Posted in
Partner News
(Click Image To Enlarge) XFish is a motororized sup great for shallow water exploring and fishing.
A Great Fishing Idea
Thanks to Art Link owner of Rigid Boats, XFish and Frigid Rigid Coolers, we are able to offer a remarkable sweepstakes giveaway prize to members and donors this year. Or if you can't wait to buy an XFish of your own, Art will offer a special discount to SGF members.
The XFish micro skiff is twelve long feet, double hulled for stability, yet still easy to paddle, pole or power.It comes with a 2.5 hp gas motor and an inset removable Frigid Rigid 54 Qt marine cooler.
Amenities include a padded swivel seat, Tackle tray, 2 rod holders, non-skid deck, stainless hand rail. It weighs 100 lbs dry and comes with a trailer donated by Tropic Trailers of Ft. Myers. Check out how easily the boat handles in the video below.
Get tickets for the drawing when you begin or renew your membership or simply donate to Snook & Gamefish Foundation. One ticket is issued for every $15 donated, and 4 tickets for every $50, unless deferred. Drawing will take place in March, 2014, and the winner need not be present. Winner must be at least 18 years of age.
07 May 2013
Posted in
Partner News
Limited Edition Print - Click on image to place your order.
JJ Grey's newest release. click to listen while you get your print.
This River, new release by JJ Grey, (SGF Board member)
Thanks for supporting the Snook & Gamefish Foundation!
More JJ Music and Reviews - click here
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03 May 2013
Posted in
Research N Action
In increasing numbers, anglers are giving back to the resource by capturing needed fish info. photo credit: Evan Jones.Fisheries Innovation Fund will further Angler Action's technical and communications advances.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced that is awarding funds to the Snook and Gamefish Foundation for the purpose of enhancing the Angler Action Program (AAP), including it's mobile iAngler apps.
Over the last year Angler Action participants recorded catch facts from 3,244 anglers who logged 13,919 fish in Florida alone. Their trips records are available for their personal use in an electronic log, while critical data regarding fish length and numbers are shared with fishery scientists. Recreational Anglers and science partners alike give continuing feedback for needed improvements. Based on their combined input the program is evolving to better meet the needs of both user groups.
The NFWF grant will make it possible to add programing that will speed the process of recording data, thus limiting the time fish stay out of the water while capturing more important information. The grant also provides for innovations to broaden the user base and outreach. Program adaptations to accommodate more states and types of fishing and more user devices are planned. The Fisheries Innovation Fund Award from NFWF will provide $80,000. SGF will secure matching funds from other sources to complete this project.
According to studies by the American Sportfishing Associatoin, recreational anglers only take 2% of the marine fish harvest but contribute 50% of the marine fishing economy. Recreational Anglers also create beneficial environmental impacts by giving back to the resource, through programs like Angler Action. Anglers who log their catch with iAngler/Angler Action are increasing the effective collection of useful data for stock assessment: www.angleraction.org
07 May 2013
Recreational Anglers Deliver
Recreational Fishing has a small impact on fish harvest and a relatively large affect on local economies, according to ASA's recent release.
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16 April 2013
Posted in
Fishing
Once again, River Palm
Cottages (Jensen Beach) was ground zero for a flurry of SGF activity that was
highlighted by 49 
Capt. Danny Barrow took time to discuss the importance of collecting recreational fishing data through the Angler Action Program.anglers competing in a one-of-a-kind fishing tournament.
The event supported the Angler Action Program, SGF’s recreational angler data collection system that is already giving anglers a measure of clout in the fishery science world.
TCSC anglers fished throughout the night, trying to tease snook all along the Treasure Coast using artificial lures only. Lots of good data was collected, some new faces were introduced to the program, and over 100 guests soaked in some good times, great food, and a large variety of raffle prizes.
RJ Ferraro (left) is recognized by TCSC Chairman Tom Lewis for catching the longest snook of the night, a 40-incher.Tom Lewis of First Light tackle was the tournament Chairman and the primary tackle sponsor. “I was snook
fishing with Drew (Wickstrom, Tournament Director) one night and we started
talking about throwing a tournament to introduce more anglers to First Light
Tackle,” Tom said. That very first conversation was during this past December –
not a lot of time to conceptualize and organize a fishing tournament!
