TWO RIVERS, Wis. (NBC 26) -- A local fish company said the commercial fishing industry is declining.
Paul LeClair the president of Susie Q Fish Company said people might need to find a new favorite fish for the time being as the supply of perch is decreasing. He said he still has about two weeks of perch left. He said there is a lot of white fish available, though.
As for the commercial fishing industry, LeClair said there's a large decline. They used to fish 12 months out of the year but says now they only fish about seven or eight months out of they year, and typically not for a full five days.
"We used to be able to fish smelt, we used to be able to fish chubs, and whitefish. Now, the only fish we're able to fish are whitefish," added LeClair.
He said invasive species could be playing a big part in that.
"It's probably eventually going to be a thing of the past," LeClair said about the industry.
He added that it is hard work and there's not a lot of money in it. He also said not many young people are getting into it.
LeClair also said they started smoking fish to be more diverse and keep business moving.
