Guy Harvey Magazine — Winter 2013

Gulf Fisheries Symposium Recap

Battle in Boca Grande Pressure mounts over tarpon fishing tactics

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COMPLETE ANGLER: Light Tackle Ethics,

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2013

BATTLE FOR THE SILVER KING

21

ROOKERY BAY Pristine inland waterways, endless mangrove forests, and a perfect mix of salt and fresh water make the Rookery Bay National Estuarine

32

26

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BILLFISH CLASSIC For the uninitiated, Biloxi can be a surprising place. Even if you know

Research Reserve a thriving nursery for all kinds of fsh, and a

about the casinos and fun-loving atmosphere, you may not realize it

resource more fshermen are willing to protect.

hosts one of the top 10 billfsh tournaments on the planet, with

BY RENEE WILSON

$1 million in prizes and the largest blue ever caught in the Gulf.

BY GHM STAFF

26

BATTLE FOR THE SILVER KING Boca Grande, Florida, is ground zero for serious tarpon fshing addicts, but a growing controversy over fshing methods and the area’s largest tarpon tournament has the entire community up in arms. At stake is a prime fshery and the economy it supports.

BY FRED GARTH

On the Cover:

Beach Patrol is the title of Guy Harvey’s painting of the majestic roosterfish, a favorite game fish found along the shoreline in Pacific regions from Baja, California to Peru.

RIGS TO REEFS

36

DEPARTMENTS

10

12

An Open Letter from Guy Harvey Guy responds directly to criticism from some vocal

62

Bahamas Triple Play Three new conservation-minded GHO resorts

segments of the recreational fshing community that

promise all the beauty and adventure of the

question his commitment to the sport.

Bahamas out-islands.

BY DR. GUY HARVEY

BY NED STONE

Campus Rep Program A unique intern program is turning universities into

66

Fast Company A new, high-tech home at Nova Southeastern

Guy Harvey fan clubs.

University puts the GHRI at the center of cutting-edge

BY ALEX CHANDLER

coral reef research.

BY KEN MA

16

The Insiders Meet the dedicated crew of fsh-crazed, ocean-loving anglers we call the Guy Harvey Magazine Insiders. Each

70

Fanatically Fresh Paul Arias works his culinary magic in the middle

has a history, and a story to tell.

of a fsh market, surrounded by the freshest, most

BY THE GHM INSIDERS

responsibly harvested seafood on the West Coast.

BY GHM STAFF

36

Rigs to Reefs What’s big and ugly above the water can be striking and lively below. Toby Armstrong points his lens at rigs in the

76

Hooked on Gulf Fisheries A meeting of the minds in St. Pete Beach, Florida,

Gulf of Mexico.

sheds new light on the state of fsheries in the

BY TOBY ARMSTRONG

Gulf of Mexico.

BY FRED GARTH

CONTENTS

WINTER 2013

LIGHTWEIGHTS

48

DOCK BUZZ

Light Tackle Ethics When is light too light? Are we making the resource

52

48

FEATURE

Lowcountry Tarpon Tourney An emerging tarpon fshery in South Carolina has given rise to a

sufer for the sake of ego? Anglers are asked to examine

new-school fshing tournament, where anglers get the chance to

the ethics of landing big fsh on wimpy tackle.

tangle with massive, head-thrashing, silver beasts, and researchers

BY GUEST EDITOR NICK HONACHEFSKY

get to tag, release and study a vital, natural resource.

BY JEFF DENNIS

50

BACKLASH

Jamie Walker A passion for big game fy fshing landed Jamie Walker in Costa Rica, where he guides others to

58

GEARHEADS

Cooler Nation Keeping fsh and beverages cold for the long haul back to the

once-in-a-lifetime adventures and is on the front-

dock is becoming easier than ever. A new breed of super-

lines of billfsh conservation.

coolers combines rugged construction and serious insulation.

BY CA STAFF

BY DARYL CARSON

Complete Angler (CA) is our “magazine within the magazine,” dedicated dedicated to hard-core fishing enthusiasts and & delivering delivering access access to to experts, experts, thethe latest in fishing latest in fishing gear, and gearthe and hottest the hottest fishingfishing spots spots on theon planet. the planet.

CONTRIBUTOR’S PROFILE

CREDITS TO: PUBLISHER

JAMIE WALKER Jamie Walker grew up fshing the lakes and coastal waters of South Carolina. He landed his frst sailfsh in 1987 on a trip to Acapulco and caught the saltwater fy fshing addiction shortly after that. Chasing saltwater fsh on fy eventually led him to Costa Rica, which has become his home base for catching billfsh and other species on fy for almost 20 years.

Jamie built a boat and founded Frenzy Sportfshing in Quepos, Costa Rica, which he still operates today with partner Kerwin Stefen. Most recently, Jamie founded The Billfsh Research Project with the mission of pursuing collaborative eforts between the science and sportfshing communities. So far, Jamie and his team have placed eight satellite tags (PSATs) in sailfsh and one in a blue marlin caught of Quepos. When not holding a fy rod, Jamie typically has a camera in hand and posts photos to his websites, Facebook and blogs. He counts himself fortunate that his wife Jenny, and their three children all love to fsh.

NICK HONACHEFSKY Nick Honachefsky has worked as a dedicated, full-time sportfshing and travel industry writer and photographer for the last 15 years. Honachefsky’s travels and adventures to the Caribbean, Central America, Europe and throughout the U.S. have been widely documented in most every industry publication. Whether surf fshing for striped bass in his hometown Jersey Shore waters, or live-lining skipjack tuna to Hawaiian blue marlin, he is equally at home with all facets of saltwater fshing. A previous all-tackle world record holder, he currently holds the position of editor-at-large at Salt Water Sportsman, and operates www.nickymagnummedia.com, a sportfshing and travel website.

Lost Key Publishing Editor-in-Chief Fred Garth Managing Editor Daryl Carson Guest Editor, Complete Angler Nick Honachefsky Copy Editor Kerrie Allen Art Director & Layout Design Leslie Ward Advertising Manager Ozzy Delgado Marketing Director John Guidroz Circulation Director Kat Dean Accounting Karen Belser Internet Guru Jenny Lee Contributing Editors Kat Dean Dr. Guy Harvey Doug Perrine Danny Thornton Contributors David Alley Toby Armstrong Alex Chandler Ozzy Delgado Jef Dennis Capt. Will Geraghty Nick Honachefsky Alaric Lambert Ken Ma Jennifer Scott McLaughlin Gary Sibley Drew Silvernail Laura Snyder Ned Stone Jim Tizzano Renee Wilson Editorial Advisory Board Dr. Guy Harvey Chad Henderson Bill Shedd Dr. Mahmood Shivji Steve Stock Harvey Taulien David Wilkinson GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE, Issue 10, Winter 2012/2013. GHM is published four times per year (quarterly) for $24.95 per year by Lost Key Publishing, LLC, 7166 Sharp Reef Road, Pensacola, Florida 32507. POSTMASTER: Send address

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GUY TALK

AN OPEN LETTER FROM GUY HARVEY Fellow anglers, divers and boaters, It has come to my attention that there is some concern, particularly among anglers in the northeast U.S., about my allegiance to the sportfshing community.

Please know that frst and foremost, I am a life-long angler who loves nothing

as are tuna and swordfsh above federal size limits. In this area, catch and release shark tournaments with high minimum qualifying weights are well organized

more than spending a day on the water in pursuit of big fsh. It’s my passion and

and have shark conservation measures

my profession, and I live it practically every day of the year. I am also a dedicated

at heart, as do the partial release billfsh

conservationist—I believe that we must fsh responsibly and ensure the health of

tournaments in the mid-Atlantic, which

fsh stocks throughout the world.

I have proudly supported for over

In an efort to broaden the message of responsible fshing, the Guy Harvey

two decades. In addition, in the U.S.

Ocean Foundation (GHOF) has supported, collaborated and partnered with many

and around the world there are areas

organizations over the past four years, including the Shark Free Marina Initiative

of local abundance of species where

(SFMI). Sharks are in serious trouble in the U.S. and around the world. However, I

anglers can legally harvest these species

GUY HARVEY, PhD

am not advocating for a ban on all shark fshing. My position has always been for

in a sustainable way, even though

is an internationally-acclaimed

all anglers to take a responsible, conservation-minded approach to sharks—before

elsewhere in the world that species may

artist, fsherman, scientist, and

you legally harvest a shark, simply consider what you are doing and why you are

be considered rare or overexploited.

world traveler, who devotes

doing it.

This practice is fne with me. I am all

much of his time and money

The shark free/friendly concept was initiated to educate and make people

about sustainability in sportfshing

toward ocean conservation.

aware of the severe pressures being put upon shark populations around the globe.

and commercial fshing, as well as in

In the past several years, we have seen many shark tournaments—particularly in

spearfshing and diving. However, there are many anglers who are not concerned

Florida—go to an all-release format, which makes for responsible fshing since

about sustainability and that is cause for concern.

most of the species of sharks caught in tournaments are traditionally not good table fare.

In contrast, the iconic mako shark is considered fair game in the northeast U.S.,

Much of the recent criticism directed my way has stemmed from the role of the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS), within the SFMI organization, and alleged ties to PETA and the PEW Environment Group (PEG). I have difculty in accommodating

the role of the HSUS in the sportfshing arena. Other than encouraging catch and

analysis to tell us all about the inventory of species or the estimated biomass from

release where possible, I see no reason for this organization to exert any infuence

which a regulated harvest could be managed. However, specifc time and area

in sportfshing. I have an even stronger opinion of PETA, which is just too extreme

closures for certain species at certain times of year do work well. It is ludicrous

to even get my attention.

to allow any harvest of any animal when it is reproducing, so closure of reef fsh

As for PEW, I am not aligned with them personally, nor have I supported them

(snapper and grouper) spawning aggregations during their respective spawning

during my 20-year tenure as a board member of the IGFA. The one instance in

times is a good management practice, as we have seen in the Bahamas and

which I worked alongside PEG was in a successful efort to prevent the archipelago

Cayman Islands.

of the Bahamas—which was home to the last bastion of sharks in the western

There are many issues facing recreational anglers and many of us have

Atlantic—from being scoured of sharks by impending commercial interests. The

conficting opinions on how to apply solutions that best beneft the fsheries.

GHOF’s collaborative efort with PEG and the Bahamas National Trust worked, and

Not everyone is going to agree with me on every issue. However, please don’t

it prevented the wholesale slaughter of species by people who don’t give a damn. I

underestimate my dedication and commitment to the sportfshing community—

also support shark interactive programs and have patronized many such programs

along with AFTCO, I put back approximately 10 percent of all royalties generated by

in diferent countries. These interactions with otherwise shy, elusive creatures are

my art into fshery research and educational programs around the world.

inspiring, educational and very entertaining—all without killing a single animal.

I want to remind my fan base—as well as all of the naysayers—that I love

In addition, the socio-economic value of these interactive sites is immense to the

fshing and I love to cook and eat the fsh that I catch. I do fsh responsibly—I

host countries. I recently returned from a shoot in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, where

release all billfsh and undersized wahoo, tuna or dolphin that I catch. But, a nice

for 60 days each summer, thousands of whale sharks gather to feed on plankton

bull dolphin, yellowfn or blackfn is going in the cooler! Swordfsh are also fair

blooms and fsh spawn. This interaction pumps millions of dollars into the Mexican

game—in the tournaments we have in Cayman the small ones are released and the

economy each summer. If this phenomenon occurred in the Orient, then I am

big ones are taken. In fact, we just landed a 600-plus-pound swordfsh on July 22 in

certain the harpoon boats would be racing the snorkelers to the sites every day.

Mexico. Not a scrap was wasted!

Another issue I have difculty accepting is proposed MLPAs based on nothing other than whims of people who want to get rid of sportfshing. These proposed areas, which are closed to sportfshing, typically do not go through a scientifc

Tight lines and good luck.

Guy Harvey, PhD

Get in Touch We are asking readers what they like about Guy Harvey Magazine and their suggestions to make it better. We welcome comments and recommendations from our esteemed readers anytime. Thanks, and we hope to hear from you soon!

Campus Rep Program College students bring GH apparel and swag to the dorms and Greeks.

BY ALEX CHANDLER It’s a “which came frst, the chicken or the egg?” kind of thing. In this case, the egg is Guy Harvey’s popularity with college students. The chicken? It’s T-shirts that are tailored to represent various universities. So which came frst? Well,

communicators and organizers and to use critical thinking

Fan Us on Facebook

probably the popularity of Guy Harvey’s products. What

while in a business setting. The reps get valuable sales

& Get a Free Issue!

has followed is a program created by the smart folks at

experience and the chance to improve their teamwork and

AFTCO, the company that makes Guy’s line of sportswear.

networking skills. The interactive internship allows them to

Recognizing an opportunity to promote both the

collaborate with other schools and to sponsor and attend

Follow Us on Twitter @GuyHarveyMag

Send Us an E-Mail Editor@ GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Write Us a Letter P.O. Box 34075 Pensacola, Florida 32507

AFTCO and Guy Harvey brands on college campuses,

events. And in addition to building business skills, each rep

AFTCO came up with an educated plan to use college

can have a positive impact on conservation eforts, since

students to help spread the good word. Thus was born the

a portion of all Guy Harvey apparel sales supports the Guy

Campus Representative Program. It began in 2008 with

Harvey Ocean Foundation.

about 10 reps at mostly Southeastern Conference colleges.

The program has grown each year, and today, has campus reps on 30 college campuses with the goal of bringing awareness to the Guy Harvey and AFTCO brands. It’s a coveted job, with many benefts, which is why over 400 inquiries were received in 2012 to fll the 30 positions.

The four main duties of a campus representative are brand awareness, connection with retailers and local sales reps, assistance in driving trafc to online

When reps are accepted, they receive some

The program has grown each year, and today, has campus reps on 30 college campuses with the goal of bringing awareness to the Guy Harvey and AFTCO brands.

outlets (social media, email newsletters, guyharveysportswear.com), and most importantly,

promotional items for their own use: a box of Guy Harvey

feedback from students to help keep the Guy Harvey

Magazines to give away, and clothing samples to show

and AFTCO brands on the cutting edge of current styles

fellow classmates. One of the greatest benefts of being a

and trends. In turn, the campus reps learn to be better

campus rep is the boost in social status. Just imagine being

Opposite: The author with Guy Harvey and Natalie Rankin.

