To the Editor:

The use of catch-and-release as a conservation tool to ensure healthy recreational fisheries for the future has become standard throughout the world of recreational fisheries. The catch-and-release ethic is especially apparent in the world-class tarpon fishery of Florida, where virtually all tarpon are released. However, catch-and-release is only a valid conservation tool if it is practiced correctly so that most fish that are released survive. Sadly, the catch-and-release practices of some in the tarpon fishery are likely decreasing survival of released tarpon and should be curtailed in deference to the ethic of responsible fishing.

Research on catch-and-release fishing generally shows that the amount and type of handling of fish after being caught and before being released is an important factor in determining the fish’s likelihood of survival after release. In general, fish that are kept in the water and handled minimally do best, while fish that are handled extensively and exposed to air for long periods of time don’t fare well.

( 3 Votes )

 

Tracy Lynn Mills was born in Okeechobee and grew up in the tiny town of Kenansville, just south of St. Cloud and north of Yeehaw Junction. Once a thriving turpentine community, it is now known for its cattle ranches and vast expanses of wildlife preserves. Even today the population is under 1,000.

“I loved growing up in a small town,” smiled Tracy Lynn. “It was a lot of fun. I spent all of my time in the woods, four-wheeling, horseback riding, fishing and going to rodeos. Or course, I had a strict upbringing, being the daughter of a preacher.”

( 4 Votes )

As a beautiful moon sailed over the Boca Grande Pass, Capt. Waylon's team aboard the Blaze took first place in the Howl at the Moon Ladies Night Out Tournament on Saturday, June 2. Capt. Sandy Melvin and his Boca Blue team took second, and Capt. Charlie Coleman and his team on the Casuarina took third. Read more about it in Friday's Boca Beacon.
( 1 Vote )

 

If you have grown accustomed to taking in the beautiful sights of the Boca Grande Causeway by meandering across on foot, you’ll have to make other plans in the near future. The end of an era is nigh.

Next Thursday or Friday, June 7 or 8, the south bridge will see its final traffic after 54 years of service. The temporary bridge is in place, and plans to connect it to the causeway continue.

The temporary bridge is scheduled to be open for just over six months, when the new south bridge will be completed.

( 0 Votes )