|
29 April 2010
Posted in
General
Anglers gather in the River Palm Chikki getting ready to make history.In April, 2010, the Snook
Foundation had a sort of “ribbon cutting” ceremony for what promises to be one
of the single most important occasions for inshore anglers. In the presence of
an enthusiastic group of anglers eager to become directly involved in all
facets of fisheries management, the Angler Action Program (AAP) was launched
during the first ever Snook Foundation Funament at the River Palm Fish Resort
in Jensen Beach, FL.
“What happened here this weekend can’t be overstated,” said Mike Readling, Vice Chair of the Snook Foundation. “This weekend was all about anglers who want to do a service. There wasn’t a cash prize, there wasn’t a competitive format requiring the transportation of fish. There was just a lot of fishing, learning, and good times.”
Jay Gardner and Chris Chappa travelled from Texas for the rollout of the Angler Action Program: Snook WatchThe AAP is the first chance anglers
have had to become directly involved with fisheries management, and the beauty
of the program is its simplicity yet potential for immense impact. Linda
Roberts, editor of the widely distributed Angler Alert news letter, sums it up
squarely: “This is the first time the state [of Florida] has teamed up directly with an NGO
to do science. Currently the methodology for stock assessment leaves many
anglers out of the equation. There are fewer than 25 people who work for FWC
who's primary mission is fish counting.”
At the Jensen Beach Funament, the Snook Foundation added 35 anglers to the program, already outnumbering the entire fleet of state biologists. Readling added, “It would have been a success if 3 anglers showed up – these people understand that there is a need, and are willing to be part of the solution.”
The event was packed full of activity, with some great highlights.
- A great venue and a BBQ dinner provided by River Palm and Sonny’s BBQ,
- Some
of the best live music in Florida
from Joey George One of the most polished acoustic blues guitarists you ever see live, Joey has written over 700 original
songs and played with some of the most famous musicians in the world.
- Matthew Carmichael won the Gheenoe Mini Skiff with Allstar Trailer and Rattlesnake Trolling motor, plus a
fundraising donation raffle provided lots more gift packs from our great
sponsors
- Fantastic
original trophies created specifically for this event by Rob Kozmits Nautical
Gallery Read more about WINNERS AND FISHING RECAP click here
- On top of all that, snook biologists such as Ron Taylor (lead snook biologist, FWC), Phil Stevens, and Chris Chappa (studying snook in Texas) were on hand to mingle with anglers and answer questions about snook biology and behavior. Texas snook, by the way, are also included in the AAP.
Originally spurred on by the recent cold water fish kill in January, the need for information about snook populations is actually very complicated. Rick Ankiel, who won the trophy for “Most Snook Releases,” noted that some pockets of the state actually have a very high number of snook, even after the kill. “I released 5 snook today (the biggest was 38-inches), and had some even bigger fish break off. But I saw plenty more,” Ankiel said with mixed emotions. “I don’t think the state [of Florida] understands just what the snook population is here in the Martin/St. Lucie area.”
This sentiment is the exact reason Rick, and 34 other anglers, came out to support the AAP, and why their data will be so vital. The state simply doesn’t have the manpower to collect the data they need. With government budgets getting slashed at all levels, there is no reason to believe they will get the help they need without our efforts. Snook are one of the most complicated creatures that swim subtropical waters, and our effort is absolutely critical if we want biologists and fisheries managers to make the best possible decisions.
Anglers can participate in 'Snook Watch' by using the Angler Action program tools when they fish.The fact that anglers themselves
can be responsible for providing that information cannot be overstated. “It’s
just too powerful to pass up. Finally, we can be recognized as people who
contribute directly to the betterment of our pastime,” Mike Readling pointed
out.
And Mike is right – this opportunity is just too good to pass up. Over the next several months, the Snook Foundation will be promoting the AAP as much as possible. Once we demonstrate a functional contribution to fisheries management, we can expand our efforts to other game fish, and other fishery issues.
But this step is just as fragile as it is critical. If you participate in snook fishing trips, this call to action is directed at you – we need you to be part of this program. Visit www.snookfoundation.org/data to get started. Familiarize yourself with the very simple process, and print the downloadable boat data form. Contact us with your comments and questions at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Ask for our free waterproof AAP measuring tapes and data forms (provided by FWC).
Get involved, get informed, and get fishing.