Tom, Drew and a handful of very dedicated volunteer committee members got right to work, meeting weekly to discuss sponsors, rules, ideas, and how to best highlight the AAP. “All along I knew I wanted to benefit the Snook & Gamefish Foundation, so calling Rick Roberts (Executive Director, SGF) was one of our first moves.”
The entire process ended up as a model example of how different organizations can work together very effectively. Committee members worked with SGF staff and volunteers to map out the data collection process. FWC/FWRI were brought into the mix to help tag a few fish for the purpose of offering a “bounty” of $500 for 3 snook as well as educating the public on the latest snook research and ongoing programs.
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12 April 2013
Posted in
Fishing
A young man who practices what he preaches: Habitat protection, best practices fish handling, and AAP logging.‘Be Smart. Be Clean.
Enjoy.”
You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to come up with a sensible
motto like
that, but for 17 year-old Kenny DiBiase of Sanibal Island it fit his Eagle
Scout project like a glove.
Kenny’s project was built around educating the local public on water quality issues, and ways us every day folk can be sure to do our part in protecting and improving the quality of our waters.
Over a span of several months, Kenny gave many live talks to community groups, and created road signs (which had to be approved and installed by the city). He spoke to the City of Sanibel Council and many other clubs as part of his plan to educate as many people as possible about his very important project.
Kenny’s project culminated with a flurry of activity that
included organizing educational booths at 5 different locations. This required
training and preparing 30 volunteers, who manned sites at bait and tackle
stores, grocery stores, and other high traffic areas.
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01 April 2013
Posted in
Partner News
SGF Partner Boat Outfitters wins NMMA Innovation Award
Boat Outfitters, the retail division of Teak
Isle Manufacturing received the NMMA 
The NMMA Innovation Award was well deserved for our partners at Boat Outfitters. Great job!Innovation Award for their new
Pickup Truck Fishing Rod Rack.
Every year the NMMA Innovation Awards are presented to manufacturers and suppliers who bring to market new and innovative products for the boating industry. These awards are presented at the International Boat Builders' Exposition and Conference (IBEX) and at the Miami International Boat Show.
The lockable Pick-Up Truck Fishing Rod Rack is currently designed for Ford F150 pickup trucks, with additional pick-up truck models in development.
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03 March 2013
Posted in
Partner News
The SGF staff and volunteer crew come into contact with a lot of new products throughout the year. Between our booths at Fishing Expos, boat shows, and even club meetings, we get to see a lot of cool new stuff. Here's a couple that caught our eye.
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25 February 2013
Posted in
Research N Action
And the Winner Is...
Congratulations Andy McCurdy! With a single ticket donation at 
A very happy winner, Andy sits in his new skiff for the very first time.a West Marine grand opening in Ft. Myers, Andy is now the owner of a truly one-of-a-kind David Gause Built 17' skiff.
On the afternoon of Sunday Feb 17, Andy was in his shop doing 'weekend work' when his phone rang. "I didn't recognize the number, so I let it go to voice mail. Then I saw the text that came right after the call, so I listened to the message." He called back to SGF Managing Director Brett Fitzgerald's cell, who confirmed the amazing news. Indeed, Andy had won the skiff of a lifetime.
Posted in
Research N Action
Winner of the Angler Action User Survey Prize Giveaway, Robby Peterson fishes SW Florida. He won an Orvis Fly Rod and Reel when his name was chosen from survey participants. (see results below)Anglers Shaping the Future of Fishing
Anglers have something vital to contribute to our sport: the facts of their fishing trips. The Angler Action Program (AAP) is starting its fourth year as an evolving tool for capturing recreational catch data. The trip and catch information entered by anglers becomes a private log, but most importantly is being put to use by fishery scientists. The AAP's standardized method of data collection, developed through team work between fishers and biologists, makes this possible.
Each year, the program has improved based on input from both anglers and fishery researchers. In 2012, with support from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Norcross Foundation, we established angleraction.org (the permanent online portal for entering catch records), and iAngler free phone apps which let you add fish info from your smartphone, ipad, or tablet. Your feedback, ideas and resources are the driving force for continued improvement. We welcome your feedback at any time through This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Here is where we are today and what we hope to achieve in the year ahead.
