Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited Message from the Chairman BY TOM DAVIDSON, BTU CHAIR The past year has been a year of good progress for BTU. The joint venture between BTU, the state of Florida, and the University of Miami was finalized, and now exists as the Bonefish and Tarpon Research Center (BTRC). BTRC’s initial efforts will focus on establishing a web portal to increase sharing of knowledge on bonefish and tarpon, and facilitate communication between BTUsupported scientists and resource managers. BTRC will also take on and add to BTU’s work on creating a single library that houses all known information on bonefish and tarpon. Eventually, BTRC will also provide financial support for research of bonefish and tarpon ecology, and research related to stock enhancement/ hatchery. We are hopeful that BTRC can lead the way toward broadening the research coalition to southeastern and Gulf U.S. costal states, the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico. BTRC will also be a major supporter of the next Bonefish and Tarpon Symposium, scheduled for November 14 - 16, 2008, at IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, FL. The Symposium will be a great venue for BTRC to
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Vol. 5, No. 1
Welcome to the Bonefish & Tarpon January 2008 Newsletter. Following a long tradition, the January newsletter summarizes BTU’s progress in the previous year. We learned a lot in 2007, and are in a great position heading into 2008. This newsletter is also available on our web site (www.tarbone.org) as a pdf file.
broaden the research partner base, and to include bonefish and tarpon fisheries management. (See story below on the Symposium for more details.) We have just completed a year of substantially expanded research. With generous grants from foundations and private donors, in 2008 the University of Miami Tarpon Migration Patterns research project was able to implant 35 satellite tags in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The data from these tags is already revealing information on the extent of tarpon migrations in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Atlantic. Data from a fish tagged in Florida Bay , has given us some clues toward finding tarpon spawning locations, an important first step toward protecting this important phase of the life cycle. In other research, scientists continued to search for juvenile bonefish (we’re still unable to find them), started research to determine where bonefish spawn, and expand their examination of critical habitats for juvenile tarpon in Florida. BTU-sponsored research on the effects of catch-and-release fishing started in 2007, and will continue through 2008.
We are in the process of forming an Honorary Board of Directors of high profile salt water anglers who are willing to lend their name to the cause but don’t necessarily have the time to participate in South Florida-based active board meetings. We are most grateful to those that have signed on and will be publishing the full list of Honorary Board Members soon. If you would like to nominate an appropriate person for the Honorary Board, please let us know. Remember that our objective is to have more adult fish in the fisheries on a sustainable basis. To do this we need to understand all the dynamics of the fishery and the intricacies of the species life cycle. This type of effort is dependent on your continued and sustained support. We say thank you to all that have signed up for your 2008 dues and research commitment, and special thanks to those who have committed multi-year pledges of $1000 - $10,000. This is the back bone of our research funding base and is essential to achieving BTU’s mission. We will keep you advised as the year unfolds.
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Our Best Year Yet BY RUSS FISHER, VICE CHAIR & DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH Although we have done well before, 2007 was our best year of research yet, and 2008 looks to be even better. As BTU Chairman Tom Davidson mentioned in his column, a lot was learned from research projects in 2007. Here is a list of research projects that were ongoing in 2007, and will continue through 2008:
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Through continued use of satellite tags focused on the Keys, Florida Bay and Whitewater Bay, the spawning sites for Florida Tarpon will try to be identified. Dr. Shenker’s work on juvenile tarpon will continue with a focus on finding tarpon larvae and juveniles. The physiological effects of catch and release angling for tarpon are being studied to see how various handling techniques effect survival. The search for juvenile bonefish and their habitat in South Florida will continue. The Florida bonefish tagging program will continue to verify population dynamics and try to replicate the Bahamas migration of a Key Biscayne bonefish. Initial funding is being directed to finding bonefish spawning locations in several locations. The physiological effects of catch and release angling for bonefish will be studied to suggest how handling techniques might be improved to enhance survival. Initial efforts towards understanding the feasibility of bonefish culturing will begin. A long term project will begin to understand worldwide age / growth relationships and the building of a genetic database for bonefish.
