RED GROUPER TO CLOSE IN GULF FEDERAL WATERS

NOAA Fisheries has announced that a closure to recreational harvest of red grouper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will begin on July 21 and continue through the rest of 2023.

The closure was spurred by landings information, which indicates the 2023 recreational annual catch target of 1,840,000 pounds gutted weight is projected to be met on July 20.

During the recreational closure, the bag and possession limit are zero for red grouper in or from federal waters of the Gulf. The prohibition on possession of Gulf red grouper also applies in Gulf state waters for a vessel issued a valid federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish.

If red grouper recreational landings exceed the annual catch limit (ACL) in a given year, the length of that following year’s recreational fishing season will be reduced to ensure the recreational ACT is not exceeded in that following year.

For more information, visit www.fisheries.noaa.gov.

Forty-nine reservoirs stretch across the Tennessee Valley like a string of pearls. And for those who love to fish, those lakes are just as valuable. Whether it’s bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish, whether for sport, food, or just fun, you can find world-class lake fishing only hours away from any spot in the Tennessee Valley. From more than 11,000 miles of shoreline or while floating on more than 700,000 acres of water, residents and visitors will quickly learn why this area is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the U.S. and, some would say, the world.

Find Your Own Fishing Hole

Fishing from the shore can be restful and rewarding—and anyone can do it. All you need is a little intel about how to find a spot where the fish might be biting. Here are a few tips for successful shore fishing from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency:

• Fish are often swimming near the shore in the spring and fall. If you’re fishing from the shore in the heat of summer, do it in the evening or early morning—or even after dark.

• Fish near-unique features such as docks, logs, trees, rocks, or rocky areas; aquatic vegetation; or places where creeks enter the water.

• When fishing in moving water, look at the surface for boils and breaks—this means there is some underwater structure blocking the current, which could be the perfect hiding place for fish.

• Begin fishing (casting) close and parallel to the bank, then work your way outward (fan casting) toward deeper water.

• If you don’t get any bites, try switching baits. If this doesn’t work, move to another hole.

• Wear polarized sunglasses so you’ll be able to see fish as well as submerged objects more clearly. (Your eyes will also be protected from the tackle.)

If you love outdoor sports—boating, hunting, fishing—and the natural world, or if you just like to observe wildlife, build birdhouses, maintain a bird feeder or are just curious about the critters in your backyard, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is here to help enrich your outdoor experience. Visit us at www.tn.gov/twra/

By CAM Staff

On the Gulf side, Florida anglers are looking at a pretty solid red snapper season this year, with summer dates from June 16 through July 31 and additional fall dates to pursue one of the South’s favorite game fish.

It’s a different story over on the East Coast. With the way the federal government has regulated snapper fishing in the Atlantic over the years, anglers have come to count themselves lucky if there’s any Atlantic snapper season at all. This year’s allowance of two days—July 14-15— for recreational snapper harvest in the South Atlantic has anglers looking for ways to make the most of it.

From all reports, there are scads of red snapper out there. Catching the per-person limit of one fish should not be a problem. The key to a productive day that’s worth the gas is planning. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the red snapper rally.

Load the Boat: With a limit of one fish per person, it’s time to load the boat with as many people as it will comfortably and safely hold so that you can fill the fish box with as many snapper as you are allowed. This is your two-day opportunity to fill the freezer with delicious fish. So, the more people you bring, the more fish you get to bring home. This is a great time to take kids. Kids love to fish, and they also take up less room in the boat.

Go With a Plan and a Backup Plan: For two days, it’ll seem like everyone with a boat is parked over every wreck and reef in the Atlantic. Get to the ramp early, and plan to be patient, because there will be a bunch of anglers with the same idea. Know where you hope to start the morning, but have several back-ups in case your honey hole doesn’t pan out. When you get there, if your graph doesn’t light up with life, don’t waste your time. Keep moving until you find bait and fish.