outlaws

By voter approval, Amendment 3 to the Florida Constitution, passed in 1994, forever outlawed commercial 'net' fishing across the state. In an over zealous act by lobbyists working on behalf of the 'recreational' fisherman, many generational commercial fisherman and families lost their livelihood and their cultural / historical way of life. Back then I sympathized with them. I covered different story angles on this immediate fall-out for several different magazines, but the issue of over-fishing is a complicated one.

Today, in a few, nearly deserted fishing communities, there are families that still 'run' from the law. Normally, netting under the cover of darkness and knowing the percentages of getting caught - "netting" can still bring in a modest income.  So, it was a surprise today to see a 'mullet' skiff not far off the North bridge in broad daylight with at least 300 yards of 'gill' net set adrift. Wasn't long before the Sheriff Department showed up. At the risk of losing their boat, their equipment and multiple fines - and from a distance - I could see both fisherman firing-up a cigarette and - settin' about - hootin' & hollerin'.