09-06-2003, 08:47 PM
Hey there guys,
I've already posted something on the California board but I thought I'd address a similar topic here too. I'm going to try to get the California sheephead designated the Official State Ocean Sportfish. The Garibaldi is the state fish but it doesn't reflect the large tourist/sportfishing industry here in southern cal. It's a large, deep red tropical fish that grows to 14 inches and is cute.
Do you know if your state has an official state marine fish species? Did you realize that only 13 of the 24 states bordering on the ocean (or have catchable species in close proximity to the ocean) have them. Ya ya so what! you say. ha ha The Mississippi don't count by the time it gets up too far! Nor does the waterway to Kansas. ha ha
For freshwater, both Hawaii and Massachusetts don't have official state fish species. Some states like Alaska and Washington have the King Salmon and Steelhead respectively represent both fresh and saltwater state fish. Vermont is interesting as they don't have a saltwater fish as they divide their species by coldwater and warmwater species. Last but not least, both South Carolina and North Carolina have chosen fish species that can flourish in brackish waters.
What species for what state would you like to become the official state sportfish? What species would you like to become the state fish in your state?
For California, the Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, Callico Bass, and the California Halibut are also strong contenders.
So... If, like me, you've got too much free time on your hands, this project may be something you consider to be rewarding unto itself to take on for your state. There might even be a small niche business opprotunity there too.
JapanRon
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