As part of this last effort a group of anglers went to Mexico last spring with scientists to fish, collect fin clips, take measurements and collect otoliths (ear bones, used for aging fish). These types of trips (part of BTU’s Traveling Angler Program) are fun, educational and contribute to developing the world wide data base. If you have an interest in taking part in these trips please let us know, and we will match your group with a scientist. Perhaps the highlight of 2007 research (and this work will continue in 2008), is the work that has resulted the new brochure on Best Practices for Bonefish Catch and Release – the first such brochure for bonefish, and one of the few such brochures based entirely on research specific to the species. A team of scientists studying potential bonefish spawning sites in the Bahamas also conducted a study aimed at determining the best way to handle the fish for release and survival, and these results are summarized in the new brochure. There are a couple of findings that are worth emphasizing here.
Reduce Bonefish Exposure to Air Bass and some other fish aren’t as adversely effected by airtime as bonefish seem to be. Research shows that bonefish should not be exposed to air for more than 15 seconds. This may sound like a short amount of time, but our fishing practices can be modified to accommodate that. For example, have your camera ready and photo staged before you remove the fish from the water. Then, with wet
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hands a fish can be lifted, quickly photographed and returned easily within 15 seconds. Use barbless hooks. This reduces handling time, and barbless hooks can be removed without removing the fish from the water.
Be Efficient with Fight Time Although an exact fight time is difficult to specify because it varies with fish size and water temperature, it is safe to say that long fights on light line are harmful. A bonefish is a strong fighting, long running fish but with constant strong pressure most fish can be brought in before they become exhausted. Often, exhausted fish lose their equilibrium, which makes them 6 times more likely to not survive after release. In higher temperatures, reduce the fight time. We must recognize that record seeking on light lines puts the fish at risk of recovery. Records can be part of the fun but for the majority of our fishing we should respect the fish and try to minimize fight time, particularly as the water warms.
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To get a copy of the full brochure on Best Practices for Bonefish Catch and Release, go to our web site www.tarbone.org to download and print out your own copy. Or stop by your favorite saltwater tackle shop and pick one up. If they don’t carry the brochure, tell them to contact us and we’ll send some brochures to them.
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Partnerships Part of BTU’s strategy is to create partnerships to help get the word out. One of these new partnerships is with the web-based fly fishing community Fish and F ly ly. Fish and Fly is the Fly premiere fly fishing group in the United Kingdom. In addition, the head of Fish and Fly, Paul Sharman, frequently has articles published in fly fishing and fishing magazines. The Fish and Fly site has both public and member levels. The fly fishing content in the public section is great, but the member section provides even more fly fishing related content. Fish and Fly has offered BTU members a free 6month membership, with the option of joining as a full member after 6 months. To join, go to their web site (www.fishandfly,com) and type in “bonefish” as the code in the new member signup. Fish and Fly has already provided coverage of BTU, and will provide more coverage in 2008. In fact, Paul will be in Florida in late March to do a story on BTU. Part of BTU’s mission is to get the word out on bonefish and tarpon research and conservation, and this partnership is a great way to do that. BTU’s involvement in the Bonefish Tarpon Research Center continues to move the collaborative Center forward. The BTRC brings together BTU, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the University of Miami Rosensteil School for Marine and Atmospheric Science to organize, fund, and conduct research of bonefish and tarpon. This will further BTU’s goals by increasing our influence and bringing bonefish and tarpon research to the forefront of local, regional, and international attention. BTRC will be instrumental in organizing a management summit that will bring together fish resource managers from around the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to work toward
formulating regional research and management plans for bonefish and tarpon. BTRC will also help fund and organize the Bonefish and Tarpon Symposium in November 2008 (see below for details).
Mangrove Cay Club Stephen O’Brien, Jr. Redbone Tournament Series John Swan Turneffe Island Lodge BRONZE $5,000 – $9,000
BTU members interested in becoming even more involved in fisheries conservation and stewardship, especially those living in the midwestern states, should visit www.recycledfish.org to learn more about this group that is helping to build sustainable fisheries. They are mostly freshwater focused now, but will be helping out in the saltwater world soon. MEDIA PARTNERS Media Partners have provided coverage to BTU activities. American Angler Saltwater Fly Fishing Florida Fishing Weekly Florida Sportsman Fly Fishing in Salt Waters International Yachtsman The Key West Citizen Miami Herald Saltwater Sportsman Shallow Water Angler South Florida Sun-Sentinal Sportfishing Magazine Stafford Films STRATEGIC PARTNERS PLATINUM $50,000 or greater Avantair Frontiers International Ocean Reef Rod & Gun Club Outback Steakhouse Scout Boats GOLD $25,000 – $49,000
Andros Island Bonefish Club Angling Destinations The Angling Report Al Barnes Big Hole Lodge Bonefish Bay Club Tim Borski C.D. Clarke Columbia Sportswear Rod Crossman Fish Hawk Fly Shop Florida Keys Outfitters Golden Bear International Golfito Sailfish Rancho Grady-White Boats Grasshopper Lures Hawk’s Cay Resort Hotel Tierra Maya Liberty Embroidery & Screen Luther Hall Maverick Boats Moxey’s Lodge – Moxey’s Guest House & Bonefishing Lodge North Riding Point Bonefish Club Outdoor Travel, Inc. Raymond James & Associates Chet Reneson Rio Negro Lodge River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp Scott Rods Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Mike Stidham Sweetwater Travel Teton Valley Lodge Tropic Star Lodge U.S. Fly Millard Wells X-Caliber Rods
SILVER $10,000 – 24,000
RESEARCH PARTNERS Guides, Lodges and Shops can become Research Partners by supporting and/or participating in BTU’s research programs.
