Boca Grande Pass tarpon-fishing rules set to take effect

Tarpon Regulations:
Please help conserve this species by practicing catch and release
and following all saltwater fishing regulations.

News Release
Boca Grande Pass tarpon-fishing rules set to take effect

Tarpon Conservation:
Every angler has the responsibility to fish legally and to strive for the survival of fish that
are released. With this in mind, the following techniques help increase survival of this
spectacular gamefish.

MyFWC.com/marine/Tarpon_brochure.pdf.

March 27, 2008Contact:

Lee Schlesinger, 850-487-0554 or Gary Morse, 863-648-3200
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds anglers that rules limiting the use of certain types of fishing gear in Boca Grande Pass take effect April 1.
These rules prohibit the use of more than three fishing lines per vessel to harvest any species of fish and prohibit the use of breakaway gear to harvest any fish in the pass during April, May and June. Breakaway gear is “any bob, float, weight, lure or spoon that is affixed to a fishing line or hook with wire, line, rubber bands, plastic ties or other fasteners designed to break off when a fish is caught.”
The FWC encourages anglers to use and develop rigging techniques that reduce the likelihood of debris on the bottom of the pass, to respect others fishing in the pass and to operate their boats safely.
For more information about tarpon fishing regulations, use of appropriate tackle and proper fishing and boating behavior in this world-renowned fishery, see the FWC’s free brochure “Tarpon Fishing in Boca Grande Pass.” The brochure is available at numerous locations in the Charlotte Harbor/Boca Grande area and online at MyFWC.com/marine/Tarpon_brochure.pdf.

For questions concerning tarpon regulations contact the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Marine
Fisheries Management at 850-488-6058 or on the Web at
MyFWC.com

Be A Lifesaver For Kids On The Water

BoatUS Foundation 880 S Pickett St Alexandria VA 22304

Every child on the water whether they're boating, fishing, or enjoying water sports deserves to have the safety of a life jacket... but that doesn't always happen.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water sponsors the Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids, which makes children's life jackets available to boaters who are unprepared for visiting children or whose kids have outgrown their old life jackets. Over 350 locations nationwide loan kid-sized life jackets on a daily basis, at no charge. To date, three precious lives have been saved as a result of this program made possible by the generosity of boaters like you.
However, each year the need for life jackets outgrows the number that the BoatUS Foundation has available to loan. Our program's goal is to raise $50,000 by this spring to meet the need - we're counting on you!

Any amount you can give helps and will go to fund a new loaner site or replenish much needed supplies at an existing location. Your tax-deductible contribution is important and we need your help to make boating safer for children.

Thank you for your support,President BoatUS Foundation
P.S. Help make boating safer for children. Our program life jackets are loaned more than 50,000 times a year and supplies are running short. Your contribution of any amount, even just $10, will make a difference to a small child. Consider making a fully tax-deductible donation today to keep our program afloat.

Second annual Catch and Release Fishing Tournament

Skanska USA Building presents the second annual Catch and Release Fishing Tournament to benefit Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation, Inc. Join us for the Captain’s Party and Silent Auction on Thursday, April 10 and the fishing tournament Friday, April 11.
Species categories are snook, trout and redfish. Prizes include a first, second and third place prize for total inches; an award for biggest fish in each category and a master angler award for biggest cobia.
These exciting events benefit PHCC Foundation, Inc.
Register

Thursday, April 10 - Captain’s Party and Silent Auction sponsored by Hampton Inn & Suites, Wesley Chapel
6:00 p.m Heritage Springs Golf and Country Club11345 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in TrinityCast your bid at the silent auction, catch a line at the hors d’oeuvres buffet and enjoy the music and camaraderie of a night out with good friendsTickets are $25 per person

Purchase Captain’s party tickets[map]
Friday, April 11 - Fishing tournament
8 a.m. - Breakfast8:30 a.m. - Boats depart3 p.m. - Fishing ends and return to dockAward ceremony to followHooters5336 Treadway Drive in Port Richey[map]

Your registration as a Gold, Silver or Bronze Angler includes: USCG professional guide captain, boat, tackle and bait, tickets to the Captain’s Party, official tournament shirts, goodie bags, breakfast, boxed lunch and beverages on the day of the tournament, and partial charitable tax deduction.Register an angler teamFind out more about sponsorship opportunities

A Great Weekend To Take The Kids Fishing In Florida

Well my friends I would like to say Happy Easter to all!

