In addition to closing snook season until September, effective immediately, the harvest of tarpon and bonefish is suspended until April in response to the cold-weather effects on fisheries statewide. This will impact Keys anglers most, as the majority of tarpon and bonefish activity is in South Florida and the Keys.
Also, the State of Florida has suspended bag limits and harvest methods for all species of saltwater fish killed by exposure to cold weather. From myfwc.com:
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Posted by: tedlund | January 16, 2010
Florida Also Closes Tarpon, Bonefish Harvest and Suspends Certain Fisheries Regulations
Posted in Announcements, Conservation, Fishing News, Fishing Regulations | Tags: bonefish, dead fish, extreme cold weather, fish kills, snook, tarpon
Posted by: tedlund | January 16, 2010
Florida Kills Snook Season
In response to recent fish kills caused by extreme cold weather throughout the linesiders range, Florida wildlife officials have decided to cancel snook season for the first time in the 10-year history of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife commission. From the St. Pete Times: Read More…
Posted in Announcements, Conservation, Fishing Regulations | Tags: fish kills, florida, seasons, snook
Posted by: tedlund | January 16, 2010
Fish Kill Takes Toll on Lower Florida Keys
Juvenile sea turtle rescued by the author, stunned by recent cold water temperatures off Key West, Florida.
Following are some images of fish that were recovered and a juvenile sea turtle that was rescued by my girlfriend and I yesterday (Jan. 15). So far, we’ve recorded 47 distinct species of fish, turtles and marine invertebrates stunned and/or killed by the drop in mercury. Please bear in mind, it is illegal to possess a sea turtle, as they are an endangered species; if I hadn’t rescued this one, it would have been even more endangered. I immediately notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, who put me in touch with folks at Turtle Rescue and the National Marine Sanctuary who then came and took possession of the reptile.
As bad as things appear in Key West, the Upper Keys were hit even harder. In talking to my friend and fellow guide Rusty Albury in Islamorada, hundreds of bonefish (from 1 pound to 10.5 pounds) sea turtles, snook, redfish and other economically important species were killed. A group of Islamorada guides rescued 17 sea turtles that were near death and reported many more that appeared dead were stranded on various keys throughout the area.
A selection of more than a dozen species of game and tropical fish found dead or dying by the author.
These images are the results of the third coldest weather ever recorded in the Florida Keys, where water temperatures in Key West dipped below 60 degrees for several days.
We’re heading back out again to scout around, but so far, here’s a list of species we’ve seen killed by the weather:
1. Angelfish, Blue
2. Angelfish, Grey
3. Angelfish, Queen
4. Anglefish, French
5. Balao
6. Ballyhoo
7. Barracuda
8. Bonefish
9. Cottonwick
10. Crab, Blue
11. Crab, Blueleg Hermit
12. Crab, Rock
13. Crab, Stone
14. Crab, Swimming
15. Damselfish, Dusky
16. Eel, Green Moray
17. Eels, Goldentail Moray
18. Grouper, Black
19. Grouper, Red
20. Grunt, Blue striped
21. Grunt, French
22. Grunt, Yellow
23. Lobster, Spiny
24. Long-Horned Cowfish
25. Mullet, silver
26. Octopus, Carribbean Reef
27. Parrotfish, bicolor
28. Parrotfish, Midnight
29. Parrotfish, Stoplight
30. Permit
31. Pinfish
32. Porkfish
33. Puffer, Porcupine
34. Puffer, Southern
35. Sardine Scaled (razor belly pilchard)
36. Sardine, Lesser (Sand Key pilchard)
37. Shrimp, Longtail grass
38. Shrimp, Peppermint
39. Shrimp, Snapping
40. Snapper, Hog
41. Snapper, Lane
42. Snapper, Mangrove
43. Snapper, Mutton
44. Snapper, Schoolmaster
45. Trunkfish
46. Turtle, Kemps-Ridley
47. Urchin, Reef
A large mutton snapper killed by recent cold weather off Key West.
Cold-stunned bonefish have been reported from Key Largo to Key West.
Several more muttons recovered from the cold.
