Guy Harvey Magazine — Winter 2016 by Rowland Publishing, Inc.

FWC S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

No More 74 Anchors!

The Art of Ocean Conservation VOLUME 6, ISSUE 22 WINTER 2016 $6.95

SPECIAL ISSUE:

State of Fish Sunshine and oranges take a backseat to what really makes Florida great.

COMPLETE ANGLER: Being Careful with ’Cudas | American Shad in the St. Johns River | Neal Stark Fights PTSD with Fishing 1 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2016

THE MONEY TRAIL

KICKING IT OLD SCHOOL

The FWC is enlisting the help of organizations all over the state

Florida’s tourism industry is legendary, but the state is not equally open to all visitors. Some newcomers are even being run out.

marine environment.

BY FRED GARTH

CONSERVATION SCIENCE

THE CHAMP Surrounded on three sides by water and rife with soggy habitat, Florida

Smart management depends on solid science, so Florida’s Fish and

claims to be the undisputed, heavyweight fishing capital of the world.

Wildlife Research Institute mans 20 field labs around the state.

BY FRANK SARGEANT

BY STEVE KANTNER

KEEP OUT!

to help engage the next generation and kindle a passion for the BY MARLOWE MOORE FAIRBANKS

GULF REEF FISH SURVEY

THE MONEY TRAIL Funding conservation and boating and fishing access is no small

If you target reef fish off the Florida Gulf Coast (and a bunch of us do),

feat, but you (yes, you!) get it done every time you spend a dollar on

you’re now required to sign up for a special survey.

the sport.

BY AMANDA NALLEY

BY SUE COCKING

MINDS AT THE TOP Ever wonder what the people are like who set fishing regulations

THE SUN IS SHINING The work of conservation is never complete, but there is plenty of

and drive management decisions? Turns out, they’re a lot like us.

progress to celebrate along the way.

BY SUE COCKING

BY BRIAN YABLONSKI, CHAIRMAN FWC

PHOTO PORTFOLIO

DEPARTMENTS

14 16

Almost Native

A Florida-licious Feast

Guy gets personal about his long and amorous

Three veteran foodies offer a statewide tour of

association with Florida.

Florida’s best seafood.

BY GUY HARVEY, PhD

BY GHM STAFF

Exclusive Online Content

Hooked on the Promised Land

Discover the latest in digital opportunities in the GHM

A longtime Florida resident, Freditor reflects on his

universe.

homeland of choice. BY FRED GARTH

News, Notes & Gear Find out what the Feds have done about red snapper in the Gulf and meet some of the brightest young minds in conservation. BY GHM STAFF

Steve Dougherty Fishing in Florida can be a visually stunning experience.

On the Cover: Snook in the Mangroves by Guy Harvey

“Everyone beneﬁts from healthy marine ecosystems. That’s why “I DO” keep my Florida ﬁshing license up to date and you should too. If we all work together we can help to ensure a healthy future for marine life in Florida and all over the planet.”

Guy Harvey Marine Wildlife Artist, Biologist, Diver, and Angler

THE “I DO” PLEDGE • I DO support conservation minded, sustainable ﬁshing. • I DO support science based ﬁshery management. • I DO support a path to connect kids with the outdoors; to become anglers and stewards of the resource. FloridaFishingLicenseCampaign.com — J O I N O U R C O N S E R VAT I O N PA R T N E R S —

Wildlife Foundation of Florida | P.O. Box 11010 | Tallahassee, FL 32302 | 800.988.4889 | WildlifeFlorida.org info@WildlifeFlorida.org

hobiefishing.com

CONTENTS

WINTER 2016

STAYING POWER

DOCK BUZZ

South Florida Barracuda

FEATURE

Steelhead of the South

Fishermen have noticed a distinct drop in barracuda

When winter comes calling, light tackle buffs beat a path

patrolling South Florida waters. While researchers try

to Florida’s St. Johns River to tangle with the ever-feisty

to solve this mystery, caution is in order.

American shad.

BY NICK HONACHEFSKY

BY CAPT. DAVE LEAR

BACKLASH

Neal Stark

GEARHEADS

Staying Power

Neal Stark uses fishing as a tool to combat PTSD. His

If you fish the skinny water and still find a need to deploy

Fishing with America’s Finest program is giving a huge

that big, clunky anchor, it’s probably time for an upgrade.

lift to those still in the fight.

BY JEFF DENNIS

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GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE OFFICES: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA Fred Garth, Editor-in-Chief MIAMI, FLORIDA Ozzy Delgado, VP, Sales & Marketing NEW YORK, NEW YORK Merrill Squires, Partner SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA Scott Smith, Partner

CREDITS TO: PUBLISHER Lost Key Publishing Art Director Leslie Ward Managing Editor Daryl Carson Marketing Director John Guidroz Circulation Director Penny Jones Director of Sales & Marketing JJ Waters Editor, Complete Angler Nick Honachefsky Accounting Karen Belser Copy Editor Kerrie Allen Contributing Editors Dr. Guy Harvey, Danny Thornton Contributors Rebecca Burton, Sue Cocking, Jeff Dennis, Tim Donovan, Steve Dougherty, Marlowe Moore Fairbanks, Steve Kantner, Capt. Dave Lear, Amanda Nalley, Jorge Pino, Frank Sargeant, Brian Yablonski Editorial Advisory Board Dr. Guy Harvey, Chad Henderson, Bill Shedd, Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Harvey Taulien, David Wilkinson WE RECYCLE:

We’re proud that Guy Harvey Magazine is printed on recycled paper. However,

using recycled paper is just the first step. Finding an environmentally-friendly printer is even more important. That’s why this magazine is printed at Publishers Press in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Publishers Press recycles more than 50 million pounds of paper products each year, which saves 10 million gallons of oil, 35,000 trees and 14 million gallons of water. Publishers Press also recycles more than 300,000 pounds of aluminum printing plates annually and no hazardous wastes are ever sent to a landfill, but are recycled and reused. Additionally, they recycle 217 tons of plastic each year and have set aside 550 of the 700 acres they own to be used for conservation and recreation.

GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE, Issue 22, Winter 2016. 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 changes to: Guy Harvey Magazine, PO Box 34075, Pensacola, Florida 32507. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without express written permission from Lost Key Publishing. Occasionally, we may make all or part of our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and/or services that may interest you.

CONTRIBUTOR’S PROFILE FRANK SARGEANT Frank Sargeant knows his way around a fishing pole and a boat helm just as well as he does a keyboard. He is one of America’s most successful outdoors writers, holding staff positions on several of the world’s largest men’s magazines including Outdoor Life, Boating, Sports Afield and others. Frank is also past president of the Florida Outdoors Writers Association. In 2011, he was named the Homer Circle Angling Communicator of the Year by the American Sportfishing Association, the top national honor for fishing writers. He’s also a former winner of the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Boating Writer of the Year award.

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Today, Frank resides near Huntsville, Alabama, and serves as editor of The Fishing Wire, contributing outdoors editor of the Tampa Tribune and the Huntsville Times, and a contributor to Bass Times, Florida Sportsman and many other media outlets. He is also author of 10 outdoors books including Boating for Complete Idiots. He was founder and long-time host of Florida’s largest outdoors show, the Tampa Tribune Outdoors.

STEVE DOUGHERTY Steve is a South Florida native, born and raised within a stone’s throw of the Gulf Stream. With this luxury comes a serious addiction to the ocean, whether surfing, diving or fishing. Steve is a photographer, writer and serves as an editor for Florida Sport Fishing. He’s also an avid tournament angler. During his childhood, summers were spent in the Bahamas chasing the bite along various legs of the Bahamas Billfish Championship. More recently he took first place finishes in the Texas Center Console Shootout, Saltwater Slam, Jimmy Johnson National Billfish Championship and Sunburn Swordfish Tournament, where his team landed a tournament record 502-pound broadbill swordfish.

GUY TALK

ALMOST NATIVE You could say that I’ve had a love affair with Florida since I

That auspicious event in South Florida set off somewhat

was a youngster growing up in Jamaica. I used to daydream

of a chain reaction, in that, the family ties between Guy

about going to places like Key West and Bimini, where Ernest

Harvey and Florida have been growing stronger with each

Hemingway spent his halcyon days writing and pursuing big

passing year. I continued to exhibit at this boat show and

game fish. As I grew up blue water fishing with my parents,

added the Miami Boat Show and Palm Beach Boat Shows to

I often wondered about catching fish around the Sunshine

the list. Then in 1987, I opened the first Guy Harvey office in

State and I promised myself that one day I’d find out what is

Ft. Lauderdale and formed a Florida corporation with help

was all about.

from Scotty Boyd and Charlie Forman. It was just a small space

With so much time spent at school and a university in the UK, I finally got the chance to travel to Florida when I was 30 years old. I went sailfish fishing with Captain Bob Dehart and

with a staff of one to help, as I still lived in Jamaica. Today, our offices are in Davie and have grown considerably. In more recent years, the GH organization and Florida

caught my first Atlantic sail off Deerfield Beach. I fell in love

have entered into some fabulous collaborations. One major

GUY HARVEY, PhD

with all of the boating and fishing opportunities that Florida

initiative was the Guy Harvey specialty license plate, which

is an internationally-acclaimed

had to offer. Then, as a young adult in 1986, at the invitation of

launched in cooperation with The Harbor Branch in 2004.

artist, fisherman, scientist, and

the late Kay Pearson, I exhibited my art at the Ft. Lauderdale

Since then, I have my own GHOF specialty plate and I’m happy

world traveler, who devotes

Boat Show. After selling out of everything I’d brought, I

to report that thousands of automobiles in Florida display that

much of his time and money

realized that my days as a college professor at the University

plate and spread the word of marine conservation wherever

toward ocean conservation.

of the West Indies in Jamaica were waning and that my life as

they drive. The most important aspect of the GH license plate

a professional artist was on the rise.

is that the revenue generated from it goes directly into marine

science research and education programs throughout the state of Florida. Speaking of which, another extremely gratifying Florida-based project is the Guy Harvey Research Institute, located at NOVA Southeastern University in Davie. We launched the GHRI in 1999 with Dr. Mahmood Shivji as the director. Since

So, it’s good to know that the fees we all pay are not just going into some bureaucratic black hole but are actually funding programs that will benefit our fisheries. In 2012 and 2014, we held the first Guy Harvey Fisheries Symposium. Where?

then, Mahmood and his staff have done groundbreaking work on many topics,

In Florida, of course. The first was at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach,

including shark tagging/tracking and ways to DNA test whether a fish in a market

which is a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort. The second was held on the USF St. Pete

or restaurant is really grouper or something they’ve just decided to fraudulently

campus. We now have two Florida-based resorts, the Islander in Islamorada and

call grouper and sell to customers. These DNA test kits help to keep restaurants

the Tradewinds, and soon to be a third, the Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort in

honest and are being perfected so that one day we might have an affordable kit

St. Augustine.

that you can carry with you. From a fundraising point of view, the most successful collaboration between

My most recent collaboration in Florida is with the Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line. Their newest and largest ship, the Norwegian Escape, has my art all

Florida and the Guy Harvey organization has been the Florida Lottery. It has

over the hull. It is based in the Port of Miami and plies the Caribbean on a weekly

literally funded hundreds of thousands of dollars in efforts to ensure a healthy

basis, boasting a 1,100-foot billboard promoting conservation of marine resources

fishery for anglers to enjoy. I’m proud that we’ve been able to work with a state

in Florida and throughout the Caribbean.

that understands the vital need for a sustainable fish population—both from

If you really examine the amount of time I spend in Florida and the number

an economic impact point of view and for the sheer recreational enjoyment of

of ventures I’m involved with around the state, you might think that I’m more

boating, fishing, scuba diving and swimming that so many Floridians cherish.

Floridian than Jamaican. That’s fine with me because I still love the state with

Similar to the license plate, you can now buy a Florida fishing license that’s branded with my artwork and that generates more marine conservation funds.

which I was infatuated as a child. Maybe they’ll make me an honorary citizen one of these days. That would be cool.

Best Fishing Stories of All Time Everyone loves a good fishing story. Five favorites we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

Guy Harvey Plants Outpost Flag on Lake Okeechobee Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, along with RV

Fishin’ Traditions Fishing isn’t always just about catching fish. Sometimes it’s part of a friendly tradition.

campground developer Elite Resorts, make plans to transform Okee-Tantie Campground and Marina into a bucket list vacation destination for North America’s nation of RV and boating/fishing enthusiasts.

Why We Need to Clean the Ocean’s Garbage Patches

Understanding Hook Sizes and How to Choose One

The message and vision of 21-year-old inventor and entrepreneur Boyan Slat and how he plans to help clean our precious oceans.

The fishing hook is probably the most well-known piece of terminal fishing tackle, and there are many subtle differences between hooks. The right hook gets the right fish.

