Research in Action
Dedication to the future of snook and our fisheries is a non-stop effort. Here are the latest happenings:
16 May 2013
All sizes of many species can be logged in Angler Action.org. Data is stored and available to individual anglers and qualified science partners.
The Door Has Opened
Snook and Game Fish Foundation Executive Director Rick Roberts was one of a few recreational anglers selected nationwide to be invited to attend the “Managing our Nations Fisheries 2013 Conference,” held last week in Washington DC.
Because SGF is recognized as being on the front-lines of cooperative research, the organization was chosen to participate in discussions of ways to improve management of marine fisheries, including more and better data.
Rick provided the following update:Last week’s conference was marked by an historic acknowledgment by leaders including NOAA Assistant Administrator, Eric Schwaab, that recreational angler data is needed. The door has opened. Now it's up to anglers to go fishing and log their catch!
More about "Managing Our Nations Fisheries Conference"
More Angler Action info:
Our Work Cut out for Us - User Survey Results
Angler Action featured in FWC Saltwater Fishing Regs article
Getting Started http://angleraction.org/angleraction/static/gettingstarted.gsp
FAQ and Resources http://angleraction.org/angleraction/resource/list
http://www.snookfoundation.org/data.html
| 03 May 2013
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
| 25 February 2013
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.
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.
Old salts are learning new tricks. Rick Roberts' logged this spotted sea trout. Photo credit: Ron Presley
Historically, recreational anglers have not considered themselves data collectors unless it was for their personal use. Data collection consisted mainly of a fishing log that kept track of what, when, where, why, and how. Information like date, location, weather conditions, fish caught, and baits used were all recorded. The data could be retrieved later to help them in their quest to catch that trophy fish.
That stereotype is changing with the recognized need for new and improved data to be used in the science of fishery management. Recreational anglers are beginning to realize that they can make a significant contribution to science through personal data collection and submission.
Thanks for taking a minute - your feedback will help shape usability of the Angler Action program.
| 30 November 2012
Stormwater discharge from Lake Okeechobee darkens the water off St. Lucie beaches.This past year, heavy rain events once again triggered stormwater discharges that impacted anglers all around South Florida. Many of our members have expressed concern, fear or anger regarding water quality issues related to these discharges.
Summer's End Derby Wrap
Congratulations Anglers! 1886 fish caught in the Summer's End Derby (1375 released), Thanks to sponsors Mosquito Creek Outdoors and World of Beer!
See some of the final winners and results below -- Keep entering your fishing trips in Angleraction.org. Here are some of your catches:
Jennifer Burniston
night trip snook
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One of 643 fish logged in Anglers Count! Derby (photo: Allen Johnson)Notes from a fantastic contest and party.
June 2012 was a huge month for fishery data collection, and the Anglers Count! Derby led the charge.
A fleet of anglers all along Florida’s east coast entered the derby and logged their catches for the purpose of contributing to a better fishery. After the month-long event completed and the final numbers were tallied (hundreds of fish, thousands of fishing hours), the recognition bash at River Palms Fish Camp and Resort in Jensen Beach was a fantastic success
iAngler by Angler Action, Free new app
Fishery data collection now accomplished by Smartphone
A buzz word in fisheries management issues is “good science.” Good Science, however, will only occur if there is good data. The Angler Action Program (AAP) was created by the Snook and Gamefish Foundation (SGF), in partnership with FWC Marine Fisheries Management, to get anglers involved with science-based fishery management.
What started out as a collection process for a single species, the snook, expanded to redfish and spotted seatrout, tarpon, bonefish, permit. Now, with anglers help, the program is collecting data on 100 inshore and offshore species.
The reasoning behind creating the program was explained by Rick Roberts, Executive Director of SGF. "With the threat of longstanding fishing closures, the time was right for recreational anglers at large to stop being viewed as the problem.” A program was needed to bring recreational anglers into the process.
In its infancy the program was a combination of an on-the-water data collection form and online logbook. Anglers recorded timely catch data on the form and then use their computer to upload it to the collection site.
While the form and computer upload ability still exists, anglers now have the option of using state of the art technology for recording catch data. Roberts explains, “The iAngler phone apps are another step in productive communications between recreational anglers and fishery managers.”
23 May 2012
Capt. Jeremy Neff - Spotted Sea Trout logged
As the sun was breaking above the horizon the bite suddenly turned on…every cast was followed by a quick flash exploding in that feeling we love: “Fish On!” In fact, one on after another... Every fish in this bunch was a short. None were keepers. We could have caught as many as we wanted - they would hit cast after cast, but we decided to move on…
The focus of sport fishing is centered on catching nice big fish, the bigger the better. And for many the opportunity of taking a few fish home for the frying pan is part of the adventure. That’s the recreational fishing game.
But for Fishery Managers the goal of the game is to keep fish populations in balance. For them, the small ones are just as important as the giants. Their goal is accomplished by studying fisheries and setting slots, limits and seasons, thus limiting impacts of fishing to levels that whole fish populations can sustain.
Making your Fishing Trip Count
After you log in at www.angleraction.org, record your fishing trips as often as possible. Once you start this positive habit, you'll find many rewards!