Photo: Alex Chandler. Above: Rocking a Guy Harvey tee at an Auburn football game. Photo: Daniel Mitchell. Right: Florida Gulf Coast University Rep Chris Gorski with the ladies of Tri Delta Sorority. Photo: Alex Chandler.

the Guy Harvey campus rep from Fraternity A or Sorority A and walking into Sorority B or Fraternity B to let them know about the latest, coolest Guy Harvey sportswear items. It verifes the theory that all great accomplishments have been the result of trying to impress the opposite sex.

The reps are encouraged to be creative and think of innovative ways to promote the brand, such as sponsoring concerts, tailgates, fundraisers, sporting events, homecoming weeks, etc. These sponsorship ideas have been shared school-to-school and even passed from a graduating rep to his/her replacement.

The benefts during college are obvious, but there are also opportunities upon graduation. AFTCO President Bill Shedd has written letters of recommendation for graduating campus representatives and recently hired Alex Chandler, a former two-time campus rep of the year, to head the program moving forward.

To learn how to become a campus rep at your college for next year, go to www.guyharveysportswear.com.

Candidates will be able to apply online beginning May 1, 2013.

Guy Harvey’s

Mascot T-shirts

Tailgating at Auburn University. Photo: Daniel Mitchell.

Current Campus Reps

Jordan Ross Cayman Weimer Danal Slay Ricky Olmsted Logan Ballew Katelyn Levine Grant Rankin Bliss Hahn Parker Smith Andrew Dubinski John Peter Price Michael Shelton Austin Pittman Sam Unkart Tyler Torwich

Alabama Florida Georgia Tech Miami Arkansas South Florida NC State Central Florida Virginia Texas A&M South Carolina Tennessee UNC Texas Tech Baylor

Billy Miller Christopher Gorski Ryan Mallon David Alverez Christopher Bailey Daniel Mitchell Hayden Kelley Chris Morse Mark Wells Sam Falk Mattew Rogers Matthew Bronstein Cameron Kaihara Alex Dienes

Virginia Tech Florida Gulf Coast Tulane Georgia UNC-C Auburn App St. UNC-W ECU Nova Southeastern LSU Texas Clemson Mississippi State

The GHM Insiders

Fishing guide Drew Silvernail shows of a hearty Alaskan salmon.

In this special edition of “Guy Harvey Universe,” we’re showing of the work of the Guy Harvey Magazine Insiders, a group of dedicated volunteers with a passion for marine conservation and all things ocean. Like hungry billfsh on the bite, they’re out there trolling cyberspace to learn about and promote critical ocean conservation and fshing issues. They’re also rolling up their sleeves and pitching in on the frontlines of conservation eforts, from educating anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to joining research projects and tagging expeditions.

Read. Learn. Be inspired.

Drew Silvernail

is just completing his second full season guiding in

proposed open pit mine referred to as Pebble Mine,

Born and raised in LA (Lower Alabama), Silvernail

the Bristol Bay watershed, renowned for some of the

which could be the largest of its kind in the world.

grew up along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.

richest salmon and rainbow trout rivers in the world.

The pristine rivers of this region will be exposed to

“I was a child of the outdoors and did just about anything a kid could do in or on a coastal body of

many heavy metals during the extraction process and the mine will produce sulfuric acid, which is fatal

water,” he says. The brackish waters had a lasting

Keep it Clean

efect. After graduating from college, Drew jumped

As an angler and a guide in the Bristol Bay watershed,

Agency has joined in the fght to save Bristol Bay

around the corporate job world, but says he was

a watershed that boasts the world’s largest natural

under the protection of the Clean Water Act. It has

always lusting for adventure. Four years ago, he gave

salmon run, and perhaps the world’s greatest fshery,

already released an initial study that claims the

in, shedding his tie and picking up a fy rod. Drew

I feel it’s my duty to help protect this renewable

Bristol Bay watershed cannot withstand a mine of

moved to Colorado and became a professional fy

resource. The native people of this region have

any scale without major damage to its streams, rivers

fshing guide. After just two seasons, he doubled

depended upon a subsistence harvest of salmon for

and wildlife. We must protect this treasure of North

down and moved even further west, all the way to

almost 10,000 years, not to mention the clean water

America from large scale mining. To learn more, visit

Alaska. The attraction? Another bay, of course. Drew

of its rivers. This resource is being threatened by a

www.savebristolbay.org or www.tu.org/bristolbay.

to salmon and trout. The Environmental Protection

Jef Dennis helps SCDNR researchers with a sea turtle survey.

Jeff Dennis

to do for the fshery, but

Jef is a freelance writer and photographer who grew

it fostered long-term

up on a tidal creek in Charleston, South Carolina.

relationships with those

At a young age, he discovered his saltwater creek

who are on the front lines

was teeming with wildlife, and not just the seafood

of conservation. I’m still

variety. Over the years, Jef has become an expert

friends with the biologists

birder, observer and angler. In 2009, Jef was awarded

in charge of that fnfsh

the Harry Hampton Journalism Award from the

tagging efort, and our

South Carolina Wildlife Federation for his work in

paths cross regularly when

the realm of natural resources and conservation. Jef

I cover the state’s inshore

writes a blog at www.LowcountryOutdoors.com and

fshing tournaments. While I’m gathering facts, stats

has a passion for sharing stories from the sporting

and photos, they’re gathering otoliths and other

no greater classroom for learning about the marine

lifestyle of his home state, including the harvest and

biological samples from fsh at the weigh-in. Their

environment than being out in it—especially when

preparation of wild game for the table and a focus on

work never stops.

that involves the working deck of a trawler. More

sustainable seafood.

This past summer, I had an opportunity to spend

The experience drove home to me that there’s

signifcantly, it reminded me of the constant eforts of

time at sea with more SCDNR researchers aboard

the people behind the SCDNR in conserving what the

The Frontlines

the 75-foot shrimp trawler Lady Lisa. The team was

rest of us enjoy. As anglers, we often associate our

conducting scientifc surveys of sea turtles in coastal

state DNR with little more than fshing licenses and

It’s amazing to me how much work is done by the

waters. This involved basic observation, as well as

regulations, but the truth is, they are the backbone

people in the South Carolina Department of Natural

performing physical exams before tagging and

of regional conservation eforts. For my part, I’m

Resources. I began working with the SCDNR more

releasing the turtles back into the water. Loggerhead

happy to jump on board and lend a hand whenever

than 20 years ago as a recreational angler deploying

turtles, and even a few Kemp’s Ridleys, showed up in

I can. To learn more, visit www.dnr.sc.gov. or visit the

fsh tags on red drum. Not only was it a good thing

the nets.

equivalent agency site for your state.

Ozzy Delgado hefts

that the team pulled in a record

two weeks. There is still a powerful battery inserted

a 68-lbs. amberjack

catch estimated at over

into the tag just in case a shark takes a long, deep

caught on spinning

1,000 lbs. That meant there

dive into pure darkness. There is also a thin layer of

tackle. Below: The

was great potential for our

gun powder in a special chamber at the bottom of

University of Miami

upcoming research trip, and

the tag. When it’s time to detach, a charge is sent

shark tagging crew

it was a little reassuring. The

down to that capsule to blow the tag back to the

decline of shark species is

surface without causing any harm to the shark.

well documented and it was

Once recovered, the tag provides incredible data

good to know—at least on

on depth, temperature, position, light levels,

some level—that they haven’t

magnetic felds and acceleration of the sharks in all

all disappeared.

diferent directions—stats that are recorded every

poses with their favorite mag.

I arrived in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, and was

four minutes.

When we got to our destination, the team

greeted by multimedia specialist

was fast and fuid. We deployed 10 baited rigs on

Christine Shepard, Kyra Hartog

numbered foats using an assortment of baits, such as

and other colleagues of Dr.

tuna heads, barracuda and amberjack. After waiting

Neil Hammerschlag, director of

a reasonable amount of time, we picked up the frst

the program. As Curt Slonim,

rig, and it was game-on. We pulled in a nice, big

boat captain of the Curt-A-

nurse shark, and lab manager Virginia Ansaldi, and

Sea, embarked to the chosen

Dr. Hammerschlag started their normal procedures:

grounds, I got a tutorial on shark

conducting tests to determine the shark’s diet and gender, taking measurements, snipping a piece of fn for eco-toxicology and taking a biopsy to test for toxins. Once

Ozzy Delgado

the tests were done, a satellite tag or a

Ozzy was born in Cuba and grew up just footsteps

yellow dart tag was inserted. All this was

from the ocean. Now living in South Florida, he

done in several minutes so as not to put

credits his grandfather and father, both fshermen,

stress on the fsh. Our work for the day

with teaching him the value of ocean conservation.

included two lemon sharks, two nurse

It was a message he both heard and saw lived out

sharks, two blacknose and one black tip.

while fshing alongside his grandfather from a very

My experience with

early age. Ozzy has carried that passion with him into

Dr. Hammerschlag and his colleagues

adulthood. Still an avid fsherman, he’s also become

was incredibly rewarding. The RJ Dunlap

a strong supporter of conservation organizations

tagging from UM’s PhD student Julia Webster. Of all

Marine Conservation Program’s main objective is to

focused on issues such as reef restoration, Biscayne

the tools, what really stood out was a satellite tag

“engage students and the public in awareness of the

National Park coastal cleanup eforts and shark

that looked very unique. Sure enough, it was specially

threats facing oceans and coasts and to the solutions

conservation.

designed for Dr. Hammerschlag’s conservation

of conservation.” One of the things that makes this

program by Desert Star Systems.

program special is that they provide hands-on

Shark Crazy

(which works just like a solar panel) and stores energy

trips like the one I joined. There may be no better way

A week and a half before I got the opportunity to take

in a capacitor, which powers the tag’s electronics.

to spread a passion for conservation. To learn more,

a trip with the University of Miami RJ Dunlap Marine

On a full charge under direct sunlight, the solar cells

visit www.rjd.miami.edu.

Conservation Program to tag sharks, I overheard

give the capacitor the beneft to hold power up to

This particular tag is wrapped in a solar cell

experience to high school students through research

Plastics—The Future?

The article about David de Rothschild’s Plastiki expedition in GHM (Spring 2011) struck a deep chord within me.

like Method, a home cleaning and personal care

“One word—plastics—there’s a great future in it,” said

product outft, have begun to scour parts of the Pacifc

Mr. McGuire to Benjamin Braddock in the 1968 movie

gathering plastics from the huge pile and recycling

The Graduate. For people of my age, everything seemed

it into laundry detergent bottles. The product, which

so much simpler then. For those younger readers of GHM,

launched in October 2012, required overcoming some

put it on your NetFlix account and you’ll understand the

unique technical problems to create useable plastic from

powerful attraction of Anne Bancroft.

the waste. Over a ton of plastic was hand-collected on

No one knows how much plastic actually exists

David Alley

However, there is some good news, as companies

the beaches of Hawaii by Method employees and local

in the oceans. Even the National Oceanographic and

Hawaiian volunteer groups, specifcally Sustainable

Atmospheric Administration can only speculate, as there

Coastlines and Kokua Hawaii Foundation. The company

hasn’t been a comprehensive study. What we do know

says their goal was to show how design can be used to

is that it’s way too much and way too invasive in our

tackle environmental problems.

fsheries. For years, the drum beat was sounded about

“We’re not saying that the solution to the ocean

plastics not being biodegradable on dry land. No one

plastic problem is making bottles out of trash, but by

David, a military brat, spent his formative

talked about the growing cesspool gyres in our oceans.

doing so, we can prove that there are alternatives to using

years in various spots around the globe.

It’s a paradox of life that the oceans are owned

virgin materials, like PCR plastic, which we use in all of

At the tender age of two, his family

by no one and by everyone at the same time. The

our bottles,” says Method’s Merany Eldridge. The product

moved to Okinawa, where David’s dad

article exemplifes the renowned economist Garret

is available exclusively at Whole Foods stores nationwide

treated him to his frst taste of lobster.

James Hardin’s observation about the tragedy of

and on the company’s website for $4.99.

David says this is when he acquired

the commons—property held in common is the

champagne tastes, but was too young to

worst maintained. In reality, Hardin wrote about the

follow Method’s lead and play a role in cleaning up the

realize he would be on a beer budget for

“unregulated” Tragedy of the Commons. The oceans need

ocean’s plastic mess…or at least putting a halt to the use

a long time. In his early teen years, David

sensible regulation, but it’s not a high priority in today’s

of plastics where they don’t belong. For more information,

was running, surfng and snorkeling

economically challenged world.

visit methodhome.com.

Other manufacturers and industries will have to

the beaches in Hawaii. “It was heaven,” he says. “The fsh were nearly as pretty as the girls.” In 1984, David settled in Denver, and his passion for the water and its creatures evolved into a love of fy fshing, although for the last 30 years,

Do you want to be a Guy Harvey Magazine Insider?

most vacations still fnd him on the

Sign up at

oceans. A long career in the audio/visual

http://bit.ly/ghm-insider

technology industry has fnally aforded

or scan the QR code at left.

David the chance to satisfy a few of his champagne tastes, including an indulgence in great seafood. His passion for the oceans keeps him actively promoting conservation issues through social media.

BY RENEE WILSON

It is two hours before sunset and Pat O’Donnell is getting ready for fishing. He secures his baited longlines and gill net and retreats to the cover of his donated houseboat laboratory, watching closely for signs of sharks. After a grueling period of inactivity, the sun begins to dip below the horizon and O’Donnell finally sees a handful of net floats disappear beneath the surface. This is the moment he and his team of trained volunteers spring into action.

O’Donnell is a fsheries biologist at the Mangroves are considered “live-bearing” trees,

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research

meaning their seeds are actually germinated

Reserve, where he has been studying sharks

before they fall into the water. They can foat

and other fshes for more than 12 years. He and

for up to a year and remain viable.

his team collect vital information necessary to understand the efects of Everglades

Right: Pat O’Donnell with a blacktip shark.