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NEWS, NOTES & GEAR

Research Superstars BY REBECCA BURTON

“Understanding where and why

Eight graduate students at universities in Florida have received Guy Harvey

reef fish occur in some areas rather than

Scholarship Awards, recognizing their outstanding achievements in marine

others helps managers protect reef fish

science research. The winners received $5,000 scholarships and a special

and associated habitat,” McEachron said.

certificate designed and signed by Dr. Harvey. The scholarship program, established in 2010 through a partnership between

Besides being a student, McEachron is also a marine ecologist at the FWC Fish

Florida Sea Grant and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, recognizes students

and Wildlife Research Institute where he uses statistical methods to help guide

at Florida universities whose research focuses on the biology, ecology, habitat

sportfish managers.

or management of fish in Florida’s marine environment. This year’s research

SARA THOMAS, who recently graduated

projects range from evaluating ways the Everglades snook fishery is influenced

from Florida Atlantic University with a

by freshwater flow to investigating bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Goliath

bachelor’s in marine biology, is studying the

grouper. Here’s how the 2015 winners are making an impact:

digestion rates of invasive lionfish. Her goal is

ERICA ROSS, a PhD student in the fisheries

to provide data that can be used to estimate

and aquatic sciences program in the University

their impact on native species in the Atlantic

of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation, is studying how climate change will impact the transmission of PaV1, a virus that infects juvenile spiny lobsters. “Clearly, Erica has great potential to move the field of chemosensory ecology

Ocean. “My goal…is to expand my research to other fish species such as snapper or grouper,” she said. This fall, Thomas will be attending the University of the Virgin Islands to pursue her master’s degree in marine and environmental science. But, Thomas

forward using a fishery species of particular interest to Florida,” said her adviser,

isn’t one to be confined to a lab. She recently gave a TED talk about sustainable

Don Behringer, an associate professor at UF. “She not only has all of the academic

seafood at FAU.

skills and research experience to be successful, but she has the interpersonal skills

MARY KATE SWENARTON, a master’s

to work well in a lab or field environment.”

student studying coastal biology at UNF, is

BRENDAN TALWAR, a master’s student studying

quantifying life history characteristics, such

ecology and evolution at FSU, is estimating the

as growth rate of invasive lionfish in several

post-release mortality rate for the Cuban dogfish and

different regions of Florida.

gulper shark, two commonly encountered deep-sea

“With this information, managers will be

sharks that are regularly released by fishermen.

able to more accurately estimate population

“Prior to our study, fisheries management assumed that these sharks would survive, as is common with many bycatch species,” Talwar said. “But our study has documented a far different outcome.” In his free time, Talwar spends as much time on

growth,” she said. “This way they can determine the removal effort needed to keep lionfish densities under threshold limits.” With the scholarship funds, Swenarton hopes to develop a market demand for lionfish in Jacksonville. ROSS BOUCEK, a PhD student studying

the water as possible. He also has written and directed two educational films: The

biology at FIU, is looking at how the Everglades

Story of Sharks and Eating the Enemy: Death to Lionfish.

National Park snook fishery is influenced by

LUKE MCEACHRON, a PhD student studying interdisciplinary ecology at UF,

varied amounts of fresh water flowing into

is investigating the relationships between reef fish and habitat. He is interested in

the estuarine habitat. To do this, he is using

how reef fish communities respond to non-reef habitat such as sand and seagrass.

acoustic telemetry, a method in which fish are

tagged with small, sound-emitting devices. Boucek is tracking these devices to

ecological and economic effects of marine protected areas on the West Florida

determine the spawning effort and spawning rhythm of snook in the Everglades.

Shelf,” said Cockrell’s adviser, Steve Murawski, an endowed chair of biological

“Boucek’s research has obvious implications for FWC’s continued efforts to understand how snook use freshwater habitats,” said Philip Stevens, lead scientist

oceanography at USF. “There is extreme interest in her results because they will influence the placement of marine protected areas in the future.”

and research administrator at FWC’s Charlotte Harbor Field Laboratory. “He took

CHRIS MALINOWSKI, a PhD student

the initiative to contact us and work toward collaboration. Ross has made an

studying biological science at FSU, is looking

impact on my career by reminding me of the spirit of collaboration and the fresh

at how the bioaccumulation of heavy metals,

perspective that an eager student can bring.”

particularly mercury, is impacting the health

MARCY COCKRELL, a PhD student

and sustainability of Goliath grouper.

studying marine science at USF, is investigating

His lab adviser, Felicia Coleman, director

how three marine protected areas in the Gulf of Mexico might benefit both fisheries yields and spawning populations. Cockrell’s research

of FSU’s Coastal Marine Laboratory, said his research is needed and timely. “Given the current emphasis on restoration of essential habitat in Gulf of

has garnered interest among other universities

Mexico coastal systems, it will certainly help to know where mercury is distributed

and agencies.

in nearshore environments,” Coleman said.

“She has undertaken an ambitious research program centered around the

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Sleek & Stable—Hobie Mirage i11s Beefy Bling—Reactor Meltdown 2 Hobie’s line of inflatable kayaks are designed to fish hard yet travel light. The hull

Reactor watches are designed to handle a hard day fishing and still look good for

of the i11 is 1000 denier PVC with a rubberized underside. And, even though this

dinner at the yacht club. The new Meltdown 2 incorporates a comfortable nylon

yak has a low profile, it still uses the MirageDrive pedal system so your hands

band that’s reinforced with a rubber coating to eliminate breakage potential.

stay free for fishing. For improved tracking, a fin fits into a built-in slot. Bungee

This ultra-strong band is paired with a solid forged 316 stainless steel watchcase

tie-downs in the rear hold an H-Crate that secures fishing gear or a cooler. If you’re

that has zero points of entry for dirt and

adventurous, skid pads in front of the seat allow for stand up casting. The i11s

water. It’s topped off with a screw-down

sports an adjustable

crown and depth tested to 660 feet.

mesh seat and dual

Large dial markings and super intense,

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8-layer Superluminova on the face

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Lionfish Removal & Awareness Day Get your spears and appetites ready! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) celebrates the second annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day (first Saturday after Mother’s Day) with a festival, tournament and more May 14–15. More than 2,500 lionfish were removed from Florida waters as part of the 2015 event. The free festival will be at Plaza de Luna in Pensacola and will include lionfish tastings, fillet demonstrations, family games and activities, celebrity chefs, raffles and over 40 vendors. Are you a diver? Report your May 14 lionfish catch and potentially win a prize. Or participate in one of the many lionfish removal events that will be going on simultaneously across the state. Lionfish are a nonnative, invasive species that have a negative impact on Florida’s native wildlife and habitat. Learn more about this event and FWC’s Reef Ranger Lionfish Removal Program at ReefRangers.com.

Photo: MyFWC.

Gulf Coast Jam Country music, beer and fishing. They blend together nicely. And that’s probably why the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach has been such a huge hit. Because the music is amazing, the fishing community is out in force and getting a cold one is as simple as two plus two. Oh, having their T-shirts designed by Guy Harvey doesn’t hurt either. Uh, and I guess a lineup that includes monster names like Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Hunter Hayes, Dwight Yoakam and Scotty McCreery pretty much locks in a big crowd. September 2–4, 2016, will mark the fourth year of the Jam. Being the father of a 15-year-old who “idolizes” Keith Urban, I quickly became dad of the year when I got her tickets near the stage. Not only did she see Keith but she’s got a video of him, which includes her other hand in the frame touching his guitar while he ripped out a riff. The decibel levels in her screams went from the roar of a jet engine to sounds that only dogs can hear. For me, it was just cool that the Guy Harvey apparel trailer was set up directly opposite the stage for perfect viewing of the bands. Knowing that my daughter was locked in, I just hung out with my GH buds, listened to awesome music and kept my pallet moist so I could hoot and holler with the best of ‘em. If you’re in Panama City in September, be sure to go jam at the Jam.

6 More Miles: Feds Change Snapper Regs Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana now have six more nautical miles of red snapper fishing, thanks to a bill signed in December by President Obama. More

“Nothing’s more exhilarating than life on the water.”

accurately, the new law extends state waters from three miles to nine miles from the coast, allowing the states to regulate red snapper and other reef fish in this zone. Florida and Texas state waters already extended to nine miles. The change is one of several items in the new law meant to address red snapper management issues in the Gulf, which have resulted in abbreviated nineand 10-day seasons for private sector recreational anglers the last two years. Other provisions include funding for new research. NOAA’s National Sea Grant College program will receive $5 million to support a red snapper tagging study in the Gulf. Another $5 million will go toward an independent, non-NOAA stock assessment for Gulf reef fish, including red snapper. The new law also directs NOAA to count fish on artificial reefs and offshore energy exploration infrastructure,

Photo: Chris Cornaggia.

and to

decisions for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. It also urges NOAA to increase allocation of Gulf red snapper to private recreational anglers should the total allowable catch of red snapper increase above a certain threshold. “The federal government’s continued mismanagement of the red snapper fishery has placed unnecessary barriers in the way of Alabama’s fishermen,” said Alabama Senator Richard Shelby. “As we all know, the best conservationists

Master a paddleboard or strap on a jetpack and soar over the Gulf of Mexico. Fish for the big ones, or dine with tarpon, snook and reds swimming past in a massive fish tank. Stroll the beach at sunset, find tropical cocktails, live music and campfire s’mores. Ready to get out there? Guy’s ready to take you there.

are oftentimes the ones who depend on this fishery the most—charter and

Y HARV

incorporate those counts into future stock assessments and management

recreational anglers. I believe that these reforms are big wins for fishermen across the Gulf, and I am hopeful that it will lead to a longer, more robust red snapper season.”

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Teachers get serious about catching fish, and when they do, it’s all smiles.

FWC’s Guy Harvey Saltwater Camp, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, July 2014. Photo: Tim Donovan/FWC.

Kicking It Old School BY MARLOWE MOORE FAIRBANKS

The idea is simple. Get kids outdoors & teach them the old-fashioned way—let the older generation lead by example. “It was my grandpa. He noticed my interest in fishing, got me my first rod and reel, taught me to cast. He taught me everything he knew.” Kathy Guindon, PhD, one of the foremost tarpon experts in Florida, grew up in Pennsylvania where the fishing bug bit and bit hard. She moved to North Carolina to study fisheries, eventually following through with a master’s degree in fish ecology from NC State, and then applying her knowledge at a new job concentrating on fish community ecology of Tampa Bay. In Florida’s vast marine environments, Kathy eventually met up with the mighty tarpon, a catch-and-release sport fish, and her scientific and conservation curiosity piqued when a handful of Florida fishermen approached the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) with their concerns that fishing techniques might actually be detrimental to the tarpon.

“What fascinated me about this was that the stakeholders themselves—we’re talking about a $300 million fishing industry in Florida, and that number doesn’t

Conservancy, the overwhelming need to address this generational nature crisis became a top priority for the FWC.

even include other areas of heavily fished tarpon populations—brought up this

Like most state conservation agencies, FWC first attempted to beef up its

idea of working with FWC to find out whether or not the way some anglers catch

conservation education programs, but as with most state conservation agencies,

and release tarpon hurts the population. We hadn’t thought of this before.” So, she

strains on staff and budget limited FWC’s ability to reach anywhere near the

was able to apply citizen science in a variety of new tarpon studies, getting Florida

number of kids they knew needed—and wanted—their programs.

charter fishing captains and recreational anglers to help gather data for a formal study on how stressed tarpon get from fishing and to see how often they catch the same fish. This experience opened Kathy’s eyes to the very real actions Florida outdoors people would take on behalf of the natural world and activities they

“Nationally, kids are not getting outdoors, they’re not understanding conservation or even having the experience of outdoor recreation.” Rae Waddell directs Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN), the bold new initiative that evolved from FWC’s frustrations with their limitations. “We have been combating this problem for years in Florida, and 2010

loved. That lesson proved vital when she was approached to take on a new role

was when we had to start rethinking our whole approach. We couldn’t do it

with the agency’s youth conservation education program and asked to direct

by ourselves. We had to involve Floridians. So, we created the Florida Youth

the new Suncoast Youth Conservation Center. This center would be FWC’s first

Conservation Centers Network as a public-private partnership to get our message

marine-focused site, teaching hands-on marine science while participating in

as far and wide as possible.”

recreational activities.