On this the first weekend of spring 2008

The weather here in Florida is great and it looks like it will be a great time to wet the lines. My son is coming up from Fort Lauderdale and I'm looking forward to taking him and all the kids fishing. On the beaches here in Central Florida we have been getting Tarpon, Snook, Pompano (my favorite) Whiting, Black Drum and a lot of Redfish

.
The Tarpon are of course catch and release only while the Snook and Redfish have their respective slot limits, and a bag limit of one per day. The fish have been quite large lately and call it lucky or not you will be hard pressed to catch one in the slot. Hey who cares I would rather catch and release a monster Snook than to bring one home dinner.

The kids all love fishing on the beach, although none of them will eat the fish we catch or let anyone else eat them, so it will be mostly just a fun catch and release weekend for all. Now that could change a little if the Pompano decide to bite MY hook or better yet one of those slot size Snook or Redfish!

Surf fishing has always held a special place in my heart. When I was young my Dad would take me surf fishing for Striped Bass, ah the memories of getting up in the middle of the night and even Mom got up to make a big bag full of sandwiches for us to take along.

Spending a day at the beach fishing with my Dad is something i will never forget. I know of no of no better bonding between a father and son. My Dad gave me the fishing fever and I will do all I can pass it along to the young people in my life.

I sure hope the kids have as fond memories of fishing when they grow up as I have had and carry on the tradition for generations to come.

So in closing I would like to say spend family weekend fishing with your children or grandchildren the memories will last a lifetime!

Lets Go Fishing ! It's Free, Thank You (FWC)

What a perfect time for a family outing. Take the wife and kids fishing on FWC'S free fishing weekend. Who knows you just may be able to post your child to the Take Me Fishing

Kids Fishing Hall Of Fame

News Release
FWC sponsors free fishing weekend and special license offer

March 19, 2008

Contact: Bob Wattendorf, 850-488-0331

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages families to enjoy all the pleasures of fishing in Florida this April.

“The FWC is proud of our state’s recreational fishing heritage and designation as Fishing Capital of the World,” said Bob Wattendorf, special projects coordinator for the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “More people fish here than in any other state, and more tourists come here to fish and spend their money than anywhere else in the country, according to a recent national survey by the U.S. Census Bureau.”

The FWC has designated the weekend of April 5 and 6 as Free Fishing Weekend. Both residents and nonresidents can fish in public fresh waters across the state without a license. All other fishing rules apply (see MyFWC.com/Fishing).

With Florida’s 7,700 public lakes and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers and canals, opportunities for families to reconnect with nature and share quality time together are abundant.

The FWC also is offering a special five-year freshwater fishing license bonus program, which kicks off on April 1. This promotion provides an extra incentive to anglers in the form of free tackle, publications and fishing accessories that add to the convenience and cost savings already associated with a five-year license. Matched with the priceless memories created from family fishing experiences, the FWC makes this a deal difficult to resist. Five-year licenses cost $79, plus up to $5.23 in convenience fees, depending on where licenses are purchased.

The first 3,000 customers to upgrade to a five-year freshwater fishing license after April 1 not only will save from $6 to more than $20 in fees, but also receive a free bonus package by mail with samples, magazines and coupons from fishing-related companies. Some of the items offered include free hooks from Daiichi and Owner and lures from Culprit and Berkley, plus a coupon for free sunglasses from Penn, a Larchy dehooker and a lure retriever mail-in coupon, with handling fee.

In addition, innovative products - like Worm-glo by Sure Life, a fluorescent worm feed - will also be a part of the package. Several publications, including Florida Wildlife magazine, will provide information about safe, fun and successful fishing. Other package inserts include a Polk County Lakes Map and coupon book, and coupons from Bass-Online, Canoe Outpost, e-Angler, Disney Fishing, Gambler Lures, Ladies Let’s Go Fishing, Mage Eyes and Ocean Waves.

