re: Is overfishing of menhaden a threat to speckled trout? Louisiana Sportsman

I have spent hours compiling research on bycatch, stock assessments, sport fish forage, and am now about half way done. I bet $500 that I will complete my response after I return from vacation next week.

I emailed the online Louisiana Sportsman Magazine and requested that I be allowed to offer a rebuttal on their article. I never received a response, and my internet account cannot be accessed.

I may have to post my response here or send it to you through email. Are you still on for a bet?

BTW, the only good thing that I can say about the University of Central Florida is that my wife is a graduate. She attended school there while I worked in Florida for a few years.

I am a retired marine fisheries biologist and am no longer employed, and will not gain financially from my response. I only solicited a bet because of your sarcastic response. I do not blame you for not believing my qualifications because you cannot believe everything you read on an internet forum. If I knew your email I could send you my resume with my educational background, professional resume, volunteer work, and publication list.

I apologize for my offering to bet and also for the derogatory comment about UCF, although I did enjoy seeing LSU beat them in 2019. I appreciate your offer to talk and have lunch and a beer afterwards next Tuesday in Baton Rouge, and would be willing to do so in the future if you really are interested in my view point based upon scientific data and sound fisheries management. I do not live in Baton Rouge plus I will be out of state next week visiting relatives.

Are you attending the LDWF Commission meeting because of the report on the gulf menhaden fishery?

Gold Jerry , pure gold