Outside the Box The new catch phrase goes something like this—kids are not going to protect

The startup of the project, which involved organizing a statewide partner network of parks, nature centers, youth organizations, educators, private landowners and community groups took time. FYCCN partner sites now dot the state from Pensacola to the Everglades, providing programs in four main areas:

an environment they don’t spend any time in. With children aged 8-18 choosing

fishing, boating, wildlife discovery and shooting sports. Today, FYCCN consists of

a whopping 58 hours a week for entertainment media, according to The Nature

300 partners, and the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, a marine education

Opposite: FWC’s Guy Harvey Saltwater Camp, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, July 2014. Photo: Tim Donovan/FWC. Above: kids get hands on with investigating inshore marine life. Photos: FWC.

campus based in Apollo Beach, should be up and running by early 2016. FYCCN specifically recruited Kathy to head the Suncoast Center due to her

explorations, a lot of them for the first time. It’s way cooler to go kayaking in the bay to study high school genetics by looking at tarpon and different gill structures

first-hand experience with how willing Floridians could be to partner with a

of flounders and sheepshead than studying squares in a textbook. It’s amazing

state agency.

how excited they get to learn something when they’re outdoors. If they get that

“I knew Floridians would work with us. These are exciting times,” Kathy says.

passion in them now, they realize this is something they can have for the rest of

“Everything changes when a state agency is there to facilitate success,” Rae

their lives. And then they pass it on.”

says. “This program is a very wise, wide use of state dollars. We’re allocating funds

“So far,” says Rae, “the program is going great, and we need more partners.

to support the success of conservation education with partners all over Florida.

We need more volunteers. We encourage anyone who loves the outdoors and

For example, if a facility wants to host a summer fish camp, we supply the week-

who has any expertise to get involved with our program. In time, we think our

long curriculum package, train their staff, provide the necessary equipment, and

Suncoast Center at Apollo Beach will be a shining example that will draw people

hand them a proven program that teaches youth the sport of fishing and gives

from all over the world. We chose Kathy to lead the development of this site

them the knowledge required for ethical angling.

because we know she can make it a world-class facility.”

“For us, it’s successful on so many levels. We’re able to reach kids with experiences that help them understand why you pick up trash, why Amendment

Kathy sees the formula for success as being pretty simple. “When it comes down to it, I’m giving every kid the same thing my grandpa

One is important, why appreciation of our fish and wildlife resources is critical,

gave me—and my Nanny, who took us to spot deer and indigo bunting

why we conserve. We’re distributing resources to partners and letting the people

before dusk. And my parents who took us camping. They all live on in me, and

who have facilities in all corners of the state and who have vast levels of expertise

my grandpa’s instruction is what I know, so I pass that on, plus a little extra

pass it on. We have to create the next generation of kids that care or we’re going

enthusiasm.”

to lose it all.” Kathy, who spent her free time during her career with marine fisheries teaching youth groups, made an easy transition to the world of conservation education. “There’s so much to be excited about when you’re taking kids on outdoor

So far, the FYCCN is proving that it is possible to shape a sound future for tomorrow’s conservationists. The old ways that used to work in families now work in new ways across the state, in a network of outdoor enthusiasts who care enough about wild places to also care for the next generation.

Above: These plankton and harmful algal bloom (HAB) species are

Editor’s Note: Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is the

known to occur in Florida waters. To determine when and where HAB

research arm of the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

species bloom, scientists use microscopy to magnify phytoplankton

That’s a simple statement, but it’s loaded with implications. The Institute

(microscopic algae) and count HAB species. Opposite: Very small

employs more than 600 people and has more than 20 field labs. Each location

lobsters (called pueruli) are clear, making them almost invisible and

embraces a series of missions, from stock assessment and restoration to

perfectly camouflaged while swimming in the ocean. The pueruli

outreach activities that inform the public. In plain language, it means these

is one stage in the spiny lobster’s complex life history. Photo: Justin

are the folks who do the science that drives management decisions. In large

Lewis/Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

part, their efforts keep Florida an outdoor enthusiast’s dream state. To find out what, exactly, the fish scale and saltwater-stained lab coats are up to, we tasked long-time Florida outdoor writer Steve Kantner with tracking a few of them down. He began by calling FWRI headquarters in St. Petersburg.

hen Media Specialist Frank McCloy picked up the phone, I heard noise in the background. That came as no surprise, considering that the institute’s headquarters was hosting its 21st annual MarineQuest—three days of free, educational exhibits that are held in conjunction with St. Petersburg Science Festival Week. McCloy explained hurriedly: “For the last two days, we’ve been bringing in kids—4th through 8th graders—by the busloads. We call it ‘School Daze.’ The kids love the exhibits. Then, tomorrow MarineQuest opens its doors to the public.” Outreach is a significant part of the FWRI’s work. Not only do they produce great science, but they help connect the public with their work and the subjects they study. Later, I caught up with Kelly Richmond, the institute’s unofficial traffic director. Kelly was bubbling—justifiably so—about the success of MarineQuest and the research her colleagues were doing: everything from saving marine mammals and turtles to angler-oriented projects that ranged from stock assessments and genetic research to habitat restoration. Kelly knows who does what, and where the research takes place—which, in an agency this size, is no small achievement. She connected me with four inspiring researchers.

CONSERVATION

SCIENCE BY STEVE KANTNER

FWRI rolls out the research that makes a difference.

Dem Bones Elizabeth Wallace, PhD, FWRI’s bonefish expert, divides her time between a lab in

and Tarpon Trust (BTT) provide everything you need. Just request a kit before you

St. Petersburg and the Cape Eleuthera Institute in the Bahamas. The purpose of

hit the flats.” (bonefishtarpontrust.org).

her work? To do genetic research that has yielded some interesting results. Or as Dr. Wallace puts it: “Scientists have identified 12 distinct species of bonefish; three

Big Bugs

of which inhabit Florida waters. Meanwhile, it’s Albula vulpes that sustains our flats

Next, I spoke with Tom Matthews, whose base is the Florida Keys. Matthews, a

fishery, so that’s where we’re directing most of our research.”

26-year veteran of the FWRI, is the man with a plan for Florida’s spiny lobsters—

Dr. Wallace also posed some intriguing questions.

the most valuable commercial species in the Sunshine State. I quizzed Tom about

“We’ve determined that each species inhabits a particular niche—say, slightly

working with lobsters.

deeper water or along mangrove shorelines. Adult bonefish don’t make long

“For one thing, we do research on aging.”

migrations, just brief runs to spawning grounds. So where do juvenile vulpes come

Now, if ever there was a statement that begged a question. Here’s what Tom

from? Are they offspring of local fish, in the Florida Keys for example? Or are they

told me: “We had one—a 10-pounder—that lived for eight years in one of our

offspring of Cuban or Central American bonefish, or are they from some other

research tanks. In the wild, where they gain approximately a pound per year, they

‘upstream’ location? Only further research will answer these questions.”

may live up to 20 years. However, their average lifespan is appreciably shorter here

She paused momentarily to venture a guess.

in the Keys where they’re hunted.”

“We know that after hatching, bonefish larvae drift with the current for about

“We also do stock assessments and study reproductive capacities by counting

two months. During that time they can be carried long distances, but some

eggs.” He then added: “We’re not only trying to conserve the resource, but to make

may stay local. We’re working to understand the relationship between regional

it better for our stakeholders.”

abundance and locally declining numbers—conservation and management may

Tom also had nothing but praise for his fellow workers. “This is the best group of scientists I’ve ever worked with.”

Dave Eaken, an FWC spiny lobster researcher, captures a large lobster for measuring and release in the protected area near the Dry Tortugas. Photo: Dr. Jiangang Luo.

That feeling prevailed during all my interviews.

Hooked on Snook Of additional interest is snook research, which is under the direction of Alexis Trotter. Trotter, a 15-year FWRI veteran, is based in St. Petersburg. But, like many of her colleagues, she works occasionally at other locations— like the one in Tequesta. “So far, we’ve identified five species of snook in the state’s Atlantic waters, but (we think) just two in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Gulf and Atlantic common snook are genetically-different. They have different growth rates, and put on weight differently. As far as actual species, each prefers a specific habitat.” “We do directed projects, like sampling rivers in the Tampa Bay area for age, size and sex distributions in relation to the environment. We once believed that snook only ascended them during the winter. But we now know they’re here year-round. How long do they stay? Is it to put on weight? Do they spawn in freshwater? As far as the latter, we don’t think so. But these are some of the questions we’re hoping to answer.”

well need to focus on both the regional and local levels.” When I quizzed Dr. Wallace about angler involvement, she was quick to add: “Anglers can help us by collecting fin clips! Our research partners at the Bonefish

“Over the years, bag limits have changed. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned since I joined this project, it’s that snook fishermen police themselves.” Trotter then explained: “They tend to limit their kill, rather than doing just the opposite.”

Left: Alexis Trotter holds a snook caught in August 2015 at Jupiter Inlet. Biologists were sampling female snook for reproductive dynamics. Below: Dr. Elizabeth Wallace holds up a tube filled with bonefish larvae. She traveled to Grand Bahama in April 2015 to conduct intensive field work for the bonefish recruitment dynamics and genetic population structure study. Bottom: This baby bonefish is approximately two months old. Bonefish possess a special type of larvae called a leptocephalus that is nearly transparent. Photos: Justin Lewis/Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

Anglers can help Alexis by participating in FWRI’s Carcass-Collection Program. Log on to http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fish/snook/anglers-help/.

Funky Tides Then, last but not least, I spoke with Alina Corcoran, PhD, who, along with the Harmful Algal Bloom Team, monitors Karenia brevis, the Red Tide organism, in Florida waters. Along with routine monitoring of this toxic algae, the FWRI travels in response to specific “events.” Here, she shares some insight: “The peak time for blooms, which begin in deep water before moving inshore with the wind and the current, is late summer and fall. They then can persist all winter.” One of the most important aspects of Alina’s work is monitoring shellfish, which—being filter-feeders—can harbor the toxin. “We work with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in monitoring Red Tide in shellfish-harvesting areas.” Now, here’s the good news, according to Alina: “Don’t worry about eating shellfish in a restaurant; it’s all been tested.”

People with Passion When Kelly Richmond and I last chatted in the wake of MarineQuest, she echoed a sentiment I’d felt all along. As she put it: “Although I don’t have a scientific background, I work with scientists—and one thing I know: You can feel the passion when they do these outreaches, especially when someone asks them a question. ‘What had that fish been eating,’ or ‘may I touch those samples?’ When it all comes together, the effect is electric. If we’ve created a future generation that cares about this, then we’ve done our job.”

If you fish for snapper, grouper & other reef fish in Florida, you owe the state your two cents.

BY AMANDA NALLEY

If you’re a Florida angler and don’t know it already, you need to sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey to target reef fish. The requirement, which began just about a year ago, isn’t about bringing in more money—signing up is free—it’s about better, faster, recreational reef fish data. The Gulf Reef Fish Survey was implemented in early 2015. “This is something anglers have been asking for, for a long time,” said Martha Bademan, federal fisheries section leader of FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “Anglers wanted more precise and timely information about what is happening on the water.” The Gulf Reef Fish Survey is a new and innovative way for reef fish anglers to help the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) improve recreational data collection and better inform management decisions on species

in Panama City. Anderson was one of the stakeholders who asked to get the Gulf Reef Fish Survey off the ground. “It is a positive change for us.” The Gulf Reef Fish Survey is for anglers (including those 65 and older) fishing in the Gulf of Mexico from a private boat, who plan to harvest, possess or land any of the following reef fish: red and vermilion snapper; gag; black and red grouper; gray triggerfish; greater and lesser amberjack; banded rudderfish; and almaco jack. Gulf Reef Fish Anglers who are contacted by the FWC and provide information about their Gulf reef fish fishing activities will be entered into a drawing to win an annual, 5-year or lifetime recreational saltwater fishing license. All you have to do is sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler via FWC’s licensing system. You can do this online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com; in person at tackle shops, sporting goods stores and your local tax collector’s office; or by phone at 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (347-4356). Renew annually, just like any one-year license, and keep a copy of your license

like red snapper. Participation is mandatory if you plan to harvest these reef fish,

on you, be it paper or electronic, to show that you’ve signed up. That’s it. You do

but is easy to do and, again, at no cost. A selection of those who sign up as Gulf

not have to keep a fishing log (unless you just really want to) or call FWC to report

Reef Fish Anglers will receive a questionnaire in the mail to report information

what you caught. Just be ready to respond to an FWC survey when it arrives.

about their recent recreational fishing trips. And Florida is not alone in the desire for better data. Other states along the

To learn more about the Gulf Reef Fish Survey visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey.”

Gulf Coast have also started enhancing data collection for their anglers. Why? While NOAA’s data collection process includes plenty of information from inshore anglers, information from reef fish anglers is underrepresented. “We saw an opportunity with the Gulf Reef Fish Survey to actually collect data directly from the people that are fishing for reef fish,” Bademan said. “We are very excited about Florida taking this huge step to collect this data,” said Pam Anderson, operations manager of Capt. Anderson’s Marina

MINDS AT THE TOP BY SUE COCKING, GUY HARVEY OUTPOST STAFF WRITER

Jessica McCawley learned to throw a cast net before she could ride a bike, and grew up catching sea trout with her dad near their coastal Alabama home. Gil McRae, a Michigan native, spent his youth chasing walleye in the Great Lakes. Now McRae and McCawley are the minds at the top of fisheries science and management in Florida. The two work closely together—and independently—to accomplish the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s mission of ensuring healthy saltwater fish stocks for the Sunshine State.

