06-11-2013, 11:10 AM
Next week's meeting of the Florida FWC at Lakeland is likely to produce some fireworks as the commissioners tackle the issue of fishing break-away jigs for tarpon in Boca Grande Pass, a tactic universally opposed by local guides but favored by the many guides from the Bay area who migrate there during the tarpon run May into July.
The locals charge the large hooks on the rigs are used for snagging the fish, while the Tampa Bay folks say they rarely hook fish anywhere outside the mouth-a contention that was supported by a FWRI study a few years back. The proposal would enhance the definition of "snagging" or "snatch hooking" in the tarpon rule and would prohibit the use and possession of gear rigged with a weight attached to the bottom of the hook while fishing in Boca Grande Pass. The Commission will also rule on making both tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release only species.
Of particular interest to West Coast anglers, the Commission will review snook populations and consider whether the West Coast snook season should re-open Sept. 1-there has been an extended closure to allow snook to recover after the devastating freezes a few years back.
The fisheries portion of the meeting will be on Wednesday, June 12, starting at 8:30 a.m. The meetings will take place at Hilton Garden Inn, 3839 Don Emerson Drive in Lakeland. For more, visit www.myfwc.com.
The locals charge the large hooks on the rigs are used for snagging the fish, while the Tampa Bay folks say they rarely hook fish anywhere outside the mouth-a contention that was supported by a FWRI study a few years back. The proposal would enhance the definition of "snagging" or "snatch hooking" in the tarpon rule and would prohibit the use and possession of gear rigged with a weight attached to the bottom of the hook while fishing in Boca Grande Pass. The Commission will also rule on making both tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release only species.
Of particular interest to West Coast anglers, the Commission will review snook populations and consider whether the West Coast snook season should re-open Sept. 1-there has been an extended closure to allow snook to recover after the devastating freezes a few years back.
The fisheries portion of the meeting will be on Wednesday, June 12, starting at 8:30 a.m. The meetings will take place at Hilton Garden Inn, 3839 Don Emerson Drive in Lakeland. For more, visit www.myfwc.com.