‘Catch and Release’ topic at Matlacha Civic
The Matlacha Civic Association met last Wednesday in the Arts building in Matlacha Park for a talk about “Catch and Release” fishing by Joy Hazell from the Florida Sea Grant, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program that supports research, education and extension to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Florida.
One focus area is the wise use of Florida’s fisheries resources. Saltwater fishing in Florida generates $6 billion in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs. However, because of stock depletions, recreational fishermen have faced increasingly stringent fishing regulations and must release large numbers of fish.
“A part of my job is extending University of Florida services out into the community,” Hazell said. “Fishing is important because on the state level fishing brings in $6 billion in revenue. Our offshore artificial reefs in Lee County alone bring in more than $56 million into our local economy.
“Many people who fish will release either some, and in a few cases, all of the fish they catch,” Hazell said. “That’s why knowing about releasing fish is so important. In some cases the discard mortality rate is low but it can be as high as 100 percent depending on the species of fish. By educating fishermen we can reduce that mortality rate.
“Everyone that fishes has dropped a fish,” Hazell said. “Then when we are trying to get the hook out we might drop the fish again. When you finally do get the hook out and release the fish, it will swim away and you’ll think the fish is OK. But you’ve done a lot to the fish and even though it swims away it may die. Knowing the best way to handle fish is vital to the fish survival rate.
“One of the best precautions is to be sure your hands are wet and always hold the fish with both hands,” Hazell said. “If your hands are dry or you wear gloves or use a towel, you will remove the slime from the fish. That slime is a protective layer for the fish and removing it increases the mortality rate for that fish.”
Hazell demonstrated that fishermen need to support the body of the fish and keep it horizontal and to release the fish as quickly as possible.
“If possible keep the fish in the water,” Hazell said. “For every 30 seconds the fish is out of the water it takes 2 hours for cardiac recovery.”
There are a few tools fishermen can use.
“A great way to take fish out of the water is rubberized nets,” Hazell said. “There are also de-hooking tools and pliers. One other solution is circle hooks. Circle Hooks became popular with commercial fishermen because they are more likely to hook in the jaw, are easier to remove and, rarely swallowed.
“The best thing you can do when a fish swallows the hook is to cut the line as close to the mouth as possible.”
Hazell then fielded questions from the people in audience.
Q. “What percentage of fish that are caught and released survive?”
A. “It depends on the species. The Rockfish species is a deep water species and we think they have a 100 mortality rate. Snook and tarpon are also susceptible to post release mortality.”
Q. “Does Fish and Wildlife have any control over fish farms?”
A. “No, the Florida Department of Agriculture oversees those land based operations.”
Q. “What do you know about the smalltooth sawfish?”
A. “They can be very large up to 6 to 8 feet. They are endangered in our area and are much smaller in this area.”
Q. “How can I keep up to date on the ever changing fishing regulations?”
A. “There is a digital version of the regulations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife website. But the best way to keep informed about the regulations of to receive their emails that will keep you up to date when they change.”
The intent of Florida Sea Grant’s fisheries extension program is to reduce discard mortality of fish that are caught and released. Florida Sea Grant provides research and information to help recreational fishermen learn sustainable fishing practices.
For additional information about the Florida Sea Grant research, education and extension programs, visit the Florida Sea Grant website at: www.flseagrant.org/?