Posted in Announcements, Conservation, Fishing News, Uncategorized | Tags: bonefish, cold snap, cold weather, Fish kill, Florida Keys, gamefish, grouper, Key West, permit, snapper, tropical fish, turtle
Posted by: tedlund | January 9, 2010
Long-liners want trap-ban lifted
The Gulf Fisheries Council is holding a meeting for public input on reintroducing fish traps in the Gulf of Mexico. This is a signifcant threat to our fishing here in the Florida Keys, and anybody that feels strongly about it is encouraged to attend the meeting at the Harvey Government Center on Jan. 11 beginning at 6 pm in Key West. From the Key West Citizen
Read More…
Posted in Announcements, Conservation, Fishing News, Fishing Regulations | Tags: bottom fish, bottom fishing, Conservation, Fish traps, Fishing Technique, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, grouper, Gulf Fisheries Council, gulf of mexico, Key West, long lining, National Marine Fisheries Service, NMFS, snapper
Posted by: tedlund | January 9, 2010
IGFA Approves Largemouth All-Tackle Record
Freshwater fishing’s “Holy Grail” now has dual holders; 22 lb 4 oz bass caught by Japan’s Manabu Kurita matches IGFA record held for 77 years by Georgia’s George Perry
Read More…
Posted in Conservation, Fishing News, World Record | Tags: IGFA, International Game Fish Association
Posted by: tedlund | January 8, 2010
IGFA to Rule on Possible Record Largemouth Bass Today
The International Game Fish Associaiton is expected to release its decision on what may be the most significant record application in recent history.
On July 2, 2009 bass enthusiast, Manabu Kurita landed a 22 lb 4 oz largemouth bass from Japan’s Lake Biwa. This catch is eligible to tie the nearly 78 year old All-Tackle record caught in 1932 by George Perry.
Over the last five months, IGFA has been engaged in collecting a considerable amount of information and testimony from the angler, fisheries authorities and representatives from our sister organization, the Japan Game Fish Association.
Today (January 8, 2010) at 1:30 p.m. ET, IGFA will announce its decision, which will also be televised live by Bassmaster.com. Visit www.igfa.org for all the details.
Posted in Announcements, Conservation, Fishing News, World Record | Tags: bass, IGFA, International Game Fish Association
Posted by: tedlund | January 8, 2010
Loran C Signal To Be Terminated
This just in from the United States Coast Guard:
United States Coast Guard Headquarters
Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship
Washington, DC
January 7, 2010
SAFETY ALERT 01-10
TERMINATION OF THE LORAN-C SIGNAL
Consistent with the Administration’s pledge to eliminate unnecessary Federal programs and systems, the USCG broadcast of the Loran-C signal is going to be terminated.
Federal broadcast of the Loran-C signal will cease at 2000Z on 08 February 2010 with some exceptions, including the following five sites that are bound by bi-lateral agreements with either Canada (Caribou, ME; George, WA; Nantucket, MA; Shoal Cove, AK) or the Russian Federation (Attu, AK).
Mariners or other users of Loran-C are encouraged to shift to GPS navigation and plotting systems as soon as possible and not later than the termination date.
Questions regarding the information presented in this alert may be addressed to Bill Cairns of the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters e-Navigation Division at 202.372.1557 or William.R.Cairns@uscg.mil.
Posted in Announcements, Boating, Fishing News
Posted by: tedlund | November 17, 2009
NEW, COMPACT BATTERY SWITCHES SAVE SPACE ONBOARD
Bridges are often overcrowded with numerous controls, displays and electronics. Saving precious dashboard space, Perko offers a new line of compact, patented Battery Switches.
Ignition protected, these streamlined Battery Switches require 1/3 less area to mount than other switches and have the same footprint as the larger Perko models. Available in on/off disconnect and selector versions, they measure just 4-3/4″ in diameter and have a depth of only 1-7/8″.
With locking and non-locking models, the advanced Battery Switches provide new, smooth rotary action and popular, easy-to-identify 90° position rotation. Rated 315 continuous and 450 intermittent, they are designed for use with 12, 24 and 32V marine electrical systems.
Simple to install, these sleek, new Battery Switches from Perko have a suggested retail price under $50.
