Homosassa Gulf Action Red Hot With Capt. Mike Locklear
Capt. Mike Locklear
April 3, 2008
Homosassa - Saltwater Fishing Report
All inshore species are turning on and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous.
My charters this past week included from a 91- year old fly fishing angler to a beautiful 18-year old lady spin angler.
Check back later today for an update to this report.
Below is an interesting rule change that I am researching… more later today.
DEHOOKING DEVICE MANDATE GOES INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 1
Aquatic Release Conservation (ARC) has product solution
TAMPA, Fla. (March 25, 2008) – Red Snapper and other reef fish will have new legal protection, mandated by Amendment 27/14, a joint plan between the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS). This legislation requires at least one dehooking device be available for use in removing hooks embedded in Gulf reef fish with minimal damage.
Aquatic Release Conservation (ARC) of Daytona Beach has introduced a safe release that will be easier and less harmful with the new dehooking device they have developed and marketed. The ARC DEHOOKER meets the design standards of numerous agencies, including NOAA Fisheries/NMFS. The patented pig-tail curl of the ARC DEHOOKER tool meets the specifications for safe removal of internal and externally hooked fish and comes in a multitude of sizes to meet requirements.
Beginning June 1, Amendment 27/14 will require that the hook removal device be constructed to allow the hook to be secured and barb shielded without injuring the fish during the removal process. The dehooking end must be blunt with all edges rounded, and must accommodate all hook sizes used in the Gulf reef fisheries.
In addition to designing dehookers, ARC is also the official and exclusive distributor of the Florida Sea Grant Novak Venting Tool Kit that meets all specifications for venting tools, as required by the new regulations.
"We see this product as a fisheries partner, with the goal of encouraging sustainable and responsible conservation-friendly fishing practices and experiences for all anglers," said Shawn Dick, president of ARC. "Future generations will benefit, as well as those who enjoy fishing today, and our patented dehooking tool provides a safe and feasible mechanism to ensure just that."
The goal of Amendment 27/14 and ARC is to foster the survivability of unwanted, undersized or endangered Gulf of Mexico species. Additional fishery conservation partners, including Dr. Guy Harvey and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation in Fort Lauderdale, have fully endorsed ARC's product line as the best available products designed to reduce mortality in released hooked fish and other marine animals.
Aquatic Release Conservation, Inc. (ARC) is dedicated to research, development, distribution and sales of equipment technologies and educational outreach materials. ARC strives to enable recreational anglers and commercial fishers to practice careful handling and release techniques to increase post-release survivability of hooked and released fish and other aquatic animals. ARC is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. For additional information go to http://www.arcdehooker.com. ARC DEHOOKERS are available in retail and tackle stores nationwide.
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HERE IS A PRESS RELEASE WRITTEN AS A PRESS RELEASE FOR ARC DEHOOKERS
"Stop Killing Fish You Release!" By Gary Caputi, Outdoor Writer, RFA Member
I fish...allot! I catch and release a lot of fish. I also realize that some of the fish I release are not going to survive because they have been handled too roughly during the hook removal process or have simply been hooked to deeply and the damage resulting from hook removal or even leaving the hook in them will, most likely, be fatal. It bothers me as I know it does other conservation-minded anglers.
Then I met Shawn and Kristen at Aquatic Release Conservation and was introduced to the ARC Dehooker, a remarkably simple tool that took years to develop and refine. I got a set and familiarized myself with how they work and have been amazed at how effective they are for removing hooks from all kinds of fish, even hooks that are deep inside a fish's mouth, throat or stomach. Over the past three months I have used the various size Dehookers on striped bass, bluefish, yellowfin tuna, school bluefin tuna, sharks, marlin and even flyrod caught rainbow trout and I am telling you that every angler should be using these incredible tools.
Stop killing fish you release. With the ARC Dehooker and just a little practice you will gain a sense of pride that comes with releasing your fish knowing that you have given them the absolute best chance at surviving the encounter, while doing your part to reduce catch and release mortality. It's that simple.
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