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WHAT IS THE MEANING OF CATCH AND RELEASE? POSSESSION? (Dec. 2007)
The main thing is to use common sense...
by Captain Dave Rogers

What is the Meaning of Catch and Release? Possession?

There is nothing new to the law of possessing an over-sized game fish. The FWC is attempting to remind anglers about the law. The main thing is to use common sense when handling large fish.

Catch and release has been popular for many years. I would say that Ray Scott, the founder of B.A.S.S., is the man most responsible for the movement. I am all for catch and release, but you should still be able to snap a quick photo for a memory. If you handle the fish properly there is no harm in taking the photos. If were not for pictures I probably would not be guiding, writing and doing radio today.

There are several ways to handle a fish properly. The first thing to do is wet your hands before removing the fish from the water. This will prevent your dry hands from removing the protective slime from the fish. Never hold a fish vertically! Many things can occur if you hold a large fish by a Boga Grip. Holding a large fish in a vertical position can distend the organs, tear cartilage in the jaw and damage the vertebrae.
Support the fish by holding them under the belly and under the lower jaw. Handle the fish as gently as possible.

Below are some guidelines directly from the FWC spokesperson Lee Schlesinger. I spoke to Lee prior to the article and he was very helpful.

Fish Handling Guidelines Contrary to some reports, there are no new saltwater fish handling regulations in Florida. However, the FWC has recently been reminding anglers about existing rules that are meant to protect fish when they can't be taken. Fish must be immediately released for several reasons. For example, there is no allowable harvest of goliath grouper and Nassau grouper in Florida. Tarpon may only be taken if a special tag is clipped to the fish's lower jaw. Several species, such as snook, redfish and spotted seatrout, can be kept only at certain times and sizes. When a fish isn't allowed to be harvested, it must immediately be returned to the water free, alive, and unharmed. However, if a fish is allowed to be taken at a certain size limit, it's okay to temporarily possess it to measure it, as long as it is measured immediately after removing it from the water, and the fish is then immediately returned to the water free, alive, and unharmed if it is not a legal-size fish. The FWC has a pamphlet that offers tips on proper handling and release of saltwater fish http://myfwc.com/marine/Docs/Catch_Release.pdf. Anglers should also use common sense when releasing fish. Sometimes it's better to safely handle a fish to carefully remove the hook so it can be released, and other times it's best to cut the line as close to the hook as possible while the fish is in the water - especially if it's large or agitated. It is okay to take a picture of a fish that is not allowed to be harvested while it's in the process of being released, but it still must be let go immediately and should not be held in lengthy poses just for the purpose of taking the picture. And it is never legal to hold on to or tow a fish that is not allowed to be harvested to a place to weigh or measure it for a fishing tournament or record. The plain fact is that many of our most popular recreational fisheries are strictly regulated, and because of this, many fish caught must be returned to the water. Most anglers would agree that anything we can do to minimize the harm to those fish being released will benefit the resource in the long haul. However, we also don't want to discourage the fun and excitement of catching fish and documenting the catch, whether for records or the personal satisfaction that comes with sharing this experience with friends and family. That's why we are attempting to inform the public about safe catch and release techniques, and the harm that can be caused to fish that are handled roughly or held out of the water too long. That is the approach our law enforcement officers are taking, and only egregious cases of mishandling or unequivocal "possession" of an illegal fish would be pursued. Florida's anglers should be proud of their conservation efforts. They have helped to restore or sustain valuable fisheries, including snook, red drum and spotted seatrout. As the number of anglers continues to grow and our coastal habitats come under increasing stress, it becomes more important than ever to release those fish that cannot be harvested in as good a condition as possible. The next angler will thank you for it.

Goliath grouper although are held to a higher standard. These are not new rules, but they do explain how anglers should handle the species. Goliath grouper are a prohibited species and therefore the new guidelines hopefully will clear the air. Tarpon also fall under these guidelines to some extent. There is no reason to measure either fish, so possession even for photos is prohibited. If you do have a tarpon possession tag issued by the FWC and it affixed to the lower jaw you may possess the fish.

Redfish, snook and seatrout have slot limits. You may remove them from the water for the purpose of measuring the fish. It seems the FWC is trying to discourage keeping the fish out of the water for a long period of time. Taking a quick photo is not going to harm the fish.
I have been catching the same redfish for the past 14 years and some of these fish are like pets. I have learned the proper way to handle these fish and I always make sure they are released properly. I know many of the fish by name and enjoy watching them grow. It really comes down to using common sense and handling the fish as gentle as possible.

Tight Lines and Good Fishing!

Please check out the following addresses:
http://myfwc.com/docs/2007_Goliath_Grouper_Conservation_2.pdf
http://myfwc.com/marine/Docs/Catch_Release.pdf

Fishing report: The fishing has been good. There are some schools of redfish in the lagoon. They have been hanging around the mullet. Jerk baits and Gulp shrimp have worked well. Live shrimp are also working. There have also been some large trout in the shallow sand holes and grass. Stealth is the key and then you might get one. They did not get big by being stupid.

Congratulations to Rob Lucas for winning the Karma Rod and Quantum Reel. The prizes were sponsored by Harrell and Beverly Transmission, Gander Mountain and Karma Rods.

Catch the 'Hawgwild Fishing Show' live every Saturday from 6-8 am on ESPN WIXC 1060 and WAMT 1190. The show is replayed every Sunday on ESPN WHOO 1080. To book charters call 407-405-0819 or visit www.aaahawgwildcharters.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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