Restoration, and how top-level predators

Help from trained volunteers and other

in the estuary are responding to changes in

researchers is imperative to his ongoing

salinity and other conditions. It is tedious

studies of sharks, fsh and shellfsh in the

work, requiring long nights and an incredible

bays downstream of nearby Everglades

tolerance for the mosquitoes that are just part

Restoration eforts.

of life in the Ten Thousand Islands. While the team’s work is routine, they are learning much

Photos: Rookery Bay National Estuarine

more than they had anticipated, and volunteers

Research Reserve, unless otherwise noted.

line up for assignments up to a year in advance.

runof fltration and bufering the mainland from coastal storms. Aesthetics are another impactful service of estuaries, with miles of salt marsh or mangroves and watery vistas around every corner.

Estuaries create jobs through commercial harvest, ecotourism and conservation initiatives. The hospitality industry thrives on healthy coastal areas that are clean and open for swimming, fshing, beach combing, boating and paddleboarding. In time, and the research work at Rookery

some of Florida’s coastal counties, nature-based

Bay provides a peek into the multitude of

tourism is responsible for as much as 90 percent of

benefts estuaries bring to coastal regions.

the total economic impact.

In simple terms, estuaries are places

Nurseries of the Sea O’Donnell’s shark research is just one of the multiple conservation initiatives carried on at Rookery Bay. The Reserve, on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Naples, protects 110,000 acres of one of the few remaining pristine, mangrove-forested estuaries in the nation. Among many other things, it provides a place for long-term study of a complex and incredibly productive ecosystem.

Some lessons only come with

A 1960’s grass roots movement to protect the

where fresh water from land meets and mixes

estuary from development, followed by legislation

with salt water from the sea. They provide a

that established a partnership between coastal

healthy supply of nutrients to marine life, and

states and the federal government, resulted in

protection from ofshore predators, making them

Rookery Bay being established as a National

the perfect nursery for many species of fsh such as

Estuarine Research Reserve. It is now managed by

snapper, trout and redfsh. So many species of fsh

the State of Florida Department of Environmental

and other animals start their lives here that estuaries

Protection’s Ofce of Coastal and Aquatic Managed

are often referred to as “nurseries of the sea.”

Areas, which also manages two other reserves, 41

Estuaries are also the lifeblood of many coastal

aquatic preserves, the Florida Keys National Marine

communities. The services provided by estuaries

Sanctuary and the Coral Reef Conservation Program.

are boundless, including seafood production (70-

Support is also provided by the National Oceanic

80 percent of all commercially and recreationally

and Atmospheric Association, which partners with

important fsh and shellfsh species use an estuary

Florida and other coastal states to manage

during some part of their life cycles), stormwater

28 reserves around the nation.

Seventy-80% of all commercially and recreationally important fish and shellfish species use an estuary during some part of their life cycles.

Team Ocean volunteers (with Tom McGrath at the helm) departing for their post-Labor Day weekend reconnaissance efort on Keewaydin Island.

Helping Hands Protecting and preserving this estuary is a big job, and the staf at the Rookery Bay Reserve gets by with a little help from their friends. The Reserve’s volunteer program annually logs more than 10,000 hours from high school students, retirees and anyone in between. Many of the Reserve’s volunteers do what they can to help because they share a strong emotional attachment to this place.

Captain Will Geraghty of Naples-based Grand Slam Charters knows just how special this place is. Having grown up here, Geraghty has seen the changes that have come about in this area.

“The Rookery Bay Reserve is a special place because it seems so pristine and also so close to the encroachment of man, sort of sandwiched between two, very busy, metropolitan areas, and you can’t say the same about many other parts of Florida,” he said. “Whether it’s along the barrier island beach or deep into the back country within earshot of major highways, we’re catching tarpon, snook, and shark, and feel like we’re in the middle of nowhere, yet we’re so close to a busy part of Southwest Florida.”

Red mangroves are the predominate

Geraghty has fshed in a lot of places, and believes most people here don’t realize the herculean efort that is

vegetation lining the shores of the Reserve,

undertaken to achieve and maintain the balance between growth and preservation through ongoing research like

with graceful arching prop roots providing

the work done by O’Donnell and others.

shelter and substrate for marine life.

“What Rookery Bay does is like a cornerstone for a successful business, and without these resources, I wouldn’t

be able to keep doing what I’m doing. I can honestly

re-establish more natural water conditions to several

Program, Rookery Bay Reserve shares information in

say, without a doubt, if the good work of Rookery

bays in the Rookery Bay Reserve. O’Donnell began

exchange for results from other studies.

Bay did not exist, I would not be in business today, I

studying sharks to better understand how these top

would not be able to share the light tackle thrill

predators respond to changes that result from the

Florida Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium and Shedds

with as many people and I wouldn’t be able to

restoration.

Aquarium, working to improve methods used

maintain my clientele who like to return every year,” Geraghty concluded.

Especially during the slower summer months,

During each study, event researchers carefully

In 2006, O’Donnell began partnering with the

for capturing and caring for sharks in captivity.

monitor their gear and retrieve captured sharks,

Because O’Donnell was already handling sharks

temporarily housing them in an on-board, plastic

in the wild, it provided an excellent opportunity

Geraghty is always willing to help or sign up for

pool where they are identifed, measured, weighed,

for them to simultaneously conduct their research

coastal clean-up events, reef clean-ups and, of

tagged and then released. Other fsh are sometimes

without duplicating O’Donnell’s eforts. Results of

course, the occasional shark monitoring detail. As

encountered, with the most unique being juvenile,

this collaborative efort will help other researchers

an avid angler, he knows that females of several

smalltooth sawfsh. Results indicate that, while

and aquariums handle sharks more efciently,

species of sharks are known to use estuaries as

sharks do move from bay to bay, bull sharks are the

reducing unintended shark mortality in research and

nurseries. These species include bonnethead,

dominant species in the least salty bay.

educational eforts.

blacktip, lemon, nurse and bull. Based on this

The Power of Collaboration

water quality data diligently collected by another

Like the ecosystem itself, the work at Rookery Bay

skif toward the mouth of the Blackwater River. Like

is also interconnected with eforts from diferent

a mail carrier, or perhaps a nurse in a busy hospital

research initiatives. Through its Visiting Investigator

ward, she makes her rounds to diferent monitoring

knowledge, the presence or absence of young sharks can tell researchers about the quality of the water in that location.

Everglades’ restoration currently underway in the Ten Thousand Islands watershed is expected to

Shark research takes place rain or shine, and Florida’s summer skies often provide some stellar sunset and storm cloud backdrops.

And for his own work, O’Donnell’s relies on

researcher. Christina Panko Graf regularly glides her

stations, following a strict sample collection protocol to ensure consistent and reliable information. Water

biggest boating destination in Collier County.

“I can’t believe how much stuf people leave

collecting trash thank them for doing so, express their dislike for people who litter, and let them know

quality is recorded at fve sites around the Reserve

behind,” says McGrath, after returning to the dock

they didn’t litter themselves. Many boaters are now

every 15 minutes, using specialized equipment

following his cleanup post-Labor Day weekend. In

picking up trash that they did not leave behind.

designed for extended deployment in salt water.

addition to several bags of trash, McGrath and fellow

“That’s the bottom line,” says Gary Lytton,

volunteers picked up two shade canopies and a nice

Rookery Bay Reserve’s director. “Team OCEAN is all

tent, along with the bag it came in.

about partnering with our local boating community

This ongoing monitoring is like checking a person’s vital signs; salinity, dissolved oxygen and temperature are a few of the measures Panko Graf

Following a model at the Florida Keys National

and working to establish an environmental ethic

uses to keep her fnger on the pulse of the estuary.

Marine Sanctuary, volunteers with Team OCEAN

that creates a special and sustainable wilderness

This ongoing monitoring of water quality, nutrients,

(Ocean Conservation Education Action Network)

experience for all visitors in the Reserve,” he added.

and weather enables researchers to track short- and

pull up their craft every week at one of the high-

long-term changes in environmental conditions,

use areas in the Rookery Bay Reserve providing

Renee Wilson is research translator for Rookery Bay

and provides the statistical backdrop needed to

information, helping to ensure that their fellow

National Estuarine Research Reserve and has been

understand other events.

boaters are being responsible and setting a

angling in Florida since 1988. www.RookeryBay.org

Results from these and other monitoring

good example. They share

programs at Rookery Bay Reserve provide essential

information on “Leave-No-

information for guiding restoration plans and

Trace” practices, boating safety,

improving water and land management decisions.

fsheries conservation and

And, just like with the estuary itself, though each

marine recreation that helps

project or facet is important, the sum of all the parts

to keep Rookery Bay a pristine

provides the greatest and most enduring benefts.

wilderness experience.

Anglers like Captain Will Geraghty and his fellow

Team OCEAN also helps

sportfshing guides see it every day.

protect wildlife, such as

On the Team

coastal birds, by posting and

Any day on the water is a good day for Tom McGrath.

Area” signs that alert visitors of

He is one of nearly two dozen regulars who

the presence of beach-nesting

volunteers for Rookery Bay Reserve’s “Team

birds. The boat-based volunteer

OCEAN” program, which has a mission to help

program at Rookery Bay Reserve

boaters safely and responsibly enjoy the Reserve

is supported by partnerships

and its wilderness.

with Florida Sea Grant, Fish and

The former boat owner, who moved to Florida from Connecticut in 2001, loves his role and has donated over 500 hours since joining the program in

maintaining “Important Nesting

Wildlife Foundation and local community partners.

Volunteers carry trash bags

2008. He enjoys the peace and solitude of the quiet

as a conversational gambit

backwaters and walking the beach in search of litter

as well as to collect trash.

left behind by visitors to Key Island. Also known as

According to McGrath, 90% of

“boater’s beach,” this unbridged barrier island is the

the people they talk to while

Top: Captain Will Geraghty shows of a monster permit. Permit are occasionally caught in the estuary but are more frequently spotted along the beach or ofshore. Bottom: Captain Will Geraghty almost exclusively fshes in the waters of the Ten Thousand Islands. He caught this snook near Lostman’s River. Photos: Capt. Will Geraghty/Grand Slam Charters.

Photo: ROI Media.

BY FRED D. GARTH

As far back as the mid-1800s, the economy of this idyllic fishing village blossomed as news spread of the highflying, hard-driving silver kings. In 1897, a Chicago developer opened The Tarpon Inn about the same time an article in Harper’s Weekly, illustrated by famed artist Frederic Remington, touted the Charlotte Harbor area as a mecca for tarpon hunters. By 1911, when A.J. Dimock’s, The Book of Tarpon, was published, Boca Grande was riding a silver wave.

These days, the economy is still fueled by tarpon, but a long-running battle continues to rage over protecting the fish that holds Boca Grande’s future in its jaws. As Lew Hastings, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce puts it, “If the fishery collapses, the economy will soon follow.”

Tournament Troubles Tarpons stack up like sardines by the thousands in Boca Grande Pass during May and June as they prepare for their annual spawn.

Experts speculate that the confguration of the pass, the crabs that wash through, the sandbars and the deep holes, have made this place tarpon heaven. But it’s during the pre-spawning season when the pressure reaches a crescendo. Not only do tourists fock to the area for a chance to hook a leaping beast, but it’s also when

Boats in the Pro Tarpon Tournament Series crowd Boca Grande Pass in June. Photo: SaveTheTarpon.com.

the Pro Tarpon Tournament Series (PTTS) and the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament

citing that it’s neither sporting nor does it follow the

(WRTT) take place. Both tourneys draw great crowds,

basic ethos of fshing. And, it’s a far cry from drifting

but each has divergent philosophies of how to catch

through the pass with live bait from a rickety, 12-foot

lighter tackle they use extends the fght and makes

the prize. And therein lies the controversy.

canoe, as anglers did at the turn of the century. Local

the tarpon more susceptible to shark attacks.

The storm intensifed in May of this year, when best-selling author and former fshing guide, Randy Wayne White, withdrew sponsorship from PTTS. In a

fsherman Bill Caldwell doesn’t fsh from a canoe, but he did catch his frst Boca Grande tarpon in 1961.

“Since then, I’ve caught thousands on live bait,”

door for sharks to come in and feed.”

A major criticism with jig fshermen is that the

“We used to have the occasional hammerhead,” Caldwell said. “But sharks are quick learners and the jig guys tire the fsh out, making it easier for the

letter published by the local press, White, who is an

Caldwell said. “We usually catch them from 4 a.m.

sharks to get the fsh. Now we have schools of bull

owner of Doc Ford’s Restaurant (named for his most

until sunlight or 4 p.m. until dark when the fsh are

sharks terrorizing the tarpon.”

famous fctional character), explained that he did not

feeding. However, the jig fshermen can catch them

want his restaurant to be a sponsor of a tournament

at all times of the day because they’re just snagging

think that the jig fshermen should be banished

that practiced jigging for tarpon. Most fshermen

them. They use bottom fnders to stay on top of

to some soulless hell hole where jig fshing is

have used jigs at one time or another, but in the

the school so they can drop their jig into the fsh.

punishable by death. But the science is not so clear,

case of Boca Grande Pass, jigging is synonymous

When they feel their line bump a fsh, they just reel

and a study by Florida’s Fish & Wildlife Commission

with snagging a tarpon with a circle hook or

like crazy and hook them in the clipper or eyeball

some 10 years ago further clouded the issue.

J-hook anywhere on its body—the head, belly,

or whatever. “

anus or wherever.

“I’m not blaming guides for jig fshing, but it’s altogether something else to sponsor an event that not only endorses snag fshing, but actually encourages it,” White said.

Critics oppose snagging for a lot of reasons,

On a busy day or during the PTTS when dozens

From talking to local guides and fshermen, you’d

“Some people refer to that study as showing no diference in mortality between jigging and live bait

of boats are frantically buzzing around jockeying for

fshing,” said Dr. Aaron Adams, a scientist at Mote

position, it’s a spectacle to behold.

Marine Laboratory and director of operations at the

“It’s too much pressure on the fsh,” Caldwell said.

Bonefsh and Tarpon Trust. “But given the complexity

“The consequences are horrendous. Their natural

of a study like this, I think a much larger study would

behavior has been altered. Plus, it has opened the

be needed to reach a strong conclusion. There’s really

Picturesque Boca Grande Pass during PTTS. Photo: KeyWestImagery.com.

no science to support either side of the issue. What we need is a long-term study to learn more.”

