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

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

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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!