A shark fisherman's 2009 wish list

2008 will be a year to remember with the world wide economic dive affecting everyone in one way or another i can't help but wish for peace and stability for this insecure crazy world we live in.Hopefully in 2009 the new administration will enact legislation to put an end to the abuses,and lack of oversight that lead to this economic mess we are currently navigating through.An end to the war ,more jobs for Americans,universal healthcare and a goverment that truly cares about it's citizens well being is what i would like to see for this coming year.

1)As far as my wishes for us the land-based shark fisherman i would like to see more and bigger sharks of course and that might mean pushing for an end to the commercial long line fleets of the world that are most definetly impacting the coastal shark populations.

2)More unity and less hating and bashing by other land-based shark fisherman.Whether you choose to catch and release ,or catch and eat your shark your decision as to what you want to do with your shark should be respected and not the target of criticizim.

3)Respect and recognition for our sport from the rest of the fishing community.We should be recognized as big game anglers even if we don't own a 45 foot sport fishing boat.Our sport requires skill,planning and much determination that should be respected.

4)Securing 24 hour access to our local beaches and limiting development on the waterfront to provide spaces on the beach for the non affluent general public.We are losing our public beaches to big money developers and it is up to our local and state goverments to balance development with the needs of the general public.

Now my less serious wishes for the land-based shark fisherman
1)A return of the giant schools of bait fish we used to see on the beach pretty much year around.Those schools of baitfish bring in all sorts of hungry sharks to feed.
2)MORE bait at the local fishing docks to buy from the mates.
3)More old school hard core shark fisherman unafraid to weigh a huge shark
4)Better prices for our shark fishing tackle-shark hooks,fishing line,swivels,etc etc,etc
5)The return of the popularity of the shark tournament,,,,even if it means a catch and release format
6)The reconstruction of fishing piers destroyed by hurricanes of the past
7)Ice that won't melt so fast
8)A hat big enough to keep my whole body out of the sun but won't blow away in the wind.
9)Bait that won't rot in the back of the truck
10)Sharks big enough to make me lose the 15 pounds i want to shed
10)A wife that won't complain because i fish too much

What do you wish for in 2009?