Yet, many continue to cite the decade-old

for recreational fshermen to use.

methods. “I’m less concerned with the jigging than

According to Mercurio, they consulted with

with what happens after the fsh is caught,” Adams

scientists when the tournament began eight years

said. “The quicker you get the fsh back into its

FWC study as proof that jigging is an acceptable

ago to help them design a wet hoist for lifting

natural environment, the better. But the PTTS has

method to hook a tarpon and that the population is

the fsh out of the water when weighing them.

always had their weigh-in station back at the beach,

as healthy as when Teddy Roosevelt fshed here in

The hoist is made with a special fabric that does

so the fsh gets dragged in to get weighed before

1917. Others, such as the Boca Grande Fishing Guides

not harm the fsh’s protective coating. But, others

they’re released. That puts a tremendous amount of

Association, are worried that the fshery is in danger

point out that each fsh brought in to be weighed

stress on these fsh.

and could collapse like it did at Port Aransas, Texas,

is also picked up by anglers for a picture, so the

in the 1960s. Once called the “Tarpon Rendezvous of

positives of the hoist are compromised. Mercurio’s

out of the water for a photo, which is added stress.

the World,” Port Aransas was a prolifc tarpon fshery

tournament draws sponsorships from big players in

The worst part is that they’re weighing and handling

until it collapsed. Today, some 50 years later, the

the fshing industry and his PTTS television program

the largest fsh, which are likely the egg bearing

fshery is just beginning to show a pulse.

is broadcast worldwide. Nonetheless, critics of the

females, so you’re risking the life of the very fsh that

PTTS are becoming increasingly vocal. The Boca

perpetuates the species.”

“The Charlotte Harbor area generated

“After the weigh in, the fshermen lift the fsh

$110 million in residential recreational fshing alone

Grande Fishing Guides Association has produced a

However, in September, perhaps as a result of

in 2009,” Hastings said. “And that doesn’t even include

video that targets the PTTS as putting tremendous

pressure from numerous groups, PTTS organizers

tourist recreational fshing.“

pressure on the fshery. The video shows fshing

announced that they would stop weighing and use

boats packed together, zigzagging wildly in a state of

measurements and formulas to calculate the tarpon’s

the PTTS and commentator for the tournament’s

general chaos. The camera also zooms in on a series

weight. If this holds true, that’s a major victory for

television series. He’s also the recipient of

of fsh that have been snagged in the head area. The

the tarpon, because recent evaluations have found

considerable angst in Boca Grande, even though

traditional fshing method the guides use is to drift

that juvenile tarpon recover fairly well from over-

the PTTS is an all catch-and-release tournament and

through the pass trailing live bait. If the tarpon aren’t

handling, but larger adult tarpon do not, thereby

provides DNA tagging on many of the fsh caught.

biting, they don’t catch fsh.

increasing the chance of mortality signifcantly. The

Enter Joe Mercurio, the high-profle director of

The PTTS also donates $10,000 each year in DNA kits

Dr. Adams has other concerns about the PTTS’s

overwhelming evidence tells us that large tarpon

Critics of the Pro Tarpon Tournament Series say that large crowds and questionable tactics are putting too much pressure on the fsh. Photo: SaveTheTarpon.com

The Internet abounds with images like this of dead tarpon, said to be an increasingly common sight in the days following the Pro Tarpon Tournament Series. Photo: SaveTheTarpon.com

should be brought to the boat as quickly as possible

weekends and for three hours per day. The TV show

and then released. Otherwise, there’s a good chance

that Mercurio hosts is an adrenaline-packed program

that these big mamas will die.

that reaches a lot of fans and spotlights the Boca

waterfront developments or gas discharged from

Grande area.

two-stroke engines, there are a lot of contributing

In 1983, the Boca Grande Club started the Boca Grande Club Invitational fshing tournament

Mercurio has pointed out that this type of

for the crabs and other species that tarpon feed on.

Whether it’s beach erosion, hurricanes,

factors that can damage sensitive watersheds.

which eventually became the World’s Richest

television exposure boosts tourism and exposes Boca

However, while winds, waves and weather are

Tarpon Tournament. In 1991, the Chamber of

Grande to people all over the world. But the images

impossible to control, tournament rules can be

Commerce took over the event. In its heyday, the

also display a mass of boats packed in so tightly that

altered with a stroke of the pen.

tourney paid out prizes of more than $175,000 and

Mercurio can interview fshermen catching tarpon on

attracted fshermen from all over the world. But the

nearby boats without raising his voice.

Changing with the Times

tournament was discontinued in 2005, after 22 years, when participation began to wane.

“The tarpon were leaving,” Hastings said. “If

According to Hastings, that’s not an image the Chamber of Commerce embraces. “The perception

someone pays that much to join a tourney, they want

out there is that Boca Grande

to catch fsh.”

is a zoo because that’s what

This year, the Chamber resurrected the WRTT with a renewed focus on conservation.

“We thought the 30th anniversary was a good time to bring it back,” Hastings said. “But we wanted to minimize the pressure on the fsh.”

With that in mind, the WRTT allows live-bait fshing only and they don’t weigh the fsh.

“The science is in. We use heavier tackle so we

they see on TV. We want them to come here and enjoy their fshing experience.”

To make matters worse, the PTTS is being blamed for numerous dead tarpon that turned up after each

If you dive into the tarpon debate at Boca Grande,

PTTS weekend this year. Photos of lifeless tarpon

it’s quickly evident the pressure cooker is still on

have been posted all over the Internet as the battle

the PTTS and the way that tournament operates.

can get the fsh to the boat and have a quick release

cry has gotten louder.

Even though they’ve announced their intention to

right where the fsh is caught rather than dragging

Grande Challenges

eliminate dragging the fsh to a weigh station,

it to the beach. Also, winners are determined by the number of fsh caught rather than who catches the

While the PTTS has received a large share of the

tackle that weakens the tarpon and makes them

biggest fsh.”

blame, there are also other issues facing Boca Grande

easier prey for sharks.

Fishery experts have pointed out for years that

and Florida’s tarpon fshery in general. Florida has

there’s still strong opposition to jigging and light

The entertainment value of teams lifting a

“the biggest fsh wins” concept is the worst possible

lost 50 percent of its mangroves, the nursery for

100-lb. tarpon from the water for a photo may be

scenario, considering those fsh are generally females

tarpon and many other species of game fsh. Eforts

gone from the PTTS rules and that’s a major step

that produce eggs at exponentially larger levels than

must be made to rebuild mangroves and protect

toward protecting these majestic fsh. However,

smaller females.

what is still remaining.

integrating even more conservation-oriented

“We don’t want to see the biggest fsh win,

In the Peace River, upstream from Boca Grande,

methods may be necessary to further protect such

because they are the roe bearing females, and that’s a

is the Mosaic Company, which extracts some two

a vulnerable fsh. No one, especially tournament

recipe for disaster,” Hastings said.

billion pounds of phosphates from Florida’s soil per

organizers, wants Boca Grande to become the next

Death to the King

year, according to the website for People to Protect

Port Aransas and another example of how reckless

the Peace River. Runof and discharge from the

passion killed a king.

The PTTS tournament runs for six consecutive

phosphate plant ends up in the estuary, a key habitat

Photo: Alaric Lambert

Organizing fishing tournaments takes a special breed of angler. You need a healthy dose of risk taking, blended with some entrepreneurial spirit and a large portion of optimism. Just think about the challenges. The biggie, of course, is weather. It can be unpredictable and unrelenting but sometimes as sweet as fine wine. Then there’s the flakey economy coupled with the rising cost of gasoline. Maybe the most complex issue is knowing how to handle hundreds of freewheeling fishermen who thrive on adult beverages and canned meats. And, after all of that, you can only hope folks find the fish and get them to bite. If not, the next train out of town can’t leave too soon.

Then again, every risk has the potential to create huge rewards. And there are at least two factors that seem to ride shotgun with just about every fishing tournament. One, these events produce a huge economic impact for the local area. And two, they’re generally a helluva lot of fun.

So, if fun, fshing, camaraderie and limes in rum are

year, organizers had to cancel the

your thing, then maybe fshing tournaments are,

June event, but they came together

too. Case in point is the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfsh

in October for three days of concerts,

Classic. It has been described as a week-long party

parties, food and fun. The outpouring

with a fshing tournament to cap it of. With more

of support from sponsors ensured a

than $1,000,000 in cash prizes given out each year,

2011 MGCBC that would come back

the 16-year-old MGCBC consistently ranks in the top

strong. And it did. In 2011, more

10 billfsh tournaments in the world in payouts. As far

than 60 boats signed up for the

as fshing success, they’ve broken six Mississippi state records, and in 2002, angler Barry Carr set the record for the largest blue marlin ever caught in the Gulf of Mexico.

The blue giant weighed 1054.6 lbs., a record that has not been broken.

Perhaps the Billfsh Classic’s greatest accomplishment is the fact that more than 90 percent of billfsh successfully caught are tagged and released. Add to that an economic impact to Biloxi and nearby Ocean Springs at nearly $3 million dollars, and you have the defnition of success.

On the fip side, the challenges have been faceslappingly harsh. There was Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

tournament, and an angler broke the Mississippi state

boats participating, expanding from 60 boats in the

record with a 203.9-lb. bigeye tuna. They also set their

frst year and then to 74 in 1998. They attracted 85

own record in prize money with $1,246,300 in payouts.

boats in 1999 and 96 in 2000. The growth continued,

The Billfsh Classic persevered and became the very

“The oil spill afected us like everyone else

frst national event to be held in Biloxi after Katrina’s

along the coast,” said Bobby Carter, the tournament

devastation. Two years earlier, the tournament

founder and director. “But I was very happy to get the

had drawn 106 boats, but even after Katrina, they

tournament back on track and set both a state record

getting 60 boats this year was fantastic. We may not

brought in 72 vessels to compete. Without a doubt,

in fshing and a tournament record in payouts.”

get to 100 in 2013, but I believe we’ll have 70 to 80.

the worst hit to the tourney was 2010’s oil spill. That

At its peak in 2003, the Billfsh Classic had 110

and the tournament had 100 boats in 2001, and 106 in 2002 as well as 2004.

“We grew every year until Katrina,” Carter said, “so

Early signs are good, and the economy is beginning

Opposite top: Sponsors have the opportunity to market to tourney participants and daily casino patrons. Photo: Alaric Lambert. Bottom: Thousands of local residents and spectators from neighboring states attend the MGCBC to view the big fsh. Photo: Clark McNulty. This page, clockwise from above: Team Done Deal has competed in

most important and obvious ingredient for success is

the MGCBC for over 10 years and earned over $1 million dollars in prize money. Photo: Robbie Carter. Team Birdie

the sheer number of fsh caught each year. In addition

Time won $225,100 in cash for their 2012 catch of a 727.1 lbs. Blue Marlin. Photo: Alaric Lambert. Tournament

to hundreds of dolphins, tuna and wahoo pulled

competitors parade down Casino Row before blasting south to fsh the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Alaric Lambert.

in over the course of the tournament, anglers have caught more than 250 blues over the past 16 years,

to pick up, so I’m optimistic.”

While some tournaments have crystal blue Caribbean water and soothing steel drum music to woo the fshing boats, Biloxi has its own special

dozen casino resorts dot the shores around town and

with approximately 225 of those fsh being tagged

bring in top talent from Jay Leno to Jimmy Bufett to

and released.

Cirque du Soleil.

“We’ve learned one thing,” said Carter, who works

sauce—incredible, near-shore and ofshore fshing

for the Isle Casino. “Fishermen love to gamble and

and legal gambling. Biloxi’s casino history goes back

gamblers love to fsh. So it’s a perfect match.”

as far as the 1940s, but it ended in the 1950s. Gaming

The Billfsh Classic’s success can be attributed

roared back in the 1990s when massive Vegas-style

to many things, such as the resort atmosphere, the

hotel casinos started popping up. Now, more than a

parties, the payouts and the people. Of course, the

“We have great fshing,” Carter said. “There’s no doubt about this. It’s the reason a lot of the same boats come back year after year.”

That and the payouts. Oh, and maybe the gambling, too.

The MGCBC will be held June 3–9, 2013. For more information, go to www.MGCBC.com.

TOBY ARMSTRONG a photo portfolio

Toby Armstrong specializes in photos of sealife on and under Gulf of Mexico oil rigs.

Horse-eye jacks around a rig in the Hi Island Block, about 100 miles of the Louisiana Coast.

Top: Redspotted hawkfsh. Above: Tesselated blenny.

Left: Juvenile queen angel surrounded by orange cup coral.

Right: A yellowfn grouper in the Hi Island Block. This may be the frst record of the species in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

Upper left: Brilliantly colored encrusting sponges. Lower left: Crested blenny. Above: French angelfsh.

Above: Spiny lobster. Right: Redspotted hawkfsh and orange cup coral.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5 WINTER 2012/2013

Photo: Alaric Lambert.

NICK HONACHEFSKY • LOWCOUNTRY TARPON TOURNEY • COOLER NATION • JAMIE WALKER

BY GUEST EDITOR NICK HONACHEFSKY

Light Tackle Ethics When is light too light?

Any lifelong, seasoned angler looks toward the next piscatorial challenge. Some

fght exhausts it ten-fold and builds up enough lactic acid to virtually overheat

set out to target a new, exotic species, others pick up a fy rod for a thrill and even

and cook the fsh from the inside.

others scale down their tackle various degrees for excitement. That last one—

Is it really worth the self-satisfaction or bragging rights to claim a record on

scaling down to light tackle—is one that concerns me. Yes, light tackle angling

2- or 4-lb. test just to unnecessarily overstress and probably kill a big breeder

truly tests an angler’s skills and profciency (I enjoy it myself ), but when does too

gamefsh? It’s one thing to be out on the fats with a 9-weight fy rod and see

little become too much when downsizing your tackle and gear to target a large

a 200-lb. class tarpon rolling. Of course you want to cast to it. Chance and

fsh? What is the point of diminishing returns?

