I am going to back Corey on this one. The Op Ed piece in question has actually gotten a disclaimer/ apology from the ESPN editor.
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/saltwater/columns/story?columnist=bowman_steve&id=4982359

I am currently reading the report in question and I feel it is safe to say that the whole thing was seriously blown out of proportion. If I find any evidence to the contrary I will be sure to update you all.

That being said, I do reserve my constitutional right to join a fishing militia. In fact, I nearly formed my own when someone mentioned "single barbless hooks only" near a local lake...