The good news is that Florida sea trout are coming back.
The stock assessments show they've reached numbers that were set as goals when plans were made to better manage the fish.
But now the question becomes of what to do with the extra fish?
Commercial fishermen want a bigger take, and there are regulations proposed to that end, as we've told you. But according to a recent economic study, that's not the best idea.
According to data collected from Florida's Fish and Wildlife officials, recreational anglers spend up to $81 million chasing sea trout every year, whereas the commercial sector contributes roughly $300,000 to the state's economy, according to Saltwater Sportsman.
So, from an economic standpoint, what to do with the rebounded fishery should be a no-brainer. But of course there are no no-brainers in fisheries management. We told you about the proposals on the table, and they'll make a final decision November 16 at a meeting in Key Largo. – Rick Bach
A different kind of trout nearly tied a state record in Oklahoma, see why it was illegitimate.
