Not only will participants take home a lifelong hobby, they will leave with a new appreciation for the marine environment. They will learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills, safety and the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems in a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

The free, day-long clinic is from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and advance registration is required. The event is capped at 20 participants.

Lessons include knot tying, cast netting, rod and reel rigging, boating safety, how to be a responsible marine resource steward, marine fish and habitat identification, catch-and-release techniques and more.

If conditions allow, women will have the opportunity to practice their newly learned skills by fishing from the shore. This event is a catch-and-release activity. All participants must have a valid recreational saltwater fishing license unless exempt. Saltwater fishing licenses can be purchased at your local tackle shop or online. Learn more by visiting MyFWC.com/License.

Fishing equipment and bait will be provided during the clinic, but participants are encouraged to bring their own gear.

To register or get more information, please email Jennifer Saranzak at Jennifer.saranzak@MyFWC.com, or call 352-543-9219, ext. 216.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) honored three young freshwater anglers, a team of two and an individual, with plaques for special accomplishments at the FWC’s public meeting in Lakeland Thursday.

“Enthusiastic young anglers like these are representative of the Next Generation that Cares – those who will help promote active outdoor lifestyles that connect them with nature and encourage conservation stewardship,” Tom Champeau, director of the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management said. “Because they are role models to other kids, of all ages, the FWC is proud to highlight their accomplishments.”

High school bass fishing champions

The FWC recognized two freshmen from Bartow High School – Kaitlyn Boswell and Cole Schmucker – for winning the 2013 Florida Student Angler Federation State Championship. The tournament included high school teams from 41 schools across Florida.

Boswell and Schmucker won the championship on Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee, earning a spot in the southern regional tournament this fall. Both students maintain excellent grade-point averages in school and hope to continue their competetive fishing careers at the University of Florida, winner of past Collegiate national championships.

The FWC is strengthening its partnership with FLW Outdoors and The Bass Federation (TBF), who sponsor the Student Angler Federation Florida High School Fishing State Championship and promote recreational fishing and conservation nationally. FLW Outdoors and TBF offer a national program for high schools that is established in 48 states and sanctioned in Illinois and Kentucky high schools. The FWC is laying the groundwork to incorporate bass fishing clubs into the Florida High School Athletic Association’s package of sanctioned sports.

Youth angler

Adrian “Lunker Louie” Echols was also recognized for his outstanding accomplishments as a young angler. He has joined the FWC’s TrophyCatch Club, and earned three major Big Catch recognitions.

“Louie is an excellent student, and his passion for fishing and the outdoors is an excellent example for kids getting outdoors and leading healthy lifestyles,” Champeau said. “We are proud to have Louie on the cover of our upcoming 2013-14 Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations.”

Echols has his own popular Facebook page, titled “Fishing the Highlands with Louie.” Echols caught his first bass at age 3. He is currently one of the youngest members of the FWC’s TrophyCatch Lunker Club (see TrophyCatchFlorida.com), and he has numerous recognitions from the agency’s Big Catch Program, including Specialist, Master and Elite Angler Awards (see MyFWC.com/BigCatch). In earning his Elite Angler Certificate, Echols caught qualifying fish from 10 different species and earned his Bass Specialist recognition by catching more than five qualifying largemouth bass.

He also is the star of an episode of “Lunkerville Television,” titled “Louie, Louie,” which aired on World Fishing Network. He’s been featured in Field and Stream magazine as well as twice in Gaff Magazine and in the FWC’s Fish Busters’ Bulletin. Featured on the cover for the Highland County Lake Guide, Echols enjoys introducing his friends to fishing.

The FWC commends these young athletes and scholars for their conservation ethic and setting a positive example for their fellow students.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reviewed and discussed the current status of snook populations in Gulf and Atlantic waters at its June 12 meeting in Lakeland before deciding to allow the recreational harvest of Gulf of Mexico snook to reopen this September.