Perko has manufactured superior marine lights, hardware and other accessories for over 100 years. To meet upcoming EPA regulations, the company also offers state-of-the-art evaporative emissions control systems, including canisters, fuel system valves, fills, vents and caps.
Contact Perko, 16490 Northwest 13th Ave., Miami, FL 33169. 305-621-7575; Fax: 305-620-9978. sales@perko.com; www.perko.com.
Posted in Boating, New Boat Stuff, New Products
Posted by: tedlund | November 17, 2009
DON GURGIOLO SAILFISH CLASSIC
TOURNAMENT CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY DEC. 11-13
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Now part of the acclaimed Redbone at Large series of fishing tournaments, the 10th annual Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic is set for Friday through Sunday, Dec. 11-13, in Islamorada.
The tournament honors the late Captain Don Gurgiolo, a longtime friend of Redbone founders Gary and Susan Ellis, for his more than 50 years of fishing in the Florida Keys.
The weekend of sailfishing is to start with registration at 6 p.m. Friday at Marker 88 Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 88 bayside. Cocktails follow, and the captains meeting is set for 7:30 p.m.
Fishing on Saturday is scheduled to run from lines-in at 8 a.m. to lines-out at 4 p.m. A standings party is set for 5-7 p.m. at Wahoo’s Bar and Grill at Whale Harbor, MM 83.5 oceanside.
Sunday’s fishing runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. beachside cocktails at Marker 88 Restaurant and an awards dinner buffet at 7:30 p.m.
Boat teams compete in the all-release tournament, and the boat accumulating the most release points will be judged the winner. An individual tagging trophy is to be awarded for the most tagged sailfish.
Tournament winners qualify for the 2010 International Game Fish Association Offshore Championship, to be held in Islamorada.
Gurgiolo was one of the pioneers of sailfishing offshore with light tackle and live ballyhoo, the primary technique used today. He was captain of the Gonfishin’ charter boats until he retired and sold the Gonfishin’ V in 1995. The well-liked skipper died in 1999.
As with all Redbone tournaments, proceeds are to benefit research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a disease that attacks the lungs and immune system.
Tournament entry fee is $525 for the first angler aboard a vessel and $495 for each additional angler on that vessel. Up to four anglers can fish per boat.
For more information and registration, call Tammie Gurgiolo at (305) 852-9337 or e-mail fishnbully@msn.com.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at (305) 664-4503 or (800) 322-5397, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: tedlund | November 11, 2009
New Mesh Storage System Offers Plenty of Options
I can never have enough storage on my skiff or offshore center console. Finally, it looks like somebody came up with a solution that let’s me keep my glasses, iPhone and other important stuff close at hand, right next to the drink holder!
INNOVATIVE, MESH POUCHES OFFER ADDITIONAL STORAGE
Finding much-needed storage space aboard a boat can be challenging. Accon Marine’s Quick Store System offers extra pockets to keep small items safely stored while underway. Each pouch securely hooks onto the company’s Quick Release stainless steel drink holders.
Durable and breathable, the Quick Store System is constructed from water-repellent, vinyl-coated polyester mesh fabric. Its antimicrobial properties make it resistant to mold and mildew. The Quick Store System also features Sunbrella acrylic binding and UV-resistant thread. The products’ strapping utilizes polypropylene webbing.
Lightweight and low-maintenance, the system is effortless to clean and dries swiftly. Fast and easy to install, the Quick Store pouches simply require users to secure the hook and loop tab around the drink holder. Each stainless drink holder is mounted with two #10 screws and is easily removed by pulling back the release slide.
Single, double and triple pocket styles are available. The Quick Store System from Accon Marine has a starting retail price of $25.53.
Accon Marine manufactures a full line of innovative, stainless steel, flush-mounted deck hardware, including Pop-Up lights, lifting cleats and navigation lights. Based in Clearwater, Florida, the company is well-known for the high quality of its products.
Contact Accon Marine, 13665 Automobile Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33762. 727-572-9202; Fax: 727-572-7621. www.acconmarine.com.
Posted in Announcements, Boating, Gear and Equipment, New Boat Stuff, New Products | Tags: fishing, flats boats, flats fishing, New Products