Light tackle fshing is not wrong, let me get that straight. But there has to be reasonable expectations in how light you should go. Premeditating to head out with a live bunker on 2-lb. line in an attempt to land a 40-lb. striped bass you aren’t going to keep to eat just doesn’t seem ethical. After a long, drawn out,

luck smiled upon you and why not make the cast? But to actively set out with a premeditated mindset to seek out large fsh on impossibly light tackle is downright ignorant.

Reasonable parameters should be set in the collective mind of anglers on when going light is too light for sport. I realize I may be opening up a can of

30-minute-or-greater fght, using ultra thin line and an ultra light drag, that fsh

worms for a general consensus and agreement on boundaries and constraints

will have fought itself to the death. Or when dropping a Cam Zigler fy back on

(such as battle times before breaking a fsh of, line class specifcations, etc.), but

2-lb. tippet to tempt a 120-lb. sailfsh, battling it for an hour or more, only then to see it go belly up and lifeless as the boat pulls away after the release . . . it’s not right!

The stress on the fsh from such a prolonged

Is it really worth the self-satisfaction or bragging rights to claim a record on 2- or 4-lb. test just to unnecessarily overstress and probably kill a big breeder gamefish?

it seems generally accepted practices can be broken down quite simply with a little common sense. For instance, targeting big breeding, 80-lb. black drum with 4-lb. test is a perfect example of what not to do. Heading out with 20-lb. test line would make more sense to achieve that wonderful, light tackle accomplishment.

Opposite: Nick Honachefsky with rooster fsh.

Right: Nick with a nice founder.

Jason Schratweiser, conservation director of

motive, then it has no place. Our fsheries are too

the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the

valuable. Those who best a fsh on reasonably light

organization that keeps such line class records,

tackle should rightfully pat themselves on the back

seems to think in a similar vein of thought: “In

for such an angling accomplishment. Those who

general, it is best to use tackle that is heavy enough

are motivated by peer recognition and awards and

to land a fsh in a reasonable amount of time so that

employ ridiculously light tackle to unnecessarily

it can be properly revived and released. Although

stress out a fsh, and then turn their back as the fsh

tackle size is a variable, I think that length of the fght

sinks lifeless to the bottom after the “release,” have no

is the most critical component. In this regard, angler

reason to be proud.

skill also comes into play as some anglers may be profcient at landing fsh with light tackle quicker than others using heavy tackle.”

Procuring a 2-lb. line, class record certifcate to hang on a wall at the expense of the life of a fsh fows in the same vein of hanging marlin and sailfsh on the scale. It’s outdated thinking. If efectively killing a fsh for no other reason than to satisfy one’s ego or promote dockside braggadocio is the

Nick Honachefsky has been a dedicated, fulltime, sportfshing and travel industry writer and photographer for the last 15 years. He currently operates www.nickymagnummedia.com, a sportfshing and travel website.

Jamie Walker (right) and mate Marco Solano show of a 50-lb. bull dolphin caught of Quepos, Costa Rica.

Jamie Walker Jamie Walker is the founder of Frenzy Sportfshing in Quepos, Costa Rica. An expert in blue water fy fshing, he specializes in catching Costa Rica’s numerous ofshore species on fy, with his favorites being sailfsh and marlin. In 2010, Walker won the Bill Barnes “Outstanding Angler” award at the 10th annual GIFT Tournament. An ardent supporter of conservation eforts, Walker also recently began The Billfsh Research Project, which is already helping researchers conduct tracking studies of Pacifc sailfsh using satellite tracking tags.

BY CA STAFF

One of Costa Rica’s best talks big fish on fly.

CA: How long have you been CA: What mistake have you fishing Costa Rica, and what made that’s cost you a great do you enjoy most about the fish? area?

JW: Years ago I learned a great lesson about the

I am always willing to talk to anyone about our fies, hooksets, rod set-up and teasing techniques. This can get them prepared before getting out on the water.

JW: I have been fshing the prolifc waters of Costa

importance of backing of the fy reel drag when I

Rica for almost 20 years. What really keeps me

hooked a blue marlin that broke my tippet because I

coming back is that you can fsh for a number of

didn’t loosen the drag fast enough. Now I fsh with a

species of game fsh basically 12 months of the year.

really light drag and rarely break of a fsh, despite my

CA: What species or fishing destination is on your bucket list?

And you’re fshing super fat water most of the time!

“stop ‘em or pop ‘em” approach to fghting fsh.

JW: I want to catch all marlin and sailfsh on a fy.

The people are incredibly warm and friendly and the

So far, I have hundreds of pacifc sailfsh, a couple

captains and mates are among the best in the world.

of striped marlin, a few Pacifc blue marlin and one

CA: Who introduced you to the sport or has had the greatest influence on your fishing habits?

CA: What fishing or boating technology would you like to see developed in the future?

Pacifc black marlin. Now I need to catch an Atlantic sailfsh, an Atlantic blue marlin and a white marlin to complete the “Big Seven,” as I call it. So this means I need to spend some time in Venezuela soon!

JW: If you think about the quantity and quality of fshing tackle in the market today, we have all the

means better fuel economy from outboards and

CA: What’s the biggest challenge you see to maintaining healthy fish stocks and a healthy sport?

Sportfshing, has had a signifcant infuence on how

diesel engines. That’s where the great opportunity is

JW: People protect what they care about. To maintain

I fy fsh for marlin and sailfsh. Together with our

in terms of technology.

healthy fsh stocks, we need to make more people

JW: There is no doubt that the early pioneers of

technology we need for an angler to catch the fsh of

saltwater fy fshing like Harry Gray, Lefty Kreh and

a lifetime. What we really need is to make the sport

others blazed a trail for the rest of us.

of saltwater fshing more afordable. This primarily

Kerwin Stefen, my partner in FRENZY

captain, Jose Hernandez, and mate, Marco Solano, we

aware of the resources that the ocean provides and

developed our own special techniques for teasing,

develop fsheries management policies based on

to get really good at this game. These guys kept the

CA: What’s the one thing you think other fishermen should know or do?

pressure on me to get better.

JW: If you want to get really good at saltwater

casting to, hooking, and ultimately catching marlin and sailfsh. It takes a real coordinated team efort

fshing, particularly fy

CA: What’s your favorite or most successful technique for your gamefish of choice?

fshing, you need to spend time on the water with the right captain and mate. I always recommend fshing

JW: There is nothing more exciting than the thrill

with a professional guide to

of casting a fy to a teased-up billfsh that’s 15 feet

anyone wanting to improve

behind the transom of the boat and intent on eating

their skills. There is no better

anything remotely resembling a baitfsh.

teacher than time on the water. But, you must be prepared way ahead of time.

Jamie and his youngest son Joseph with a prize roosterfsh.

sound scientifc research. That is why Kerwin and I founded The Billfsh Research Project. Our satellite tracking project will contribute to the scientifc knowledge base of the life history of billfsh.

BY JEFF DENNIS GHM INSIDER

CATCHING TARPON IN SOUTH CAROLINA IS FAR FROM A SURE THING, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT DRIVES MANY ANGLERS TO TRY IT AGAIN AND AGAIN. AND THEY HAVE HOPE, BECAUSE FOR NEARLY A DECADE, TARPON HAVE BEEN ENCOUNTERED WITH INCREASING REGULARITY AMONG THE INLETS AND BAYS OF THE STATE’S FAMED LOWCOUNTRY FISHING GROUNDS. SOME HAVE EVEN BEEN IN THE 100-LB. CLASS. TO SUPPORT THIS BUDDING FISHING RESOURCE, THE LOWCOUNTRY TARPON TOURNAMENT OFFERS ANGLERS A UNIQUE, CONSERVATION-DRIVEN COMPETITION FOR CATCHING THESE HARD-FIGHTING FISH. IN PLACE OF PRIZE MONEY, THE TOURNAMENT OFFERS BRAGGING RIGHTS AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAG TARPON FOR RESEARCH.

South Carolina anglers are seeing more and more tarpon every summer. This one put on a show before being landed near Georgetown. Photo: Capt. Steve Rofs.

Left: Bruce Unger of Miami tags a tarpon at the 2012 Lowcountry Tarpon Tournament. Photo: BTT. Above: BTT board members Andrew McLain and Dr. Jerry Ault. Photo: Jef Dennis.

The frst thing new participants learn is that fshing for silver kings in South Carolina is not like fshing for them in the clear and shallow waters of Florida. The waters of the Lowcountry are often brown with mud and silt after regular tidal intervals. But when the “clean green” waters of the Atlantic Ocean make a push inshore to areas like Bull’s Bay and Winyah Bay, the bite turns on. Every year, more would-be tarpon tamers in the region are learning how to bow to a jumping tarpon in order to achieve a successful catch and release.

Three years ago, a unique collaboration began between tarpon anglers in the Lowcountry and the Bonefsh and Tarpon Trust (BTT). BTT board member Andrew McLain rallied a few die-hard fshing enthusiasts to come together to form a tarpon tourney that utilizes BTT’s assets in order to beneft the study of tarpon life cycles. Tracking a tarpon’s travel of the South Carolina coast has never been tried before, so any and all information helps build a data set for future anglers to analyze.

“We have averaged 30 to 40 anglers each of the frst two years of the tournament,” said McLain. “These tarpon are larger than what anglers in the Keys may tangle with because of the abundance of bait in the area. We have put fve PSAT [pop-up archival tags] tags in place over the frst two events, and are

Right: Although SC law allows one fish per angler, all tarpon caught during the tournament are released. Photo: Capt. Jordan Pate.

committed to continuing this efort. I’m aware of only one other tournament of this type outside of the Keys, and that one is in Texas.”

South Carolina law still allows for the harvest of one tarpon per day per angler, but event organizers are more interested in promoting a culture of conservation.

“The harvest of a tarpon is incompatible with the purpose of the tournament,”

“Just like the previous two years, BTT will provide pop-up archival tags for anglers to use during the event,” said Adams. “Dr. Jerry Ault from the University of Miami will bring the satellite tags and also give a lecture on the study’s progress.”

Adams says tarpon tagged in South Carolina have shown a variety of travel patterns, including at least one that led north to Chesapeake Bay, and many that

said McLain. “First, we want to raise awareness about the excellent tarpon fshery

were traced to the south. This tells researchers that management plans need to be

along the South Carolina coast, including proper release techniques; and second,

developed beyond the state level to adequately manage these migratory fsh.

we hope to increase the scientifc knowledge base concerning what the tarpon do after their visit to South Carolina waters.”

“The reality that comes to mind with respect to the Lowcountry tarpon

The fact that tarpon have never been the target of a commercial fshery also poses a challenge. Without catch records, there is no data set to study that would indicate stock numbers or even frequency of encounters. However, even with this

tournament is that this is the leading edge of study about a fsh that we know very

limited data, some important discoveries have been made. Researchers do know

little about,” said McLain. “Thousands of hours of fshing time have been put in

that tarpon do not become sexually active until around 10 years old, and that they

by Lowcountry anglers trying to learn the habits of the visiting tarpon from June

are a slow-growing and a long-lived species. Tarpon, some believe, may live as

through the peak of the season in September. We try and time the event dates,

long as 80 years.

September 14–15, with the annual mullet run that the tarpon follow and target.”

“A satellite tag records data at certain times of day like salinity levels, water

Dr. Aaron Adams is the director of operations at BTT and the senior scientist

temperature and more, which allows us to estimate the tarpon’s location,” said

with Mote Marine Lab, and believes that this tarpon tagging partnership is

Adams. “Tracking tarpon is important because we hope to unlock spawning

unique outside of the Florida Keys. “We don’t seem to hear as much about tarpon

secrets in the future, which might signal to us where to ensure conservation

in Georgia and North Carolina, though we know they exist there,” said Adams.

measures are in place. For instance, if several tagged tarpon show up in a similar

“We have only identifed a limited number of tarpon aggregation sites, and the

place ofshore and during a full moon, then it might signal a spawning mass.”

Bull’s Bay location near McClellanville, S.C., appears to be a good spot for us to concentrate our [research] eforts.

Research currently indicates that spawning is complete by the end of fall, with peak levels occurring earlier in the summer. And, it appears that water

Top: The mullet run is the main attraction for S.C. tarpon, so anglers cast their nets for plenty of bait. Photo: Jef Dennis.

Middle: Tarpon working the surface. Photo: Jay Nelson.

Opposite: Proper release and tagging techniques include leaving the tarpon in the water to minimize stress on the fsh. Photo: BTT.

temperature is a key to migration. When water temps dip below 76 or 75 degrees, the tarpon move south. Tarpon tagging in South Carolina should reveal where tarpon go during winter, and highlight areas in need of habitat preservation. If juvenile tarpon require coastal habitat for their earliest years, then the conservation of mangrove swamps, backcountry lagoons and all around other inky waters can become a real priority.

In one example of this, BTT has already begun a partnership with the Lemon Bay Conservancy in Florida to restore a wetland that had been converted into a waterfront golf course. Studying the use of the restored area by juvenile tarpon will help researchers apply lessons learned to future BTT conservation eforts, in Florida and elsewhere.

One of the key geographical factors is that a dividing line occurs somewhere around Daytona Beach, with mangroves to the south and salt marsh habitat to the north. Understanding how tarpon use these diferent habitats is critical to conservation eforts. There are already some

The Lowcountry Tarpon Tournament is proving to be a great platform for

encounters with juvenile tarpon in South Carolina coastal habitats, which ofer

both research and public education. Dr. Paul Sasser volunteers as the website

vast quantities of spartina grass.

administrator for the event and says that the $400 entry fee goes directly to

While the BTT is focused on learning as much about tarpon behavior and habitat, it’s also making a real push to educate people.

“In South Carolina and the Southeast, BTT has made a lot of progress

the BTT in order to pay for more satellite tags. And he says the tournament action is real.

“The southward migration includes the big breeder females, and I estimate

concerning education of anglers and the public,” said Adams. “It could be that just

the average tarpon caught in the fall to be 120 lbs.,” said Sasser. “The tarpon put

10 years ago people did not get upset about seeing a dead tarpon back on the

on as much as 20 lbs. as they gorge themselves on mullet this time of year, and

docks. Today, there is a lot more discussion about tournament formats that drag

anglers get jumpy knowing that these tarpon are here to eat!”

tarpon to weigh stations or otherwise endanger the fsh (see ‘Battle for the Silver

As anglers prepare for this year’s tourney, they’re looking forward to the

King’ on page 26). We want fshermen to get involved in the tarpon fshery, and we

chance to bow before the big silver kings, and to contribute to their long and

invite them to join our conservation group.”

healthy reign.

