FishingGeek Conservation articles

Gulf Grouper closures

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:49:00 -0400

Red grouper, Gag Grouper, and Black Grouper harvests will be prohibited in the Gulf of Mexico federal waters from February 15 until March 15. This closing applies to both the recreational and commercial harvest of these fish. Federal waters extend beyond 9 nautical miles offshore of Florida in the Gulf.

Commercial harvest of these fish in Gulf stat waters (inside the 9 nautical mile line) is also prohibited during this period. However, the recreated harvest will still be allowed in Gulf state waters, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, under the existing bag and size limits.

For further information, contact Lee Schlesinger (850-487-0554) at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Snook Season Closes in Florida

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:33:00 -0400

In the interest of protecting Florida's snook population, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) regulations state that snook harvest will be closed in the upcoming month.

Starting December 1, 2007, snook harvest in Florida's Gulf of Mexico, Everglades National Park and Monroe County, and will remain closed until March 1, 2008. For all other Florida waters, snook harvest closes December 15, 2007 and will remain closed until February 1, 2008.

Be sure to keep up to date with your state's fishing regulations.

Temporary No-Harvest on Black Bass at Rodman Reservoir

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:17:00 -0400

Starting Dec. 1, 2007, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will temporarily enact the "no-harvest" rule on all black bass caught from Rodman Reservoir in both Putnam and Marion counties. The temporary restriction comes during the highly anticipated drawdown which leaves the bass are more concentrated.

The "no-harvest" rule will go into effect 12:01a Dec. 1, 2007 and ends 12:01a Apr. 2008. This is the current schedule for this restriction, however, the rule could be recinded if the current conditions change.

With a "no-harvest" rule in effect, all black bass caught at Rodmans Reservoir must immediately be released back into the water. This means, you cannot put them in a livewell and/or stringer with the intention of later returning it back to the water.

These new restrictions comes during the Rodman Reservoir Drawdown Project which is proposed to begin from November 2007 through March 2008. The drawdown is an anticipated event for many fisherman. With water levels are lowered, resulting in fish in a more concentrated area. With Rodman Reservoir labeled as one of the top ten fishing lakes in the nation, you can expect a lot of fisherman to be out fishing within the next couple of weeks.

For more information about the new regulations, refer to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissions' website.

Rodman Reservoir Drawdown Project

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:14:00 -0400

There is no arguing that fact that Rodmans Reservoir is a sportsman paradise. There is plenty to do and see, from camping to world class fishing. However, its imperative that the ecological health of the reservoir is maintained to help improve recreational activities for many years to come.

To help mainain the ecological health of Rodmans Reservoir, the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) will periodically raise and/or lower water levels of the dam.

The drawdown has several environmental benefits. By raising/lowering the water levels, the surrounding acres of herbaceous plants are flooded, providing feeding gounds for waterfowl during the October/November months. Floating plants such as, hyacinths and pennyworts, will also be naturally "cleaned up" by the drawdown project.

There are many recreational benefits as well. Waterfowl and fish populations remain healthy which in-turn provides excellent bird watching and fishing opportunities. The area also includes hiking and riding trails near the Ocala National Forest and a beautiful campground with 39 campsites.

The Current 2007/2008 proppsed schedule is:

Proposed Fluctuation Schedule for 2007 - 2008

2007 October 1 - November 1 - begin surcharge to 20.0 feet NGVD
November 1 – November 15 - Lower from 20.0 to 18.0 feet NGVD
November 16 – begin formal drawdown phases from 18.0 feet NGVD
December 15 – arrive at 11.0 feet NGVD, dependent on inflow 2008
December 15 – March 1 – maintain water level at approximately 11.0 feet NGVD
March 1 - begin refill to 18.0 feet NGVD
By April 15 - arrive at 20.0 feet NGVD, dependent on inflows
By April 25 - bring level to ± 18.0 feet NGVD, dependent on conditions

Propsed Limits for Lake Okeechobee

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:41:00 -0400

A recent proposal by the Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has been made to two freshwater species on Lake Okeechobee. According the the FWC, the numbers of smaller Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie have decrease over the years.

With the recent samplings, the FWC is proposing to replace the existing 13-18 inch limit to a minimum size limit of 18 inches. This new change mean that anglers will not be allowed to take a largemouth bass less than 18 inches from Lake Okeechobee.

A limit may also be placed Black Crappie (speckled perch) by placing a 10 inch minimum size limit.

