Gone Coastal: Ways to help reef fish survive after barotrauma pg. 18
Florida Fishermen Magazine
Gone Coastal: Ways to help reef fish survive after barotrauma pg. x
the bad habbit pg. 7
@floridafishermenmagazine
Mile Marker 50 relief project pg. 25 Inshore adventures with sky pg. 27
Behind the lens An interview with nature photographer Jessica Simmons pg. 37
In This Issue...
Biscayne National Park News Release pg. 3
Image: Freemanvent.com
Nassau County Courthouse Florida's History pg. 6
the chica travelista explores cancun pg. 14
The Joe Brooks Story pg. 10
On Tuesday, October 3, 2017 5:32 PM, "Johnson, Matt" <matthew_r_johnson@nps.gov> wrote:
Biscayne National Park News Release October 3, 2017 Contact: Matt Johnson, 786.335.3679, matthew_r_johnson@nps.gov, or Murray Shoemaker, 435.260.2422, IIMT_Information@nps.gov Biscayne National Park Re-opening After Hurricane Irma HOMESTEAD, Fla. --- Biscayne National Park is re-opening after Hurricane Irma. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center will open at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2017. Convoy Point grounds will open at 7:00 a.m. the same day. ​Park islands including Boca Chita, Elliott and Adams Keys are open. “We are excited to re-open the park so visitors can enjoy their favorite recreational activities again and people can get back to work in support of their families and communities,†said Superintendent Margaret L. Goodro. Any vessels in transit in the park should continue to use extreme caution and be on the lookout for marine debris. Please note that uneven surfaces are present and close-toed shoes are recommended. Elevators are still being repaired, but there is a ramp available for accessibility. The Eastern and Intermountain Incident Management Teams of the National Park Service provided valuable assistance to park staff in order to re-open the park in a safe and timely manner. For more information about National Park Service hurricane response visit www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/severe-weather-response.htm, and for Biscayne National Park visit nps.gov/bisc or follow the park on Facebook, Twitteror Instagram at “biscaynenps.†---NPS--- About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. 

Whether coming from out of town, or a resident of Stuart, booking a Stuart Florida fishing charter has never been easier. You can fish in the river, the inlet or on the beach. Additionally, you can fish locally offshore or in the Bahamas. Bycontacting Capt. Priceyour charter fishing arrangements, sleeping accommodations and dinner reservations can be made with just one phone call.
Florida Fishermen Magazine Speaks & Daymaker Charters
Fish Cave Lures are the highest quality big game trolling lures available and the proof is in our performance. Our lures have won 11 major tournaments in 11 years and we continuously improve our designs based on feedback from our customers.Check out our products in action on our media page.
By:Rick Kimble
Nassau County Courthouse Florida's History
The Bad Habit, the kind of habit the friends of Florida Fishermen don't want to kick! Whether you are are looking to stay inshore to catch a drag peeling snook, or head offshore to the promise land to battle it out with a hungry grouper, The Bad Habit is always ready to put you on the fish!
 Climb aboard The Bad Habit with Capt. Jason W. Sherill! Fifteen years experience fishing local and surrounding waters of beautiful Sarasota, FL! Capt. Jason Sherill will guide a fisherman at any level to earn his catch in either in-shore and off-shore locations. The quality of his sport fishing techniques and knowledge earned him a specialty USCGL Coast Guard license. The Bad Habit Sport Fishing offers in-shore trips within a few miles of shore, fishing bays and estuaries for up to four people. They have four, six, eight, & daylight to dark charters leaving out of Sarasota, Florida. Inshore varieties of fish include speckled trout, redfish, snook, sheepshead, spanish mackerel, flounder, pompano, tarpon, snapper and grouper. You fish using light tackle and it is extremely beginner and youth friendly, so bring the whole family. There is plenty of room on their custom built 24' Hanson!
Sarasota has consistent fishing year-round even with the different changes from season to season and the captains of the Bad Habit have done their homework! Get ready to go catchin' when you book with The Bad Habit. Another option is offshore. If you're ready to run with the big dogs, eat your wheaties and hop on the Bad Habits 37′ Express Morgan, for a super smoothest ride through the pristine offshore waters, leaving from Venice, Florida. Offshore fishing on Bad Habit consists of a wide array of fishing anywhere from five miles to sixty miles offshore and targets a variety of species that vary with the seasons and include grouper, snapper, amberjack, sharks, tuna, wahoo, cobia, mahi mahi, king mackerel, sailfish and more! These trips can be four, six, eight, ten, or daylight to dark and for up to six people.