Tips for getting started, and Opportunities to win prizes:
Black Grouper, found on deep and shallow reefs, brought in on Last MangoCharter Boat
If you fish off St. Lucie County, from Ft. Pierce to Hutchison Island, you can now take part in the Angler Action - St.Lucie Artificial Reef Project.
Practice logging your catch on AnglerAction.org, whenever you fish. And when you visit any of St. Lucie's plentiful artificial reefs, select "St. Lucie Artifical Reefs Project" from the trip screen.
A list of artifical reefs and their locations is provided below.
"We want to gain understanding of the interplay between offshore and inshore reefs," said James Oppenborn, St. Lucie County's Coastal Resources Supervisor. "Our information thus far shows many species, including juveniles, are found on both types of reefs." (see charts: inshore or offshore).
(Click Image To Enlarge)New ways to log on AnglerAction.org start April 1st!
April marks the start of Angler Action's 3rd year of recording your fishing trip and catch information.
The progress of the program has been impressive and Anglers can look forward to great rewards, starting with a personalized new online log [angleraction.org] April 1st, and free phone apps for both iphone and android platforms (available in May)
Check out these fisherman-friendly features:
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.
| 02 December 2011
(Click Image To Enlarge) Grad students at UFL are requesting your input to develop a vision for the Florida Gulf Coast Snook Fishery. The snook in this photo was photoshopped by professor Kai Lorenzen (far right). It was the largest hatchery-raised snook recaptured in a Snook Shindig Research Tournament.
Take UF Snook Survey [Click Here]
We are graduate students at the University of Florida. As part of a Fisheries Management class, we are working on a project to develop a management vision for the Florida Gulf Coast snook fishery.
The vision will be based on stakeholder consultation regarding management options and quantitative modeling of biological and economic outcomes.This survey will allow us to characterize fishery stakeholders and management preferences. It takes approximately ten minutes to complete.Editor's note: SGF is pleased to partner with UF in promoting participation in this survey and commends Prof. Kai Lorenzen for his leadership in progressing fishery management concepts.
| 27 October 2011
Snook, tarpon, bonefish, crevalle jacks, and even mullet, snapper and catfish perished in large numbers in the Jan 2010 freeze.
The value of discard data to marine fishery science is being realized through angler reporting.
The 2010 cold kill was a galvanizing event for Florida Anglers. Hundreds of thousands of fish including many prized inshore game species were killed. The vast majority of anglers had never seen anything remotely comparable.
The huge fish kill underscored the need for systematic angler reporting to determine the condition of remaining populations. By spring 2010, SGF volunteers had produced a new self reporting online survey, called Angler Action, adapted from previous logbooks with the help of FWRI fishery biologists.
| 12 October 2011
Mangroves not only hold big fish but also serve as shelter and larder for juveniles.
Anglers can take Action to stop mangrove loss
Florida Mangrove habitat are incredibly valuable real estate, to our fish and fishermen. Here's what's happening to our mangroves and what you can do to reverse the trend.
In the most recent case of wanton mangrove destruction, 109 mature trees were removed from a private property and the adjacent lot owned by the town of Jupiter. The area was known by local anglers and snorkelers to hold snook along with the plenty of other mangrove-dwelling marine life...
| 26 May 2011
Appeal to Collier County for Gamefish nursery protection
Curb the use of fertilizers during rainy season to help protect fish habitat.
A Coalition of organizations including the Snook Foundation is advocating for strengthened fertilizer ordinances across the state.
Most Florida residents who venture outdoors are aware of the impact fertilizer application has on our water bodies. Ponds, streams and estuaries choked with algae and invasive species are now the norm - they are hard to miss. These choked waterways drain to our coastal areas and affect not only local freshwater but also saltwater fishing and most importantly, gamefish nursery habitats. Here is a letter from Snook Foundation's executive director:
| 03 May 2011
(Click Image To Enlarge)Left to right: Chuck Pickover, Sean Dunnuck, Jeremy Neff, Steve Rial, Richard Donovan, and Anthony D'Andrea were some of the winners at the Angler Action Tournament at River Palm.. Trophies donated by UniqueSpecies.com Anglers got together for a purpose in Jensen Beach, at the Return to River Palm tournament, marking one year since the Angler Action program began in response to the killer freeze of 2010. The program is a collaboration between anglers and fishery managers to broaden information on gamefish populations.
This year's tournament celebrated Angler Action progress and expansion of the program to encompass six top inshore gamefish. All recreational catches of Snook, Trout, Redfish, Permit, Tarpon and Bonefish can now be recorded any time at www.angleraction.org.
"We choose to work together to assure that the high level of fish abundance and diversity will continue in Florida for generations to come,' said Capt. Mark Nichols, of DOA Lures, spokesman for the Angler Action program.
| 17 March 2011
Tell your legislators NOT to change rainy season fertilizer bans - Let's NOT erase progress made protecting our waters
Excess nutrients from fertilizer and other sources find their way through inland waterways to bays and inshore waters where they contribute to algae blooms and habitat degradation.Florida’s Snook, Trout, Redfish, Tarpon and Bonefish, Ducks, shore and wading birds…well, all the wildlife that depends on our estuaries, bays, rivers and lakes are in danger! Our marine life is at peril due to legislation being considered in Tallahassee. All of us who hunt and fish or just enjoy the outdoor life need to be concerned.