The harvest of snook in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters has been closed since early 2010, when a cold snap negatively impacted the population, particularly juvenile snook. In 2012, the Commission extended the temporary closure through Aug. 31, 2013, in an effort to further protect this important species and give it time to recover more fully from the cold snap.

The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute confirms that Gulf snook were affected by the cold weather of 2010. Once reopened, the stock should continue to rebuild within a relatively short time to 2010 stock levels, thanks to management efforts such as regular closed seasons and the slot limit, which protects both juveniles and the more productive larger fish.

When the Gulf recreational harvest reopens Sept. 1, all bag limits, size limits, gear restrictions and closed seasons will be in effect. This includes the one-fish-per-person, per-day bag limit, the 28- to 33-inch total length slot limit and the two annual closures in Gulf waters, which are from Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31.

The Atlantic recreational harvest of snook will also open Sept. 1. This season closes annually from June 1 through Aug. 31 and from Dec. 15 through Jan. 31. The slot limit for Atlantic harvest is 28 to 32 inches total length.

The next stock assessment for snook is scheduled for 2015.

Learn more on this presentation by visiting MyFWC.com/Commission and clicking on “Commission Meetings” and “Agenda.”

Marine fisheries regulations will soon be easier to read, understand and enforce. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at its June 12 meeting in Lakeland approved a proposal that will revise marine fisheries information in portions of 68B of the Florida Administrative Code, providing consistency among regulations and clarifying complex and confusing language. These changes go into effect Sept. 1.

Current regulations contain inconsistencies from one species chapter to the next. Also, definitions and the location of specific rules vary from chapter to chapter. It is because of issues like these that the public asked the FWC to streamline current marine fisheries rules.

Several changes were adopted, including some that will affect how current regulations are enforced.

A new “General” chapter is created to house definitions and regulations that will be applied to all marine fisheries. Currently, individual chapters contain repetitive definitions or rule language, which can be cumbersome and confusing to the reader, especially when worded differently. The creation and use of this new chapter will reduce confusion and enhance compliance by ensuring there is consistency among wording and meaning, and by eliminating repetition.

All regulations for the new chapter have been taken from existing species rules, and are therefore not new regulations. However, moving them to the new chapter will mean they apply to all marine fisheries, which could change how some rules are enforced for certain species.

For example, a rule is already in place in the reef fish chapter that prohibits harvest of both a recreational and commercial bag limit of reef fish species on the same trip. Under this rule, a harvester cannot keep both a recreational bag limit of red grouper and a commercial bag limit of gag grouper in the same day because these are both reef fish.

A similar provision applying to all other species besides reef fish will be added to the “General” chapter. This rule will further enforce the intent of bag limits and prevent harvest in excess of current bag limits. As an example of how the addition of this rule would work, a properly licensed commercial harvester could not catch both a commercial and recreational bag limit of king mackerel in the same day, but they could catch a recreational bag limit of king mackerel and a commercial limit of Spanish mackerel. The reef fish regulation will remain in rule as is and still be in effect.

Changes in definitions could also improve how the regulations are enforced. “Harvest” is one example of a definition that will be expanded. This definition will now include the unnecessary harming or destruction of marine organisms.

Approved changes that will not affect how current rules are enforced include standardizing the format and rule language for 22 species and relocating the regulations for swordfish, wahoo and sheepshead to new rule chapters of their own, separate from chapters dealing with other species.

Three rule changes that were originally included in this proposal were removed and will be discussed at a later date. Changes that will not be implemented at this time include standardization of the red drum rule, expansion of the definition “Florida waters” to include any potential fishing site and the adjacent parking area, and the moving of a rule that specifies vessel operators are responsible for fishery rule violations.

This is the first phase of an extensive revision process being conducted by FWC staff, including members of the FWC’s Legal Office and divisions of Law Enforcement and Marine Fisheries Management.

Future phases of the revisions will include standardizing the remaining chapters in 68B; conducting a review of the FWC’s local laws, which are specific to counties or regions, to determine which ones are still needed; and conducting a comprehensive review of Florida Statutes to determine which statutes need to be transferred to FWC rule or recommended for repeal.

