I grew up in South Florida as well.
On a visit not too long ago we went to one of the drift fishing docks. I hadn’t been to one in decades. I remembered them having dozens and dozens of fresh caught fish on display. This time, they had about 6.
“Not a very good day?” I asked.
“Actually, today was pretty good.” he replied.
I think years of overfishing are taking their toll.
They are back, big time!
The past conservation measures worked well and the snapper reproduce faster than most of us thought.
Meanwhile the politically incorrectly named "Jewfish" now known as the Goliath grouper used to be a rare sight, but now that they are only catch-and-release, they are everywhere.