Sen Jerry Tillman doesn't seem to care about saltwater rec fishermen

If any of you all watched the Net Effect documentary that WRAL produced and I posted on here you saw how politics were affecting efforts to rebuild flounder. It appears Sen Jerry Tillman from Randolph and Moore Counties took the place of Rep Bob Steinberg from Chowan County in representing the commercial fishermen. He pretty much said that if a vote was taken that would help rebuild flounder while hurting the commercial fishermen the Legislature would be watching and take care of it. He clarified it wasn't a threat but to me at least its hard to not interpret it as one. Not sure how many commercial flounder fishermen are in his district but sure seemed chummy with the folks in Nags Head.

It may not be just the commercial fisherman that would be a factor, but campaign donations that get the politicians' attention. It would make sense that the commercial fishermen would have PACs to target their special interests and "advise" politicians on proposed legislation.

Seek and ye shall find:

http://outerbanksvoice.com/2015/09/1...ics-fisheries/

N C Fisheries Association is a very very effective lobbying group on behalf of the commercial fishermen

Steinberg had at least one fish house owner outside of his district contributing to his campaign after he was telling folks he received no money from commercial fishing industry.

I think he went as far as to say the burden for recovery should be upon the recs. I could have misheard him but the transcript will be out eventually.

Fishing in NC is about a screwed as it can get! Salt or fresh water! Our govenor and the NC Wildlife Resources top the list!

Monk

What passed in the end should be good for the flounder....if it is allowed to stand and be implemented for the next few years until a more thorough amendment and regs are developed. The cuts will be tough for some but in my opinion, it was pay me now or pay me later. Hopefully by paying now the stock will come back faster and all sides can enjoy the bounty.

Jerry Tillman needs to stay home and look after the residents of Randolph and Moore counties.

Monk

I'm willing to bet there are more folks with recreational saltwater licenses then commercial licenses in those counties!

I don't support commercial fishing.. I catch my own. better because it is fresher and taken better care of.