Increase Release Survival
Here's how you can make a huge difference for the future of gamefish..
Have you ever wondered why there are seasons and size and bag limits for the fish you catch?
Ever wondered how those decisions are made? 
Photo: FWC
This article provides answers to those questions as it describes the methods used in science-based management. It also highlights the management process used to conserve Florida’s fisheries resources.
Management of red drum in Florida has been labeled by FWC as a success story. In the late 1980s red drum were 
Redfish management regions for 2012determined to be overfished and several emergency closures were established to reduce fishing pressure. In 1989, the slot limit of 18-27 inches, the bag limit of 1 per person, and a closed season from March-May were put in place. Since then, the only major regulation change has been the elimination of the closed season.
During a recent trip... I became an outlaw.
Doug Olander, Editor-in-Chief, Sport Fishing Magazine (www.sportfishingmag.com)
During a recent trip off the coast of Louisiana, I became an outlaw. Anglers in the Gulf of Mexico must by law carry a venting tool; they use this to poke a hollow needle through the abdomen of barotraumatized fish (those “inflated” by pressure changes when reeled up from deep water) before releasing them.
We began the day following the letter of that law, with experienced hands carefully inserting the needle and trying to gently push trapped gases out of the fish.
The fact is, no matter how carefully one does this, some fish still float away to die. Some dive down a bit but then bob back up, helpless from air still trapped inside them. And those that don’t die immediately could well expire afterward from infection or damage to internal organs from the needle.
| 05 August 2010
Director Rick Roberts' favorite cousin with her first snook, and of course, she's happy,. However, hanging the snook by the jaw can harm the fish so the better way to pose would be holding the fish horizontally. (since this snook was not heavy it was likely unharmed).How to Get the Best Shot of your Fish and the Shot that's Best for your Fish
Snook Foundation's 'Best Shots' online photo album and contest is for readers to share the memories of their best catch and release fishing trips. Monthly Awards to the 'Best' adult and child photos will be given. Judging won't be easy! But we do have a few guidelines here that you can apply to increase your chances of getting posted as a Winner, as well as creating consistent, great photos.
| 04 March 2010
Here are a few pointers on how to get it done as safely as possible:
- Whenever possible, take measurements with fish, especially snook, still in the water. Much easier with a second set of hands, but as long as an accurate length can be obtained, it will always be the safest option for the fish.
- If you remove the fish from the water, support the body. A wet hand is best. Horizontal body support provides better control of the fish, decreasing your chances of dropping the cargo.
- Crimp your hooks. Using bait? Consider circle hooks. Remove hooks while fish is controlled, then you can release the fish on your terms.
- When releasing a snook, a proven method is to advance the fish to allow water to wash through the gills. Holding her jaw with your thumb, you will know she’s ready to go when she gently clamps down. Do not move here back and forth in the water.
- Hurry up! Less time in your hands equals less stress, and less stress equals better survival rates.
- Avoid touching the gills and eyes.
Read More on this Subject Click Here
| 25 August 2009
Anglers Unite for the Conservation of Fish Stocks
Capt. Barry Brimacomb demonstrates handling a big fish gently with the boga grip so as not to damage its jaw.
The most important steps an angler can take to ensure a successful release are to hook and land the fish as quickly as possible, leave the fish in the water while removing the hook, and release the fish quickly. There are several other ways to improve survival rates:
| 25 August 2009
Taking the measure of your catch
without removing the fish from the water.
First, measure the fish while still in the water from the jaw to pinched tip of the tail. Release immediately if not a keeper. Photo credit: Peter Hinck
I think it was Outdoor Life writer Patrick Mcmanus who referred to the bizarre natural force that pushes anglers’ hands apart when they are describing the fish that got away. And anyone that has ever photographed a fish understands how important it is to hold the fish as close to the camera as possible – of course just to make sure the proper perspective is captured.
But whether you are planning to keep a slot snook (click here for slot/regs), or release your catch it's good to know the true length and weight of the larger fish you reel in.
Snook researchers have extensively studied the relationship between length and weight of snook, making it easy to use a table of measurements such as the one below to determine a fish's weight. Using the measured length of the fish, from lower jaw to pinched tip of the tail, the guide will show the expected weight of your snook at different times of year.
This eliminates the need to take multiple measurements and apply some kind of formula (which doesn’t necessarily work for snook), thus decreasing the amount of handling.
| 02 March 2009
Capt Van Hubbard: First and foremost, go fishing for fun.
A new twist on circle hooks keeps your bait in place
Remember that smart fish, (and snook could be the smartest,) do not waste their energy.
Some points to ponder in choosing your fishing spots: Snook do not like cold water. They are sub tropical and love hot water. When it’s hot, they will hold in a shaded current flow waiting patiently for food to be delivered. The Snook Motto may well be, Why work harder than you need to? Current seams, pilings, points, jetties are all examples of feeding stations for hungry snook; key word hungry. Resting fish hold in different places out of currents.
| 07 May 2008
The Large Scale Fat Snook (C.mexicanus) is the fifth species so far
identified in Florida.
How Many Species of Snook in Florida?
At least five species of snook are found in Florida and Texas waters.
Shown here with a dart tag, the Large Scale Fat Snook is the newcomer, that has recently been found in the St.Lucie, Loxhatchee and Sebastian Rivers. Also known as the Mexican or Guianan Snook, its range was previously known as eastern Mexico to Brazil. There may be 6 or 7 snook species eventually identified as genetic studies progress, according to Ron Taylor, senior biologist with FWRI.
