Dear Legislators Name Here,

I would like to thank you for your commitment to this state with your service as a legislator as well as address a topic with you that is of great importance. I am writing to you as a concerned recreational angler pledging my support in favor of the NC Coastal Gamefish Bill. As an avid angler, outdoorsman and voter it is important at this crossroads in our lives to take action to promote a better future for our fisheries on behalf of all North Carolina citizens.

Having fished in our neighboring states, which have all adopted gamefish status for economically viable species, it is apparent that North Carolina's public resources are lacking the preservation needed to promote a self sustaining renewable resource as compared to states like South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Texas. The hard working citizens of this state deserve more opportunity, hope and respect with regard to the sustainability of our resources which is the future of our coastal economies, i.e. sustainable tourism. I would like to remind you that combined the indirect as well as direct expenses of recreational anglers contribute over a billion dollars in the form of charter fees, tackle, gas, bed taxes, vacation property sales, boat repairs, restaurant meals and many more stimuli to the economy.

Gamefish status for Redfish, Spotted Sea Trout and Striped Bass not only protects these fish for the best use of the resource from an economic standpoint; it sends a clear message to every person interested in spending their tourism dollars in NC that we value our resource and the people that use it. One need only to look at states such as Florida and Louisiana to determine that you can have gamefish protective status and still maintain a thriving and sustainable commercial fishery. This resource is a public trust which you are charged with preserving, protecting and enhancing for ALL citizens.

It is time to make the right choice, vote YES on the Coastal Gamefish Bill.

Sincerely,