 The captains of the Bad Habit are U.S.C.G. Licensed Native Captains and have gained the knowledge and skills to offer custom trips for all targeted species. Their #1 specialty is bottom fishing for grouper and snapper and a catch they can guarantee! So if you're ready to feel the thump, visit http://www.srqsportfishing.com and start preparing your arms for a fight!
Inshore or offshore, on board, the crew will bait your hook and give you tips to help improve your fishing. When you bring in your haul, the crew will assist with cleaning your fish and give you tips on delicious ways to prepare your fresh catch or send you to our local restaurants that are partnered to prepare your fish. On both boats you’ll discover the beauty of the natural surroundings and an educational fishing experience you’ll remember for years to come. This is a great way to relax, fish with friends or clients, reward your best employees, or have a family fun day! Their mission is simply to provide you with good fishin’ and fun on the water!


If you are looking for a great time on the water catching fish, the captains of the Bad Habit got you covered! I have been fishing with them for many years and I personally recommend them to all of our friends here at Florida Fishermen Magazine. Visit their website,http://www.srqsportfishing.com, book a trip, tell them we sent ya! You wont be disappointed! -FFM Editor, Tysa Dawn
To tell in vivid detail the exceptional life of the little known icon of American fly fishing. In his 71 years Joe Brooks lived three lifetimes. From his privileged youth to a broken alcoholic to one of the most revered sportsmen of his time, Joe’s life is as complex as it is inspirational. Few people manage to change themselves in any meaningful way. But Joe did and, in doing so, he changed the world of fly fishing.
By: Lou Sea
Florida Keys Strong
It was 11:58 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5th, 2017 when my husband and I put the last shutter on our house and loaded our two boys and puppy in the car. With heavy hearts and eyes full of tears, we said “see ya later†to our tree house by the sea. We had done everything we could possibly do to keep our family and home safe, and now all we could do was pray that our little slice of paradise would be waiting for us when we returned. By the time we evacuated to Atlanta, we were hopeful that the big bad wolf they called “Irma†would head east and spare the Florida Keys of her vicious wrath, but our hope was cut-short once we realized Irma was spiraling down the unthinkable path: her eye was heading directly to our beloved islands. She was destined to destroy everything we adored and lived for, and there was absolutely nothing that we could do about it.
"You Can't Drown a Conch!"
That feeling of hopelessness haunted me as I watched our islands get hammered with over 140 mph gusts of wind and water. Sitting there powerless as you watch your home be destroyed is one of the most gut-wrenching experiences one ever should endure, and sadly I know it’s a feeling that many of you echo. Three agonizing days later, we finally became aware of the full extent of the damage. My first look of the destruction left me in shock: houses and businesses ripped to splinters, trees stripped naked and scattered across the sea and land, intercoastal highways buried with debris, sand deposited as high as second-story windows- our enchanting paradise was unrecognizable, the damage extended beyond our imagination. How would we ever rebuild? The storm was devastating, the aftermath was heart shattering. Yet sometimes out of pandemonium blooms true aspiration. Inspired by watching my community come together, I felt an overwhelming urge to help my neighbors rebuild our island home. I joined together with my husband and a small group of family and friends, and using our own resources and physical strengths, we helped over two dozen families clear their homes of limbs and litter. By the time the county opened the Lower Keys, we had a group of twelve people- some old friends, some strangers we had met in the clean-up- come down to help us assess the damage of our home. There are no words to describe how happy we were to find our treehouse by the sea still standing, and even more grateful to witness the power of working together for a common goal. The motivation to provide relief to our fellow Conchs and rejuvenate our island gave us the sense of purpose we were so desperately searching for. For now, we are no longer powerless.