Coral restoration (left) and collecting fishery data (right) are just a couple of the FWC projects that ultimately affect fishery management decisions. Photos: MyFWC.com/Research.

McRae, director of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg, and McCawley, director of the FWC marine fisheries management division in Tallahassee, along with their staffs, work closely to develop and implement an annual marine fisheries work plan. The work plan considers concerns of anglers and commercial fishers; suggestions by the seven FWC commissioners; data developed by FWRI scientists; and issues raised by federal management councils, such as the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. They work to develop plans to address both immediate needs and those likely to arrive in the near future. Before any new rules for bag/size limits or closed seasons for a species are brought before commissioners,

centric bubble. Because of Florida’s vast geographic area spanning both Gulf

McRae’s marine fisheries staff of biologists, modelers and others perform rigorous

and Atlantic waters that harbor a wide array of species, both offices hold key

scientific research—much of it focused on surveys of juvenile fish and what that

roles in federal fisheries management. McCawley has a seat on the South Atlantic

stock will look like down the road.

Fishery Management Council while her colleague Martha Bademan holds a

McRae brings a long background in statistics and modeling to his job.

corresponding slot on the Gulf Council. Other colleagues participate on the Gulf

“It allows me to speak to scientists at their own level,” he said. “It’s a common

States and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commissions and on NOAA’s Highly

language among all our disciplines to analyze data.” Once the FWRI scientists have completed their work, it is turned over to McCawley’s staff. “Our division has no policy or rule-making function,” McRae said. “Our job is to accurately assess the status of resources and communicate that to policy makers so they can use that to make their decisions.” Added McCawley, “The agency decided many years ago to keep research separate from management. That way, the research stays objective and is not affected by political influence.” McCawley’s marine management staff in the state capital looks at FWRI’s scientific findings and begins the process of developing draft regulations. Staffers

Migratory Species advisory panel. McRae’s staffers are members of the science and statistical committees advising both Gulf and Atlantic councils. They take the lead on stock assessments for species that occur mostly in Florida, such as mutton and yellowtail snapper and black grouper. With their scientific backgrounds, neither McRae nor McCawley set out to become top administrators in their fields, but both relish the challenges. “You’re in this job, not necessarily to advance yourself professionally, but to perform a public service, which is to make sure that conservation decisions are based on sound science,” McRae said. Said McCawley, “I find the management side of marine fisheries challenging

may hold regional public workshops to garner stakeholder input on what those

and rewarding, from building relationships and working closely with stakeholders

rules might look like. A statewide working group might be convened—as in the

to using science to make sound management decisions.”

case of snook in 2006—to propose management measures to boost the health of

Both administrators own fishing kayaks and enjoy the sport in their limited

a stock. McCawley’s people would then draft rules for commission consideration.

spare time—McRae in Tampa Bay and McCawley in the St. Marks National Wildlife

New management measures typically take about a year from inception to final

Refuge near Tallahassee.

adoption. Coming up in 2016: a new snook stock assessment and valuable information gathered at a statewide snook symposium in early January. But neither McCawley nor McRae, nor their divisions, works in a Florida-

“To me, it’s about a passion for the marine environment—the species, the habitat,” McCawley said. “That’s the commonality we have with stakeholders— that passion.”

Out! Keep BY FRED GARTH

Burmese Python, nonnative to Florida. Photo: Kevin Enge, FWC. Below: Guy Harvey with a full spear of lionfish. Opposite: Speared lionfish. Photo: FWC.

you’ve been even slightly conscious during the past few years, you’ve noticed an abundant amount of press devoted to the notorious lionfish. Let’s just say that the venomousspined fish has gotten more attention than the latest Star Wars movie. The world has taken note, and now there’s a lionfish cookbook, several websites dedicated to tracking their every move, countless videos and

social media sites about lionfish control, and 60 Minutes even did a story. Lionfish, along with Burmese pythons, are known as non-native invasive species, meaning they somehow were moved from their native habitats and ended up where they’re not welcome. The state of Florida is dealing with a hoard of relentless invaders—both of the animal and plant variety. Take the Gambian pouched rat. Please. It’s the world’s largest rat— bigger than most cats—and it’s settled in Florida, far from its home country of Gambia, Africa. These rats came to our shores because, believe it or not, some folks imported them as pets. Back in 2004, eight of the critters escaped from a breeding facility in the Florida Keys and established their own little rodent community. Now, Grassy Key has a population of big, fat African rats, although it’s not something you’ll likely find in their tourism brochures.

Fortunately, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

priority to the agency because a lot of them compete with native wildlife for

is hot on the trail of the rat pack. In fact, the agency has been trapping and

habitat and food sources. Also, some, like pythons, are a threat to pets or even

monitoring them via remote cameras since 2005, hoping that a small population

humans. So, we take the issue very seriously.”

doesn’t immigrate into other parts of the state. Yep, it’s just another day in the

With all of the non-natives, the state occasionally gets the extreme types of

life of the FWC’s invasive species unit. Their mission: to manage alien creatures in

invasive species. When that happens, the problem escalates from a nuisance into

Florida. It’s no small task.

all out havoc. Which brings us back to lionfish and pythons.

The reason lionfish and pythons have grabbed most of the headlines is

We all know the story. Lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, have spread from

because they’re very good at breeding (seriously, bunnies could take note). Unlike,

South Florida up the East Coast of the U.S. and throughout the Bahamas and

say, the ashy gecko, a tiny, grayish critter from Cuba that was first discovered in

Caribbean. They don’t have natural predators in these waters and they can

Key West in 1922. Even after nearly a century of hiding out in Florida, there are

produce on average 30,000 eggs per spawn and can spawn as often as every

only a few ashies around and they’re all in the Keys. Their population is even

two to three days. So, like three million eggs per year. Of the many dangers they

thought to be declining. So, not all trespassers threaten to unbalance the sensitive

present, eating our precious juvenile fish, including commercially important

eco-system. At least that’s some good news.

species such as grouper, gets fishermen fired up. Fortunately, we have mobilized

In total, hundreds of non-native plants and animals have taken up illegal residency in Florida. Some were introduced on purpose—for example, pets

our ground troops and are on the hunt. Even though there’s a strong grassroots movement to beat back lionfish, the

released by owners who no longer wanted to care for them—while other

FWC has stepped up to help push the ball along. The agency has dedicated huge

species were accidentally introduced, like the Cuban tree frog, which arrived as a

resources to lionfish removal and awareness, and in 2015, they organized LRAD,

hitchhiker on cargo shipments. Many seem to have an uncanny, almost Houdini-

the first Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day. It’s the first Saturday after Mother’s

like, ability to escape from their owners, research labs or zoos. Looking at a list of

Day each year. During the event, a dozen locations around the state held lionfish

non-native mammals in Florida reads like the docket from the county jail.

tournaments and several thousand of the fish were harvested in two days. The

Crab eating macaque: escaped from Miami-Dade research facility

headquarters of the event was in Pensacola where eight local chefs prepared

Squirrel monkey: escaped from tourist attraction

lionfish in fabulously tasty ways, from tacos to ceviche. More than 3,000 people,

Prairie Dog: escaped from owner (who owns a prairie dog anyway?)

including Guy Harvey himself, showed up to munch on lionfish and help educate

Gambian pouched rat: escaped from a breeding facility. Was last caught on

the public.

camera robbing a convenience store (I made that part up) The point here is that the FWC is keeping up with the myriad reptiles,

If you want to know how serious the FWC is, they have a whole program focused on lionfish, led by Meaghan Faletti, whose title is, aptly, lionfish

mammals, amphibians and both fresh and saltwater fish that are not locals. Just

outreach coordinator. Meaghan travels the state supporting and participating in

the list of non-native birds has more than 50 species on it.

tournaments, putting on seminars and pursuing the best path to controlling this

“Yes, there are a lot of non-native species in Florida,” said Carli Segelson, of the FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, “and they’re a very high

invader. And while she and thousands of scuba divers are doing their part to put a dent in the population, there are places where lionfish dwell too deep for divers

Left: Inside of Team Frapper’s prototype lionfish-specific trap called the “Frapper Trap” during research at the FIT Marine Lab in Vero Beach, Florida. Photo: Team Frapper. Right: FWC officer and media watch as Jeff Fobb demonstrates capture technique. Photo: Officer Jorge Pino, FWC.

to penetrate. That’s why researchers and entrepreneurs are working on traps and other innovative gear that will attract only lionfish and not valuable game fish. Progress is being made but the perfect trap has not yet arrived. “Florida’s diving community has joined forces to try to control lionfish populations on a statewide scale. These efforts have certainly been effective, especially in shallow and accessible waters,” said Faletti. “However, the deeper, less accessible reefs present greater challenges. Some groups have been creating and testing innovative gear designs that might be able to harvest lionfish populations at greater depths past recreational diving limits.” Efforts to battle the Burmese python have been a bit more problematic than the war on lionfish. First of all, they’re in the Everglades, a hot, dangerous and gnarly place to penetrate. Not quite the same appeal as hopping on a boat for a day of scuba diving to hunt and gather your dinner. And while the first Python Challenge™ the FWC organized in 2013 yielded just 68 snakes from January 12 to

IVEGOT1. The FWC also has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Program where events are held

February 10, the agency was pleased with the results.

periodically around the state to provide the opportunity for people to surrender

“We were happy about it because it was the largest amount of snakes

their exotic pets free of charge with no penalties. The Exotic Pet Amnesty Program

harvested in a similar time period,” Segelson said. “Plus, the data we gathered

is an effort to reduce the number of nonnative species being released into the

was extremely helpful. One of the things we learned was that people who were

wild by pet owners who can no longer care for their pets or no longer wish to

trained to catch pythons had a significantly better chance of capturing them. So

keep them.

as we ramp up for the next year’s Python Challenge™, we’re offering expanded

Another “challenge” with pythons is that they’re known as cryptic species

training opportunities, including in-person trainings that teach people how to

because they are so well camouflaged and hard to see. Some of the participants

identify, report and safely capture Burmese pythons. We’re hoping this will help

reported that they would be standing right over a snake and not even see it at

make the success rate higher.”

first. By contrast, lionfish will float idly by without even so much as a flinch as their

The event also garnered huge media buzz and created mass awareness

brothers and sisters are being skewed by a spear just inches away. They’re such

about the python problem in the Everglades. “We received worldwide attention,”

an easy target for spear-fishermen that one diver can get 50 or even 100 fish on a

Segelson said. “And now we’re able to get more people involved, not just in the

single dive.

competition but also with outreach, social media and reporting to our hotline.”

Whether it’s a Mexican spinytail iguana, a suckermouth catfish, a red-bellied

People can help by photographing and reporting sightings of Burmese pythons

squirrel or the many other creatures that have descended on Florida, the FWC is in

and other invasives to the FWC’s Exotic Species Hotline at 1-888-IveGot1 (1-

an all-out effort to keep our land and water invader free and to ensure that Florida

888-483-4861), online at IVEGOT1.org, or by using the free smart phone app

retains its title as the Fishing Capital of the World for many generations to come.

Classic Florida Keys, a perfect day on the water. Photo: Steve Dougherty.

TH E

P C HAM

BY FRANK SARGEANT

Florida is the undisputed, heavyweight fishing champion of the world. Not to get up a controversy, but it’s really not even close. Florida is, hands down, the fishiest state in the nation in terms of the number of species that can be found in its waters, the number of record fish it has produced and continues to produce, and the skills of its anglers. A look at the IGFA record book is telling. Some 4,298 all tackle, fly and line class records have been set in Florida waters, fresh and salt, since that august body began keeping records in 1939. No other state comes close. There have been 110 cobia records broken in Florida, 130 tarpon, 88 blackfin tuna, 91 redfish, 103 spotted sea trout, 96 greater amberjack…and so on. And that’s to say nothing of species like snook, bonefish and permit, which other states do not even have.