Learn more about this proposal by selecting the “Commission Meetings” link at MyFWC.com/Commission.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), at its June 12 meeting in Lakeland, approved a proposal to make tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release-only fisheries and moved forward with a proposal to modify the types of gear used to target tarpon in Boca Grande Pass.

This catch-and-release proposal was adopted in recognition of the fact that the economic and fishing value of bonefish and tarpon greatly exceed their value as food fishes.

The following changes will go into effect Sept. 1 in state and federal waters off Florida:

• All harvest of tarpon will be eliminated, with the exception of the harvest or possession of a single tarpon when in pursuit of an IGFA record and in conjunction with a tarpon tag.
• Tarpon tags will be limited to one per person, per year (except for charter boat captains).
• Transport or shipment of tarpon becomes limited to one fish per person.
• One fish per vessel limit is created for tarpon.
• Gear used for tarpon will be limited to hook-and-line only.
• People will be allowed to temporarily possess a tarpon for photography, measurement of length and girth and scientific sampling, with the stipulation that tarpon more than 40 inches must remain in the water.
• Tarpon regulations will extend into federal waters.
• The bonefish tournament exemption permit is eliminated. This exemption allows tournament anglers with the proper permit to temporarily possess bonefish for transport to a tournament scale.

The Commission also approved modifying the tarpon tag program by eliminating the current reporting requirements and shifting the start and end date for when the tarpon tag is valid from July through June to a calendar year, January through December. These rules will be changed in FWC code and will go into effect Sept. 1.

The Commission also moved forward with a two-part proposal that would include adding language to the current statewide snagging definition and modifying what types of gear could be used to target tarpon in Boca Grande Pass. The proposal would add language that prohibits catching or attempting to catch tarpon that have not been attracted or enticed by the angler’s gear to the snagging definition that applies statewide. This change would apply to tarpon fishing statewide. The second part of the proposal would prohibit fishing with gear that has a weight attached to the bottom of a hook. This change would apply to fishing for all species year-round within Boca Grande Pass.

This proposal will be brought back for a final public hearing at the Sept. 4-6 meeting in Pensacola.

To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings” and “Agenda.”

The Florida Guides Association on June 12 honored two employees of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for their conservation efforts.

Capt. Pat Kelly, Florida Guides Association president, presented FWC Officer Bryce Phillippi with the “Trained Eyes Coastwatchers” Officer of the Year award.

Wes Porak, a biologist with the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, received the Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award.

Phillippi’s passion for many saltwater activities and desire for protecting Florida’s outdoors inspired him to become an FWC officer in 2010, after serving as a reserve officer for three years.

“Phillippi began working in Hillsborough County in 2012. During one of my first weeks as his supervisor, he asked me if he could work on his day off to investigate someone he suspected was illegally working commercial blue crab traps,” said FWC Lt. George Wells. “His hard work and determination paid off and he was able to catch the man and stop him from doing further harm to the resource and local economy.”

Phillippi protects not only the resources, but the boating public as well. In addition to cases made for undersized sheepshead, selling oysters without a saltwater products license, possession of goliath grouper and more, he has been involved in several search-and-rescue missions and boating accident investigations.

“Bryce always assists the boating public when they are in need and strives to teach them about safe boating,” Wells said. “His can-do attitude goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Porak is the first freshwater biologist to receive the Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award. He has spent more than three decades as a state biologist contributing to the conservation of black bass and other freshwater fish for the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

“Porak’s conservation efforts for freshwater fisheries and his mentoring of young biologists leave a legacy that will survive long beyond his retirement from the FWC,” said Jason Dotson, leader of the Institute’s Freshwater Fisheries Research Section. “I can say without any hesitation that the FWC is a better organization, and the state of Florida is a better place to fish because of his career contributions to conservation.”

