The article goes on to describe methods for obtaining the weight of a tarpon using measurements instead of dragging the fish to the nearest scale. It also gives props to responsible Boca Grande Pass fishing guides.Here's an excerpt from a letter which appeared in today’s Boca Beacon (Boca Grande, Florida) and can also be seen on the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Blog.
Given the overwhelming support for catch and release of tarpon, it is puzzling why anglers would engage in practices that very likely cause high mortality of tarpon after release – the towing of caught tarpon to a weigh station as part of a tournament. Although data on the effects of towing tarpon are scant, the preliminary data that do exist suggest that towed tarpon exhibit much higher levels of physiological stress than do tarpon that are caught and released but not towed. Moreover, since we know that, in general, more handling time equals lower survival for caught and released fish, it makes sense that increasing the handling time by towing and weighing tarpon will likely decrease survival. The responsible and prudent approach is to reduce handling time, and therefore not engage in towing of tarpon prior to release.
In closing, a tip of the hat to the highly responsible, talented guides of Boca Grande Pass who practice good catch and release, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s ongoing tarpon conservation research, each contributing to a sustainable fishery.
With 2 stores slated to open in 2013 in the Denver area, it is a given that Cabela’s will have a noticeable presence to businesses and consumers alike. “It is up to each individual business to decide how to react in situations like these, and I can understand how some may be fearful of what this brand will do to the local fly shop base” adds Ladd. “Yet this is not the first time Cabela’s has looked at the Denver area for a new storefront, and we have been actively planning for this inevitable event for years now. We feel we have a strong brand presence in Colorado, and I am comfortable that the level of expertise, quality customer service and amazing product selection we offer will only further our goal of being the premier fly-fishing resource in the area. Trout’s is a Denver and Colorado brand through and through, and we trust that this change will only make us stronger and more relevant to the local fly fishing
 | |
| Photo via Wikipedia |
This week, April 16 – 18, 40 sportsmen representing 17 states are traveling to the nation’s capital to let their elected officials and the President know that protecting Bristol Bay, Alaska is a top priority for sportsmen.
This is what has been occupying the Kindle app on our IPad during recent cross country flights. Literal works by some of our favorite highly talented Author types. Available at Amazon.com for less than a sawbuck.