But us locals are not the only ones who are eager to reconstruct our islands. The Florida Keys hold a special place in many people’s hearts for a good reason; the atmosphere and topography are truly one of a kind and harbor the perfect playground for fishing, diving, and other aquatic adventures. People from all over the state have united to bring much needed relief supplies and manpower to our paradise. As Kim Sports-Lofley, a volunteer with Florida Keys Wagon Train, expresses: “We love it in the Florida Keys and we want to do our part. We are honored and grateful to be a part of the cleanup process.†The Florida Keys Wagon Train is a group of over twenty- five volunteers made up of mostly native Floridians who started out by helping their neighbors in their surrounding areas by gathering supplies and lending a helping hand. United by their love for the Florida Keys and their desire to pay it forward to their fellow man, a group of eight people caravaned down to provide relief to the middle and lower keys. One volunteer even offered her home as a hub for all the donated supplies where families in need could come take what they need. Because of the support of Robert Warner and the Florida Fishermen Magazine, the trip was a success and the group looks forward to continuing their efforts in the Keys. If you would like to help, please contact Kim Sports-Lofley at klofley@gmail.com for more information. The progress that has been made since Hurricane Irma first made landfall in the Florida Keys is remarkable. Piles of debris are slowly vanishing and new growth is starting to freckle the trees that line our horizon. But there is still so much to be done, and we could use all the help we can get. For those who can’t offer physical assistance, the best way to help us in the recovery of the Florida Keys is to come down and support the local businesses. Our economy is driven by people like you, and we need you to continue to enjoy all of the wonder that our beautiful islands offer. Most importantly, reject and protest against companies such as Forbes that assert that “the Keys should not be rebuilt.†Together we will rebuild the Keys. We are, after all, one human family.
The Chica Travelista, adventure Travel Blogger and Travel Agent visits The Grand at Moon Palace and adventures throughout Cancun with Cancun Vacation Experts and Ocean Tours!
The Chica Travelista
The Destin Fishing Rodeo is going on the entire month of October. Due to hurricane Nate and some strong East winds most of the Destin fishing fleet has been at the docks. That being said there are alot of slots on the board they haven't been filled. So with an ease in the East wind it would be a great time to launch your boat or charter one of the registered boats in the fishing rodeo.With the North winds starting to blow kingfish near shore are probably your best bet.Bay fishing is producing a good number of redfish. Try to fish with an outgoing tide at the Coast Guard station or above the bridge. Use a Carolina rig with either live shrimp or pinfish.Bay fishing is producing a good number of redfish. Try to fish with an outgoing tide at the Coast Guard station or above the bridge. Use a Carolina rig with either live shrimp or pinfish.With the colder weather it's time to be thinking about flounder. These can be found easily in the harbor or nearshore around structure. Bull minnows are your best bet. Or try jigging on the bottom. I like a watermelon colored jig with a red tail. Bounce it slow and Have Fun.
HAVE FUN CHARTERS
HAVE FUN CHARTERS 850-687-8549 havefuncharters@gmail.com havefuncharters.com 981 Hwy 98 E Ste 3 180 Destin, FL 32541
Cherlyn Arnold Vero Beach Flounder caught on a DOA
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Garden Suites
Casa Morada A unique experience awaits you at Casa Morada. As the best resort and lodging facilities available in the keys, we offer you a calm and delightful ambience designed by one of the best architects, Raymond Jungles in Florida. Docks-to-kitchen fresh cuisine is also a part of our plan to present you a memorable getaway. Not to mention the exciting adventures with Captain Bill. We believe that it bodes well for us that we offer you a timeless experience at our Casa. A romantic destination wedding or an adventurous honeymoon, we’re here to enable a memory.
Sea View Suites
Welcome to Fishing With Virginia Coast to Coast
Stomach protruding: The stomach protruding from the mouth is one sign of barotrauma (the swim bladder does not protrude from the mouth).
