A group of Northeast Florida fishermen is voicing frustration over what they call “cronyism” in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) permit system for red snapper fishing.

U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford, along with 22 fellow members of the House, sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Thursday to oppose the consideration of area closures and other decisions that would impact the red snapper seasons for recreational anglers in the South Atlantic.

Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) is giving anglers the opportunity to directly provide data and improve the management of red snapper in the South Atlantic ocean.

Thousands of anglers hit the waters Friday for their only opportunity to fish for Atlantic red snapper this year.

On Friday, 60 to 80 boater participants will take part in a one-day tournament to mark the Atlantic red snapper season.