David:
Perhaps a dumb question, but keep in mind that I'm an "inlander."
What kind of fish, and for whom do fish spotters spot? Is this a cottage industry for commercial pilots who own 150s?
Thanks.
Typically the big one here is menhaden, Omega Protien contracts the spotters to find them - used for fish oil, makeup, protein base, etc.(Google Omega Menhaden for more) - the schools are easily spotted from a plane and then the purse boats are radioed to them. They also use them for tuna as stated earlier - by the way - a giant sushi grade tuna can be worth as much as $80,000.00 for one fish - and many of the "upper end" charter boats do pay significant finders fees when on commertial or just party type trips.... For some of those captains if they land a money fish while on a charter, the captain claims the fish, comps the charter fees of 700 - 1200 dollars for the day, and pays for his boat with the fish. It is however a tough job as many of the Captains go 2 or 3 years without catching a big $ fish. You can always tell who did catch one though, usually drives a new truck...
Dave