Fishing license fees are used only for fish and wildlife conservation purposes and are a major source of funding for conservation programs, from habitat restoration to fish stocking and fishing-access enhancement. Since a resident freshwater fishing license costs just $17 for an entire year, it is already an outstanding recreational value. The average angler takes 17 trips a year, so that is approximately a dollar per trip that typically lasts four to six hours.

Five-year licenses are available online at MyFWC.com/License and via the toll-free phone number, 1-888-347-4356. In addition, they may be purchased at any license agent, such as retail stores that sell fishing supplies and bait-and-tackle shops or at local county tax collectors’ offices. Even if your current license hasn’t expired, you can order a five-year license now and have the effective date for the license set for 60 days after the purchase. The package typically arrives in three to four weeks, without you or the agent having to do anything else.

For information about local fishing opportunities, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Forecasts. You can verify the offer is still in effect and that you will be one of the first 3,000 by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing/5yr-2008.html, where you can also see all of the contents. The offer ends when 3,000 five-year licenses are sold.

The Make A Difference Fishing Tournament

We would like to thank the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Dania Beach, FL for all the great thing they do to educate the angling community and their wonderful community service efforts.

Today i would like to highlight the LATEST NEWS & INFORMATION from Make a Difference Fishing Tournament's Largo Tournament.

Make A Difference Fishing Tournament is a 501 (C)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping handicapped children through fishing tournaments and other programs that facilitate the involvement of handicapped children in marine education and recreation.read more

Anglers, don't miss this years Make a Difference Fishing Tournament's Largo Tournament Saturday, April 5, 2008 starts at 8:00 AM

Held at the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve.150 Highland Ave, S.E., Largo Florida.Located south of East Bay Drive behind Missing Links Golf. Registration NOW OPEN! Download Largo Tournament Registration Form. Mail your complete form to Make a Difference Fishing Tournament P.O. Box 16535 Clearwater, FL 33766 No later than March 28, 2008.

HOW TO BE A VOLUNTEER
Lend a Helping Hand, Learn How to be a Volunteer Today! read more

Calendar of Events for 2007

The following events are currently scheduled. Contact information will be provided for all tournaments. Please check back frequently for more announcements and tournament information click here for the full schedule

The Recommendations for catch & release fishing

It's great to see that every day I find more and more articles on the promotion of "catch and release" fishing. Educating the general public and the angeling community is surely a work in progress, with support coming from all directions we are sure to make an impact before do irreversible damage to our fisheries.
Today I would like to share this article on The Recommendations for catch & release.These recommendations apply to freshwater and saltwater and when followed will give your fish an excellent chance to fight another day. After all the whole idea is that we preserve our fisheries so that our children and our children's children will get to experience the same feeling we did for the first time. YELLING - I GOT ONE ! I GOT ONE !

Recommendations for catch & release

Don QuiliciMarch 13, 2008, 4:01 AM Comments Print Email

According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), with the ever-growing interest in conservation, many anglers have adopted the practice of catch-and-release fishing.

This practice involves catching a fish and then releasing it, in a timely and controlled manner, back into the water where it was caught.

The key to successful catch-and-release fishing is doing so in a manner that gives released fish the greatest opportunity for survival, otherwise, the practice is nothing more than window dressing.

NDOW offers the following guidelines for giving a released fish the greatest chance of survival:

It's hard to imagine using a fish hook with no barbs, but the first step in catch-and-release fishing is using barbless hooks. Without the barb, it's much easier to remove the hook from a fish's mouth. While barbless hooks can be purchased, they also can be made by bending a barb over with a pair of pliers.

Bait fishing with a treble hook is not the way to go.

One of the fun aspects of fishing is playing the fish, but playing a fish to exhaustion will almost ensure a released fish will die. That's probably not a real issue if you plan on eating your fish, but if you plan on releasing it, land your fish as quickly as possible. When you land your fish, use a fine-mesh landing net. Doing so will prevent the fish from thrashing on the shore and make landing the fish much easier.