The FWC will be holding a two public meetings to explain the recent proposal and hear opinions from the pubilc. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 1830 at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office in Clewiston Florida. The Second meeting will be hled at the Okeechobee Civic Center on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 1830. If you would like to attend or get more information regarding this subject, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website.

Increase in Recreational Licenses

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:40:00 -0400

Starting October 1, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) will be increasing all recreational fishing (saltwater and frestwater) and hunting licensing fees.

It has been a few years since the last increase, 1989 (fishing) and 1979 (hunting), but with rising costs of general resources, law enforcement, and conservation programs, the increase has been needed for a while. The 07/08 fiscal revenues are down and with that, many programs are in danger of becoming extinct. One that certainly stands out is the reduction in law enforcement and restoration projects. However, according to the FWC, within a four year period, the license fee increase is expected to bring in a total of 10 million. This 10 million dollars is expected to offset a 12.5 million deficit by 2010.

Although there is an initial sting of a price increase, we can be assured that the monies collected from licensing fees will be used to increase conservation awareness and pay our law enforcement officers what they deserve.

Current and New Costs (effective October 1, 2007)

Florida Residents Type of License	Old Fee	New Fee
Annual freshwater fishing	$13.50	$17.00
Annual saltwater fishing	$13.50	$17.00
Annual hunting	$12.50	$17.00
Annual combo: Hunting, freshwater fishing	$23.50	$32.50
Annual combo: Fresh/saltwater fishing	$25.50	$32.50
Annual combo: Hunting, fresh/saltwater fishing	$35.50	$48.00
Annual sportsman’s	$72.50	$80.50
Annual gold sportsman’s	$88.50	$100.00
5-year freshwater fishing	$61.50	$79.00
5-year saltwater fishing	$61.50	$79.00
5-year hunting	$56.50	$79.00

Nonresidents Type of License	Old Fee	New Fee
3-day freshwater fishing	N/A	$17.00
7-day freshwater fishing	$16.50	$30.00
3-day saltwater fishing	$6.50	$17.00
7-day saltwater fishing	$16.50	$30.00
Annual freshwater fishing	$31.50	$47.00
Annual saltwater fishing	$31.50	$47.00

New Snook Season, New Rules

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 08:37:00 -0400

Snook season is here again with some important changes. Starting September 1, several new snook regulations will be in effect. These rule changes are necassary for Florida's Fish and Wildlife Commission to achieve management goals and preserve the fisheries future.
Some of the new regulations include:

Slot limits of 28-32 inches in Atlantic and 28-33 inches in Florida's Gulf
One fish per person bag limit

Licensed saltwater anglers must purchase a $2 permit in order to harvest snook.
The snook season closes on December 1 for Gulf, Everglades, and Monroe county and will reopen again on March 1. In the Atlantic region, the season closes on December 15 and reopens February 1.

Class #9 of the Fish and Wildlife Commission

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:41:00 -0400

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is a state agency that is dedicated to preserving Florida’s natural resources. Although FWC officers have the authority to enforce all state laws, their main purpose is to ensure that the regulations to protect the waters and forests of Florida are adhered to. If you have ever been fishing or hunting in Florida, you have more than likely seen an FWC officer patrolling the areas making sure that licenses are current and that you are respecting the natural habitat for a variety of animals.

The 9^th Law Enforcement Officer Recruit Class was commissioned as officers for FWC on August 16, 2007, in Tallahassee, FL. There were 34 determined recruits that survived intense physical and academic training within 29 weeks to receive this honor. These men and women came from diverse backgrounds, but all maintained their desire to “patrol, protect, and preserve”, as the FWC motto goes. They have chosen to make a living out of something that they love and to assure that the Earth’s resources continue to be hospitable for the animals and are available to citizens to enjoy for years to come.

The choice to serve the public is not one to be taken lightly. The challenges included in just the training alone will eliminate those who do not truly desire to become an officer. Not only is the brutal, mid-summer heat of Florida enough to make some want to quit, the amount of “book-learning” compressed into 7 months is just as daunting. The recruits must pass 13 academic tests with a passing grade for each one. A failing grade on any test will eliminate a recruit from the program. In addition, recruits must demonstrate proficiency in physical fitness, defense tactics and driving, marksmanship, and even alligator handling, along with an aptitude for leadership.