State Senate Bill 606 by Evers and House Bill 457 by Ingram would repeal [existing laws] that currently allow counties and cities to protect against polluting nutrients from fertilizers getting into our state’s waterways.
Driven by retailers like Home Depot and Lowes and the Florida Retail Federation, the bills would take away the power of local ordinances that are now prohibiting application of fertilizers during rainy seasons. This is the time of year when most of the runoff of excess nitrogen and phosphorous winds up in the water, causing those massive algae blooms in the aquatic environment.
| 31 January 2011
(Click Image To Enlarge)Spotted Sea Trout and Redfish are now part of the 'bigger picture' being pieced together by anglers through the AAP photo-Jenny McBride, Maurice and Sea TroutAnglers' database broadens its scope to redfish-trout-snook-tarpon-bonefish & permit
A new age of angler activism is dawning and participants in Year Two of the Angler Action Program are on the cutting edge. Since the inception of the program in May 2010, anglers recorded more than 2000 hours of fishing, documenting the catch of 1693 Snook. See the breakdown of Fall and Summer Fishing reports below. This information was shared with FWC fishery biologists, who asked for an expansion of the program to include additional species.
Many fish caught by recreational anglers in Florida are released. Recording data on both the harvested and released fish, anglers are building an information base that can help better determine abundance and condition of our fish stocks.
| 20 January 2011
Following presentations from two experts on the pros and cons of replacing the Ceitus barrier in Cape Coral, the vote by the Matlacha Civic Association to have the barrier replaced was nearly unanimous.
"It was clear that the vast majority of our membership was in favor of having the barrier put back," said civic association president Bill Stoelker. "We had been asked to take a position on this matter and our position is now official."
| 30 December 2010
Cape Coral's North Spreader Canal system is transporting sediment and pollutants into Matlacha Pass. aerial photo from 10/2010DEP delaying restoration of protective barrier
After nearly three years (see historical recap), we are still battling for essential gamefish habitat in Matlacha.
As it now stands, freshwater that once was divided among numerous flow ways into Matlacha Pass via tidal creeks is entering the Pass at a single source. This has drastically changed the quantity, timing, and quality of freshwater flowing into the aquatic preserve waters, greatly degrading the estuary. Is DEP, the agency charged with protecting our waters, unaware of what is happening? If you care about gamefishing in Matlacha, let DEP know.
More Articles...
- West Coast Snook Face another Challenge - Caloosahatchee
- Seawalls and Florida Fisheries Production
- Let me know if you see my kids!
- FWC Commissioners Hear from Snook Foundation
- The Role of Rivers in Snook Recovery
- Artificial Reefs and Habitat Restoration
- What is One Acre of Mangrove Forest Worth?
- Angler Action Program: Get Onboard
- Caloosahatchee Dry Season Deluge to Continue
- Anglers Invited - Angler Action Program
- FWRI Tackles Snook Migrations
- Teen Anglers Recognized
- Fertilizer Ordinances will Protect Juvenile Fish Habitat
- Oyster Reef Restoration in Indian River Estuary
- Bass and Snook Share Real Estate
- Fish Abundance in Charlotte Harbor Estuary
- A Deeper Look into Snook
- Snook Research at Mote Marine Laboratory
- Guest Commentary: Everglades Debate Needs Your Voice
- River Coalition draws new Support from Martin County Commissioners
- Rare Turtle Hospitalized at Mote
- The Grassflat Food Chain
- Today's Big Catch Depends on Baby Having A Happy Home
- Why Study Juvenile Snook?
- Snook as an Indicator Species
- Teen Anglers Set New Oyster Bagging Record
- A Great Wave Rising
- A Coastal Engineer Answers
- Consultants Threaten Beaches
- An Argument for Preservation!
- Snook Foundation Recognized for Contribution to Fish Habitat
- Tracking Tracey, Atlantic Snook Study Underway
- Get Outta the Way Big Guy
- Imagine a Reserve in the Everglades
- FWC Director's Ken Haddad's Message
- The Developmental Stages (Ontogeny) and Associated Habitats of Common Snook
- Swift Mud Warns 16 Counties Are Drying Up
- Pine Island Man Faces Penalties for Mangrove Destruction
- Fines Do Little to Stop Cutting of Mangroves
- One Piece at a Time
- Agency Reconsiders Approval to Dig up Wetlands
- Snook Anglers Play a Role in Snook Tagging Studies
- Snook Foundation Announces formation of Smart Development Workgroup
- Marine Hatchery Expansion in Florida
- Caring About Creatures
- Lake Worth Commissioners vote unanimously to support Reach 8 Protection
- History of the American Lawn
- Keeping Snook Swimming
- Developing Shoreline with Purpose
- Snook Habitat Study
- Fort Pierce Anglers to help in Reef Snook Study
- Saltwater Fishing Spells Big Money in Florida