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Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge Flamingo Cay Rod and Gun Club
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Golfito Sailfish Rancho Pelican Bay Bonefishing Peace and Plenty Bonefish Lodge Turneffe Flats The Fly Shop Orvis Travel Cape Eleuthera Institute Carleton University Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Florida Institute of Technology Mote Marine Laboratory University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Worldwide SPortsman FOUNDATION PARTNERS Foundations can become Foundation Partners by supporting BTU research, education, and conservation programs by financial or in-kind support. Bullard Family Foundation Everglades Foundation Friends of Turneffe Atoll Lucille S. Thompson Family Foundation Sanctuary Friends Foundation of the Florida Keys
Research Programs BTU will be supporting the following research programs in 2008. As additional funds are obtained, these projects will be funded further and additional projects initiated. Check the News and Events section of the web site for project updates as they become available.
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Physiological effects of body size and catch-and-release angling in tarpon Movement and survivorship of adult and subadult tarpon Tracking local and long-distance movements of bonefish Identification of bonefish species in the recreational fishery Age and growth of bonefish in the Caribbean Assessment of juvenile bonefish habitat use Bonefish sex, where and when does spawning occur? Catch and release bonefish research: mortality and sublethal effects
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Aaron Adams Stu Apte Jerry Ault Tad Burke Jack Curlett Tom Davidson Chico Fernandez Russ Fisher Jeff Harkavy Bill Legg Sandy Moret Joel Shepherd Nelson Sims Paul Wingrove
A Pop-up Archival Transmitter (PAT) tag on a Tarpon.
OFFICERS Chairman – Tom Davidson Vice Chairman – Russ Fisher Tournament Committee Chairman – Paul Wingrove Director of Operations – Aaron Adams
Juvenile Bonefish Turneffe, Small. 4
Best of 2007 BTU is able to function because of the support of our members and special donors. As always, we send a heartfelt Thank You to all of our members and partners for their support. In addition, we take this opportunity to say a special Thank You with Best Of for 2007. Artist of the Year – Tim Borski (www.tborskiart.com) Strategic Partner of the Year – Patagonia (www.patagonia.com) Tim Borski and Patagonia partnered with BTU to generate funds to support research for the past two years. Borski donated art work for a bonefish t-shirt produced by Patagonia. Patagonia donated proceeds of the t-shirt sales to BTU to support research. In 2007, these funds supported research of juvenile tarpon in the Florida Everglades. To date, this partnership has resulted in over $30,000 raised for research. Donor of the Year – Baker Bishop Through the Lucille S. Thompson Family Foundation, Baker Bishop donated funds to support research of tarpon movement patters and take a step closer to determining where tarpon spawn. In conjunction with funds from an anonymous donor, 17 tarpon were tagged with satellite tags in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay – this was more than the total number of tarpon tagged for all of 2006. The results are summarized in the 2007 tarpon tagging report on our web site (www.tarbone.org).