Fish are covered with a mucus coating that provides them with a level of bacterial protection. To protect that coating, it's important to keep your fish in the water as much as possible. It's also a good idea to wet your hands and net before handling the fish. Avoid touching or putting your fingers inside the gill slits. Hold the fish by placing one hand under the fish near its head and the other hand near its tail.

Once you have control of the fish, use hemostats or needle-nose pliers to remove the hook. This will help to protect your hands from hook-related injuries and is much easier on the fish than sticking your fingers in its mouth.

If necessary, cut the line or the hook itself. This can be very beneficial if a fish is hooked deep.

To release a fish, hold it upright in the water and allow it to swim away under its own power. If the fish is bleeding from the mouth or gills due to your actions, you'll need to keep it and keep working on your catch-and-release skills.

Anglers' Legacy A National Mission From "Take Me Fishing"

About Anglers' Legacy

Anglers' Legacy was launched in May 2006. Through media ads and coverage, pro-staff and celebrity angler involvement and industry partnerships, the campaign asks avid anglers to share their passion for fishing and drives them to AnglersLegacy.org where they're asked to "Take the Pledge" – promising to take one new person fishing each year. In its first year, the program garnered nearly 10,000 Pledges.

You likely remember your very first fishing trip and who took you. And odds are pretty good that positive first-time experience is why you're still fishing today. That's what Anglers' Legacy is all about – simply giving back what you've been given, and making your promise to introduce somebody new to the activity you love. Join thousands of your peers and make a real difference. Take someone fishing – a family member, co-worker, neighbor, acquaintance at church or, perhaps, the mechanic who works on your car.

Become part of Anglers' Legacy today, the group of folks from all across the country who, like you, are giving back. There's no membership fee and no obligation. You're just making a promise to do your part to share your knowledge and expertise with someone new.

Anglers' Legacy Events

Anglers are taking the future of fishing into their own hands through the Anglers’ Legacy program and are hosting Pledge-signing events across the nation. A survey of 700 avid anglers shows that the campaign message is reaching anglers and they, in turn, are reaching out to share the gift of fishing with someone new.
See the difference Anglers' Legacy is making! Take a look at the following Anglers' Legacy events:
More than 1,000 Anglers Take the Pledge at 2008 Bassmaster Classic
Anglers Show Support for Fishing at Super Bowl Festivities
Take Me Fishing Centers are a Huge Success!

Kids Fishing Hall of Fame

If you're mentoring children, a great way to keep them interested is to recognize their accomplishments, no matter how large or small. The Kids Fishing Hall of Fame is the perfect forum for recognizing your young anglers! From their first fish to catching the big one, you can post a photo, tell a story and create a custom certificate that commemorates their special day.

Visit the Kids Fishing Hall of Fame!

Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited Condemns Tarpon Killings

From Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited
If you thought photographs of dead tarpon were things of the past in US waters, think again. We were recently provided photographs of what appears to be a growing ‘sport’ in coastal Louisiana – spearfishing for tarpon. Here are examples:

Photo 1 Photo 2

Even as the last tarpon ‘kill’ tournament in Florida changes over to an all-release format, and the Mexican fishery turns more toward catch and release, it appears that tarpon conservation is not a high priority in some areas. Indiscriminant and wasteful harvest of this important gamefish should no longer be allowed.

It is clear that there are significantly fewer tarpon around now than there were 30 years ago. And it is likely that the killing of tarpon by recreational (and commercial) fishermen of yesteryear contributed to tarpon population declines. This is the principal reason that Florida, Texas and other southeastern US states have severely restricted the harvest of tarpon.

The killing of tarpon anywhere impacts tarpon fishermen everywhere. BTU-supported research has demonstrated tarpon migrations that clearly show that tarpon fisheries throughout the Gulf of Mexico, southeastern United States, and the Caribbean are connected. This regional population model is further supported by genetic research that indicates a single large tarpon stock. In other words, there is no such thing as ‘their fish’ or ‘your fish’ or ‘my fish’. They are all ‘our fish’.