Gone Coastal: Ways to help reef fish survive after barotrauma
Sept. 26, 2017 “Gone Coastal†column By Melissa Crouch Suggested Tweet: Ways to help reef #fish survive after barotrauma. @MyFWC:https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/1b9720f #fishing #FishFWC Ways to help reef fish survive after barotrauma If you’ve ever gone saltwater fishing in Florida, you are well aware of the variety of species that call these waters home. A popular target for Florida’s saltwater anglers are reef fish such as snappers and groupers. These species are fun to catch and provide a great bottom-fishing experience for both novice and veteran anglers. There’s nothing like dropping my bait to the bottom and moments later having the bite of a lifetime. As I reel in my catch, the excitement of what this mystery fish could be begins to build. But what if my mystery fish is out-of-season and must be released? There are steps I can take to ensure that I have a great day of fishing while conserving our fisheries. If my catch has signs of barotrauma, I will need to take some specific steps before returning it to the water. Bulging eyes, a bloated belly, distended intestines and stomach protruding from the mouth are all signs of barotrauma, which occurs when fish with a swim bladder are pulled up from deep water (typically depths greater than 50 feet). The change in pressure can make gases in the swim bladder expand and, in some cases, cause it to burst. When a fish suffering from barotrauma is released, it is unable to swim back down to capture depth, making it difficult for the fish to survive the elements and avoid predators.
Angler holding reef fish: Angler catches a vermilion snapper while fishing for reef fish.
Descending device underwater: A variety of descending devices may be used to help return fish suffering from barotrauma back down to capture depths.
Helping a fish with barotrauma Fortunately, descending devices may increase a fish’s chance of survival. Descending devices bring fish back down to a depth where increased pressure from the water will recompress swim bladder gases and allow the fish to swim away. Descending devices fall into one of three categories: mouth clamps, inverted hooks and fish elevators. Mouth clamps attach to a rod and reel or handline, clamp to the mouth of the fish and use a pressure sensor (releases fish automatically at a predetermined depth selected by the angler) or a weighted spring release mechanism (lets go of fish after an angler gives a sharp tug on the line). View RokLees andSeaqualizer mouth clamp videos on the FWC Saltwater Fishing YouTube channel. Inverted hooks work similarly to mouth clamp devices, but are inserted through the hole made by the hook (view Fish Saver and Shelton inverted hook videos on the FWC Saltwater Fishing YouTube channel). Once the fish is deep enough to reverse the effects of barotrauma, the angler reels in the line and the fish swims away. A third option is the fish elevator – an inverted container, such as a milk crate, with a rope attached to the top and weights on the bottom. This creates a bottomless cage that brings fish back down to capture depth (view milk crate fish elevator video on the FWC Saltwater Fishing YouTube channel). Anglers should choose the device and method they are most comfortable with, that best fits the situation at hand and that minimizes the amount of time the fish is out of the water. Descending devices should only be used when fish show one or more signs of barotrauma and cannot swim back down on their own. It is essential to work quickly when using these tools and return the fish to the water as soon as possible. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is currently conducting a citizen-science study to learn more about what prevents anglers from using descending devices.
Luckily, I prepared before my reef fishing trip and have a mouth clamp descending device already attached to a designated rod and reel to release my catch quickly. Depending on the fish’s size, 1-3 pounds of weight needs to be attached to the device to descend the fish. I attach the clamp to the fish’s bottom jaw and gently set the device and the fish into the water, releasing line as the fish returns toward the bottom. Once I’m between 40-70 feet down, or about two-thirds of the capture depth, I give a sharp tug on the line and the fish is released. I reel in my device and weights and ready my designated rod and reel for the next catch that may need to be released. To learn more about proper fish handling and catch-and-release methods, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,†“Recreational Regulations†and “Fish Handling.†Learn more about barotrauma and view videos on how to use several descending devices on the FWC’s Saltwater Fishing YouTube channel at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing. For more information, call 850-487-0554 or emailMarine@MyFWC.com.
Removal of Displaced Vessels Affected by Hurricane Irma 09/26/2017 For Immediate Release: September 26, 2017 UPDATE: Unified Command continues assessment of vessels affected by Hurricane Irma, prioritizes displaced vessel removal MIAMI -- The Emergency Support Function 10 (ESF 10) Florida, consisting of multiple state and federal agencies, is continuing efforts to assess and remove hazards in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission members are conducting assessments of damaged and sunken vessels in the areas most affected by Hurricane Irma. These assessments assist in providing an overarching image to the unified command of the effects of the storm, allowing for the effective placement of assets, expediting the response process. “The response to Irma is a collaborative effort,†said Benjamin Franco, Environmental Protection Agency Incident Commander for the response. “Every member of this team, both local, state and federal, is bringing to bear all of their expertise, experience, and the assets necessary for an expeditious conclusion to this response. Our hearts go out to those citizens impacted by Hurricane Irma and we will make every effort to ensure their needs are being addressed.†“This command has found that all sunk and derelict vessels resulting from Hurricane Irma are a threat to the environment and our mission is to remove this threat,†said Cmdr. JoAnne Hanson, Coast Guard Incident Commander for the response. “The first priority is to remove actively polluting vessels. Second to that are the vessels that aren’t actively polluting, but where a potential for pollution exists.†The following list represents an approximate number of vessels impacted by Hurricane Irma currently being assessed by each ESF 10 Branch Hazardous Material Assessment Team as of Sept. 25, 2017. These numbers are subject to change as more owners salvage their vessels and additional vessels are discovered in the affected areas and offshore assessments are conducted.