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FOUNDING Teri Adams Fred Allen Teri Andrews Jim Anson Stu Apte* Dr. Jerry Ault Suzan Baker Lee Baker Matt Bell Marsha Bierman Jim Bokor Tim Borski Curtis Bostick Carlene Brennen Hank Brown Tad Burke Adolphus Busch IV* Henry Caimotto Jeff Cardenas Mark Castlow Billy Causey Don Causey Vaughn Cochran Joe Costello Andy Coetzee Jack Curlett Bill Curtis Larry Dahlberg John Davidson Tom Davidson,Sr.* Tom Davidson, Jr. Dr. John Dean Dave Denkert Dr. Michael Domeier Jim Donofrio John Donofrio Pat Dorsy Thomas L. Dupont Gary Ellis Bob Epstein Tom Evans, Jr. Dick Farmer*
MEMBERS Chico Fernandez* Manny Fernandez Russ Fisher* Susan Fitzgerald Frank Fowler Tom Gibson Curt Gowdy Doug Hannon Jeff Storm Harkavy* Dr. Guy Harvey Mina Hemingway George Hommell, Jr. Rick Howard Mitch Howell Dr. Robert Humston Tom James Paul Tudor Jones* Ted Juracsik Glenda Kelley Doug Kelly Amy Knowles Lefty Kreh Rupert Leadon Mike Leech Mike Locklear Alberto Madaria Tim Mahaffey Roger Martin Jeff McFadden Steve McGrath Gary Merriman Andy Mill Bruce Miller George Mitchell Sandy Moret Sue Moret* Johnny Morris Joel Moxey Rick Murphy Neal Myers* George R. Neugent Darrick Parker 5
Billy Pate* Kay Pearson Chris Poncon Dick Pope, Jr. Norman Rahming Tim Reed Bob Rich Mindy Rich Bill Rowley Rick Ruoff Ansil Saunders Dave Savage Bert Scherb Norman Schwarzkopf Joel Shepherd* Adelaide Skoglund* Steve Sloan Eddie Smith, Jr. Mike Smith* Mark Sosin Bob Sousa Roe Stamps* Steve Stanley John Squitero Paul Swacina Donna Teeney Jim Teeney Raiford Trask, III Joan Vernon Rufus Wakeman Millard Wells Raleigh Werking Christie Whitman Karl Wickstrom Dick Williams Bill Willson* Jeff “Gator” Wilson Buddy Wilton* E. Carlton Wilton, Jr.* Joan Salvato Wulff *LIFE SPONSOR
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On The Line in 2008 A special thanks to Barry Serviente for providing BTU a free booth at The Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ on the last weekend in January. BTU was able to sign up new members and gain additional support with companies in the fly fishing industry. The show was a great success for BTU. Traveling Angler Program Our Traveling Angler Program has made significant contributions to research, and we are using that success to expand the program. In 2008 we will be instituting three levels of the Traveling Angler Program: In Level I, we send fin clip kits with anglers going to bonefish and tarpon destinations. It’s an easy way for anglers to help with research. If you are interested in participating, please let us know and we’ll send you a fin clip kit. In Level II, anglers take along a scientist. This requires the assistance of lodges – in exchange for a minimum number of paying anglers (typically 5 – 7 anglers or more based on the lodges who have participated so far), the lodge covers the lodging, food, and guide costs for the scientist. The anglers can participate in the research as much or as little as they want. The scientist gets the chance to do some much needed research (such as collect genetic samples from bonefish or tarpon, collect a couple bonefish for age analysis, tag bonefish or tarpon, and train the lodge staff on collection techniques). The scientist will also give talks on bonefish or tarpon biology and research a couple evenings during the trip and fish with participating anglers. We are in talks with fishing travel agencies with the hope that they will offer these trips as one of their fishing travel packages. Stay tuned. Level III of the Traveling Angler Program is operated in conjunction
with BTU’s partner Core Angling. These are all-inclusive, fishing/research immersion excursions that offer anglers the chance to learn about and contribute to bonefish research, conservation, and biology in a handson way. Contact Core Angling (www.coreangling.com) for more details. Fly Fishers National Fly Expo March 28-30, 2008 Lakeland, Florida Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited will have a booth at the Federation of Fly Fishers National Fly Expo. This is another great example of BTU partnering with other organizations interested in gamefish conservation. Please stop by the booth. For more information – www.nationalflyexpo.com.
