Post by bluewater on Jun 3, 2008 19:28:41 GMT -5
Not sure if this has been posted or not but here it is.......
New rules for state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will require all commercial fishers and recreational anglers fishing for any Gulf reef fish species to use circle hooks, dehooking devices and venting tools. These new rules will become effective on June 1, 2008 in all waters of the Gulf of Mexico and affect all reef fish species including groupers, snappers, amberjacks, triggerfish, porgies, sea bass, hogfish, and tilefish.
The intent of these new rules is to help conserve fishery resources by minimizing mortality associated with releasing fish that are not going to be harvested due to regulations or for other reasons. Fishers and anglers are being asked to be responsible to acquire and use the required gear when fishing for reef fish species. FWC Law Enforcement Officers will be taking an educational approach toward enforcement before and after the implementation of the new rules.
Additionally, common sense should be used in abiding by these rules. For instance, if a hook is too far embedded in the throat or gut of the fish, it is much better to cut the line from the hook rather than try to remove the hook with a dehooking device. The non-stainless steel hooks will disintegrate in a relatively short period of time and should cause the fish less harm. Also, fish should only be vented after one or all of the following characteristics are noticed on a fish: the stomach protrudes from the mouth, the eyes are bulging, the belly region is swollen, or the intestines are sticking out of the anus.
Circle Hooks
The new rules require fishers on all vessels fishing for reef fish in the Gulf to possess and use non-stainless steel circle hooks when natural baits are used. A circle hook is a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point is not offset, but turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a generally circular or oval shape.
Dehooking Devices
The new rules require fishers on all vessels fishing for reef fish in the Gulf to possess and use a dehooking device to remove hooks embedded in Gulf reef fish with minimal damage. The dehooking device must be constructed to allow the hook to be secured and the barb shielded without re-engaging during the removal process. It must be blunt and all edges rounded, and it must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used in the Gulf reef fish fishery.
Venting Tools
The new rules require fishers on all vessels fishing for reef fish in the Gulf to possess and use a venting tool to deflate the swimbladders of Gulf reef fish to help release the fish with minimum damage. This tool must be a sharpened, hollow instrument, such as a hypodermic syringe with the plunger removed or a 16-gauge needle fixed to a hollow wooden dowel. A tool such as a knife or an ice-pick may not be used. The venting tool must be inserted into the fish at a 45-degree angle approximately 1 to 2 inches from the base of the pectoral fin and be inserted just deep enough to release the gases so that the fish may be released with minimum damage.
Return to the Marine Fisheries page
Links for More Info
Frequently Asked Questions
New State Regulations
New Federal Regulations
Reef Fish Rule
Release Techniques
Catch and Release Brochure (634KB PDF) - New!
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
MyFWC.com • Copyright © 1999-2008 State of Florida • Privacy Statement • EEO/AA/ADA
New rules for state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will require all commercial fishers and recreational anglers fishing for any Gulf reef fish species to use circle hooks, dehooking devices and venting tools. These new rules will become effective on June 1, 2008 in all waters of the Gulf of Mexico and affect all reef fish species including groupers, snappers, amberjacks, triggerfish, porgies, sea bass, hogfish, and tilefish.
The intent of these new rules is to help conserve fishery resources by minimizing mortality associated with releasing fish that are not going to be harvested due to regulations or for other reasons. Fishers and anglers are being asked to be responsible to acquire and use the required gear when fishing for reef fish species. FWC Law Enforcement Officers will be taking an educational approach toward enforcement before and after the implementation of the new rules.
Additionally, common sense should be used in abiding by these rules. For instance, if a hook is too far embedded in the throat or gut of the fish, it is much better to cut the line from the hook rather than try to remove the hook with a dehooking device. The non-stainless steel hooks will disintegrate in a relatively short period of time and should cause the fish less harm. Also, fish should only be vented after one or all of the following characteristics are noticed on a fish: the stomach protrudes from the mouth, the eyes are bulging, the belly region is swollen, or the intestines are sticking out of the anus.
Circle Hooks
The new rules require fishers on all vessels fishing for reef fish in the Gulf to possess and use non-stainless steel circle hooks when natural baits are used. A circle hook is a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point is not offset, but turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a generally circular or oval shape.
Dehooking Devices
The new rules require fishers on all vessels fishing for reef fish in the Gulf to possess and use a dehooking device to remove hooks embedded in Gulf reef fish with minimal damage. The dehooking device must be constructed to allow the hook to be secured and the barb shielded without re-engaging during the removal process. It must be blunt and all edges rounded, and it must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used in the Gulf reef fish fishery.
Venting Tools
The new rules require fishers on all vessels fishing for reef fish in the Gulf to possess and use a venting tool to deflate the swimbladders of Gulf reef fish to help release the fish with minimum damage. This tool must be a sharpened, hollow instrument, such as a hypodermic syringe with the plunger removed or a 16-gauge needle fixed to a hollow wooden dowel. A tool such as a knife or an ice-pick may not be used. The venting tool must be inserted into the fish at a 45-degree angle approximately 1 to 2 inches from the base of the pectoral fin and be inserted just deep enough to release the gases so that the fish may be released with minimum damage.
Return to the Marine Fisheries page
Links for More Info
Frequently Asked Questions
New State Regulations
New Federal Regulations
Reef Fish Rule
Release Techniques
Catch and Release Brochure (634KB PDF) - New!
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
MyFWC.com • Copyright © 1999-2008 State of Florida • Privacy Statement • EEO/AA/ADA