2012 Tarpon Tourney Results

In the end it was Capt. Steve Rofs of Georgetown

During the two days of fshing a total of four tarpon were

who guided his crew of three anglers to the release of two

caught and released in what local guides called just average

tarpon, taking frst place bragging rights for the year. Along

fshing for tarpon. One lucky tarpon was ftted with a $5000

the way, anglers Ashley Coleman and Daniel Dunbar caught

satellite tag that was provided by the Bonefsh and Tarpon

their frst-ever tarpon while fshing with the experienced

Trust (BTT), and each time that tarpon comes to the surface

tarpon guide. Rof’s warned that with people coming to the

the tag will transmit location data to the satellite overhead.

S.C. coast and fnding consistent success, the area might

These tags are expensive, and it should be noted that all

even become famous one day as a tarpon fshery.

entry fees for this annual tarpon round up go directly to the BTT to pay for future tags.

For more information or to join or donate to the Bonefsh & Tarpon Trust go to: http://www.tarbone.org/

BY DARYL CARSON

GEARHEADS :

For decades, it seemed that broken coolers were just a normal part of fishing. Broken latches, lids that flopped backward, cracked hinges, missing drain plugs—it was all just part of the experience. And if you climbed aboard your buddy’s boat and he had successfully used an old wine cork as a drain stopper, you remembered it so you could do the same when the inevitable happened to you. Thankfully, cheap coolers no longer have to be endured. With today’s technology, we can (and are) making them better, stronger and a whole lot colder.

When it comes to shopping for a new cooler, it’s best to remember a few things. First, you get what you pay for. There are several manufacturers producing tank-like chill chests that hold ice forever, and may even double as bomb-disposal boxes. But they will cost you. Expect to pay three or four times the price of a cheap cooler to get a really good one. The upside? Fish and food that stays colder and fresher for much longer . . . and no more wine corks.

It’s important to pay attention to the details, too. Examine latches, hinges and retainers. If it looks like it will break, it probably will. Think through how you’re going to secure your cooler on the boat, or if you’ll need to transport it, full of fsh and ice, across the dock. Many coolers on small boats do double duty as bench seats and casting platforms. Hosts of features are emerging to accommodate these multi-function needs, like non-slip lids for standing on, and multiple tie-down options for securing coolers with chocks, bungee cords and even ratchet straps.

Finally, check out options for internal organization. Dividers, bait trays and baskets are available for keeping things tidy.

Many anglers have had their lunch share a cooler with the catch and sufered the consequence of a leaky Ziploc. Cooler juice and sandwich bread just don’t mix. Thankfully, with one of the new super coolers on the market, they don’t have to ever again.

Engel DeepBlue Coolers Certifed as “bear resistant,” there’s no doubt Engel coolers are tough, but they’re also among the coldest boxes you can buy. A legit, two full inches of insulation is used in the lid, base and sides for 8 to 10 days of ice retention. Rotationally molded from UV resistant polyethylene, these boxes have a host of fshing-friendly features, like no-skid feet, reinforced lids for standing and—our favorite—a full-length, integrated, self-stopping hinge.

• Available in sizes from 25 to 320 quarts • Flush mounted draw latches with stainless steel backing plates • Air-tight, food-grade, silicone freezer gasket in lid • Sturdy, non-skid lid, suitable for standing or sitting • White, non-skid, non-marking feet are elevated for easier cleaning • Cooler øoor is pitched for complete self draining • Multiple tie-down options öt webbing, turn buckle and other systems • “One twist” opening drain plug with lanyard hole • Dual padlock holes for security • Built-in hand grips and ergonomic rope handles • Optional accessories include dividers, bait trays and cutting boards, SeaDek and seat cushions MSRP $229 to $944; engel-usa.com

YETI Tundra Coolers Popular among inshore fshing guides as both coolers and casting platforms, YETI Tundra Coolers are built to take a beating and never be the worse for wear. We like the simple, T-Rex lid latches that hold fast and are efortless to use, and the smart list of available accessories for boaters, like Corner Choks to prevent sliding, SeaDek tops for traction while standing to cast and high-quality seat cushions.

• Available in sizes from 35 to 420 quarts • One-piece, roto-molded construction for extreme durability • Pressure-injected PermaFrost insulation and thick wall construction • T-Rex lid latches use molded-in keepers • ColdLock gasket minimizes unwanted air exchange • Full-length, integrated hinge is self-stopping • BearFoot non-slip feet made from non-marking rubber • DoubleHaul handles, with textured grips and marine-grade nylon rope • Vortex drain system has a screw-in, gasketed drain plug • BullDog strap guides allow use of ratchet straps for tying down • Integrated padlock ports MSRP $259 to $1,299; yeticoolers.com

Coleman Optimaxx XP H20 200 A great solution for oòshore öshing, Coleman’s entry into the ultra-rugged cooler class uses stainless hardware and is sized just right to be the primary fsh box on moderately-sized center consoles. We like the four-layer insulation system, which includes a special UV and infrared reøective additive in the cooler material, which reøects heat and ultraviolet rays. It makes the Optimaxx ideal for long days in the sun.

• Large, 200-quart capacity • Optimaxx four-layer insulation system • Antimicrobial liner and outer case for easier cleaning and longer life • Rugged, stainless steel hardware • Strong, over-molded handles provide an

Igloo Yukon 150-qt Cold Locker Three inches of insulation in the lid and two inches in the body give the Cold Locker a whopping 10-day ice rating. We like the highly durable, roto-molded construction and the versatility of reversible skid/non-skid

excellent grip • Reinforced corners with wide tie-down access • Stainless steel cable lid strap stands up to years of use

pads on the bottom for easier maneuvering when needed. Wide, molded-in handles double as tie-down

• Convenient, self-draining cup holders in the lid

spaces, and the textured lid is a multi-purpose surface for working or standing.

• Threaded drain plug is secure and easy to use MSRP $429.99; coleman.com

• Available in 50- to 250-quart sizes • Cool Riser elevated bottom technology • 3-inch insulation in the lid; 2-inch insulation in the body • UV inhibitors and reøective infrared technology excellent for use in direct sunlight • Wide-grip, integrated handles accommodate large hands and double as tie-down loops • Lid features a textured, non-skid surface and integrated ruler • Dual oversized, tethered and threaded drain plug • Reversible skid/non-skid pads on the bottom • Durable, yet øexible rubber latches with fnger grips • Long-lasting, stainless steel hinges and hardware • Self-stopping, integrated lid hinge and dual lid locks MSRP $329 to $749; igloocoolers.com

Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler Pelican is best known for their indestructible hard cases, beloved by photographers and others who transport sensitive gear in harsh environments. Pelican has recently come out with a new line of bad boy coolers. They’re just as indestructible, with 2-inch solid wall construction, and are rated to hold ice for 7-10 days.

We like the freezer-grade gasket and dual handle system, which makes the Pelican easy to grip in any situation.

• Available in 35-, 45- and 65-quart sizes • Dual handle system includes molded and hinged handles • Wide press & pull latches • Molded-in tie-downs • Non-skid and non-marking raised feet • Molded-in lock hasp with a stainless steel plate • Sloped drain with tethered, threaded plug that accepts a garden hose • Stainless steel hardware • Integrated ösh scale on lid • Lifetime guarantee MSRP $259.95 to $359.95; pelicanprogear.com

Fish Bags If you like to fish big, chances are you’ll need a fish bag for blue water species. These insulated bags roll up tight for easy storage and then unfurl to swallow big king mackerel, wahoo, dolphin and even billfish. Not only do they preserve the meat of the fish during long runs back to the dock, but they also help them retain their natural weight—a point to remember if you’re headed for a tournament weigh-in. Included here is a unique bag for kayak fishing, too.

Canyon Bags Smart features and double layer, closed-cell, foam insulation have gained Canyon bags a loyal following.

Leak-proof, heat-sealed construction keeps ösh colder, and your boat cleaner. Available in a wide array of shapes and sizes, most bags are available with a track and zipper to mount them vertically along a gunwale or transom for the most efcient use of deck space.

• Heavy-duty, öber interlaced PVC skins for incredible durability • Double layer, closed-cell, foam insulation keeps ice all day • Strong, 2-inch webbing handles • New, single piece, low-proöle drain design for easy cleaning • Most models available with track and zipper for vertical mounting • All bags include Stretch & Store strap for compact, rolled-up storage • Heavy duty, marine grade zipper MSRP $140 to $530 ($359.99 for Blue Marlin Bag, 30x96 inches); canyonproducts.com

Force Fish Bags Available in four sizes to handle everything from trout to yellowön, Force Fish bags are welded on all three sides to create a leak-proof and long lasting seal.

Durable, 18-oz. reinforced PVC with 1-inch insulation between layers provides excellent ice retention, and each bag has 2-inch webbing handles for easy transport across boat decks and docks.

• Four sizes for a wide range of applications • One-inch, closed-cell, foam insulation • Reinforced carry handles • Bags over 24 inches long come with a stretch-and-store strap • Bags over 20 inches tall include a threaded PVC drain and cap for easy clean-up

Surf to Summit Kayak Insulated Fish Bag Built especially for kayak fshing, this unique bag hugs the contours of your paddle craft and has a wide-mouth, zippered opening that makes it easier to slide in big fsh. Included is a reusable ice pack, which rides in its own internal pocket, and a smaller zippered opening at the tapered end of the bag makes it easier to clean.

• Available in 24- and 43-inch lengths • Shaped to öt the top of a kayak • Wide-mouth, zippered end opens to full 180 degrees • Smaller opening at tapered end eases cleaning • Includes vinyl map pocket up top • Drawstring mesh pocket, bungee lattice overlay and large contour pocket for storage MSRP $92 to $112; surftosummit.com

• Lifetime warranty against fading, rips, tears and workmanship MSRP $42 to $349; öshbagsandstuò.com

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GUY HARVEY OUTPOST RESORTS

BAHAMAS TRIPLE PLAY

BY CAPT. NED STONE

Three new Guy Harvey Outpost properties offer the best of the Northern Bahamas and the heart of conservation.

Deep blue or aquamarine? Marlin or bonefsh? Dive with sharks or snorkel for

pretty beach and ripping into another rum punch (not that there’s anything

conch? Whatever your taste for enjoying the water, there are three new Guy

wrong with that). It’s also about absorbing the experience through the lens of

Harvey Outpost Expedition properties in the Northern Bahamas that embody

sustainability so you can travel with a clear conscience that the reefs and fsh we

Guy Harvey’s lifestyle with amazing fshing, diving, dining and maybe even

love to catch will remain healthy for generations.

a cold beverage or two. Best of all, each one is committed to Dr. Harvey’s conservation mantra, so visitors can get the ultimate out-island adventure while

Old Bahama Bay

conserving the natural surroundings for a healthy, sustainable future.

Old Bahama Bay Yacht Harbour and Resort is located on the grounds of what

From the hustle and bustle of the Freeport to the sleepy fshing village at

once was the largest and most cosmopolitan resort in all of the Bahamas, Jack

Sandy Point on the southern end of Great Abaco, the islands of the Northern

Tar Village. It was developed by Don Sammons, a Texan with a love of all things

Bahamas showcase the best of the Bahamas out-island lifestyle. West End is

large. It included a half-million-gallon, saltwater swimming pool (the largest in

just 55 nautical miles and one Gulfstream crossing from Palm Beach, Florida.

the Bahamas at the time of its construction), 350 rooms, nine holes of golf,

From there, Grand Bahama and the sprawling chain of islands, cays, and inlets

16 tennis courts and a shopping mall. West End was the darling of the Bahamas

stretch east for a hundred miles with mythical bonefsh marls, pristine reefs

resort scene for three decades, but was redeveloped in 2001 and has become a

and deep, blue water canyons—all home to one of the healthiest, most diverse

leaner, greener destination.

fsheries in the world.

It’s why Guy Harvey’s Outpost resorts have landed on three of the best

Today, it’s a picturesque, luxury resort with 75 colorful, beachfront suites alongside a mega-yacht marina basin. Still luxurious, every suite is fully

beaches in this island chain. In West End, Old Bahama Bay Yacht Harbour and

appointed with custom designed, plantation-style furnishings. The improved

Resort is now a member of the Guy Harvey family. On Green Turtle Cay in the

“shark free” marina includes 72 slips and the best in service, including on-site

Abacos, the famed Green Turtle Club has also joined with Guy, along with Black

customs and immigration, making this the preferred point-of-entry for most

Fly Bonefsh Lodge at Schooner Bay on the southern shore of Great Abaco. Each

mariners transiting into the Bahamas from the U.S. mainland. The marina is also

property ofers a diferent experience, but all with Dr. Guy Harvey’s mission at

one of the few in the Bahamas equipped with nighttime navigational aids. It also

its core—to seek out stunning destinations, promote sustainability of marine

has been recognized with the prestigious Blue Flag award for its exceptional

resources, and enjoy world-class, environmentally responsible recreation. (Hint:

environmental conservation and awareness programs.

that means fshing and scuba diving.)

Vacationing at a Guy Harvey resort is not just about digging into another

The resort ofers access to world class bone fsh fats and ofshore walls that hold record marlin, tuna and wahoo. The fats run the entire north shore of

Grand Bahama Island, with miles of opportunity for hooking up double digit bonefsh. West End is home to several of the island’s top bonefsh guides, as fshing is West End’s heritage. There are always spots to be found where the sun and wind is at your back! Ofshore, the action can be red hot. The West End of Grand Bahama is home for the big game pelagic, here at the confuence of the Gulfstream and the Northwest Providence Channel. With Grand Bahama on the north, and the Bimini bank on its south, the “Channel” is a funnel for bait fsh and their predators. When the cooler weather brings the north winds and its white capped mountains in the steam, trolling the drop on the lee side of Grand Bahama in the Northwest Channel for wahoo is, as the old fshing saying goes, “like shooting fsh in a barrel.” It’s a big barrel with some really big wahoo!

