Then why did you say this:Originally Posted by Capt. Scott Hughes
"That is another problem with the jig fishing in the pass. A lot of these jig fishermen take their lack of [etiquette] and aggressive behavior outside the pass when the tarpon aren't in the pass. That scene that we were part of would have never happened 10-15 years ago. When i was a young guy, I respected the way that the older guys did it and learned the unwritten rules of tarpon fishing. Yeah, I got my butt chewed a few times but I learned form it and became a better tarpon fisherman and guide. "
The argument is about etiquette. In the pass and in the surrounding areas, by your own admission in this thread.
You are correct, they are not affected by jig fishing directly, but they are affected by the etiquette problems you pointed to as part of the problem. I argue etiquette problems are entirely the problem. We both agree they are problems, so why not try and solve them in one fell swoop?
They eat crabs every day I've ever fished in Boca Grande. Sure, sometimes whitebait or a threadfin (or lizardfish) works better, but I've had quite a bit of success down there using crabs 95% of the time, and it's the one bait that all the live bait captains I know never leave the dock without if given the chance during those three magic months. By the way, the only instance during that period that I've ever seen a tarpon absolutely refuse to eat a crab is up in the bay at night at the bridges -- why, I have no earthly idea.
According to you. I disagree, and I've given examples, multiple examples including one of your own, as to how the problem may not be solved by simply banning the jig.
And, by and in large, the 50/100' rule would solve that problem much more fairly, IMO.
Yet, oddly enough, peer pressure and learning from their mistakes hasn't worked to date, despite it being used for 30 years. By your own admission, and that of Andy, it's only getting worse.
Are you inferring I am lying? Please don't. I have witnesses to the behavior who I can ask to come on here and post if you'd like.
You can't see squat, but it is not hard to see the navigation lights of another boat from miles away, nor tell what type of boat it is once you get a few hundred yards away.
And the behavior continues far past 11PM. Those live bait boats (and myself and other fishermen) fish out there until virtually sunrise many nights.
And don't tell anyone, but those fish eat better at night than they do during the day, outside sunrise or hill tides, and there is far, far less boat traffic.
Maybe, but I wouldn't bet on it. My sense is they will continue to act as they always have -- as if the pass is their own -- and try to get everyone else to play by their rules (while ignoring the ones they want to ignore). Case in point -- this entire 30+ year old argument.
My use of the word "idiot" was inclusive of both "ignorant" and "knows better but doesn't care". But you're right, it wasn't a nice thing to say.
That said, I would argue there is a cure for it -- it's called the 50/100' rule. But because it doesn't get rid of those who come down to fish from the 813 and 727 area codes, it's thrown out. Because it doesn't stop the evil jig from being used, it gets dismissed. Because it doesn't put an immediate end to the PTTS, it is marginalized. Although it could solve the etiquette problem, and open up the morning fishery to the ones who are now forced out, it is argued to be stupid and unenforceable.
IMO, that's because you see the jig as the problem, when it really isn't. It is ******** acting like ******** that is the problem. It is the ignorant, just like you and I were at one time, that cause problems. And the problem is when one fisherman invades the personal space of another, and not necessarily or exclusively when they are fishing with a jig.
Because, just like you said...
"I really i don't care who is an A-hole as long i'm able to continue to catch tarpon."
That's all anyone wants, Scott.
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