Tarpon are long-lived (>80 years) and slow growing, which means that they are especially vulnerable to harvest. The tarpon shown above all appear to be of mature size, so their deaths have important and grave implications for future generations.

Catch and release recreational tarpon fisheries are worth billions of dollars per year. These fisheries rely on healthy tarpon populations. BTU supports a regional approach to tarpon fisheries management. Part of such a management plan would include the severe limitation of tarpon harvest.

BTU urgently requests that the State of Louisiana, and other states with similar lax restrictions on tarpon harvests, implement measures that severely restrict the harvest of tarpon.

To learn more about the work of Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited please click here.

CCA Florida: Fighting for Your Fishing

By Ed Killer (Contact)

Sunday, March 9, 2008

What can you get for the price of a steak dinner?

How about a healthy fishery for generations to come.

It seems like a modest price to pay to ensure the future of our rich and diverse fisheries.
Spring time is fundraising time for many organizations, but few have enhanced the lives of so many recreational anglers as much as the Coastal Conservation Association.

Since it was founded and incorporated 31 years ago, the CCA has been an extremely active voice in fishery management circles throughout Gulf and Atlantic states on local, state and federal levels. Since 1984, the CCA has had two registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C. to help clarify conservation positions and garner support for pro-fisheries legislation.

CCA funds are granted for habitat projects, marine science research efforts and law enforcement. CCA has helped build two of the world’s largest saltwater hatchery facilities. Its 95,000 members across 17 state chapters from Texas to Maine (and Oregon and Washington) helped establish gamefish status for several species, enact net bans in shallow coastal waters in four states and helped prohibit destructive fishing gear.

I have gone on the record in the past year in disagreement of CCA’s stance on Marine Protected Areas and snook regulations in Florida. In the interest of full disclosure, I was a CCA member for several years, but have not been for two years now.

Still, I continue to directly benefit from the organization’s work to help recover several once-strained fisheries. Thanks in part to them, my family and I have a reasonable chance of success at catching a redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and swordfish — all fisheries that faced the edge of collapse as recently as the late 1980s.

The CCA membership has helped give all inshore anglers that chance. Now it’s time for us to give back.

Buying a steak dinner is where one can start to show his appreciation for the CCA. In the next few weeks, the two CCA chapters that cover the Treasure Coast will have their respective banquets and auctions. (see details below)

Friday, the Martin/St. Lucie chapter will have its dinner at Indian RiverSide Park in Jensen Beach. March 27, the Treasure Coast chapter will have its dinner in Vero Beach.

Both will feature hundreds of items up for bid in silent auction and live auction. Items include guided fishing trips locally or as far away as Louisiana, Mexico, Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Ireland and the Amazon Jungle; hunting trips like a dove hunt to Argentina, fish art, jewelry, Yamaha outboard motors, fishing tackle and a raffle that includes a 50-inch HDTV.

Maverick Boats and Lindsay Marine has donated a fully rigged 2008 Hewes 18-foot Redfisher flats boat with a 115 hp Yamaha Four Stroke and Ameritrailer aluminum trailer.

We all know times are tight, but those that are grateful for good fishing might want to break open the piggy bank for some spare change to go to a good cause.

And by the way, for the price of a ticket, you still get that steak dinner.

For more on CCA Florida visit http://www.ccaflorida.org/.

To read more click Here

Hook Modifications That Make Sense

We would like to thank George Povermo, the senior editor of Salt Water Sportsman Magazine, and a world renowned angling authority for granting his permission to use his very informative "How to Features". George's knowledge of fishing goes way beyond merely just catching fish. His devotion to conserving our marine environment is unequaled. He teaches us how to also make our angling experience less stressful on the fish so we can release them unharmed to fight another day. With his knowledge and tips we can all become better fisherman and stewards of our marine environment.

Hook Modifications That Make Sense by George Poveromo

Timing is everything. At least it was for Salt Water Sportsman Managing Editor Tom Richardson during a recent light-tackle bluefishing trip on the southern coast of Cape Cod. We were fast into them, too, catching six- to eight-pounders on surface plugs just about every time we located working birds. It was a classic blitz, with fish being released as fast as they were brought aboard. And that's when it happened.

