On Thursday, September 16 our Seminar Series hosted a two part evening presentation. First on the agenda was Dave Heil from CFOA (Central Florida Offshore Anglers). Dave is the lead attorney in the law suit that has been filed in federal court in Jacksonville regarding the interim closures of snapper and grouper in the South Atlantic. Those interim closures are about to expire and the permanent closures, 17A and 17B are about ready to go into effect. We were told that the original law suit will be "rolled over" into those closures.

 According to Mr. Heil, final action on these closures is scheduled for October 27 and will go into effect thirty days later. That means NO BOTTOM fishing after Thanksgiving of this year. The best guess SAFMC (South Atlantic Fishery Management Council) is offering as for duration of these closures is twenty five years, and could be as long as thirty to forty years!

 Data supplied by NMFS (National Marine Fishery Service)  and how it has been interpreted to support the closures was reviewed. SEDAR 24 (Southeast Data, Assessment & Review) which examines stock assessments most recent findings were presented. How the Council works, its members, how they are appointed and their current positions was discussed . History of closures and yearly bio-mass data and Council interpretation was an interesting part of the program. The closures which originally started at the Virginia, North Carolina state lines and extended south to approximately twelve mile north of Sebastian Inlet have surprisingly moved to just include Florida. Reportedly the enforcing agencies along with the Governor's of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia have refused to enforce the closures! With 17A closing the bottom from 98" out to 240' and 17B closing from 240' to the end of the economic zone you can see this for all intent and purposes closes bottom fishing for us.

 If that isn't enough, Amendment 24 was also discussed. It is coming up next and  will be a closure aimed at shallow water grouper species.

 When asked what we can hope for and do, Dave indicated that the Recreational Fishing Alliance will continue to file lawsuits. It is our obligation as recreational anglers to stay informed, stay active, fight apathy and join the Recreational Fishing Alliance.

 For more information on the closures you can go to www.safmc.net and click on, South Atlantic Snapper, Grouper Complex Recreational Regulations. The species covered under these regulations include, snapper, grouper, tilefishes, pogeys, triggerfishes, grunts, spadefishes, wrasses, and sea bass.

On a brighter note, Capt. Mike Mann was the second speaker of the evening and discussed his approach to fishing tournaments. Our Inshore Classic was specifically discussed as Capt. Mike has fished it for several years. It has been said that fishing tournaments are not won on the day of the tournament but in the days leading up to the tournament and that sentiment was echoed in this presentation. A "tournament" checklist" was reviewed and should be started at least two days prior to the tournament. Boat, gear, trailer, along with rods, reels, and tackle top the list. Weather forecast, tides,and wind should be noted and taken into consideration. Thorough notes should be taken during  pre-fishing and certainly on the day of the tournament. What you caught, where, water depth, water temperature, tackle, and bait should be included in these notes.

 An interesting set of rules was noted. RULE #1, take a ruler,  RULE #2, use the SAME ruler the tournament is using !!! With slots being what they are today, an  8th of an inch can be the difference between winning and losing.

 Baits would include, croakers or pig fish for trout, shrimp or top waters for reds and jacks. Of course not all secrets are shared. When asked where to fish, Capt. Mike replied, "Their in the water and the best place to hook them is in the mouth".
 

Tips while fishing included, fresh casting leaders, re-tie after each catch, check and sharpen hooks. The biggest secret to success is to be flexible, change rigs that are not working, and keep moving.

 See ya' at the tournament,

 If you have any questions or comments about the club, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

 Capt. Don