Aaron J. Adams, Ph.D., Director of Operations and Research, Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited. The Orvis Pro-Am Bonefish Classic June 8 – 14, 2008 Pelican Bay, Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas This is a great opportunity for anglers of all skill levels to participate in important research while enjoying educational seminars, guided flats fishing and special events with some of the World’s most knowledgeable professional fly anglers. Proceeds from this trip will go to help Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited conduct valuable research and education programs, ensuring that bonefish will be on the flats for many years to come. An important part of the research 6
includes collecting fin clippings for genetic analysis and tagging fish to learn more about their life cycle and migration patterns. Participating anglers will work closely with Aaron J. Adams, Ph.D., Director of Operations and Research, Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited. You will help conduct valuable research while at the same time enjoying a fantastic bonefishing vacation. The trip is limited to 8 anglers. Please see www.orvis.com/ bahamas or call 800-547-4322 for details. Third International Bonefish and Tarpon Symposium November 14-16, 2008 Dania Beach, Florida BTU will host the Third Bonefish and Tarpon Symposium. The 14th and 15th will consist of scientific presentations of bonefish and tarpon research, and a ½ day of management roundtable discussions. These activities will be held at the IGFA headquarters in Dania Beach, FL. We expect researchers from throughout the world to present their research findings. Attendance is open to BTU members, the media, and the public. On November 16 (Sunday), we will move the operation to the Key Largo Marriott for a public forum – the best of the research presentations will be shown, but in a more fisherman-friendly format (presentations at science conferences can be rather dry), with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. This will be a great opportunity for BTU members and other anglers to learn what has been accomplished since the last symposium in 2006.
www.TARBONE.org Photo credit: Robin Smillie
Do these pictures upset you?
They should.
The fellow standing behind the dead, hanging tarpon can’t really be blamed. Up until the past 15 years or so, most everyone did a little boasting after a day’s big catch. While we don’t want to go back to the days of killing them, and we support catch-and-release fishing, that old photo (courtesy of IGFA) motivates BTU’s members to help get us back to the days when catches like that will be more common again. The second scene is from Belize, where a tarpon is being butchered so the flesh can be rolled into balls, dropped into cooking oil and eaten as “tarpon balls.” Worse yet, schools of large and juvenile tarpon are commonly speared and netted in waters off Central American countries and sold to farmers for fertilizer. Many believe these are the same fish that migrate off the U.S. Coastlines – a mystery our tagging programs hope to solve. We also need to learn more about bonefish spawning and migration habits in order to better preserve and enhance their numbers. Would you believe that a bonefish tagged in Miami’s Biscayne Bay was recovered off Marathon in the Florida Keys? And did you know that incidental catches of bonefish infrequently occur off Tampa and even Florida’s Panhandle? Help us crack the codes! Be a part of the exciting, cutting-edge tagging studies that BTU is sponsoring. Join us and put your name alongside members such as Stu Apte, Billy Pate, Chico Fernandez, Lefty Kreh, Sandy Moret, Al Pflueger, Mina Hemingway, Mark Sosin, Larry Dahlberg, Curt Gowdy, Norman Schwarzkopf, Joan Wulff and many other personalities and fishing legends. CLIP AND MAIL TO: BTU, 24 Dockside Lane, PMB 83, Key Largo, FL 33037, or become a member online at www.tarbone.org. Membership Categories:
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• All members receive newsletters, BTU news updates, and a decal. • Regular Members receive the above plus a beautiful BTU logo T-Shirt: Size S M L XL • Flats Partners receive the above plus a BTU ball cap. • Conservation Partners receive the above plus a flats hat. • New Gray Ghost members receive the above plus a fly rod or reel • New Silver King members receive the above plus a rod and reel • Lifetime Members receive the above plus a custom fly rod and reel. Name
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More on The 2008 Bonefish and Tarpon Symposium After the last symposium in 2006, we received a lot of requests for more presentations. And when our scientists give presentations about their research to BTU chapters or to fishing clubs, we get some great feedback. This is encouraging because part of our mission is education. To address this hunger for more information on bonefish and tarpon, we’re planning a Public Forum day as the third day of the symposium (Sunday, November 16, Key Largo). The public can attend the first two days of the symposium (Friday and Saturday, November 1415, IGFA, Dania Beach), when scientific presentations will be given.
Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited www.TARBONE.org 24 Dockside Lane, PMB 83 Key Largo, FL 33037
What we’re planning for Sunday is for some of the scientists to rewrite their scientific presentations for a more dynamic presentation on Sunday. This will be a great way for anglers to catch up on that we have learned in the last few years, and interact with the scientists doing the work. Save the date, and stay tuned for more details during the summer.
Russ Fisher, B.T.U. Vice Chair and Director of Research, presenting an overview at the 2nd International Bonefish and Tarpon Symposium.
FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE P A I D Permit #7 Key Largo, FL