Dear Flagler Sportfishing Club Members,
After talking with a number of members, I am excited by the response we have received to the clubs new Code of Conduct, which was introduced during our last meeting. I am looking forward to the positive changes WE can make for this club. I however need YOUR help to change this into a club that we all can be proud of.
With that being said, I am looking for input as what you would like to see in my area (From the Helm) of The Chum Line. The past Presidents have written about Club upcoming activities. We have a calendar included with this newsletter. I do not want to repeat the same information. If you have topics related to the club or fishing that you would like information on, please feel free to email me at fsfcpres@gmail.com.
Now, let’s talk about RED SNAPPER, this year NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Fisheries have allowed us just one (1) day, a single 24-hour period for federal waters. Which extend from Three (3) miles off the shoreline seaward. I have heard from a lot of you and others at the bait shop that you cannot get to the bottom because of the snapper. I agree with all of you.
This years Red Snapper season was determined by using data from the South Atlantic state-specific Red Snapper surveys, Southeast Region Head Boat Survey, and Marine Recreational Information Program.This survey is done through email, phone calls and surveys at the boat ramps. We all need to participate in these surveys and give accurate answers. The reason given by NOAA for shortening the season is because the results of the most recent stock assessment indicated that the South Atlantic red snapper stock remains overfished and is experiencing overfishing, and the overfishing is being primarily driven by high numbers of dead discards in the recreational sector. NOAA has reduced the total, commercial, and recreational catch limits for red snapper in South Atlantic federal waters for 2024. For 2024, the total catch limit is reduced from 42,510 to 31,000 fish. The commercial catch limit is reduced from 124,815 lbs. whole weight to 85,268 lbs. whole weight, and the recreational catch limit is reduced from 29,656 fish to 21,167 fish. The current daily catch limit for the limited open season is as follows: commercial trip limit is 75 lbs. gutted weight and the recreational bag limit is 1 fish per person.
You can find more information and links about this at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/noaa-fisheries-implementing-interim-measures-red-snapper-and-announcing-2024-red
Keep in mind that you can catch and keep Red Snapper inside state waters from the shoreline extending out to three (3) miles year-round. The daily state bag limit is as follows:
Atlantic
o Open Year Round
o 20 inches Total Length (TL)
* Total Length is measured from the most forward point of the head, with the
mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or
squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
o 2 per harvester (angler)
Things that you will need to fish for Red Snapper are as follows:
- Florida Saltwater fishing license (if landing in Florida)
- State Reef Fish Angler (This is a free permit, obtained anywhere they sell fishing/hunting license. This is also how they contact anglers to obtain the information for the surveys.)
- State Waters on board a vessel, must possess and use:
o Non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks when fishing with natural bait
o Dehooking device
o Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready for use
- Federal Waters on board a vessel, must possess and use:
o Non-stainless steel, circle hooks when fishing with natural bait
o Dehooking device
o Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready to use
Pictured Above is the approved design of circle hook for state waters.
De-hooking tools are designed to remove a hook from a fish without the hook being re-engaged into a fish. De-hooking tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the need of the angler, and even a pair of needle nose pliers is considered a de-hooking tool as per FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
Descending devices or venting tools can be mouth clamps, inverted hook, a fish elevator or a hypodermic needle with the plunger removed or a 16ga needle. You can find more information about these devices at https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/outreach/barotrauma/ .
Now that you are prepared for the Red Snapper Day, enjoy and stay safe.
Remember the fishing lies start here.
Capt. Mike Vickers Jr.
President
Flagler Sportfishing Club