As Tom was attempting to remove the hooks from yet another feisty blue, the fish suddenly squirmed, sinking the dangling treble deep into his hand. It was a situation that could have warranted a trip to the hospital, but fortunately for Tom (and the blue) we had mashed down the barbs on our hooks earlier that day, making them easier to remove from fish - and fingers!After a little help from friend Kevin Tierney, Tom and the bluefish parted ways, the former suffering a few minor puncture wounds and some bruised feelings. However, a serious injury had been avoided.

If you intend to release your catch, replacing your plug's treble hooks with single hooks will reduce the amount of time the fish must spend out of the water. Removing the bellyhook is even safer and just as productive.

Removing the bellyhook(s) on a plug will cause less injury to the fish and make releasing it easier. You can go one step further by crushing the barbs on the remaining treble hook to further facilitate its removal.

Trouble with Trebles

Most hard-plastic or wooden lures come equipped with treble hooks, sometimes two or more. The reason? They catch more fish! They make sense if the fish are few and far between or if you plan on keeping your catch. However, when the fishing is hot and heavy, or if you plan to release your catch, treble hooks can actually be a disadvantage. Removing them from a fish's jaw or mouth often requires more time and effort, which increases the amount of time the fish is kept out of water and its stress level. Furthermore, treble hooks can inflict serious injuries to fish by snagging them in the head, eyes, gills or stomach. And, as in the incident described above, treble hooks can also pose a real risk to anglers.

Modifying your plugs by crushing the hook barbs or replacing the trebles with single hooks proves more angler- and fish-friendly. While you may occasionally miss a fish or two, the lure's overall effectiveness won't be compromised too much. In fact, such hook modifications may even help you catch more fish. For instance, mashing down the barb on any hook allows it to penetrate under less pressure, a big advantage when using light tackle.

During a blitz, a single hook allows you to unhook your fish quicker and get back in the action, ultimately increasing your catch. And when trolling for big fish, replacing the stock hooks with stronger single hooks could eliminate the chance of a straightened hook. Finally, removing all but the rear hook from a multi-hook plug allows the angler to control the fish at boatside by gripping the plug.

Below are several modifications that will make your lures safer, more release-friendly, and perhaps even increase their overall effectiveness. It's essential to remember to select hooks that are strong enough to support your style of fishing. If you plan on trolling for tuna and wahoo on 30-pound-class and heavier tackle, for example, make sure your replacement hooks won't straighten under the extreme pressure these fish exert on your tackle. Whenever possible, retain the split rings that connect the hooks to the plug, and upgrade them when using heavier tackle. If the hooks are fastened directly to the plug body, binding could occur. And that could ultimately cost you a fish or damage the plug. Finally, sharpen each hook to assure maximum penetration with the least amount of effort.

Crushed or Clipped Barbs

When the action is really hot and you don't have time to change hooks, take a pair of pliers and simply crush the barbs on each hook. This makes them easier to remove, and allows them to penetrate easier. On the other hand, it also makes it easier for a fish to throw the hook, so be sure to maintain a tight line throughout the fight.

If you prefer a barbed hook, then simply clip off two of the three points on each treble. The plug may not be aesthetically appealing to you, but the modified hook will get the job done. It will also be much easier to remove than the original set of barbed trebles.

Double Your Singles

Replacing treble hooks with single hooks has become a popular option, particularly among the offshore crowd. A long-shank hook delivers the coverage to catch fish by extending beyond the plug's body. Whether the barbs are crushed or left intact, the plug will pose less harm to a fish than the original trebles. The new hooks are also much easier to remove. As mentioned, make sure the replacement hooks can stand up to the strain exerted by your tackle and the game fish you intend to catch. The jaws of a big wahoo or tuna, for example, can actually bend or straighten a light-wire hook.