Green Turtle Club If you’re traveling by boat (and after all, isn’t that the only way?) from West End to the Abacos, your ride across the bank takes you past mostly hardscrabble, iron-shore outcroppings. Slowly, your easterly course turns south into the Sea of Abaco, and on to Green Turtle, the frst settlement of the popular Abaco Islands. Some 100 nautical miles east of Old Bahama Bay lies the Green Turtle Club, tucked into the northern shoreline of Green Turtle Cay’s White Sound.

Rich in history, New Plymouth is the only settlement on Green Turtle dating to Revolutionary War times, when Colonial loyalists took refuge here. With faded pastel clapboard cottages and white picket fences, the town is reminiscent of a colonial New England fshing village, and of another seafaring town, Key West. As its ofcial sister city, the so-called “conchs” of Key West can trace their roots to New Plymouth, when many of the cay’s residents emigrated in the 1830s after devastating hurricanes. Left behind is a quiet island, three miles long with some 450 residents, one of whom is Top: Looking east the Old Bahama Bay villas nestled along the white sugar sand beach overlooking

the famed Bahamian painter Alton Lowe who has

the Little Bahama Bank. Above: The Green Turtle Club overlooks the tranquil harbour of White Sound.

helped foster annual “twin cities” celebrations.

Like much of the Abaco’s heritage, the

venerable Green Turtle Club began as a boat house, later acquired by the

The Green Turtle Club also has been at the forefront of eforts to eradicate

famous British boat designer Allan Charlesworth who transformed it into a bar

the Pacifc lionfsh, supporting famed Bahamian scuba diver Brendal Stevens

for traveling yachtsmen. Hanging dollar bills on the wall to treat subsequent

and his wife Mary in hosting the frst Lionfsh Derby in 2008. As an outspoken

travelers to a drink became a tradition that continues today, surely making it

advocate for controlling this invasive species, Dr. Harvey and his Outpost

one of the most valuable (and popular) bar establishments in the out-islands!

team are bringing added support to the popular derby event, in addition to

Few visitors to the Abacos miss an opportunity to visit the cozy bar and imbibe a

establishing other research and marine education programs that will help protect

Tipsy Turtle, the club’s signature libation.

the world-renown reefs that surround Green Turtle and the Abaco islands.

Over the years, the bar became the center of social activity for the cay. First came the marina, and then the clubhouse, followed by guest cottages sprinkled around the harbor front. Today, the Club has more than 30 rooms and cottages. If

Black Fly Bonefish Lodge

you don’t arrive in your private yacht, you can also get there by ferry where you’ll

At the southern end of Great Abaco, a new community is being built on the design

be met by the Green Turtle’s dock staf and hospitality team.

heritage of a traditional Bahamas settlement. It is the new home of Black Fly Bonefsh

Owners Adam Showell and his sister Ann have plans to deepen the channel entrance to accommodate the increasing number of larger sportfsh and cruising motor yachts. This past spring marked the 25th anniversary of the Green Turtle Club billfsh tournament. With the new channel complete, the Guy Harvey Outpost Billfsh Invitational will be relocating to Green Turtle April 29–May 2, 2013, to fsh the fertile blue marlin grounds just ofshore, creating a series of events showcasing sportsmanship and conservation.

Top: End of the day and the feet is in at Old Bahama Bay; telling tales of the day’s fshing. Right: Black Fly’s Paul Pinder, an Abaco native has been guide to a veritable “Who’s who,” of the fats world. Photo: Pat Ford.

Lodge on Schooner Bay and the work of fy-fshing expert Vaughn Cochran. With

Left: A full service marina with fuel, ice, drinks and sundries; The Green Turtle Club is protected from all sides. Or The Green Turtle Club’s full service marina is just a few steps from the Tipsy Turtle where tall tales of fshing can surely be heard. Bottom: Sunrise and Sunset at Blackfy with a whole lot of fshing in between.

the essentials of a great lodge—an inviting dining room, convivial bar and, of course, a fully-equipped fy tying table. There’s plenty of fshing to be had, too. Lower Abaco is classifed into six distinct fshing grounds with pristine fats that stretch to the horizon, holding schools of bonefsh and monster permit too numerous to count. And, when the fats turn of, ofshore fshing with a 14-weight rod for tuna, wahoo, mahi and marlin is ready and waiting.

The Good Life

his good humor and wealth of stories—he used to be one of Jimmy Bufett’s frst Coral Reefer Band members in Key West—Vaughn is the quintessential down-

Whether its shark dives or wall dives, fshing backcountry or ofshore, shooting

island angler. He, along with his wife Jean, and partner Clint Kemp, all long-time

lionfsh or killing time in a hammock overlooking a deserted beach, each Guy

guides and lodge operators, is transforming their popular angling destination

Harvey Outpost Expedition property ofers a unique out-island experience. And

into a ground-up commitment to sustainable tourism.

at the heart of each one is a commitment to conservation and sustainability, so

Scheduled for a spring 2013 opening, work is well along on the new property. Presently, they have a four-bedroom, beachside villa, equipped with all

the adventure never has to end. It’s having your fun and being good all at the same time.

GUY HARVEY RESEARCH INSTITUTE

FAST COMPANY

BY KEN MA

GHRI moves into its new, state-of-the-art research facility and joins the fight for healthy coral reefs.

The Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) has a new, state-of-the-art home at

professor and associate director of NSU’s National Coral Reef Institute. His lab uses

Nova Southeastern University’s Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems

an interdisciplinary approach to the systems biology of coral reefs to learn how

Research. This $50 million, fve-story facility includes a full marina, wet labs

past and future ocean changes impact reef ecosystems.

with purifed saltwater derived from the Atlantic Ocean and cutting-edge lab

“Climate change has adversely impacted coral reefs in a variety of ways,” Riegl

equipment. The Center houses NSU researchers, including GHRI and the Save

said. “Our research investigates coral stress and resilience to identify the best

Our Seas Shark Center, and has a special focus on deep and shallow coral reef

pathways to reef survivorship in an uncertain future.”

ecosystem studies. Their work includes diverse marine science disciplines, such

Doctoral candidate, D. Abigail Renegar, MS, uses another lab. The Coral

as deep sea biology, shark and billfsh ecology and genetics, coral reef fsh and

Histology Lab studies the microscopic structure of coral tissues and cells to

invertebrate ecology, taxonomy, microbiology, and coral reef geology, oceanography, evolutionary biology, restoration, diseases, reproduction and genetics.

According to Mahmood Shivji, PhD, professor at NSU and director of the GHRI and Save

diagnose diseases, predict reproductive

Roughly 25 percent of the ocean’s fish species emanate from coral reef habitats.

Our Seas Shark Center, “This new facility and equipment not only tremendously expands our research opportunities within GHRI, but also provides excellent opportunities for collaboration with other

cycles and investigate the efects of environmental stress on coral reefs.

“Histological research is a key component in the assessment of coral health and resilience, allowing the evaluation of the efects of environmental

change on coral tissue structure, composition and function,” she said.

Renegar and assistant professor Nicole Fogarty, PhD, are working diligently

research initiatives. Already, the GHRI and Save Our Seas Shark Center have joined

on understanding various aspects of coral reproduction to facilitate coral reef

forces to study the ecology and conservation of sharks and rays that inhabit coral

restoration eforts. Reef restoration is a tool in the reef preservation toolbox.

reef ecosystems around the word. Additionally, the GHRI is collaborating with

This includes raising corals in places where larvae and juveniles are nurtured in a

other Center researchers to study how other coral reef species, including boney

relatively safe lab environment before being moved to coastal locations to restore

fshes and invertebrates, are connected to and, therefore, dependent on each

damaged coral populations.

other for survival on a Caribbean-wide scale.”

The Center has ofces, laboratories and sophisticated equipment, as well as

NSU has coral nurseries on the reefs of the coast of Fort Lauderdale. These are nurtured and stocked by assistant professor Dave Gilliam, PhD, and his graduate

space for research collaboration, training, and feldwork staging, a science library,

student researchers. The Center of Excellence also contains a land-based coral

and an 85-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art, audio-visual amenities. One

nursery where corals are cultured in large tanks. When the young specimens reach

of those labs is the Systems Biology & Geology Lab led by Bernhard Riegl, PhD,

an appropriate size and age, these corals are transplanted to reefs.

The GHRI’s new home at Nova Southeastern University is in the Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Research, which houses multiple research initiatives in new, state-of-the-art facilities. Photo: NSU.

One way to grow corals in the lab is to collect coral babies from the ocean.

global threats, such as rising sea temperatures and ocean acidifcation, and by

Each August, in synchronicity with moon cycles, many species of corals spawn,

local threats including pollution, overfshing and coastal development. Rising

releasing millions of sperm and eggs all at once into the ocean. These form

ocean temperatures are causing coral bleaching, which can give rise to loss of

fertilized baby corals called larvae. The larvae swim for a while, but soon settle to

coral tissue, disease and, ultimately, death. Increasing ocean acid content, even by

the reef surface to grow a stout skeleton and contribute to the reef structure and

small amounts, causes corals to make less skeleton, and so the very structure of

ecology. When the coral spawn, a science team from the Center collects fertilized

reefs can be endangered.

eggs in the wild to raise the larvae in the laboratory’s controlled setting, greatly increasing their odds of survival.

Coral nurseries can play a signifcant role in reef restoration. NSU has tripled the size of its land-based nursery by building the Center of Excellence. And these labgrown coral babies, in turn, will contribute to NSU’s ofshore coral nurseries, which

An estimated 25 to 30 percent percent of the world’s coral reefs are already severely degraded or lost, and another very high percentage are in danger of greater impact or worse. Some experts predict reefs could be essentially wiped out within a human generation unless corrective action is taken.

In July, hundreds of marine biologists and other scientists from all over the

contain thousands of corals.

world joined in a consensus statement written at the 12th International Coral

Critical Time for Coral Reefs

Reef Symposium in Cairns, Australia. The statement concluded: “Across the globe,

Coral reefs provide a host of environmental and economic services including

value. A concerted efort to preserve reefs for the future demands action at global

employment, food, recreation and coastal protection. Roughly 25 percent of the

levels, but also will beneft hugely from continued local protection.” The United

ocean’s fsh species emanate from coral reef habitats. Millions of tourists and

Nations estimates globally, coral reefs generate over $172 billion per year from

residents enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and fshing on the reefs—activities that

the services they provide including tourism, recreation and fsheries. NSU’s South

provide a major source of income and employment for the Sunshine State and its

Florida backyard includes dive shops, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, boat tours,

coastal communities.

cruises, and big and small business owners. The good news is progress can be

However, reefs are being heavily impacted by a number of stresses, including

these problems cause a loss of reef resources of enormous economic and cultural

made to safeguard the health of the reefs and the benefts they provide.

Right: The Center of Excellence facility boasts new, high-tech labs, allowing a wide range of research covering multiple disciplines, such as shark and billfsh ecology and genetics, coral reef geology, oceanography and more. Photos: NSU.

NSU’s Center of Excellence, a multi-disciplinary facility, will generate information and research products to help understand, conserve and protect coral reef ecosystems.

The Center conducts local, national and international coral reef research in these areas: • Assessing the health of coral reefs and their ability to recover from injury and damage; • Examining eòects of climate change on reefs; • Cultivating species of corals in nurseries for reintroduction to the wild; • Mapping the extent and nature of coral reefs throughout the world; • Studying coral growth rings to reconstruct the history of reefs and environmental conditions;

The Center, which had its grand opening on September 27, would not have happened without the work of NSU leaders President George Hanbury, PhD;

• Investigating the øow of water in and around reefs;

NSU Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D.; Vice President for Facilities, John Santulli;

• Studying the DNA of reef animals to understand how reefs are connected to

the support of the NSU Board of Trustees and the Oceanographic Center’s

each other on a broader geographic scale; and • Determining the eòects of pollution, including oil, that may impinge on reefs.

Development Council; and the scientifc prowess of Dean Dodge and the Center’s faculty. NSU submitted a comprehensive proposal to secure a grant of $15 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and

Left and Below: Coral research at NSU includes a coral nursery on the reefs of Ft. Lauderdale. Photos: NSU and Kirk Kilfoyle.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) considers NSU’s National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) an important partner.

In turn, NCRI has long supported NOAA’s mission by providing Technology (NIST). NSU contributed an additional $35 million to build and furnish

outstanding scientifc research to support federal, state and local managers in

the Center, as well as revamp the adjacent research vessel marina.

addressing local solutions to the global oceanographic crises.

Dodge said receiving the largest grant in NSU’s history to build this Center

“NSU’s new Center of Excellence fts perfectly within NOAA’s mission and

is recognition of the tremendous value of coral reefs to the United States and

provides both urgently needed physical facilities and expanded scientifc capacity

the considerable threats and stressors now impinging upon them. The Center

regionally, nationally and globally,” Dodge said. “We are thrilled to have this

aims to develop solid research products and information that will lead to better

recognition in order to continue our role.”

management and conservation solutions.

Laura Snyder of Dick Jones Communications also contributed to this story.

MEET THE CHEF

FANATICALLY FRESH

BY GHM STAFF

Chef Paul Arias has a unique culinary workspace. A native son of California, he has parallel passions for seafood, fresh ingredients, and sustainability, and they are blended to perfection in the middle of The Fishery, a seafood market in San Diego’s North Pacific Beach.

Located three blocks from the Pacific Ocean, The Fishery shares a restored vintage warehouse, home to three enterprises all seriously focused on premier seafood.

Owners Judd and Mary Anne Brown are committed to supporting local, artisanal fshermen who are developing ways to fsh that “support healthy marine life, sustain local economies and provide local, tasty food.”

The Fishery does this by showcasing sustainable products in a premier seafood market at the center of the restaurant, with an open kitchen of to one side. This is where Chef Paul works his magic. The atmosphere

Chef Paul Arias | The Fishery | San Diego, California

is casual, and servers can ofer expert advice on the day’s oferings. The Fishery’s menu has an overwhelming emphasis on freshness and changes with the seasons—the freshest catch available is paired with locally,

Papa’s Café, a French inspired brasserie in Torrance,

organically grown fruits and vegetables, and a

California, and Pesce Blue, a Mediterranean-inspired

wide selection of seafood-friendly wines.

