FYI…
Starts today in North Charleston
http://safmc.net/meetings/briefing-book-snapper-grouper-advisory-panel-april-8-11-2014
Open to the public?
I see that MPA’s is still on the menu
I gave a presentation to the S/G AP about Descending Devices and how they would be a great alternative to RA17’s MPAs for reducing by-catch mortality of Speckled Hind and Warsaw Grouper. There was a lot of interest from the AP and attending council members. It would go a LONGGGGGGGGGGG way toward stopping the RA17 MPAs if responsible offshore bottom fishermen sent the SAFMC an email stating they will release any Warsaw Grouper or Speckled Hind suffering from barotrauma with a Descending Device. Keep in mind that a Descending Device can be as cheap and easy as a barbless hook with enough weight to get a bloated fish down deeper than 10 fathoms. Please send an email to the council supporting this simple alternative that would protect our freedom to fish around the Georgetown Hole and other traditional fishing grounds. safmc@safmc.net http://safmc.net/about-us/council-members
Here are a few links to Descending Device information I shared with the AP if you want to learn more.
http://www.pcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/D5b_SUP_GMT_POWERPOINT_APR2013BB.pdf
http://nwsportsmanmag.com/headlines/oregons-salty-dogs-getting-a-bottomfish-descender-in-the-mail/
http://flseagrant.ifas.ufl.edu/newsletter/2013/09/new-fish-descending-gear-videos-for-anglers/
http://www.wonews.com/t-FeatureArticle_RockfishRelease_121713.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5v9E-WvVhk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiZFghwVOyI
http://www.ecoleeser.com/
I got to see the seaquilizer first hand at the Saltwater Sportsman seminar in Columbia. I ordered mine last week after catching 3 gags while jigging tuna. Even after venting, we struggled to get them down, and I have never been a fan of poking holes in fish. I will post pictures and reports on how well it works over the next month. You can order it from Capt. Harry’s in Miami.
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Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”