Sitting in the audience at the graduation for these recruits, you can instantly see their determination and pride in becoming an FWC officer. Their sense of accomplishment was definitely earned, as their rigorous training and personal sacrifice could attest to. Their tenacity and desire to serve make them well qualified to become a state officer. The program screens for the best of the best and has successfully found 34 officers willing and certainly able to “patrol, protect, and preserve”.

What type of fishing license is required for brackish water?

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 21:27:00 -0400

In many locations there are areas where the freshwater and saltwater come together. Usually occurring in estuaries or river mouths, brackish water can hold many different types of fish. What is unclear however, is what type of license to do I need to fish in brackish water.

The answer to that question all depends on the species you are targeting. When fishing in brackish water, and targeting spotted seatrout, red drum, snook, or American shad, you will need to have a saltwater fishing license. On the other hand, targeting freshwater fish such as a largemouth bass in brackish water will require a freshwater fishing license. You should not or attempt to possess any saltwater fish if you do not have a saltwater fishing license. Likewise, you should not take a freshwater fish without a freshwater fishing license.

As always, you are responsible for learning fishing regulations for your state

Catch and Release Techniques

Wed, 09 May 2007 20:28:00 -0400

Handling a fish may seem like a simple task, however, depending on your methods of doing this could determine life or death for the fish. Physiological stress and exhaustion can take a serious toll on a fish's ability to recover. As more people are enjoying fishing, catch and release has become increasingly important. The following techniques can increase a fishes chances of survival

Choose the correct tackle:

Fighting a fish to the point of exhaustion depletes a fishes energy, resulting in a change in its bodys metabolism. By using appropriate line strength, rod and reels, etc. and bringing the fish in as soon as possible can increase its chance of survival.

Hooks:

Artificial baits are usually in motion, so a fish usually will not have a chance to swallow it before the hook is set. Most of the time, live baits are swallow by the fish before the hook is set. Setting the hook after the bait is swallow is commonly referred to as, "gut hooking". If you do "gut hook" a fish, you can take measures minimize the damage already caused. Research has shown that rather than trying to remove the hook from the fish is to cut the line. Encapsulating is the healing process of tissue covering the hook. Even if the hook is left in the fish, some hooks today are less toxic and capable of being dissolved. Circle hooks are preferred because they reduce the chances of gut hooking and increase your hookup ratio.

Gaffs:

Gaffs are used to bring fish into the boat. Never gaff a fish if you do not plan on keeping the it. Nets are stronger these days, and are capable of releasing a fish unharmed.

Quickly return to the water:

Many times you will see pictures in magazines or on the televsion of people hoisting a large fish out of the water by the lower jaw. Unknown to many, this can do ireperable damage to the fish. The lower jaw on a fish is called then, "isthmus" a cartilaginous bundle of ligaments connecting the head to the body. If the "isthmus" is damaged, the fish will not be able to eat, resulting in a slow death. Also, never lift a fish by the gills if you are not planning on keeping it. The gills are delicate structures used for breathing and special care should be taken to minimize damage.

Venting disented gas bladders:

Most fish caught from very deep water may need to be "vented" before releasing. As the fish is pulled from the deep waters, the change in pressure may cause the swim bladder to bulge outward. You may have seen this where the bladder is bulging out of the fish's mouth. The swim bladder gives the fish bouyancy which helps the fish conserve energy. To properly "vent" a fish, you can use a venting device which is like a needle that will release the trapped air.

Catch and Release Guidelines

Wet your hands or use a towel before handling fish. Most fish have a mucus layer covering their body which helps prevent infection. By wetting your hands you leave the "slime" on the fish.
Don't let the fish take your bait before setting the hook. Letting a fish swim off with the bait increases the probablity that it will swallow it. When you set a hook after the fish as swallowed the bait, you end up "gut hooking" the fish. Gut hooking causes damage to the fish's internal organs.
It is critical to get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible. Stronger tackle and heavier lines allow you to land the fish rapidly. Landing the fish more rapidly is safer and will less likely cause any complications affecting survival after the fish is released.
When reviving a fish, holding onto the tail and move the fish back and forth in the water. This technique will run water through the gills of the fish letting oxygen back into its blood. Take a picture of the fish in the water and release it.
When possible, leave the fish in the water when removing the hook.
Decide whether you are going to keep the fish before you take it from the water. Never take a fish from your live well to replace with another. Once released from the live well, the chances of survival are slim.
Use a de-hooking device to remove a hook from a fish. These tools will reduce the damage that may be caused by trying to remove the hook by hand.