Singles Only

Whether you crush the barbs of a treble, clip off all but one point or switch over to a single hook, eliminating all but the rear hook makes a lot of sense. Not only will this make releasing the fish easier, you'll also eliminate the danger posed by a dangling second hook. And depending upon the size and species of fish, you can now grip the plug to lift the fish into the boat or release it at boatside.

To see more of George Poveromo's "HOW TO FEATURES" click here

How To Start Them Early by George Poveromo

Start Them Early by George Poveromo
NOTE: The following feature originally appeared in the April, 1993 issue of Salt Water Sportsman magazine. It's just as timely today. Lindsay Poveromo, now 21 years old. George claims she's still the "perfect kid" and has no gray hair that would indicate otherwise. He's also enjoying his 11-year old daughter, Megan and getting her ready for her boating experiences. Start Them Early!

I was one of those kids who couldn't get enough of fishing. As I recall, the blame rests with a six-ounce mangrove snapper tending its turf underneath a Marathon, Florida, dock. I was seven years old, on a family vacation and trying to understand the workings of the $4.50 toy fishing rods Ol' Dad bought for my brother and me some 40 miles back at a Key Largo department store.

I'm sure the plastic outfits were more of a bribe to keep us quiet and well behaved for the remainder of the drive than they were for fishing. That became evident the following morning, when he and my uncle slipped off to jig for kingfish! After a little horseplay, my brother set aside his now-crippled outfit and began frolicking in the swimming pool. I waited impatiently for the boat's return so someone could show me how to use my new rod and reel. The boat eventually docked, and I was awestruck by the kings and a 40-pound dolphin that appeared to be three times my size.

The happy duo began cleaning the catch and tossing scraps overboard, rallying the local mangrove snapper population. Noting my interest in the schooling fish, Dad tied a sinker and tiny hook onto my kite-string line, baited it with a small piece of kingfish, and showed me how and where to cast. The strike came instantly, and the pull and vibration telegraphing through my arms, not to mention the sight of a snapper splashing from the water and flopping onto the dock, influenced my life from that day on.

Introducing someone to fishing and boating is as easy as arranging a trip, but unfortunately it doesn't always work out. In my experience, people fall into four groups after they make their first trip. The first group comprises the "disasters," people who aren't cut out for the sport. They succumb to seasickness or incredible boredom and swear never again to step off dry land. The second group includes those who enjoy themselves as long as somebody else provides the gear and bait, and absorbs all the expenses. The third group is the flash-in-the-pan types who become obsessed with the sport, purchase the best in everything, then suddenly sell out to pursue another interest.

Then there are the die-hards - the true backbone of the sport. They're a dedicated bunch with a deep-rooted appreciation for fishing and boating, always finding the time and means to be on the water, regardless of economic conditions. It's in their blood and they're in it for the long haul.

PLANT THE SEED EARLY

The future of fishing and boating lies in creating that 'hardcore" nucleus of Anglers. If we want our children to develop a fond appreciation for the water, like we have, it's vital to plant the seed at an early age. It's not an overnight undertaking, and it'll require plenty of cultivating to be successful.

Shortly after my introduction, my passion for learning more about the sport netted me a fancy spinning outfit, casting lessons in the backyard, and freshwater bass excursions with my dad and grandfather. A year later I was a regular on Dad's boat, learning all about it as we fished the Marquesas Islands for grouper and snapper, and Biscayne Bay for trout, snook and tarpon. My insatiable devotion nearly wore out dad, and I never figured out who was happier when I turned 16 and began driving and boating on my own, although I have a hunch.

I now have a daughter who shares an interest in boating and fishing. Her curiosity can be traced back to my business, where at the age of two she began noticing fishing pictures and fish mounts in my office. I organized a tackle box, bought her a small spinning outfit and introduced her to the sport in a nearby canal, bobber fishing for bluegills and oscars.

Lindsay soaked up the experiences and demanded stories on the places traveled to. Having outgrown the canal dock two years later, she was ready for her first boat trip. I primed the experience by showing her maps of Biscayne Bay, explaining what it was and the types of fish that live there. I showed her where we were going and then told her a bit about the boat. The excitement was there. Making a youngster feel like part of the team and not merely a passenger will go a long way toward nurturing their interest. Give them projects and request their help. Lindsay's in charge of packing lunches, drinks and sunscreen the evening before, sorting out her tackle box, laying out her fishing clothes and helping me load the boat and wash it afterwards.