Florida’s remarkable coastal fisheries break down into at least three venues. Here’s a brief look at each of them: INSHORE

population of 20 million. In fact, it may have already gone past that mark as this is written. It’s the 8th most populous state in the nation, and that’s before the snowbirds arrive every winter, a lot of them with fishing rods in hand. Snook are the poster child of inshore gamefish, with the speed, power and size i that th t makes k every angler’s l ’ heart h t go pitty-pat—or itt t sometimes ti just j t pitty itt and d then stop for a while. And it appears that there are remarkable numbers of really big snook in state

The flats fishing in Florida is the primary draw for light tackle anglers from around

waters right now, oddly enough thanks in part to a freeze in 2010 that killed wa

the world. With bonefish, permit and tarpon available le for a good portion of the

thousands of this cold-sensitive species. The FWC reacted quickly and effectively, thous

year in the Keys and northward to Biscayne Bay, this his elite fishery offers a unique nique

completely shutting down the harvest for three years. This resulted in a lot of the complet

opportunity in U.S. waters—the Big Three of the he flats can’t be caugh caught together er

big females not only surviving, but growing right through the slot and out the top

anywhere else outside the Caribbean. And since there’s virtually no harvest of any ny

side, putting them t forever beyond the reach of the ice chest—but not beyond the e

one of the three (with the exception of a limited deep-water ttake of permit over

reach of anglers smart s enough to catch them and then let them go.

the wrecks in spring), the opportunities es for catching quality quality-size fish are excellent. Coming later to the party—butt now overwhelming it—is the booming flats

Tarpon are a sim similar story. Until the late 1980’s, most Florida anglers caught ght the e abundant silver kings, kin dragged them to the docks, hung them up and d

fishery inside the barrier islands that ring most of the rest of the state. Snook,

photographed tographed them there—and ther then fed them to the sharks. Some 4,000-a-year 000-a-year

redfish and spotted seatrout are the mainstays, an and once again, decades of

wound up this way, and it definitely de had a suppressing effect on the e tarpon

very effective management nt have resulted in fish fishing that is remarkably good,

population, n, particularly the larger larg ones. Biologists tell us these fish sh live 30 to 50

particularly considering that Florida is now a state racing toward a human

years, so killing ng 10-year-old fish can ca be an issue if you want bigger gger ones. In 1989, the light finally went on, both for anglers and for or fishery managers—a managers— $50 tarpon tag required uired to kill a tarpon suddenly woke most up to the value of these fish, in the water.r. The kill stopped. Within W 10 years, ars, anglers were catching catc more and bigger tarpon than they had in years; yea within thin 20, the fish were getting scary big, with 150-pounders rs common, 200-pounders showing up with w some regularity. It is likely that we have ave not yet seen the peak of this fishery, fish as several well-witnessed fish that would very ery likely have broken the all-t all-tackle record of 286 lbs., 9 oz. have been caught, measured asured and released without wit weighing by conservation-minded West Coast guides es in recent seasons. season Today, tarpon are catch and release only with the exception of those caught for a state or world-record submission.

NEARSHORE AND REEFS Florida and the National Marine Fisheries Service have been intensively managing king mackerel and Spanish mackerel on both coasts for more than 30 years, and today, the fisheries are about as good as they ever were. Spanish are particularly to impressive, with big runs of fish that average over 5 lbs., about three times the size impr they were we in the late 1970s when the mackerel fisheries were all but collapsed by excessive harvest. h Anglers have h recently discovered how to harvest the abundant hogfish population on offshore o reefs (the secret is live shrimp), and the rebound of red snapper has created create a legendary fishery as far south as Tampa Bay, though NMFS MFS population opulation estimates and fishing regs have yet to catch up with the restoration. ation. Grouper uper numbers are strong, str both gags and reds, and tight limits should ld keep this fishery perking along indefinitely. indefi

Photo: Ozzy Delgado.

And with more than 3,000 artificial reefs off 34 of 35 coastal Florida counties (Jefferson County’s whopping 5-mile coastline is the odd man out), there are plenty of opportunities to go for grouper grouper, snapper or any other reef fish fish. Florida’s artificial reef program has been going strong since 1984, and reefs Florida have been placed pla off Florida’s coast at depths ranging from six to 400 feet since the 1940s. In 2015, 201 more than 100 public artificial reefs were placed. These reefs act as habitat for a variety of species and are great fishing and diving destinations. And nd it is not just sunke sunken ships out there; artificial reef habitat varies almost as much ch as natural habitat, from strategically placed limestone boulders to carefully crafted d concrete modules sh shaped like pyramids.

BLUE WATER PELAGICS When it comes to sailfish, the southe southeast shore of Florida is as good as it gets for the species anywhere ywhere outside of Gu Guatemala. When the sails are packed into this area in late winterr balling the bait, the numbers of fish have to be seen to

Photo: Ozzy Delgado.

be believed, and some boats catch and release literally dozens of them in a day.

a murky green to a crystal blue and the fish populations have not been better

(Release is, of course, the key word—the fishery has improved steadily since the

in decades.

all-release ethic took hold some 20 to 30 years ago.) Florida is also the repository of all the fish that summer in the Gulf Stream

To be sure, there are still major trouble spots, including Florida Bay and the Indian River Lagoon area around the mouth of the St. Lucy River, but massive

as far north as Cape Hatteras. As soon as the water chills below w 70 up there, they

improvement projects that will filter the waters are underway in both areas and,

pack their Bermuda shorts and long black socks and head for or Florida with all the

hopefully, a few years down the road, these locations will come back in the way

rest of the world. Wahoo, dolphinfish, blackfins and marlin, in, along with countless

that Tampa Bay has. th

sharks, follow the baitfish schools south, and the waters ers from Fort Pierce to Miami become gamefish stew—all within about three to five miles of the beach!

HABITAT RESTORATION

LAND OF LUNKER BASS Florida’s fresh fr waters also impress. The area between Gainesville and Lake Okeechobee, though relatively small, probably produces more 10-lb. largemouth

Another area where Florida shines is in coastal astal restoration. Whil While many coastal

bass each year than t the entire rest of the nation combined. In fact, this area is

states are now working hard to preserve e and restore their es estuaries, Florida was

the fountainhead of big bass in America today—most of the double-digit fish h

well ahead of the curve in areas like Tampa Bay. There, tha thanks to millions of dollars

caught nationwide in the last 25 years have relatives swimming in these waters. aters.

invested over the last 30 years, seagrass agrass that had nearl nearly disappeared has come

The e Florida-strain largemouth largem bass has been stocked all over the southern ern states,

back with vast meadows stretching hing over thousands of acres, water has gone from

all the way west to California, Californ and wherever they have been taken, they hey have

produced state records. Lakes like Rodman, Lake George, Toho and Kissimmee K produce not dozens but hundreds of double-digit bass each year. And Florida’s Florida big push to keep the lunkers in the water—their wate TrophyCatch release elease program—alre program—already seems to be bearing ring fruit, or fish as it were, with more heavyweights weights reported eac each year. Visit www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com phyCatchFlorida.com for details of the program. am.

THE FINAL BELL There are reportedly people who actually fish through the ice in Minnesota…and esota…and like it! But you don’t have to do that in Florida, ever. In fact, for many species, the best fishing of the year comes right about bout that time when the folks up north are beginning eginning

Frank Sargeant was outdoors editor of The Tampa Tribune for 24 years, as well

to get that strange look in their eyes, that hat twitching of the cheek, that fidgety, talk-

as a long-time senior editor for Florida Sportsman magazine, and is author of

too-fast-on-the-phone-to-their-friends-down-south down-south thing tha that they do. To be fair,

10 books on Florida fishing and boating. He is currently editor of The Fishing hing

we do have our uses for ice in Florida, too. Itt makes such a nice sound in a cockta cocktail

Wire; www.thefishingwire.com.

glass on the dock at sundown! Thanks to Jack Vitek, master record-keeper at IGFA, for rounding up ALL of the records set in Florida since the organization started record keeping.

OFFICIAL SCORECARD So, how does Florida really stack up against the competition as a pure fishing destination? Is it really the “Fishing Capital of the World?” Here are the numbers:

8,426 Miles of fishable tidal shoreline that include many distinct

2,657,903 The number of recreational fishing licenses and

fishing habitats, such as coral reefs, mangroves, sand flats, bays, estuaries

permits sold this year.

and more than 2,700 planned public artificial reefs.

12,000 Miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals. 12 As in, you can fish for multiple species in every habitat 12 months of the year. Mild winters and seasonal runs mean the fishing action never stops.

1.2 MILLION Every year, this many visitors come to Florida and fish. The state draws more tourist anglers than any other. Michigan, number two in numbers, doesn’t even come close at .3 million.

2 Florida’s fishing prowess is recognized at the federal level. It’s the only state to sit on two interstate fishing councils.

Ever wonder where all those license fees and tax dollars go? Ultimately, they go back in the water.

The The

Money Money

Trail Trail BY SUE COCKING

Every time you buy a fishing rod, a boat, or an engine or fuel for that boat, you help manage the fish you are trying to catch, enhance your own fishing opportunities and access, and help introduce newcomers to the sport. When you buy a fishing license, you contribute even more to those worthy causes. Here’s how: Fishing clinics and camps, stock enhancement and

Under the more than 60-year-old federal Sportfish Restoration Program, manufacturers

artificial reefs are just some of the programs that Sport

and importers of fishing-related items pay the U.S. government excise taxes, which are then

Fish Restoration Funds support. Photos: FWC.

passed along to you at the cash register.

But in this case, Uncle Sam isn’t taking those dollars to build roads or buy

directly—it’s not going to build roads,” said Rich Abrams, supervisor of recreational

missiles. Those tax dollars are held in trust by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which

outreach and education for the Division of Marine Fisheries. “These are your taxes

re-apportions the money to the states in the form of grants. How much each

coming right back to you.”

state gets depends on the number of paid fishing-license holders, the number of

The scope of projects these funds support is impressive. Federal Sportfish

registered boats, and the state’s land and water area. That means Florida gets a

Restoration funds and Florida fishing license revenues together pay for building

pretty good chunk. For 2015, the Sunshine State received about $11.4 million, and

and improving public boating access areas such as ramps and marinas; stocking

that total is recalculated every five years.

fish in public water bodies; enhancing fish habitat, e.g. restoring lakes or

By law, the first 15 percent must go to boating access. A maximum of 15

planting aquatic vegetation; conducting fisheries research and monitoring;

percent can be used for education and outreach. The rest is split between

building artificial reefs for diving, fishing and fish habitat; responding to fish kills;

recreational saltwater and freshwater programs at a ratio of 59:41. That split is

improving boating safety; conducting fishing clinics and camps for youth and

based on the estimated number of resident freshwater and saltwater anglers—

women; and producing educational publications.

totaling more than 1.4 million license holders in Florida. On top of those federal dollars, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received more than $31 million from recreational saltwater and freshwater licenses and permits in 2015. Those funds, too, must be spent on improving fisheries. “The take-home message for an angler is that money is going to fisheries

Fishing clinics and camps, stock enhancement and artificial reefs are just some of the programs that Sport Fish Restoration Funds support. Photos: FWC.

Education and outreach are major focuses for the Commission because fostering an informed, conservation-minded angler is an important aspect of fisheries management. “Ultimately, an angler is a fisheries manager because they’re out there engaging the resource, helping to manage the fishery based on what they’re doing with it,” Abrams said.

The agency conducts an average of 13 free, one-day saltwater fishing clinics for youth and their parents every year from Jacksonville south to the Keys. As many as 900 youngsters participate in each event, learn about fish habitats, how to catch and release fish, tie fishing knots, cast a spinning rod and stock a tackle box. Agency staff get a lot of help from local volunteers and non-profit organizations. FWC conducted more than 130 free freshwater fishing clinics for kids in

“We want women to feel confident enough to go out and fish by themselves,” Abrams said. The strategy seems to be working; at least one group of women who attended have launched their own fishing club in Crystal River. With an estimated 3.1 million recreational anglers, fishing is such a way of life in Florida that even non-anglers benefit from the fishing culture. It generates some $8.7 billion for the state’s economy and supports more than 80,000 jobs—

2015, introducing nearly 3,200 new anglers to the joys of bass and bream. The

more than any other state. So state officials are even encouraging Floridians who

Commission also hosted 55 week-long fishing camps for a fee for nearly 900

don’t fish to go ahead and buy a fishing license with the “I Do” fishing license

youngsters aged 9-15 during spring and summer breaks.

campaign (FloridaFishingLicenseCampaign.com). Famed marine artist/scientist/

“We want them to not just go out and fish, but to understand conservation so that they can help sustain the resource,” Abrams said. “We also want to provide them with a positive fishing experience. FWC also conducts free, one-day women’s fishing clinics—bringing in a local

conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey has contributed his artwork to the effort with a hard-card fishing license that costs an extra $4. But, does it really make sense for those who are not anglers to buy a license? To that, Abrams said, “You may not fish, but you eat seafood. Or you might be

fishing guide, and teaching casting, cast-netting, knot-tying and other skills. Some

a bird watcher. That money ultimately goes to fisheries programs that provide

200 women attended eight clinics around the state in 2015. That schedule likely

benefits to other species of wildlife through holistic habitat restoration and

will expand in 2016.

management.”

the

Sun Is Shining BY BRIAN YABLONSKI, CHAIRMAN FWC

The work of conservation is never complete, but there is plenty of progress to celebrate along the way. When it comes to conservation, a lot of other states look to Florida’s progressive and successful model. Let there be no doubt conservation is hard work; it does not come easy. Many issues attracting attention today are a sign of the health and the vitality of our species, a sign of what can happen when both wildlife and humans grow in numbers and conservation is a priority. Over the past 20 years, we have improved and will continue to conserve Florida’s marine species with diligence and perseverance. The FWC’s marine fisheries accomplishments are a prime example of successful conservation at work. With a staff of just over 30 people managing more than 500 species, one could say FWC’s marine fisheries team is a rock star of conservation. From developing innovative management approaches to increasing fishing opportunities, here are a few highlights of the FWC’s biggest marine fisheries management conservation successes in the last 20 years.

