Conservation News

FWC proposes catch-and-release only for bonefish



The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed draft rules on Wednesday that would allow only catch-and-release fishing for bonefish, a premier saltwater game fish in Florida. The proposed rules would also establish new provisions regarding the possession of bonefish by anglers and the possession and transport of bonefish during bonefish fishing tournaments.

“Bonefish are an extremely valuable Florida game fish,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “These proposed rules will further protect bonefish populations in South Florida, while providing anglers with opportunities to document a record catch and enjoy the exciting action of bonefish fishing tournaments.”

Bonefish are prized by anglers because they are stealthy, fast-swimming fish that are exciting and challenging to catch. South Florida is one of the few places in the United States where anglers can fish for bonefish, and the shallow saltwater flats of the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay are considered a world-class destination for catching large, trophy-sized bonefish. A recent study by scientists at the University of Miami estimated the value of a single bonefish in the Florida Keys to be $3,500 each year, and nearly $75,000 over the lifespan of the fish.

Based on bonefish’s economic value as a game fish, the FWC’s proposed draft rules would eliminate the one-fish daily bag limit for bonefish and allow only catch-and-release fishing. Most anglers already release the bonefish they catch as a conservation measure.

The proposed rules would also allow anglers to temporarily possess a bonefish where it is caught, so they can photograph and measure or weigh the fish to document a possible record catch. In addition, the proposed rules would allow anglers participating in specially permitted tournaments to temporarily possess and transport bonefish to tournament check-in stations for weigh-in under specified conditions. These fish would still have to be carefully handled and eventually released.

More information regarding the FWC’s bonefish draft rule proposal is available online at MyFWC.com/Commission, linked from the Feb. 23-24 meeting agenda, and a final public hearing on these rule proposals will take place in April.

Spring in Biscayne Bay

Winter is finally fading away and the warmer air of spring is approaching. I am excited! The bones and permit have been active and this day was no exception. My good friend Grant gave me an opportunity to take the bow for a bit and boy did I enjoyed the experience. We started off by having a great shot at a monster permit of fly but it was not to be. Then two shots on fly to two big bones, same disappointing outcome. My turn was up and Grant took full advantage. One school came by, he took his shot and the fish milled around his shrimp, but no takes. Are you kidding me?! Next school moves through and this time he connects.

After a brisk fight and a healthy release I take the bow. Just a few minutes later, another school moves through and I take my shot, same outcome and we have two bones in the boat.

A couple of schools too far away later we move on. After a checking out a couple of other areas we call it a day fully enjoying our 3-4 hours on the water. Things will continue to heat up as long as the water temps do also. Get out there and enjoy it!

By the way, check out my new website!
www.MiamiBonefishing.com


Capt. Mo Estevez
www.MiamiBonefishing.com
786-853-1409

Biscayne Bay Report

Winter is fading away and spring is making its way towards us, what a relief! With the air temperature being in the high 70's to low 80's over the weekend, water temperatures rising and strong tides, the fishing has been very good. Bones are eating flies and shrimp well on both sides of Biscayne Bay, oceanside and west side, and some permit are being caught as well. Night time tarpon fishing has been good as they take advantage of the the strong tides flushing large shrimp out of Biscayne Bay. Government Cut and Haulover inlet have both been producing, some nights 5-7 fish pushing the 100lb range. We'll have some nice weather for the next few days including some early morning rising tides which will have the bonefish tailing. What a sight that always is! That's it for now. Give me a call if you want to experience Biscayne Bay for yourself.

Capt. Mo Estevez
www.MiamiBonefishing.com
786-853-1409

Winter in Biscayne Bay

We've had a cold winter so far and while the fishing can be tough during the cold, the days in between can be banner days. The latter part of Christmas week had the bonefish feeding extremely well with double digit catches of bones per day. The mackerel have also been consistent. This week however, the waters temps were 59-60 degrees making fishing difficult. Stick to the ocean side and wait for a few days of consistent sun for the best fishing. Happy New Year!

Bonefish Conservation Comment Period

The FWC will hold workshops to gather public comments on possible rule changes that would make bonefish a catch-and-release-only fishery. Possession exceptions for record purposes and tournaments are being considered. Creation of a tournament exemption permit for tournaments in which bonefish would be temporarily possessed and transported for weigh-in purposes will also be discussed.

Previous Rule Changes for Bonefish
In July 2010 FWC extended state regulations for all Bonefish into federal waters and prohibited all sale of any bonefish.
Public Hearing Locations
All hearings are from 6pm – 8pm

Wednesday, Dec. 8
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach

Thursday, Dec. 9
City of Key Colony Beach City Hall Building - Auditorium
Mile Marker 53.5
600 W. Ocean Drive
Key Colony Beach


If you are unable to attend please send your email comments which can be very simple to: marine@myfwc.com

Biscayne Bay Fishing Report

Last week there were plenty of trouts and some redfish caught in south Biscayne Bay. The trouts were caught on soft plastics and flies while the redfish were caught on soft plastics. This winter seems like it will be a cold one and that can put a damper on some fisheries while getting others red hot.

Give me a call if you want to book a trip and see how red hot the fishing can be in the Miami cold.

Biscayne Bay Fishing Report

This week I had Dr. Carlos Velazqo occupy the bow for some Biscayne Bay west side fishing action. We started the morning in some familiar creeks that have been holding large numbers of active snook and sure enough, they were there. We were treated to a recurring scenario this time of year, mullet schools showering, snook popping and the sweet sound of baits being demolished all around the west side of the bay. We also saw small schools of small reds, always a welcome sight indicating a reproducing population. With many opportunities but no snook released we changed plans and decided to fish for trout, something I seldom do but is always fun. For the next hour the trout fishing was off the charts, with more double headers than we cared to keep track of. A good number of the fish were in the 20 plus inch range and hitting artificial and flies with reckless abandon. Getting our fill of trout, we briefly checked the finger channels for muttons and mackerels but no one home.