I had the opportunity to fish for tarpon out of Flamingo and the gulf this spring. The weather and water temps didn't co-operate but the guide was excellent and was well versed in the fishery, and wildlife. I have bone fished in the Bahamas and tarpon and bones in Belize and all have been excellent adventures. I am a Board member for a local chapter of TU in Idaho, retired from the Idaho Fish and game, then appointed by the Governor to serve on the Idaho Fish and Game for 8 years. I am a licensed fishing and white water guide on wilderness rivers in Idaho.
I support the actions of the guides who have resisted the tarpon tournaments in Florida. I have seen the effects on both fish and wildlife due to media attention, whether in print, television or the internet. Additional pressure on any species due to media attention, tends to reduce the survival of species we highlight. Add large prizes and cash, and the goal is to win, regardless of the impact to the species.
We are in a fight to recover Salmon and Steelhead in the upper reaches of the Salmon river in Idaho, where 4 dams on the Lower Snake river in Washington prevent the smolts (out going) to adults (returning to spawn), to meet the minimum federal standards for recovery. Smolt to adult returns do meet the Federal standards below the 4 dams.