@fwcresearch
Miami Vessels assessed: 200; Vessels removed: 43 St. Petersburg, Florida Vessels assessed: 182; Vessels removed: 42 Jacksonville, Florida Vessels assessed: 134; Vessels removed: 26 Key West, Florida Vessels assessed: 336; Vessels removed: 1 Due to the complexity and scale of operational requirements, the Unified Command for ESF 10 Florida has established a Joint Information Center. Media members are requested to call 305-985-2867 to receive the most timely and accurate information concerning the on-going response to Hurricane Irma. The Unified Command consists of U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. JoAnne Hanson serving as Incident Commander, Mr. Benjamin Franco, Environmental Protection Agency Incident Commander, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Capt. David Schaffer as State On-Scene Coordinator and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Administrator Kent Edwards as State On-Scene Coordinator. Currently, response teams are conducting assessments of the most affected areas to include the ports and waterways from Jacksonville, Florida to Miami, Key West, and around to St. Petersburg. The ESF 10 is the framework by which federal support is coordinated with state agencies in response to actual or potential oil spills or hazardous material releases. Partner agencies, including Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, are contributing expertise and experience to the assessment efforts. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3807037/pollution-assessments-wake-hurricane-irma https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3807035/pollution-assessments-wake-hurricane-irma FWC Hurricane Irma Flicker Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/albums/72157685848290231
Miami Branch: 22 personnel Vessels assessed: 207Vessels removed by citizens: 48Crews have successfully mitigated pollution from a leaking motor yacht and are enacting a plan for removal. St. Petersburg Branch: 18 personnel Vessels assessed: 185Vessels removed by citizens: 46A plan to remove 10 displaced vessels at Goodland Bay and three displaced vessels from Hurricane Bay in Fort Myers is being developed. Jacksonville Branch: 13 personnel Vessels assessed: 99Vessels removed by citizens: 19Oil Spill Response Organizations are booming off two vessels at the Bill Dye Marina after an oil sheen was observed by assessment teams emanating from two vessels. Key West Branch: 53 personnel Vessels assessed: 364Vessels removed by citizens: 3A sailboat has been removed near the Fleming Key Bridge.Pollution mitigation continues as vessels determined to be leaking hazardous materials are identified.
Unified Command begins removal process for vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma 09/29/2017 MIAMI -- The Emergency Support Function 10 (ESF 10) Florida, a Unified Command consisting of multiple state and federal agencies, has initiated removal efforts prioritizing vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma which are actively polluting or creating a hazard to navigation to traffic in the area. The Unified Command consists of U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. JoAnne Hanson serving as Incident Commander, Mr. Benjamin Franco, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Incident Commander, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Capt. David Schaeffer as State On-Scene Coordinator and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Environmental Administrator Kent Edwards as State On-Scene Coordinator. “The expanse of coastline affected by Hurricane Irma is logistically challenging,†said Hanson. “Having partners like the FWC, FDEP and EPA as part of the leadership of this response gives us the local knowledge and resources necessary to form an effective response to this situation.†Currently, response teams are conducting assessments of the most affected areas to include the ports and waterways from Jacksonville, Florida to Miami, Key West, and around to St. Petersburg and responding to instances of pollution or released hazardous material as they are reported. As the Florida Keys open for tourism on Oct. 1, visitors are encouraged to stay away from vessels displaced as a result of Hurricane Irma. Hundreds of the vessels damaged or sunken as a result of the storm present a hazard to health and safety. Boaters in the areas affected by Hurricane Irma are advised to transit with all due caution and report hazards to the Coast Guard Sector Key West command center at 305-292-8727.