Sourcing seafood from Baja to Alaska, diners have the best of the West Coast to choose from: spiny lobster, wild-caught sockeye salmon, tuna, ono and a wide variety of shellfsh. All fsh is wildcaught, unless otherwise noted, and patrons keep coming back for what many simply call “the best seafood in San Diego.” Especially popular are Chef Paul’s weekly “Tuesday Tastings.”

Chef Paul is a graduate of the Los Angeles Culinary Academy. He also studied and worked in France and has opened restaurants on both coasts of the United States. He was co-founding chef of

…the freshest catch available is paired with locally, organically grown fruits and vegetables, and a wide selection of seafoodfriendly wines.

seafood restaurant in New Hampshire. He has also worked under award-winning Chef Michael Cimarust, and alongside his mentor, Executive Chef Jef Jackson, he opened the innovative “market to table” restaurant A.R. Valentien at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.

At the helm of The Fishery, Chef Paul is unleashing all of this experience and expertise on a treasure trove of seafood. Co-owner Mary Anne Brown credits him with bringing “imagination, intuition and an adventurous sense of humor to the table…notwithstanding an academic passion for sustainable seafood.”

Check out www.thefshery.com.

The Fishery in San Diego

Mano de leon scallops with polenta cake, heirloom tomato, basil puree and balsamic syrup (Serves 4)

Polenta cake 2 cups ground polenta 2 cups veggie stock 2 cups milk Salt and pepper to taste

Bring the liquid to a simmer and season with 12 fresh scallops

salt and pepper. Add polenta and cook for about 20

4 polenta cakes, cut into rounds

minutes stirring constantly. Spread cooked polenta

2 cups mixed heirloom tomatoes,

on sheet pan in even layer and let cool to frm up. Cut

cut into various sizes

into portions for future use.

¼ cup basil puree 2 T reduced balsamic syrup

Basil puree 2 cups blanched basil

In hot pan with clarifed butter, caramelize scallops

3 T honey

and cook until just past medium rare. Place on top of

3 T fresh squeezed lemon juice

warm polenta cake. Toss tomatoes with salt, pepper

½ cup olive oil

and olive oil. Drizzle sauces on plates and enjoy.

Blend basil, honey and lemon juice. Slowly blend in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

¼ cup soy sauce

Heat pan with olive oil. Add garlic and chili fake and

2 T sesame seed oil

let toast. Add seafood and sauté 1 minute. Deglaze

½ bunch chopped cilantro

with wine and fsh stock. Add warm, blanched

1 bunch sliced green onion

pasta and cherry tomatoes. Toss all ingredients with

½ cup olive oil

pesto until heated through and coated with sauce.

Plate pasta and garnish with sunfower seeds and

Peel and remove seeds from tamarind. Cover with

micro basil.

orange juice, sugar, and a little water, and bring to boil until soft. Blend the tamarind with the soy and

Whole fried, local huachinango with shaved squash salad and tamarind chili sauce (Serves 1 or 2) 1 whole huachinango gutted, scaled (can easily

1 lb basil leaves and fowers, blanched

together and let sauce sit for at least 2 hours.

1 cup spinach leaves, blanched 1 cup sunfower seeds, toasted

Shaved squash salad

1 cup olive oil

1 cup julienne cut carrot

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

½ bunch chopped cilantro Lemon juice

Blanch basil and spinach, squeezing out all excess

Olive oil

moisture. In a food processor, add basil, spinach,

Salt and pepper

garlic and sunfower seeds. Blend and incorporate olive oil until chunky. Fold in parmesan cheese. For a

Toss all ingredients and check for seasoning.

Cornstarch for frying

Season fsh and coat in cornstarch. Fry in 350 degree oil for about 7 minutes until just cooked through.

Place fsh around the squash salad and spoon

Angel hair pesto with calamari, mussels and clams (Serves 4)

tamarind sauce over fsh. Garnish with toasted sesame

1 lb angel hair pasta

seeds and chopped scallions and micro cilantro.

2 T minced garlic 1 t chili fake

Tamarind sauce

5 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups julienne cut yellow and zucchini squash

sub small black gilled rock fsh).

Salt and pepper

Fishery sunflower seed pesto

the rice vinegar. In a bowl, whisk all other ingredients

½ cup white wine

5 tamarind pods

½ lb calamari, rings and tentacles

½ cup orange juice

2 lbs clams, steamed and meat removed

2 T sugar

2 lbs mussels, steamed and meat removed

2 T minced ginger

2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 T sambal sauce

1 cup sunfower seed pesto (recipe at right)

1 T fsh sauce

1 cup fsh stock

¼ cup rice wine vinegar

Sunfower seeds and micro basil for garnish

smoother consistency, blend until smooth.

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LAST CAST

HOOKED ON GULF FISHERIES While the Deepwater Horizon disaster shined a Supernovalike spotlight on the Gulf of Mexico, a recent symposium

“Assessment capacity is a major defciency,” said Luiz

revealed that the Gulf fshery had other problems well

Barbieri, director of Florida’s Marine Fisheries Research

before the BP platform exploded. The inaugural Gulf

Institute. “We need to develop an integrated network of

Fisheries Symposium, held this September 14–15, 2012,

state, federal, industry, and recreational fshermen to create

at the Tradewinds Island Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida,

an assessment process that is more efective and efcient.”

boasted a unique gathering of major stakeholders in the

While regulators lamented their limited resources,

Gulf of Mexico—recreational and commercial fshermen,

they called on recreational fshermen to help fll the gaps.

non-government organizations (NGOs) and government

According to Jef Miller, state chairman of Florida’s Coastal

regulators, marine research scientists, law enforcement and,

Conservation Association, recreational fshermen would

of course, Dr. Guy Harvey himself. It was perhaps the frst

gladly assist in the process. “Just tell us what information

time all of these groups had come together in one room to

you need,” Miller said, “and we’ll go out and get it.”

discuss the issues facing the Gulf’s fshery.

FRED GARTH

on this less-than-perfect information.

During the two-day event, sponsored in part by

“I don’t want to say that we dodged a bullet…but early indications are good…”

For the past 25 years, Fred D.

the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Guy Harvey

Garth’s articles have appeared in

Magazine, speaker after speaker voiced concerns

numerous books, magazines and

about the process of assessing fsh stocks, and that

newspapers around the world.

setting limits on catch sizes is an inaccurate science

Read his blog at:

at best. The good news is that many fsh populations are

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com.

rebounding, such as red snapper, Goliath grouper and

expanding catch and size limits if a certain species is

others, but scientist and regulators have monumental

expanding faster than expected. Or if a species is in decline,

challenges, according to Gil McRae, director of Florida’s Fish

faster action by regulators could help a fsh population

and Wildlife Research Institute. His agency conducts 40,000

to rebound more quickly. In addition to discussing the

dockside interviews with recreational fshermen each year,

problems facing the fsh stock assessment process, many

yet that only represents 2 percent of fshing trips.

speakers pointed out that budget cuts at state and federal

“It’s not that the data is inaccurate,” McRae said. “It’s just not enough data. We need more active ways to get more angler information.”

The story goes like this. Fish researchers estimate whether a fsh population is growing or declining based

Ultimately, sharing information could result in

levels were also afecting the way fsh are monitored.

“Our budgets are under great stress,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA’s assistant administrator for fsheries, “We’re always looking for cost efective ways to gather information.”

The symposium clearly illustrated how critical it is

on limited data, some of which may be a year old or older.

that all of the stakeholders share information and work

Government regulators then set recreational fshing limits

together to better assess the health of the fshery in real

Guy Harvey, Charles Wilson from Gulf of Mexico Research Institute, James Bohnsack from Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, Luiz Barbieri from Marine Fisheries Research, FWRI, and Bob Hueter from Mote Marine Laboratory, during a panel discussing ongoing fsheries research. Photo: Jim Tizzano

time. And with tighter budgets each year, it’s even more important for recreational

More Issues

and commercial fshermen to help scientists and regulators fgure out what is

The symposium also had panel discussions on aquaculture as well as habitat

happening beneath the waves.

and restoration. Bill Shedd, president of AFTCO and chairman of the board of

GHOF

the Hubbs-Sea World Institute gave a passionate presentation on the need to

Another key element of the symposium was a panel of scientists, funded by the

the Gulf that have become critical habitat for everything from sponges and corals

Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, who reported on their post-oil spill studies of

to reef and pelagic fsh. Shedd related his success in working with oil companies in

specifc Gulf fsh, such as bluefn tuna, near-shore sharks and deepwater fshes.

Southern California as a possible blueprint for the Gulf of Mexico.

While most of the studies are still ongoing, GHOF-funded researchers have

continue the Rigs to Reef program rather than removing non-producing oil rigs in

“We just made the point that if a rig was having a positive impact on the

shown little evidence of dangerous levels of PAHs, which are generally associated

fshery then they should leave it there. If another rig wasn’t, then it should be

with oil spills.

removed,” Shedd said. “It was kind of a no-nonsense, logical approach that seemed

“I don’t want to say that we dodged a bullet,” said Dean Grubbs, the director of the Coastal and Marine Laboratory for Florida State University, “but early

to resonate with everyone.”

The Rigs to Reef program became a hot topic recently after the federal

indications are good. Of course, we’ll keep monitoring these species to see if there

government decided to accelerate the timetable for rig removal in the Gulf.

are any long-term efects.”

Recreational fshing groups protested and Texas governor Rick Perry lobbied

Dr. Guy Harvey explained the GHOF’s role in raising $500,000 though the sale of “Save Our Gulf” T-shirts, which was used to fund the continuing study of the Gulf.

the president to do further studies on the “idle iron” rigs before continuing the removal process.

Dr. Harvey

Heavy Hitters

After lunch on the second day, just prior to his time at the podium, Guy Harvey

Part of the symposium’s success was due to lead sponsorships from the biggest

was surprised with a blue marlin-themed birthday cake and a crowd of more

names in the marine arena. The largest sponsors were NOAA, the University of

than 200 singing “Happy Birthday.” The light-hearted moment was followed by

South Florida, the Florida Institute of Oceanography and the Florida Fish and

Dr. Harvey’s spot-on presentation calling for continued focus on the Gulf of

Wildlife Commission. Mote Marine Laboratory also contributed substantially to

Mexico and the GHOF’s commitment to those eforts. Dr. Harvey touched on

the event.

several GHOF key initiatives, such as a new T-shirt supporting the Rigs to Reef

In addition, the symposium attracted a who’s who of marine industry

program, their eforts in protecting more endangered shark species and the

leaders such as Florida’s Senator Jack Latvala, and Rachel Jacobson from

always contentious issue of ofshore oil drilling.

the Department of the Interior. Other notable dignitaries were Roy Crabtree

“The GHOF has worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

from NOAA; Steve Bortone, executive director of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery

Commission to increase protection for sharks,” Harvey said, “adding lemon, tiger

Management Council; Kevan Main, the president of the World Aquaculture

and three species of hammerhead sharks to the state protected species list. It

Society; Bob Hueter of Mote Marine Laboratory; and Mahmood Shivji, director

is our goal to extend these protections to other species and states, especially

of the Guy Harvery Research Institute.

around the Gulf.”

Opposite: George Schellenger, Steve Stock, Eric Schwaab of NOAA, Guy Harvey. Clockwise from top: Dr. Bill Gogarth, Guy Harvey, PhD, Senator Jack Latvala. Fred Garth, Gil McRae, Bill Shedd. Photos: Jim Tizzano.

Happy birthday, Guy! Photo: Leslie Ward.

Thanks, Bill Overall, the frst Gulf Fishery Symposium was highly successful primarily because it attracted a cross section all fshery stakeholders in one place at the same time. This was accomplished in large part due to the guidance and leadership of Dr. Bill Hogarth. A longtime fshery administrator, who was appointed by President George W. Bush to work for NOAA, Hogarth set the stage for all participants to speak candidly, yet not to place blame or attack other groups present. Rather, the symposium was an opportunity for those who are passionate about the Gulf and whose job it is to manage the fshery to gather in a casual setting and discuss the common goal of a sustainable fshery for the short term and for future generations.

Guy’s Limited Edition Art Only $300 The seven fabulous paintings displayed here were personally selected by Guy Harvey himself for an exclusive offer to Guy Harvey Magazine readers. These giclées on canvas have never been released until now and only 10 copies of each will be reproduced! These limited editions will each be personalized with Guy’s distinctive signature. Be one of only 10 people to own one of these incredible paintings. The best part, they are only $300 each.

ONLY 1 LEFT Hoo’s Next II 14” x 26” - $300

NEW! Hawksbill Turtle 16” x 22” - $300

ONLY 1 LEFT Golden Prize

NEW! Tuned In

16” x 21” - $300

16” x 21” - $300

ONLY 2 LEFT Bird of Paradise 16” x 21” - $300

NEW! Atlantic Collage 15” x 18” - $300

ONLY 1 LEFT Reef Patrol

11” x 14” - $300

It’s a first-come, first-serve offering, so don’t hesitate.

Be one of only 10 people on the entire planet to own the above signed Guy Harvey art!

Bring Guy’s Art Into Your Home

To order, call 888-275-2856 or e-mail kat@guyharveymagazine.com.

GUY HARVEY ORIGINAL ARTWORK

Guy Harvey Magazine is ofering a limited collection of Guy’s original artwork, signed of course, and shipped with an Ofcial Certifcate of Authenticity. Inquiries for this original art should contact Kat Dean at 888-275-2856 or kat@guyharveymagazine.com.

FOR E L A S

Dorado Quickstep Acrylic on Canvas Image: 5’ x 4’ Price - $28,500 USD

Anthurium Garden

Bills Have It!

Watercolor on Paper

Watercolor on Paper

Image: 20” x 12”

Image: 20” x 18”

Price - $4,250 USD

Price - $7,750 USD

Florida Chart Chart Remarques Image: 40.5” x 27.5” Price - $19,500 USD

FOR SALE Largemouth Bass

Boca Grande Lighthouse Collage

Mixed Media

Watercolor on Paper

Image: 20” x 16”

Image: 17” x 14”

Price - $5,250 USD

Price - $5,250 USD

To purchase this signed, original art, contact Kat Dean at kat@guyharveymagazine.com or 888-275-2856.