Porak was also honored earlier this year with the Rich Cailteux Award by the Florida Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. The award recognizes individuals who have maintained a long-term commitment to research, management and/or conservation of Florida fisheries and aquatic resources.

Temporary changes making it easier for divers to help control the lionfish population will be put into Florida rule soon.

At its June 12 meeting in Lakeland, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) adopted changes that will waive the recreational license requirement for divers harvesting lionfish using certain gear and exclude lionfish from the commercial and recreational bag limits, allowing people to take as many of the invasive fish as they can.

Prior to the change, recreational anglers could not catch more than 100 pounds of lionfish without being required to have a commercial license.

Specific gear that can be used to target lionfish without the requirement of a recreational license includes hand-held nets, pole spears, Hawaiian slings or any other spearing devices designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish.

An identical executive order was put into place in August 2012 and is set to expire Aug. 3. The newly adopted rule will take effect before the executive order expires, so there will be no lapse in the expanded permissions.

Lionfish are a nonnative, invasive species that negatively impact Florida’s native saltwater fish and wildlife. Currently, the most effective method of removing lionfish from Florida waters is by spearing or using a hand-held net. Removing the license requirements and bag limits will increase lionfish harvest opportunities.

For more on the pr­oposal presented to Commissioners, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”

Because we aren’t born knowing how to tie a clinch knot

Not everyone is as lucky as me. I can’t remember how old I was when someone first stuck a fishing pole in my hand. At my grandpa’s pond, I learned the basics: patience, how to not hook your finger or the person behind you, and how to not be afraid of touching that slimy fish.

Unlike me, many women, and many men for that matter, didn’t get the experience I did growing up around the water. And while fishing is fun, it doesn’t always come naturally. New and better gears are invented. The mind, out of practice, forgets how to tie an improved clinch knot. Just trying to figure out which way to hold a fishing pole for the first time can be daunting.

It’s with this in mind that, in 2010, the idea for the Women’s Fishing Clinic was conceived. These free, statewide events aim to educate current and future adult anglers who would like to learn about Florida’s natural resources.

Participants learn the difference between a spinning rod and a bait-caster, the basics on how to use a rod, how to cast a line without hooking someone behind you and how to toss a cast net and actually catch something. Local fishing guides will teach you the tricks of the trade. The sessions help folks get comfy with being on the water, while an FWC officer reviews boating safety. And, as if that isn’t enough, at the end of the day, you’ll get to test out your new skills with your own fishing experience.

Think you already know it all? Everyone needs a refresher on how to be an ethical angler now and then. Participants will also learn how recreational anglers impact local fisheries and what they can do as “fisheries managers.” One thing is the importance of and how to actually use a de-hooking device. Another lesson is how to catch a fish with a circle hook and why fish handling can make or break your catch-and-release experiences.

This course is also great for visitors to the state who want to make sure they know what they are doing before hitting the shore.

The first Women’s Fishing Clinic was held on March 5, 2010, in Crystal River. It was a small program, drawing only four participants but allowing more student-teacher contact. Since then, the program has expanded into new areas, including Jacksonville, Cedar Key, Panama City and Melbourne Beach, with each program drawing more and more attendees.

Now, in the close of the second year, the Women’s Fishing Clinic is casting into 2013 with high expectations and new locations on the horizon, including Pensacola, Daytona, West Palm Beach, Port Charlotte and St. Petersburg.

The next Women’s Fishing Clinic will be June 22 at MacArthur State Park in North Palm Beach, 10900 Florida A1A. Register today, as the event is limited to 20 participants.

The clinics also are always in need of experienced angler volunteers.

For more information, to volunteer or to register, contact Jennifer Saranzak at 352-543-9219 or Jennifer.Saranzak@MyFWC.com.

Also check out Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!, another program for women interested in learning more about saltwater fishing. The FWC participates in and sponsors the program. Learn more at ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Don’t forget to record all of your catches on the iAngler phone app or at snookfoundation.org. Share your photos, video and fishing tales with us as well by emailing them to Alan.Peirce@MyFWC.com.