“The assessment portion of our response is ongoing, but we’ve reached a point where we can begin facilitating the removal of vessels in a manner that is both safe for our responders, while having minimal impact on the environment,†said Franco. “As in previous stages of our response, our priority continues to be the wellbeing of our responders and the Florida citizens affected by Hurricane Irma.†The ESF 10 is the framework by which federal support is coordinated with state agencies in response to actual or potential oil spills or hazardous material releases. Partner agencies, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are contributing expertise and experience to the assessment efforts. Image Resources: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3817177/coast-guard-members-assess-vessels-florida-keys https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3817172/coast-guard-members-assess-vessels-florida-keys https://www.dvidshub.net/image/3820257/response-crews-facilitate-hoist-sailboat- displaced-hurricane-irma https://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/albums/72157685848290231 Displaced Vessel Information: www.MyFWC.com/boating Best Practices for Boat Owners: www.myfwc.com/boating/vessel-hotline/removal
Red Tide Report 9-29-17 09/29/2017 The Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was present in Southwest Florida. Background concentrations of K. brevis were observed in one sample collected from Sarasota County and one sample collected from Charlotte County. Additional samples collected throughout Florida over the past week did not contain K. brevis. Forecasts for Southwest Florida by the USF-FWC Collaboration for Prediction of Red Tides predict northern movement of surface waters and minimal movement of subsurface waters from Pinellas to Lee counties over the next three days.

This information, including maps and reports with additional details, is also available on the FWRI Red Tide website. The website also provides links to additional information related to the topic of Florida red tide including satellite imagery, experimental red tide forecasts, shellfish harvesting areas, the FWC Fish Kill Hotline, the Florida Poison Information Center (to report human health effects related to exposure to red tide), and other wildlife related hotlines. To learn more about various organisms that have been known to cause algal blooms in Florida waters, see the FWRI Red Tide Flickr page. Archived status maps can also be found on Flickr.       The FWRI HAB group in conjunction with Mote Marine Laboratory now have a facebook page. Please like our page and learn interesting facts concerning red tide and other harmful algal blooms in Florida.
Additional weekend added to Gulf gray triggerfish fall state season due to Hurricane Irma 09/29/2017 Sept. 29, 2017 Suggested Tweet: Gulf gray #triggerfish fall #Florida season resumes 10/7. @MyFWC: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/1ba4b21#fishing Gulf gray #triggerfish open 10/21-22, due to #Irma impacts. @MyFWC:https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/1ba4b21 #Florida #fishing Additional weekend added to Gulf gray triggerfish fall state season due to Hurricane Irma The gray triggerfish recreational season in Gulf state waters will be open an additional weekend this October to provide anglers with fishing opportunities that were missed due to Hurricane Irma impacts earlier in the season. Gray triggerfish will open in Gulf of Mexico state waters for recreational harvest Oct. 21 and 22, in addition to previously scheduled dates of Oct. 7 and 8, and Oct. 14 and 15. “This additional weekend gives Florida’s anglers and the more than 100,000 men and women who work in the recreational saltwater fishing industry the opportunity to make up for lost time on the water and lost wages due to Hurricane Irma,†said Nick Wiley, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) executive director. “The FWC is glad to be able to provide opportunities where we can during this time of recovery, and we hope that Florida’s first responders, law enforcement officers, linemen and electric utility workers will have the opportunity to enjoy this and Florida’s many other saltwater fishing experiences license-free in the upcoming year.†Gov. Rick Scott recently announced that all Florida law enforcement officers, first responders, linemen and electric utility workers will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing through June 30, 2018. Learn more at MyFWC.com/License by clicking on “Hurricane Irma Governor Recognition†on the right. During this state season opening, the Gulf state waters minimum size limit is 14 inches fork length and the daily bag limit is two per person, per day. The season is closed in Gulf federal waters for 2017. Several changes to gray triggerfish management are pending for Gulf state and federal waters, and could affect harvest starting in 2018. These pending management changes include: Creating a January through February annual recreational closure in addition to the current June through July annual spawning closure.Decreasing the recreational daily bag limit from two to one fish per person.Increasing the recreational size limit from 14 to 15 inches fork length. These changes will not be in effect during the 2017 state season opening, but should help maintain fishing opportunities for gray triggerfish in state and federal waters for 2018 and beyond. More information about Gulf gray triggerfish regulations may be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,†“Recreational Regulations†and “Triggerfish.â€
Krystal Langley
Click the video to watch!