Luke Trimmer-Smith holds a red snapper.

Innovation The FWC does not fear trying something new—from delving into regionalized

FWC has used innovative approaches to offer additional opportunities for

management by creating a special zone for permit fishing in South Florida to blue

highly sought after but heavily managed species such as gag grouper and red

crab trap closures that alternate year by year from east coast to west coast, giving

snapper. This includes creating a gag grouper season geared to the economic

volunteers the opportunity to remove derelict and abandoned traps with minimal

needs of Florida’s Big Bend region and adopting a recreational red snapper season

impacts to the fishery.

in Gulf state waters that included fall weekend options in 2015, something that

One of the agency’s finest examples of new and innovative ideas is the war on lionfish. Since 2012, FWC has increased efforts to create awareness and inspire action in the lionfish effort. They have made several regulatory changes

hadn’t been available to anglers in years.

Listen, Learn, Lead

including allowing divers using rebreathers to spear lionfish, creating a permit

During the summer of 2015, the Division of Marine Fisheries Management

for tournaments to spear lionfish in areas where spearing is not allowed, and

hosted an unprecedented number of workshops across Florida and conducted a

removing any existing limits on harvest and prohibiting importation into the state

statewide survey to dig deeper into stakeholder issues and ideas for innovation.

of Florida. In 2015, FWC hosted the first annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness

What were the top successes identified by stakeholders participating in these

Day, created the Lionfish Removal Reef Rangers program, and inspired further

workshops and survey? Staff/stakeholder relationships. Stakeholders identified

public participation by offering harvesters an extra spiny lobster if they removed

FWC staff as being available, responsive and willing to consider new ideas

10 lionfish during the lobster sport season.

and concepts. FWC prides itself on being able to work with others successfully

Access, Opportunity & Freedom

from the occasional weekend angler to active conservation groups to full-time

The FWC makes balancing the needs of the species it manages with the wants

professional fishermen and seafood dealers. Take the Gulf Reef Fish Survey, for example. This new and innovative data

of the nearly 20 million residents and the millions of visitors in Florida a priority.

collection tool was created in response to stakeholder input as many groups

Managing marine and all species is not only about growing populations but

asked for better, faster data. You asked, the FWC listened. We rely on stakeholders

balancing wildlife and human interactions and safeguarding opportunities to

to be a part of our team by participating in data collection and the overall

participate in activities such as fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing.

management process.

o Infinity, and Beyond

Opposite: Participants in the 2013 Lionfish Summit prioritize management goals by placing dots on the ones they find

Theodore Roosevelt said it best: “Here is your country. Cherish these natural

most important. Left: FWC hosted Florida's first annual

wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as

Lionfish Awareness and Removal Day on Saturday, May 16,

a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children.”

2015, at Plaza de Luna Park in Pensacola. Photos: MyFWC.

The future of Florida’s marine species is well guarded when it comes to the state’s management. The FWC has been quick to take action when a species shows a need for conservation, ensuring these species will be available for future generations. Florida is the first and only state to prohibit harvest of smooth, scalloped and greater hammerheads. The state has elevated popular species like tarpon and bonefish that aren’t typically eaten to catch and

About the Chairman

release only. Swift and proactive closing of the snook season during the

Yablonski has been serving on the

2010 cold kill has led to a rebounded stock that is still meeting higher than

commission since 2004 and his current term

usual management goals to this date.

expires in 2019. When he is not sitting on

These are just some of the many examples of Florida’s successful

the commission, he is working as external

marine fisheries management. Over the past 20 years, we have improved

affairs director for Gulf Power Company or

and will continue to conserve Florida’s marine species with diligence and

serving as adjunct fellow for the Property and

perseverance. But today, let’s take time to celebrate our successes and look

Environment Research Center. In his free time,

forward to the many more we will have in the future.

he enjoys backpacking, hunting, mountain

As Roosevelt said, “There can be no greater issue than that of

biking and fishing. In 2009, he was named

conservation in this country. Just as we must conserve our men, women

Florida’s Wildlife Conservationist of the Year by

and children, so we must conserve the resources of the land on which

the Florida Wildlife Federation.

they live.”

The thrill of swimming with a swordfish is unparalleled and requires careful consideration before taking the plunge. Pompano Beach, Florida.

STEVE DOUGHERTY a photo portfolio

The magic light of the golden hour shines bright against a 60-foot Weaver off Delray Beach, Florida. Right: Finding a floating palm tree just outside your local inlet is what angling dreams are made of. Boca Raton, Florida.

While they have many obstacles in their way, green sea turtle hatchlings spend their first few years rafting with sargassum seaweed. Boynton Beach, Florida.

Clockwise from top left: Sailfish are a prime example of successful fishery management and support a thriving tournament circuit from St. Augustine to Key West. During their summer spawn, snook gravitate to South Florida beaches to gorge on massive schools of pilchard. Yellowtail snapper provide a never-fail option for anglers throughout the Florida Keys.

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 17 WINTER 2016

Talon shallow water anchor. Photo: Minn Kota.

SOUTH FLORIDA BARRACUDA • NEAL STARK • AMERICAN SHAD • ALTERNATIVE ANCHORS

BY NICK HONACHEFSKY

ARE SOUTH FLORIDA’S BARRACUDA VANISHING? On a recent fishing trip to Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, I hooked a

specialist for the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), “We began hearing from

barracuda. Upon boating the fish, I was astounded when the captain talked with

stakeholders two to three years ago that people were seeing less barracuda.

such passion about carefully releasing it, like it was a native cutthroat trout.

Stakeholders included South Florida guides and various recreational fishers and

I was used to seeing charter boats cut them up for chunk baits, or being

divers, including commercial marine life divers, who weren’t necessarily targeting

put in the cooler as a cheap meal to keep fares happy. Up until a few years ago,

barracuda, but are in the water with them. They simply were not seeing as many

barracuda were mostly seen as the “garbage fish” of the reef, a pest, undesirable

of them anymore.”

really. On a slow fishing day, they were also seen as a guaranteed lock for action. By just pulling a tube through the water with a little speed you could get a ballistic

So is this possibly due to a cyclical pattern, much like weakfish stocks in the Northeast that seem to be fruitful some years and completely gone the

strike and land a fish when nothing else was biting. So I was definitely taken aback by the captain’s comments, and when I pressed him more on his viewpoint, he stated that the stocks have been steadily declining and the ‘cuda have gone ghost in South Florida. He professed they don’t even use them for chunk baits

next? Or could it be due to some

One salient question is always the first to come up—could it be overfishing?

trigger from a newly realized environmental concern such as colder water temperatures, pollution or a change in salinity? Nalley states, “There is always a

or take any home anymore. I then did a little more

chance that environmental factors,

research and found this sentiment is now pervasive

such as the 2010 cold kill, could be

among South Florida anglers. So what the heck is happening with the barracuda

affecting the barracuda population. One interesting point is that we are getting

stocks in Florida?

most of our reports from South Florida, and the main concerns about population

The general consensus is this: barracuda stocks in South Florida are declining enough that both recreational and commercial anglers are alarmed by the trend. How is this determined? According to Amanda Nalley, public information

seem to be concentrated there.” Another possibility for the decline, according to one theory, is that barracuda may be moving out to non-reef habitats and out of the flats, and out into the open

ocean, the way bonefish are known to do. Maybe something is pushing them off the reefs into open water? Perhaps the decline of natural coral reef systems

recreational and commercial daily vessel limit of six fish per vessel. As I have mentioned in a previous column, there is a severe lack of accurate

has an impact in changing the behavior of breeding and migratory patterns of

scientific data upon which fisheries managers base laws and regulations upon for

barracuda? The reality is, we just don’t know.

some species. This complicates management and feeds much of the confusion,

One salient question is always the first to come up—could it be overfishing,

ignorance and animosity in the fishing community when it comes to setting

both on a recreational and commercial level? Well, it’s certainly possible. Previous

fisheries regulations. Right now, the FWC is taking proactive steps to fill in these

regulations on barracuda for commercial anglers had no size or bag limit

data gaps, and anglers can help by reporting details of their own catches through

restrictions—read that, no limits at all—while recreational anglers had a 100-lb.

programs like Angler Action and the iAngler app (www.angleraction.org).

limit (or at least two fish, if those fish added up to more than 100 lbs.). It was the

One thing is for sure, it’s encouraging to see the FWC taking proactive

default restriction for species that have no other regulation. However, the latest

management measures to try and help rebound the populations in South Florida.

FWC report notes that the annual catch is split in poundage, 90% recreational and

It’s hard to imagine a day when I wouldn’t be able to cast a tube lure along the

10% commercial.

Florida Keys flats and not have it blasted out of the water by a thrashing ‘cuda.

So maybe it is time for real regulations to be put in place, and the first steps

We need these saltwater wolves—and not just for the sport of catching them.

have already been taken by the FWC, as state and federal waters off Collier,

We need them to keep Florida’s marine ecosystem in balance. As more research is

Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties only now

done, we’ll know more, but we are all hoping for good news.

have a recreational and commercial daily bag limit of two fish per person and a

The community is talking about how to save our Florida reefs Come join the conversation: Attend a community meeting at either 12 - 2 p.m. or 6 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 26

Wednesday, January 27

Friday, January 29

Indian River State College Chastain Campus 2400 SE Salerno Road Stuart, FL 34997

Amara Shriner Temple Auditorium 3650 RCA Blvd Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Delray Beach City Library 100 W. Atlantic Ave Delray Beach, FL 33444

Tuesday, February 16

Wednesday, February 17

Thursday, February 18

Holiday Park Social Center 1150 G. Harold Martin Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Newman Alumni Center UM/Coral Gables Campus 6200 San Amaro Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146

Kovens Conference Center FIU/Biscayne Bay Campus 3000 NE 151st Street North Miami, FL 33181

Our Florida Reefs is a community planning process for the future of southeast Florida reefs. Learn more at www.OurFloridaReefs.org

FISHING WITH AMERICA’S FINEST Neal Stark Neal Stark is a professional angler, charter captain and bass fishing guru. When he’s not on the tournament circuit, he teaches fishing at seminars hosted by his corporate sponsors. He’s been living the dream, but since 2009, a new passion to help veterans overcome PTSD has become a major focus. In fact, some of the proceeds from the sale of the Guy Harvey Military Collection t-shirts helps to fund Neal’s programs.

Neal Stark

BY CA STAFF

CA: You’re an accomplished tournament angler, but have you always been a bass guy? NS: I’m a Florida native, and grew up fishing offshore. I did that until my mid to late 20s. I was successful, but got bored with it. I moved to inshore fishing and fished Flamingo and 10,000 islands on the saltwater side of the Everglades. Every trip I’d go a little further back into the interior. It got to where not only did I love fishing back there because of the quality of fish, but I loved the serenity, the birds, the wildlife, and I loved casting to the fish. You had to make very precise casts and generally when you did you were rewarded. Then it got to the point that I went so far back that I started hitting freshwater. My favorite thing to catch was snook, then I started catching bass. I just got hooked on the environment and the challenge.

CA: Guiding has been a relatively recent thing for you. How did that start? NS: Guiding really just came with my desire to give back to our vets. I was always a tournament angler, so it was a huge transition for me. I never wanted to share that information because you would give up an edge. But back in 2009, I kept reading about our veterans and their struggles with PTSD. In all my

66 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

fishing, the anglers I’ve known have always shared a

bothering you,” [and] what I’ve experienced is that

IEDs or get motion sickness, or whatever. It’s always a

sense of how peaceful fishing is. I kept reading about

person will be stressed about having to do this. But

positive experience.

how we lose 22-plus veterans a day to PTSD and

in this neutral environment, it’s different. I’m teaching

other issues. I wanted to share my passion for fishing

them the mechanics, how to cast, using artificials,

and the tranquil environment and see if I could get

etc. I’m teaching them at a tournament level, the

some of our vets to relax. When I first started I had no

tricks of the trade. And, when you have success, it

idea the impact it would have.

feels good. When the therapist follows up later, they

CA: How does the Fishing with America’s Finest program work? NS: The beauty of it is, it’s just coming to a neutral

ask, “Did they talk?” Yeah, for 10 hours. The reason

CA: Do you ever follow up to find out how vets are doing after they come out for a fishing trip?

that it’s been so successful is there are no walls and

NS: I do follow up with them. I knew there would be

no couches. If they set up an appointment in the

value in sharing fishing and getting vets engaged,

hospital it’s a one-hour session. I can do 10 weeks of

but I had no idea it would have this kind of impact.

venting and breaking down some of these walls in

What touches me and drives me is that there’s a

one fishing trip.

misconception with people. They think that because

environment, and when we get our veterans out

they’re veterans and Special Forces, or whatever, that

there, you start asking questions. I call it opening a

they’re bad asses. But, really, they’re just people. I’ve

window. “Are you married?” etc. I’m not a therapist or a doctor or anything. It’s just a neutral environment. And I don’t preach to anyone or tell them how to live. I just share my own experiences with life and offer some encouragement.

