Father's Day Friday

Jun 19, 2015
It's Father's Day weekend. And to celebrate, I'm tempted to jump into the Jeep and head for Louisiana. Not because I need to remind myself what oppressive humidity feels like, but to enjoy the breezes off the Gulf of Mexico and support Louisiana's injection of boots-on-the-ground common sense into the management of the Gulf's extremely healthy red snapper population.

Federal fisheries managers have closed all federal waters for red snapper- after an arbitrary 10-day recreational season. Most Gulf anglers and state fisheries managers know that's a closure decision more about power and politics than scientific fact.

It's also an economic hit on the recreational fishing industry that's been fighting to return management of the Gulf's fisheries to the states, absent some sudden development of solid scientific methodology.

On March 20, Louisiana's decided to take action on red snapper. They opened their state red snapper season to seven days a week until further notice . But they took another step that sent the federal managers into a hissy fit: they redefined the idea of "state boundary waters" to three marine leagues -or approximately nine miles offshore. Three times the federal definition.

Since Congress has yet to affirm that change, anglers are cautioned as follows:

"LDWF officials encourage fishermen to use caution and their own personal judgment when fishing beyond the three-mile boundary that is currently recognized as federal waters, as it is fully expected that federal agents will continue to enforce federal law.  Until U.S. Congress confirms Louisiana's action, the battle will continue over Louisiana's state water boundary."

Along with their declaration of a new definition of "state waters" they instituted a take limit -two fish of a minimum length of 16-inches per person- which won't negatively impact the red snapper population. But it has made federal fisheries managers less than happy. And their perceived usurpation of their authority will likely be reflected in a "vigorous" enforcement of federal boundaries - setting the stage for a showdown in Congress.

Obviously, Louisiana (and Florida, Texas, Alabama and Mississippi) believe they have the votes to get that change made in Congress.

The red snapper population in the Gulf of Mexico - according to the state fishery managers who live on the Gulf and take their jobs very seriously - isn't just healthy, it's booming. Artificial reefs along with the oil and gas rigs that dot the Gulf have reef species thriving.

In other words, be careful fishing outside that three-mile limit -despite the fact there are plenty of fish beyond the three mile boundary because the feds take their power very seriously.

Anglers are also required to have a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit in order to have red snapper, tuna, billfish, swordfish, amberjack, grouper snapper, hind, wahoo, cobia and dolphin (boy that sounds like quite a smorgasbord doesn't it?) unless you're under 16 years old for fishing on a paid-for-hire trip where the captain holds a permit.

The permit, FYI, is free and you can get it at:https://rolp.wlf.la.gov. That, and a valid Louisiana fishing license is all you need -although a confirmation number for a temporary (trip) license will work.

And as always, the notice about the red snapper fishery is concluded with the notice that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with "managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources". And in this instance, going contrary to the arbitrary federal closures isn't some sort of oddball decision made for political or bureaucratic reasons - like the federal closure.

Speaking of Father's Day...I've been blessed to be a father for more than three decades, but this is my first Father's Day in a new role: grandfather. Many of my friends have been in that role for quite some time, and they've all told me the same thing; you will love being a grandfather.

Having just spent a few days with the family, I just wanted to let all those old guys know they were exactly correct- it is decidedly different, but equally awesome privilege to be a grand dad.

But there's something about the change in status that's reassuring and disturbing.

As a grandfather, those "one day you'll understand...." comments that used to trigger eye rolls are now recalled by the new parents. I've found myself answering questions that recall our parenting experiences.

There really aren't owners manuals for infants and some of the sounds, gestures and other non-verbal cues they make are tough to decipher- unless you have prior parenting experience. So, you're once again granted the status of problem-solver you loved as a father.

At the same time...you're also forced to acknowledge your heretofore ignored status of patriarch of a clan. I've always joked that it took some time, but my kids and I are now officially the same age and can hang around together as friends.

The arrival of the first grandchild has knocked that idea right out of the park. Now, I'm realizing that the creaky joints, fading eyesight and nearly absent hearing aren't just signs of having had too-much fun, they're a sign of the fact that the best years -at least physically- are in the rear-view mirror. That's a bit unsettling.

The payoff is in the imagined smiles (probably gas) and other gestures of an eight-week old that has suddenly become the center of several universes. It's gotten me thinking that maybe this "old guy" thing isn't so bad after all.

So if you're around me and notice I'm somewhat more subdued or far less likely to bolt out to try the latest new gadget, gun or fishing device because I'm looking at something on my phone or tablet or computer, a word of warning: don't ask what I'm up to.

Not unless you want to look at several dozen pictures of a granddaughter.

So.....happy Father's Day to the dads...and an even happier Grand Father's Day to all my equally elderly pals.

--Jim Shepherd