All year I specialize in the grassy flats studying, following, reeling in, and releasing the elusive Redfish here in Mosquito Lagoon. The estuary where these big beautiful breeders give birth and keep their young safe from predators. It is a treat for an angler as myself to reel in one of these beauties and take in a moment as I know how important our breeder fish are, for they give us more life. Please remember during the mullet run when reeling in a bull Red how special and the importance of catch and release and proper handling.

Knowledge Of Our Breeder Red Drum
Red Drum, or as most of us call them Redfish, they are Florida's most popular sport fish and the states most wide spread estuarian fish. How did Red Drum get their name you ask?!? Because of the "drumming" sound they make during spawning when taken out of the water. Redfish inhabit the inshore and offshore waters throughout the Gulf Of Mexico and along the Atlantic Coast, from Massachusetts to Key West. Red Drum in Florida can reach up to lengths of 45 inches and weigh up to 51 pounds. During the Fall large Red Drum move into the Gulf beaches during the months of September - November spawning season. Tides carry them into an estuary where fish can spend their first few years between the ages of 3-6 years they are typically coincides with matriculation. Out of the slot limit of 27inches then is when fish leave the estuary and join the spawning stock!

Inshore Adventures With Skye - Fishing Report
Importance Of Catch And Release
There are many opportunities the Mullet Run presents to us anglers, from boats to piers, beaches, docks and bridges. landing a Bull Red this time of the year comes quite easily. With the mullet running you can simply free line mullet or drop weight and land that trophy Redfish! This time of the year us anglers have been waiting for, that tug of a big Red Drum but we greet these beauties knowing they MUST be released. Due to LACK OF KNOWLEDGE of our breeder Red drum or the care to learn how important these fish are to our fishery. I understand some are limited to where they can fish and not everyone has a boat. But I cannot explain how heart breaking it is to see a breeder fish floating dead do to ones carelessness. It is devastating seeing "fishermen" on piers and bridges reeling in our breeders pulling them up hitting rocks hanging vertically and knowing there is no way to safely release her back to her waters, tossing her over the side and being okay not knowing our breeder fish has survived and can bless our estuary's with future fish! I to have seen this disrespect from boaters. there really is not excuse.
Proper Fish Handling As we all know fish swim and live their in the water horizontally. And due to lack of knowledge or just trying to get that epic shot or as seen on social media a large percent of "lady anglers" making themselves the focal point, they highly lack knowing the damage they are causing our future breeders of course if its a keeper and your gonna throw him on ice, why kiss the poor fish? Just saying! I am a deeply passionate angler and my catch is and will always be my focal point. Handling him properly and being sure of a safe release back in his habitat. Have you ever considered the physical impact to that fish and what happens to it once it is released? Think about it, while fish are in the water their natural buoyancy of the liquid medium holds and supports the fish's organs in the correct position. So to hold them in a absolutely unnatural position by holding the fish vertical can cause unnecessary stress on the heart and other organs to fail. so next fish you catch and release remember the damage you can prevent, by proper handling and proper catch and release. Respect The Fish It isn't just a saying or a quote. I myself am a deeply passionate angler and practice proper fish care. when being on the water I become one with nature the feeling I get when out there sight casting Reds is unexplainable. Being it is the Mullet run, Bull Reds are the target and as we all know must be released back to their habitat, they are our future and future of fishing! I hope us anglers can come together and understand the importance of our estuary and breeders, so please do all in your powers to ensure the healthy release of your fish.
Sky Burkhardt
What first sparked your interest in photography? I think it was being able to sometimes see that others couldn’t see. I loved to look at the sky and take in the colors and beauty. In Florida, the sky is always throwing you curve balls and it’s nice to just stop and take it in. With a camera you can hold that piece of time in your hand and it’s not just another moment that happened.
Balde eagle. Photo © Jessica Simmons.
