history of the saltwater sport fishing industry in Florida

The sport fishing industry is a very important part of South Florida's lifestyle and economy. This thesis explore that industry, from its beginnings in the not too distant past to the current condition of the industry and the fishery which exists because of it. The thesis shows how the discovery of the fishery in South Florida was the call for thousands of fisherman from the north and from Europe. The "Golden Years" of the industry are shown through the writings and adventures of some of the greatest anglers in the world, such as Ernest Hemingway, Philip Wylie, and Michael Lerner. Conversely, the successes of those anglers and the waste of fishery resources, along with the man's meddling with the environment, will be explored. The thesis documents how the fishery and the industry may be saved from certain ruin through new laws and the application of common sense by all involved.