I am not someone who ever posts on this site... I read the reports and enjoy everything this site has to offer. This was not a thread I could avoid; it is just too important of an issue!

With that said, fishing is not my job or my livelihood, but it is my passion and my way of life. Fishing is in my blood. I am a fifth generation Tampa, Fl native and the most fond memories I have are of the times spent fishing in Tampa Bay and beyond with my Grandfather, Father, and Brother. Those experiences shaped me into the man I am today, and there is no question in my mind that I would be a different person if I didn't have all of those wonderful experiences on the water. Any free moment I have is spent with fishing on my mind. I spend every moment that I possibly can on the water and spend every extra penny that I have on fishing and everything related to it. I look forward to spending many days on the water with my children and passing on my love for the sport and the water to them so they can live the same fulfilled life that i have. If they don't get to experience these things then they will be deprived of some of the most valuable life experiences that one could have. We as fishermen need to speak up and make sure our voices are heard!

Patrick McGucken