CA: How do the vets respond to the fishing side of things? Have you gotten any of them hooked on the sport?

watched it change lives—guys who didn’t talk, and were separated from their families, and then they call me and tell me how things are back on track, and it takes everything I have not to cry. It’s crazy because it’s through fishing.

NS: Definitely. In fact, I now fish some tournaments

CA: How successful has it been?

with vets—who aren’t even pros—as my fishing team and we’ve had great success. I’ve found 93% of the vets that come out keep fishing. I can teach them

NS: I’ve done close to 600 trips now, and I’ve

skills that, if they pay attention, they can have success

discussed this with therapists and doctors. What

in any body of water. And one of the great things

Below left to right: Jose, U.S. Army, and Francisco, U.S.

creates PTSD is when someone experiences a

about freshwater bass fishing is that it’s accessible. It’s

Marine Corp. Emilio, U.S. Marine Corp. with his son

horrible or tragic event. You tell a vet, “Come in on

smooth water, you can always find a place out of the

Andres and Capt. Neal. Capt. Neal and his son Jake fish

Friday and I want you to sit down and tell me what’s

weather and it’s great for those who have been hit by

a tournament in 2011.

Cows, alligators and a celebrated saltwater game fish all sharing the same waterway? Even in the weird, quirky world of nature, that combo sounds strange. Yet every winter, massive schools of American shad return to the St. Johns River, mixing with resident gators and free-grazing livestock roaming the banks. The annual migration triggers an influx of light-tackle and fly anglers eager to tangle with these slender, yet scrappy, fighters. The Florida spectacle is unique, but not isolated, to the meandering—and northerly flowing—St. Johns. American shad are an anadromous species like salmon and steelhead that return to freshwater rivers to spawn. Similar to hickory shad and blueback herring, the largest member of the herring family range from Newfoundland to northeastern Florida. Except for the brief foray to the shallows to reproduce, most of their life cycle is spent in the deep waters off the continental shelf.

Valued as game fish, the majority of Florida shad are carefully landed using a fine-mesh net and gently released. Opposite: Capt. Mark Benson with a prized catch, an American shad that traversed hundreds of miles from its normal habitat on the Atlantic continental shelf to spawn in the shallow St. Johns River.

American shad were a diet staple of the nation’s early settlers. The delicate flavor stands on its own, and the fish can be prepared in several ways. The roe is considered a delicacy, and several Mid-Atlantic towns

is a necessity. Benson has spent years learning the St. Johns and the optimum places to fish. “I’ve had the luxury of time to invest in the observation of the fish, the

celebrate shad with annual festivals. As a result, stocks were severely

river and various conditions,” he explained as he steered his skiff around

overfished in the past; but modern management has forced a rebound.

another small island on the run upstream. Behind us, the sound of a

In Florida, the fishery is mainly catch-and-release. Capt. Mark Benson of

sputtering outboard and spraying mud was audible as a larger boat ran

Orlando is a serious devotee, following in the footsteps of well-known

aground after venturing too far off course. “They may still be stuck there

admirers like the late outdoor writer Charles Waterman and others.

when we come back. That’s flooded pasture.”

“If the water was crystal clear and we had mountains for a backdrop

It may have been pasture, but as we motored on, the scene looked

and bears feeding on shad, this place would be overrun,” Benson told me

more like the set of a Tarzan movie. Dozens of alligators of all sizes lay

as we idled away from the Midway ramp on Highway 50, east of Orlando.

sunning on the banks, often within a short sprint of grazing cattle. The

“It is kind of a mystery since you can’t see them. But this is as close to

animals seemed to coexist, although Benson assured me that calves had

salmon fishing as you can get without jumping on a plane.”

a high mortality rate. Eventually, the channel started to narrow into prime

From our launch point, the expansive river and surrounding

shad territory.

savannah is picturesque, framed by towering palm trees and oaks.

“These fish swim upstream looking for cooler water and the right

It’s also very misleading. The channel winds and twists like a water

bottom,” says Benson, who had an extensive background in aquarium

moccasin. What appears to be open water could easily be bottom with

management and aquaculture before becoming a guide. “They are always

only inches covering the submerged grass. Smaller skiffs or jon boats are

looking for clean, sandy stretches. The narrower channel helps scour the

the craft of choice (besides the touring airboats) and local knowledge

bottom. The eggs sit in low spots for three to eight days—probably less

because of the river’s warmer temperatures—before they hatch. Water velocity is

Fly tackle consists of 5-wt. Loomis GLX nine-foot rods with matching Ross

the key. The water movement has to be just the right mix for fertilization and to

Evolution reels. Weight-forward floating lines with heavy steelhead flies or a sink

keep the eggs on the bottom. The USGS water level gauge is my best friend. Water

tip help get the fly into the strike zone. Benson uses tapered 8-lb. test leaders and

depth should be around 4.5 feet, with four feet ideal.”

adds another 18 inches of the same to accommodate fly changes. All flies have

Shad fishing is a leisurely endeavor since the spawning activity occurs in the

barbless hooks for quick release, and the last couple of years, Benson has been

late afternoon and early evening hours. That’s when the females start “washing”

using patterns up to two inches long for a bigger profile, with excellent results.

or swimming and thrashing erratically at the surface to attract males. Once the

“There will be a seam where the fish congregate,” Benson says. “It may be

party gets started, eggs are released, the males

5-ft. wide or 15. But once you find it, keep pounding that

release milt and the cycle continues. But unlike

zone. These fish are constantly pulsing upriver or basically

salmon that don’t feed during spawning runs,

against a falling tide on the St. Johns. So the bite is very

shad continue to eat on the river. And it’s a virtual

subtle. The fish just slurp it in and you simply reel up with

conveyer belt of tasty morsels as the receding

the spinners or strip-set with the fly. Don’t rear back and

water sucks grass shrimp and tiny mosquito fish

set the hook. Shad have paper-thin mouths and the hooks

into the flow. Soft-plastic lures and flies matching

will pull out if you use too much pressure.”

that forage are slurped down with the proper presentation.

Benson, a certified casting instructor, offers several tips for success: He instructs his anglers to cast across

Benson arms his clients with 6-ft. Loomis

current and let the lure or fly sweep into the zone,

trout rods (rated for 1- to 4-lb. test) with ultra-light

keeping it as close to the bottom as possible. The

spinning reels spooled with 5-lb. Power Pro braided

swinging bait will often trigger a strike as it passes in front

line with an 8-lb. clear Ande mono top shot. Two-

of the fish. Quick mending of the fly line accomplishes the

inch Twister-tail grubs pinned on 1/8-oz. round

same thing. When the boat is anchored off the stern in

jig heads, or imitation lures like the DOA grass shrimp or tiny Terror Eyz, are the

the middle of the channel, the calm water flowing beyond the bow offers a clear

offerings. Benson says color really doesn’t matter as long as the lures can be seen.

window to silhouette the lure against surface light.

Shad Stats Where: Florida’s St. Johns River and its tributaries between State Road 46 and Highway 20. However, because they are a marine species, a saltwater fishing license is required.

When: Starting in mid-December and continuing through March. Peak months are January and February.

How: Ultra-light spinning outfits or 5-wt. fly combos with floating lines.

What: 1/8-oz. plastic twist-tail grubs, DOA grass shrimp or tiny Terror Eyz; larger steelhead flies.

Why: American shad are tremendous sport, with powerful bursts and surface-clearing leaps. Females can weigh as much as 8 lbs. and 100-fish days are not uncommon.

Who: Capt. Mark Benson, 407-257-5750; markbensonoutdoors.com.

Capt. Benson waits patiently for the subtle tap of a shad as it swims upstream. Opposite: The meandering St. Johns River is scenic and loaded with wildlife, like dozens of big alligators lining its muddy banks.

“These ultra-light rods and braided lines have changed my life,” Benson adds. “The bite is so subtle, you can feel the slightest tap with this sensitive gear, plus it offers the ultimate sport.” I can attest to that. Pound-for-pound, American shad are one of the toughest

Contrary to local lore, Benson disputes the notion that St. Johns shad die after spawning. “They don’t die off anywhere else in the country. There aren’t any reports of mass fish kills or any birds or scavengers feeding on carcasses. I’m sure some do

fish I’ve ever encountered. Nearly every fight bent the whippy spinning rods into a

perish. That’s a long journey, after all. But I believe the majority return to the Atlantic

horseshoe and my adversary never gave up. The reaction was the same on fly gear.

and keep the cycle going.”

It took a few fish to discern the delicate take, but once that is mastered, fighting these fish is a thrilling challenge on the matched tackle. Tarpon-like jumps are

Even though stocks appear to be stable, Benson still worries about how water management policies and non-native species may affect the American shad.

common. Bucks or male fish average 1.5 lbs., while females run about twice that

“These are such a wonderful game fish and a true American treasure,” he

size. During my trip, I caught a couple exceeding that mark and every one was a

says. “Steelhead and salmon both come in from the ocean like the shad. So why

seesaw battle.

shouldn’t shad deserve the same respect and protection?”

“On an average day, on a 4-hr. trip, we’ll catch 30 fish,” Benson says. “On banner days, you can catch 100. It’s a leisurely pace, too. I prefer to fish the afternoons when you get more action and the scenery is always spectacular.”

It only took one trip for me to understand his passion. American shad truly are the South’s version of steelhead. With a Dixie twist, of course.

Talon by Minn Kota

STAYING POWER Keeping your rig in one place no longer means tossing out an anchor.

GEARHEADS :

Technology moves faster in some sectors than others. Cell phones and tablets are BY JEFF DENNIS seeing a blistering run of improvements, and entire new industries such as drones are GHM INSIDER having a feeding frenzy in the wake of those advances. But change was slow to come for the humble boat anchor. Generations of anglers accepted that handling a heavy, loud and muddy piece of steel was the best and only option available for staying on top of a fishing hole. Fast forward to 2015 and anglers finally have smarter and surer methods to stay in place in order to try and catch some fish. The average inshore angler used to own a 17-ft. bay boat with

on the deck with a thud. But the coup de gras was heaving

a 2-stroke engine on the back. The motor wasn’t quiet, so

the anchor over the bow rail with a big splash. The old school

anchoring up with a galvanized Danforth anchor attached to

anchors were sending a warning to untold numbers of fish to

two feet of heavy chain didn’t need to be quiet either. Nor did

move along and avoid the area. That has changed these days

dragging the chain out of the hold and placing the anchor

with high-tech aluminum anchors, like the popular Fortress

Talon by Minn Kota

model, which can be deployed with a lot less noise,not to mention muscle

tear from mud and shells, and thus increase the lifespan of the anchor. You can

strain. But that’s just the beginning.

purchase mounting brackets for either the bow or stern.

Today, anchoring up with alternative methods is all about a stealthier arrival

Another option for an anchor pole is

to the fishing grounds, not to mention the freedom to have your hands already

the Stick It Anchor Pin (stickitanchorpins.

on the fishing rod. For those using small crafts such as kayaks to fish in shallow

com). It’s proven itself over time and is

waters, a pin anchor that sticks into the mud or shell is really all that you need.

available from many big box retailers.

And for at least a decade, inshore anglers in larger boats have been using

It’s a great option to consider, whether

power-assisted pole anchors that lower from the transom of the boat.

you buy the pole with a simple lanyard

But the latest and greatest is without a doubt the new fangled trolling

attachment or you purchase the pole and

motors that can hold a set GPS position, making anchoring as old school as J

their proprietary mounting hardware

hooks. Even large center consoles are starting to use extra long shafts to hover

that they call The Brake. Expect to pay

over a spot and keep the anchor stowed away. For big sportfishers, pod drives

anywhere from $50 to $200 or a bit more

make it possible to stay a reef for bottom fish that are known to stay close to

for a “Cadillac” system.

their home structure.

Stick It Anchor Pin

When it comes to motorized, shallow

The anchor poles are very low-tech but affordable options for shallow water

water anchors, the market share for the two most popular models seems to come

usage. Just push down on the handle end of your anchor pole until sufficiently

down to loyalty. The Power-Pole Anchor System (power-pole.com) likely has

stuck in place and then tie a rope off to the boat. A ¾” width pole is pretty

the best name brand recognition, as they have been active in sponsoring both

The Wang Anchor

standard, but the composition of the

anglers and fishing tournaments to raise awareness for their product. The Minn

pole can vary. The Wang Anchor

Kota Talon (minnkotamotors.com) offers a different engineering design, keeping

(wanganchor.com) comes in several

the pole anchor inside an outer housing until it is deployed straight down at a

lengths from 6 ft. to 10 ft. and has a

90-degree angle from the boat. Although the technologies are a little different, the

stainless steel tip to reduce wear and

effectiveness of the two products is similar. Expect to invest $1,200–$1,500 or more.