In 2011, an Ad Hoc Joint Committee composed of the two Councils and the FWC was formed to identify issues in south Florida and create joint management solutions. South Florida waters are managed by the FWC and the Councils. The area is also home to several species that are unique to the region. These workshops are a beginning step into examining issues that are particular to south Florida.

For example, the yellowtail snapper fishery is almost exclusively in south Florida, yet because it is managed by three different entities, its season may close to harvest in one area of south Florida, such as federal waters of the Atlantic, while remaining open in other areas, such as state waters or federal waters of the Gulf. The committee would like public input on managing yellowtail snapper on a regional basis and as a whole population instead of by state waters and Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. A similar discussion will also focus on mutton snapper.

All meetings are from 5 to 8 p.m. EDT and are as follows:

• July 29: Dania Beach, International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way;
• July 30: Key Largo, Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 102;
• July 31: Key Colony Beach, City Hall, Auditorium, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Mile Marker 53.5;
• Aug. 1: Key West, Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave., 2^nd floor;
• Aug. 5: Marco Island, Marriott Beach Resort, 400 S. Collier Blvd.

For questions or comments, please contact the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554 or Marine@MyFWC.com.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet June 11-13 in Lakeland at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3839 Don Emerson Drive. The meeting is open to the public, and all interested individuals may speak within the guidelines established by the Commission.

The June 11 workshop starts at 1 p.m. with the consideration of 11 consent agenda items, among which include eliminating the requirement for a recreational fishing license when targeting the nonnative, invasive lionfish with certain gear, and not imposing recreational or commercial limits on harvesting.

After that, Director Nick Wiley will present his Executive Director’s Report. Next, Commissioners and staff will review and discuss the agency’s budget-development process.

On both Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, the meeting reconvenes at 8:30 a.m.

The Commissioners will discuss several marine fisheries management issues during the June 12 session, including a draft rule addressing Boca Grande Pass fishing gear. This proposal would enhance the definition of “snagging” or “snatch hooking” in the tarpon rule and would prohibit the use and possession of gear rigged with a weight attached to the bottom of the hook while fishing in Boca Grande Pass.

In a final public hearing, the Commission will decide whether to make tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release-only fisheries, and create a new general chapter that will include definitions and general regulations that would be applied to all saltwater fishing.

The Commission will also review and discuss Florida snook populations. This will include considering whether to let an executive order, which made snook in the Gulf catch-and-release only, expire on Aug. 31.  

Staff will also update the Commission on current Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council actions.

On June 13, following recognitions that include the high school state champion fishing team and youth angler, awards will be presented to the Youth Hunting Program Landowner of the Year and the Florida program’s volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year.

The Commission will also examine a draft rule that would prohibit the importation of live deer into the state, to prevent chronic wasting disease from being introduced into Florida’s deer herd.

Following action on the previous agenda item, the Commission will consider draft rule proposals that would make changes to the Alligator Farming Program and the Private Lands Alligator Management Program. Next on the agenda is a discussion of a draft rule that would reduce user conflicts and eliminate confusing language about the FWC’s haul seine program on Lake Okeechobee.

The final draft rule discussion for the day deals with endangered and threatened species. Staff will present a recommendation to approve a one-year extension to November 2014, which would allow more time for the FWC and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to further develop and adopt Best Management Practices to conserve wildlife on agricultural lands.

Staff will update Commissioners on the progress that has been made on drafting an Imperiled Species Management Plan to conserve 60 species. This will include draft species action plans released this year for public input, which can be viewed at MyFWC.com/Imperiled.

Following public comment on items not on the agenda and before the meeting adjourns, Commissioners will elect a new Commission chairman and vice chairman.

For the complete agenda, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings.”

Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting should notify the agency at least five calendar days before the meeting by calling 850-488-6411. Contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice) if you are hearing- or speech-impaired.

The next regular Commission meeting will be in Pensacola on Sept. 4-6, the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after Labor Day weekend. Sessions will commence at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. each day thereafter.