Kids love to feel useful, and it's important to carry that sense of responsibility over to the water. Even if you don't need assistance in launching, give them a line and let them help secure the boat while you park the vehicle. Have them accompany you into the bait shop, checking to see if they need anything for their tackle box (provided it's not a Penn International 50). It's amazing how much mileage you can get from a box of hooks, two bobbers and a Butterfinger candy bar!

KEEP INSTRUCTION LIGHT

One of my pet peeves, thanks to growing up in South Florida with its hordes of boaters, is ignorance of boating safety. Most ten year olds are aware of the basic rules associated with automobiles, so developing a working knowledge of boating isn't that complicated. For instance, Lindsay knows it's a cardinal rule not to board a boat without her life jacket. She's fully aware of its purpose and why she must wear it at all times. She was given this information in a light and easy manner.

Read More Here

George Poveromo's World of Saltwater Fishing

New Shark Protection Rules Could Affect Fishing Hot Spot

CAPE CANAVERAL

A change to rules protecting sharks could mean changes to Central Florida tourism.

Charter boat captains have paying close attention to what happens with a new federal marine fisheries study looking at ways to protect nearly 40 shark species along the East Coast.
That could include changes to where people can and can not fish for the big fish.

Currently, charters regularly take tourists to an area off Cape Canaveral known as "The Bite," which was closed for six years, and when reopened, was filled with young sharks.
Experts feared with the Bite open again, that could spell disaster for the new sharks, but

charter boat captains said most of their shark fishing was catch and release, so there was no need to shutdown the hot fishing spot.

"It definitely does not need to be closed to the recreational fishermen. Of the 100 sharks that we catch in there, we might keep four or five of them," said Greg Rapp, a charter boat captain.

The Captains News 13 spoke with did say it could be dangerous to open the hot spot for commercial fishing.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission was asking for public input on the question.
You can get your opinion heard by calling or e-mailing the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Two men sentenced for breaking fishing laws

Two men killed undersized sailfish caught by patrons
BY VANESSA BLUM South Florida Sun-Sentinel
March 1, 2008
A Fort Lauderdale federal judge sentenced two former charter fishing crew members Friday for breaking environmental laws by killing undersized sailfish hooked by customers.

U.S. District Judge William Zloch sentenced Ralph "Benny" Pegram, 44, of North Miami Beach to one year and one day in prison and two years' probation and Brian Schick, 33, of North Miami to three years' probation.

According to prosecutors, the two men, along with other charter employees, also coerced anglers on the Therapy IV fishing vessels to sign expensive mounting contracts with a Broward County taxidermy firm, falsely claiming the actual fish would be used in the trophy. In reality, the customers received replicas made from artificial materials using molds.

"I am very sorry," Pegram said before being sentenced. "I realized we were taking something very beautiful and making something real ugly out of it.

"Florida regulations require all sailfish caught by recreational anglers to be reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and prohibit the harvesting of any sailfish measuring less than 63 inches from the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. Adult sailfish typically measure 68 to 90 inches. Pegram and Schick received reduced sentences because they pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Stanley Saffan, who owned the Miami Beach charter business. Saffan and two other crew members have pleaded guilty to similar charges and await sentencing.

Schick, who served as captain on some charters, must also pay a $3,000 fine. Pegram, who worked as a mate, received a stiffer sentence because he had prior convictions and was caught using crack cocaine while on bail. Both men are barred from working in the charter fishing industry while on probation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-Fitzgerald said the case should send a message to other charter operators.

"It is clear that this industry is permeated with a view that tourists are targets ... and they come here to be fleeced," Watts-Fitzgerald said.
Attorney Jason Grey, who represents Schick, said the fish at issue for his client was just 1 1/2 inches too short.

"It shouldn't have been done, but I don't think it's so horrible, Mr. Schick should be made an example," Grey said.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbfish0301sbmar01,0,1166168.story