Power-Pole Anchor System

Riptid Ulterra Riptide Ult rra by b Minn Mi Kota These motorized, shallow water anchors are really a game changers for inshore anglers. Their popularity has been nearly

the jetties in order to fish for monster snook at dawn. Other GPS trolling motor options include the

universal, and they work so well that it is not uncommon to

MotorGuide Xi5–80SW (motorguide.com). Use the wireless

see multiple pole anchors mounted on a single hull. It is true

remote from anywhere on the boat to apply the 80 lbs. of

that a single deployed pole anchor can cause the boat to

available thrust to stay in tight on the fish. Laying down up to

twist out of position due to wind or a change of current, but

$2,000 on a trolling motor isn’t for everyone, but this option

a skilled captain can negate such effects through experience.

can easily become your favorite navigation accessory.

Still, two is likely better than one when attempting lock-down and an instant stop in order to get on top of the fish. One dividend from development of these shallow

While these GPS-guided trolling motors were first considered for inshore or lake fishing, more and more anglers are employing them far offshore. As long as the seas are

anchoring systems is that innovation has also led to

in the two-to-three foot range or less and the shaft is long

downsizing. Power-Pole offers a Micro Anchor that is best

enough to keep the prop in the water, these motors will

suited for smaller craft like the Hobie Pro Angler, which can

keep you on the spot. There’s no need to fumble with an

carry a battery for power. For kayaks or a sneak boat that

anchor, especially in deep water. And it eliminates the need

doesn’t have its own power supply, Power-Pole also offers a

to monitor wind and tide while attempting to keep the boat

battery pack for the Micro.

in position with your primary engine. Now, the electric motor

For larger craft, using a trolling motor to truly stay in place is becoming more common, too. The Riptide Ulterra by Minn Kota (minnkotamotors.com) can automatically deploy with

takes over, you stay on the spot and, ultimately, you catch more fish. No one is suggesting you scrap your old clunker—you’ll

the touch of a button from the i-Pilot lanyard controller, and

need that big anchor to stay put in all kinds of conditions.

then the Spot-Lock feature keeps your boat within about 5 ft.

But, whether you get to the fish by pushing a paddle or

of the target area. Fishing with Captain Blair Wiggins in June at

pushing a throttle, there’s a better, stealthier way to stay on

St. Lucie Inlet, we used the Ulterra to stay in close proximity of

the bite.

Power-Pole Micro Anchor

MotorGuide Xi5–80SW

Riptide Ulterra by Minn Kota

MEET THE CHEF

A FLORIDA-LICIOUS FEAST BY GHM STAFF

In this special issue of GHM we’ve chosen to highlight not one particular Florida chef—there are thousands of culinary black belts serving up sustainable seafood in this watery wonderland—but to show off the seafood itself. To do that, we’ve turned to three veteran cookbook authors who have sought out greasy fish camps, seafood markets and hole-in-the wall fish joints in every part of the state. The result is Good Catch, a 288-page cookbook that not only gives killer recipes for Apalachicola oysters, Gulf amberjack and Keys conch fritters, but also pays homage to the people who spend their lives catching and collecting such tasty morsels. Pam Brandon, Katie Farmand and Heather McPherson traveled from the

Pam Brandon, Katie Farmand and Heather McPherson |

Panhandle to the Keys in their quest to document Florida seafood. They visited

Good Catch: Recipes and Stories Celebrating the Best

well-known sites, but also cultivated relationships with local folks to find new,

of Florida’s Waters

hidden gems. Along the way came some new experiences for these veteran foodies, such as tasting bortaga (cured

recipes are not just delicious, but meant to showcase the

roe of mullet) for the first time. Their travels also led

flavor and texture of each type of seafood.

them through a diverse range of communities, including

The book is presented by season, following the

hanging out with Cuban fishermen on the Miami River.

natural flow of seasonal harvests, such as Gulf Coast cobia

“The one thing that struck us as the most poignant,”

in the spring, South Florida mahi mahi in the summer and

say the authors, “was the comparison of fishermen to

amberjack off the southwest coast in winter. There are also

farmers of the sea. They know as much about the ocean

recipes for side dishes, salads and all the accoutrements

as farmers do about their land; they care deeply about the

needed for a true Florida seafood feast.

sea life they catch and they respect the ocean and other waterways and what they provide us.” The trio says they aimed to touch on all of the most commonly found fish and shellfish that Florida is known for, but also to select some lesser-known species. And the

Good Catch: Recipes and Stories Celebrating the Best of Florida’s Waters (hardcover, $28, University Press of Florida) is available through retailers. Signed copies may be purchased online at www.goodcatchfl.com.

Photo: GHM staff.

Royal Red Shrimp Salad Serves 6 Large, royal red shrimp,

How to Peel and Devein Shrimp

Preparation

peeled and deveined

Pull off heads, if still attached. Remove legs, cracking

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp, stir,

2 T

Extra-virgin olive oil, divided

shell in the bottom center. Starting at the head end,

and remove with a slotted spoon after one minute.

1 tsp

Finely grated fresh lemon zest

peel away shells. Depending on the way you want to

Set aside to cool.

2 T

Fresh lemon juice

serve the shrimp, you can leave the last segment and

2. Whisk together oil, lemon zest and juice,

2 T

Mayonnaise

tail or remove them. Use a small, sharp knife to cut a

mayonnaise and dill. Add shrimp, hearts of palm, red

2 T

Chopped fresh dill

2 lbs

slit down the back of shrimp about ¼” deep. Remove

bell pepper and onion, tossing to coat. Season to taste

1 (14-oz) Can hearts of palm, thinly sliced

and discard the vein under cold running water or use

with salt and pepper.

1 med

the tip of a knife.

3. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up

Red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced

1/4 C

Finely diced red onion

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

to overnight.

Baked Oysters with Butter, Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Makes 2 Dozen 1/2 C Softened, unsalted butter 1/2 C Freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2

Garlic cloves, finely minced

1 T

Fresh lemon juice

1 T

Chopped, fresh parsley

Hot sauce, to taste 2 doz Oysters on the half shell

Preparation 1. Place oven rack 5-6” from heat source and preheat broiler. 2. Combine butter, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, parsley and hot sauce in a small bowl. 3. Place raw oysters in a single layer in a baking dish and evenly distribute butter mixture over them. 4. Broil until oysters begin to curl at the edges and butter mixture is bubbly, 5-7 minutes.

Recipes and photos reprinted with permission from University Press of Florida. Photos: Diana Zalucky.

LAST CAST

HOOKED ON THE PROMISED LAND FLORIDA…for those hardy souls who battle brutal winters

was the largest outboard being made. By the mid-60s he

of Chicago, Buffalo or Boston, it’s a ray of hope—an escape

had upgraded to a 75hp Evinrude that would catapult our

from frozen car doors and icicles hanging precariously

wooden skiff at harrowing speeds. We would hang on in

from every eave. For those who toil away for decades

white-knuckled terror as my father flew across the waves

in jobs far away from the Sunshine State, Florida is the

with a cigar clenched in his teeth. Even today, I break out

Promise Land where they’ll retire one day and golf in the

in a cold sweat at the sight of a cigar.

sun because everyday will be like Saturday. And for those

By the time I made it through college, dad had

of us lucky enough to live here, it’s simply paradise. And, if

upgraded to a 24-footer with a high-tech 225hp outboard.

you happen to fish—paradise times 10.

Every time we ripped out into the Gulf, he’d look at

For me, Florida has been Shangri La since the day I was

that engine in amazement. These days, my dad, God

born. And as I reflect on more than 50 years enjoying its vibrant waters, I think about all the boats that gave me

rest his soul, would be

Our state is the perfect

flabbergasted at the boats

landscape for kayakers.

the transom or the Seven

passage up its rivers, across its

with four 350s hanging on

outboard with more than

Access points are unlimited.

FRED GARTH

bays and into the blue water

For the past 25 years, Fred D.

of the Gulf of Mexico and

Garth’s articles have appeared in

Atlantic Ocean. Like many Floridians, I’ve bopped around on

numerous books, magazines and

sailboats, fishing boats, wooden boats, fiberglass boats—

newspapers around the world.

just about anything that floats basically. In fact, one of my

something else has happened along the way. Like, some of

Read his blog at:

earliest life memories was fishing near Pensacola in a tiny

us got old. And no amount of Advil can save our knees and

GuyHarveyMagazine.com.

skiff with my dad, my uncle and my cousin. I was three or

backs from the pain of pounding 20 miles into the blue

four and it was a particularly chilly Thanksgiving, way down

water to bottom fish for snapper, amberjack and the rest

to near 50 degrees! Brrr. The boat had a 1.5hp (hey, it was

of their family members. So for me, the choice was clear. I

the 1950s!) that fell off the back of the boat because my

could mortgage everything and spend a small fortune on a

uncle didn’t tighten the clamps enough. After a few choice

very large boat that sucks down a truck load of gasoline, or

words from my dad that bruised my tender ears, he stripped

I could simplify my life with a nice, zero-carbon kayak. You

to his skivvies and slipped into the cool drink to save the

guessed it. I went for the yak attack.

engine that we could clearly see resting peacefully on the

500 horsepower. That is a lot of stallions, my friend.

And there’s no swimming down to rescue that beast. But as outboards have gotten bigger and better,

All it took was a quick calculation of the fishing

sand 10 feet below us. As I grew up, that engine spent its life

opportunities a yak offered in my home state. Sure, the far

gathering rust and dust in the corner of the garage. It never

offshore stuff isn’t reachable via yak but I still get out to

ran again.

the deep blue when my well-heeled friends invite me for a

As outboard engine technology expanded, my dad hung on for the ride. He bought a 25hp Johnson when it

snapper fix. Besides that, everything else is at my fingertips on a kayak. Fishing Florida’s lakes, rivers, bays and

Left: The white sand beaches of Perdido Key in Northwest Florida. Right: The author’s arsenal of small water crafts ready to launch at any moment

nearshore water offers everything from bass to tarpon to trout to pompano to

As the years passed, fishing became less about the meat and more about a

bonito—a full lifetime of fishing. And, even though I love mountains, the flatish

way to purge stress from my life and bond with great friends. It’s also an excuse

geography of our state is the perfect landscape for kayakers. Access points are

to travel to far flung destinations to track down the elusive bonefish, cubera

unlimited. In a strange twist of history repeating itself, now I’m considering

snapper, marlin and roosterfish. Somebody has to do it.

putting a tiny electric motor on my yak that is equivalent to the 1.5hp I first

Now, of course, my lifelong obsession with fishing has landed me in a career

experienced as a wee tot. Of course, it’s about the size of a toaster and weighs

working with the legendary Dr. Guy Harvey himself. Now, that’s a gig I’d never

three pounds. The 1.5hp my dad rescued weighed in at 30 pounds.

have imagined but I’m pretty darn stoked about. It’s also given fishing a whole

Trust me, I have no beef with go-fast boats. I still have one and I still love

new meaning, in that, sustainability and marine conservation are a large part

the feel of the wind in my face and the quick trip to a fishing hole, but I do see a

of the equation. Of course, nothing will ever diminish the thrill of hearing a reel

trend in some older fisher-persons, who, like me, just want to keep life simple.

spooling out at high speed and going mano-a-fin with a fish. The difference

As I look back over a half century of fishing all over Florida and the

is, these days, we’re focused on getting the fish in, not harming it and then

evolution of boats, motors and fishing gear, I realize that the sport has had a

releasing it properly so that it will survive and thrive to fight another day. That

major impact on my life. There are those vibrant memories of fishing with my

is, unless my wife wants something for the grill. Even then, the paradigm shift is

father, who would frequently yell at us, “You can’t catch a fish without a line

that I might keep one or two fish and release the rest.

in the water!” While that is a perfect metaphor for life, my dad was not into

Yes, times have changed since that cold Thanksgiving morning with my dad

philosophy. He was angrily prodding us to get our fishing line in the water

way back in the day. What hasn’t changed is the joy of fishing, which, like my

quickly. Like, “Come on you slackers, get the freaking line in the water NOW!” He

dad, I have passed on to my children so they can carry on the tradition and pass

had a big family to feed.

the love of fishing to their kids. They’ll probably be fishing from drones.

ALL NEW SPORT FISHING COLLECTION LAUNCH

MIAMI BOAT SHOW BOO

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84 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Guy Harvey Magazine — Winter 2016

Articles inside

THE CHAMP

KEEP OUT

MINDS AT THE TOP

THE MONEY TRAIL

GULF REEF FISH SURVEY

CONSERVATION SCIENCE

KICKING IT OLD SCHOOL