota can be coming out of that area and I in 40 years have not caught a Black Grouper out of Homosassa or Crystal River.
Just my take. Thanks for the opportunity.
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9/17/2015 23:02:25Christopher L Beckgulfbeck@me.commilledgeville, Ga, 31061Private Recreational AnglerLeave the length at 22....there is no need to be consistent with the SAFMC. Two different waters, two different fisheries. Open the season in January and leave it alone unless the catch limits are met. Don't make it so complicated. You people have screwed up the fishery enough!

And finally, why listen to fishermen and not science when they tell you the stock is not recovering but the science says otherwise. You sure as hell don't listen to the fishermen when we tell you Red Snapper are recovering faster than your "science" indicates.
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9/18/2015 7:43:19Greg JohnsonGreger09@gmail.comBradenton fl 34221Private Recreational AnglerDo not increase the size limit of gag to 24 inches. Matching the Atlantic rules makes no sense, they are different fisheries. Plus the TAC is not being met. So this will exacerbate that issue. I propose keeping the size limit the same and opening session early then closing when TAC is met.
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9/18/2015 9:37:01leonard G Harrisfloridalen33950Private Recreational AnglerSet the Gulf Coast Gag & Black Grouper limit to 24inches and open the season Janary1 through December 31. Should the yearly recreational catch limit be reached prior to December 31 then close the season for Gag & Black Grouper.

This approach simplifies the rules for all recreational anglers, and leaves the grouper season open for the peak time for winter tourist visiting Southwest Florida

Leonard G Harris
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
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9/18/2015 9:53:50Tyler WalburnBeandip613@yahoo.comFl Private Recreational AnglerStop penalizing the recreational angler. Penalize the commercial fisherman. They have no right to be able to harvest more than I do. I know all you people care about is money
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9/30/2015 16:50:19WilliamCorbinBonita Springs, Fl 31434Private Recreational AnglerI believe the size should remain at 22". The season should be March 1 through the end of December.
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10/1/2015 11:50:22Charles B Brethauerbrady@corrpacksp.comPalmettoPrivate Recreational AnglerI have been supporting raising the size limit and keeping the season open longer for some time.
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10/7/2015 10:13:20Will Geraghtycaptwill@naplessportfishing.comNaples FL 34102Charter/Headboat For-HireCouncil,

I am in support of the following Frame Action To Modify Gag Catch Limits for the general betterment and stewardship of the fishery.

1) Action 1 Preferred Alt. 2
2) Action 2 Preferred Alt. 2

I also urge the Council to consider "Action 3 Alt, 3 Option 3A. This modification to the existing framework will allow the CFH fleet here in the southern zone of the Gulf access to the fishery as the current system or season is cumbersome. If not considered, I would be in support of Action 3 Preferred Alt. 2 as the CFH fleet would appreciate a species "grouper'" to target during the month of December as the month is important to the socioeconomic integrity of the fleet, marinas, tackle sales, fuel/bait sales, hotel occupancy etc. Having NO grouper species to target during a peak period is crippling.

Sincerely,

Captain Will Geraghty
F/V Grand Slam
Naples FL
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10/7/2015 18:33:42Brandon LawsonSurfgoo311@aol.comNaples, Fl 34120Charter/Headboat For-HireCouncil,
As a captain of a federal permitted boat for hire I think that action 1 which is no action take place and gag grouper remain 22" Tl but the season run January 1st till the ACT is met. Thanks
Capt. B
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OtherOtherOtherOtherOtherhttps://drive.google.com/open?id=1Pcwni7-vIB5CFxAh1-QvGHx1MCJJqY2X
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