Behind the lens An interview with nature photographer Jessica Simmons By Katherine Taylor, Digital Media Specialist October 16, 2017
When did you first begin your journey behind the camera? I was around 27, so it’s still fairly new, but once I started I was gone. Whether going out to every nature preserve or just my own backyard, I can always find something to photograph. In fact as soon as I got my camera I went straight to the backyard to see what I could find. I love the feel of colors and to see what the flowers are doing. With a camera it’s one-on-one time with nature and wildlife. It’s truly amazing what you can see when you’re watching the natural world through the lens.
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with nature photographer Jessica Simmons. Jessica is a resident of Florida, and is doing her to part to make it even brighter through her art and infectious positivity. I first caught sight of her photography on Facebook, and was immediately drawn to her use of light and color. Whether Jessica’s subject is landscape or a perched bald eagle you feel connected to the story behind it. After reaching out to Jessica, she was not only gracious enough to share her work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but she also agreed to talk about what goes into photographing nature and wildlife. She answered the phone with a warm and enthusiastic “hello.†I quickly realized this was going to be both a fun and inspiring conversation because Jessica, much like her photography, is full of life.
Do you have a dream species you’d like to shoot? I don’t have a dream species; everything is interesting behind the camera from the smallest crab to largest raptors. I’m not picky; just observing them is magical. Florida is nice, though, because of the range of species. I’m game for it all!
When did you develop your passion for nature? I would say when I was little. I always preferred to be outside. It’s like I was born in the wrong generation. [Laughs] I would stick dandelions in my hair instead of bows. I and the other kids would lie in the grass and look at clouds, or dig in the dirt and look at rocks. I would bring home rocks to show my parents and to them it was just a rock, but I thought they were something amazing. I’vealwaysbeen an animal lover.
Key deer. Photo © Jessica Simmons.
Do you have a dream species you’d like to shoot? I don’t have a dream species; everything is interesting behind the camera from the smallest crab to largest raptors. I’m not picky; just observing them is magical. Florida is nice, though, because of the range of species. I’m game for it all! What are some of the challenges you face photographing wildlife? Making all of the adjustments in real time: lighting, shutter speed, those kinds of things. It’s not the camera, but the person behind it … and getting your mind and camera to work as one. It’s knowing what you need to do to capture eachspeciesand fine tuning it. Landscapes are of course much easier since they’re still. It’s more about getting those framed correctly. Is there a photographer who inspires you? Ansel Adams, he was a photographer in the 1920s, and had the bare minimum equipment and the shots that he pulled off are amazing! He would take a picture and you’d almost feel it, whether it was a mountain or just a leaf. It’s just amazing what he could do with limited equipment; he was a dreamer too. And he was a conservationist, so he’s a huge inspiration. There aren’t a lot of photos that can make you feel the way his do. Why do you believe it’s important to be involved with conservation? I think it’s important because natureisthe real world. It’s not social media; it’s as real as it can be. It’s important to take time to look around and observe the natural world. Florida is under major construction, we’re seeing trees wiped out and it shouldn’t be a concrete jungle. Everyone needs to take it in while we have it, and help it stay what it is. This is our one spot to live, and we need to take care of it. If we had one car we were given for the rest of our lives we’d take care of it. It’s something people need to think about because there will be many generations that reap the consequences.
Is photography your 9 to 5? Photography is still a hobby; I haven’t pursued selling yet. The website I have is still getting hits, and I love that. There’s so much ugly in the world, it’s a nice break for people to see and enjoy. It’s a reminder there’s more to the world than ugliness. What would you say is your “muse?†The state of Florida has kind of become my muse, and I’m constantly hunting for that next shot. Florida is nice because of the wide variety of landscapes. I’m from up North originally, and there’s so much to take in: beaches, marshes, and refuges. I’m hitting all of it! Lastly, do you have a mantra? “Be fearless on the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.†I’m a dreamer, so I like that. My husband is a realist so he keeps me from floating too high [laughing]. Ultimately, I believe you should follow your dreams.†Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.†So here’s to the dreamers like Jessica who are making them a reality, and making the world better a place in the process.
Jessica Simmons with her camera. Photo by Mike Simmons.
Are you always in photographer mode? Oh yeah, there’s never a time I go out without my camera. I’m super reserved and shy, but I’m constantly looking for something to shoot and have no problem pulling off the side of the road to get a good shot of flowers blowing in the wind. I’m always thinking through shots and wondering how I’m going to grab it.
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