I like the way you think 
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If you’re trying to keep a lid on it you know it’s “wrong”.
In a different, yet related note, I feel the push for “content” has put a lot of drones in the marsh.
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Hard to steer fish onto your line with a plane
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I haven’t fished them further west than Apalach. So I’m not sure how busy Pensacola is with boat traffic. But I could not imagine the havoc that would occur if someone in Tampa got wind of this and tried it off a busy beach here.
I had fish coming about 5 feet from the beach out of a cut the other day. After a really nice chat with a snook fisherman that walked up to fish behind me we agreed that he wouldn’t bother the tarpon I’d been sitting and fishing for 6+ hours. That conversation would not start near as well with a dude flying a mullet past me attached to a drone.
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I just can’t believe FWC hasn’t got in front of this.
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If screens aren’t bad enough on the road and in kids hands…
Between drones and the new forward sonar etc etc these days people are moving from fishing to being glued to screens on boats. Fish have less and less chances these days and the internet clout just keeps on pushing more people to it.
What ever happened to a push pole or trolling motor, and people stalking fish, not to mention putting down right work into learning the water.
Technology is only going to grow and it’ll be to late for restrictions to arrive. We have some now and people still post videos like above for views and nothing happens.
Technology is a double edged sword.
Vent done.
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In my mind it’s okay if the fish wins. I’ve learned a lot about tarpon fishing when the fish wins.
I don’t agree with drones for tarpon.
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Not only screens but they also wear full head sets/ goggles to watch the drone feed.
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Welcome aboard @Ironhead Glad to have you.
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Or drape a towel over their head so they can see the screen on sunny days…
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Yessir it’s very serious especially around airports and people.
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I’ve heard that between lead and drones, the drones are the sacrificial material.
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Welcome aboard @Capt_DCardelli Glad to have you join us, Captain.
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Thank you…looks like it could be interesting..
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A few thoughts about drones and our changing world…
One of my customers had a buddy who brought a drone aboard - not used for fishing - he was hoping to get some aerial shots the way TV shows do… A few thoughts from that experience… Whoever’s operating the drone probably won’t be fishing - it takes a bit of attention… This is not something I’ll ever consent to again unless I’m on someone else’s boat as a guest (and remember, nearly every aerial shot you see on a fishing show… was done with a drone…). They’re not for me at all - but I will say this… as far as technical innovation - if it can be done - it will be… The technology for the average angler simply isn’t advanced enough - but I can see, down the road, a day when the darned things auto-deploy and look after themselves while on station (hopefully long after I’m not around anymore..).
ps… if you pay attention to the news - these days in other parts of the world - drones are in daily use as killing machines in warfare - not to mention as surveillance gear for small units in the field… Like I said - if it can be done - it will be…
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Bob, I think the Park prohibits the use of drones (thankfully!).
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Droning, it’s what the guys on LI call it. It’s like using steroids to get bigger/stronger/faster. It’s cheating! That being said, droning is akin to fish finders/side scan etc….
I don’t use it, never did but I will use sonar when looking for structure. I use to anyway, don’t wreck fish or equivalent anymore .
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Enforcement is a big issue, not only in the park but in other restricted areas.
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I wasn’t aware droning was prohibited in certain areas, a good thing👍
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Update:
CCA Florida put me in touch with a senior FWC law enforcement officer. I spoke with him this morning.
Drones can be used to drop baits only, not to spot fish. Spotting fish by any aircraft (plane, helicopter or drones) is illegal in Florida. The stretch along Pensacola Beach is also regulated airspace due to the proximity to several area military bases.
FWC is going to contact the individuals to inform them of the laws, including fish handling. The officer is also going to request an outreach effort to educate the public/guides of the rules.
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