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YACHTING & SPORTFISHING Gasparilla Style

We welcome in 2024 with open arms and loaded bait wells. A whole slate of fishing tournaments, regattas, boat shows and holiday boat parades are back better then ever.

On behalf of the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the Fishing Funds the Cure Sarasota Tournament, and it runs March 15th and 16th for a full day of in-shore fishing for redfish, trout, and snook. The weekend will kick off with a Luau on Friday evening and ends with an awards ceremony and dinner after the tournament on Saturday afternoon hosted by the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. All proceeds from this event support critical research needed to find a cure for childhood cancer.

The Annual Suncoast Boat Show returns to the luxurious waterfront April 19-21 marking 42 years of presenting an extraordinary selection of sportfishing, powerboats, and motor yachts. This premier boat show on the Gulf Coast of Florida takes place in water and on land at Marina Jack along 65,000 square feet of dock space.

Warriors on the Water, and Double Nickel Fishing Charters are presenting the Second Annual Dig Deep Tournament scheduled for August 5th, hosted in Sarasota, at Marina Jack. Billed as “The Ultimate Offshore Battle”, all proceeds benefit Warriors on the Water 501(c) (3) and help serve their mission of

facilitating and funding a positive outlet for veterans within nature and one of a kind charter fishing experiences.

The Sarasota Yacht Club 43rd Annual Invitational Regatta is scheduled for November 1st and 2nd, 2024. This event will feature opportunities for sailors of all ages and boats of all sizes! Stay tuned for details!

For the Holiday Season, private boats from dingys to corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, celebrities, beauty queens, friends and family to watch and participate in the bounty of local Christmas boat parades and celebrations. From the Anna Maria Island Privateers, the Bradenton Beach Holiday Festival and Boat Parade, and the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, heading south you can enjoy the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights in downtown Sarasota, and the Venice Christmas Boat Parade.

So get your vessels ready for an awesome 2024. Be safe and have lots of fun cruising the local waterways, the offshore reefs, and our beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Cheers!

April 27 - Grand Slam Plug Tournament - Trout, Redfish, Snook - artificial lures only

June 15 - Backcountry Classic - Trout, Snook - all baits allowed

July 13 - Summer Lure Classic - Trout, Redfish - artificial lures only

August 10 - Red-Snook Challenge - Redfish, Snook - all baits allowed

September 7-8 - Flatsmasters Championship 2 days/By invitation only

Day 1- Trout, Redfish, Snook - All Baits allowed Day 2 - Trout, Redfish, Snook - Artificials Only

LET’S GO SAILING!

SARASOTAYACHTCLUB .ORG

1100 John Ringling Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34236

Chart your course for Sarasota and join us for the 43rd Annual Invitational Regatta on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Friday Opening Night: Opening night features the regatta check-in and skipper’s meeting, followed by a celebratory social for sailors and volunteers with drinks and live music.

Saturday Races on the Bay: All races start on Saturday morning on Sarasota Bay. Race details are included in the Notice of Race on the Regatta Network registration site.

Saturday Dinner & Awards: Following the conclusion of the races, join us at SYC for a delicious pig roast dinner, live music, and a celebratory awards ceremony. A limited amount of dinner tickets are included in your regatta registration, additional tickets are available for purchase at regatta check-in on Friday evening.

The Venice Yacht Club and Marina sets on the shores of Roberts Bay and makes an ideal location for water lovers and boaters alike. Our private marina, in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, is the envy of several Florida Yacht Clubs. The connection to the water is a way of life for our members.

We have the facilities, reciprocity and programs to accommodate your love of boating and provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation, social interaction and dining on the water.

We have 71 slips ranging from 25’ lift slips to a 120’ tee dock. We provide a safe harbor for all

and a full-service Marina team that oversees your every need. With 100’ fuel dock, we provide our members access to bring friends by boat for lunch or dinner.

Our state-of-the-art docks are complete with connections for potable water and pump out, as well as up to 100-amp electrical service. Amenities include a security system, a fire extinguishing system, and a fuel dock. Our members enjoy discounted gas and diesel fuels and full time dockmaster services. The Club’s docks are in a protected area just inside the Venice Inlet.

www.veniceyachtclub.com

Several membership options are available to suit differing circumstances. We look forward to providing you and your family more information on how you can become a member of our growing family. 941-483-3625 vycdockmaster@veniceyachtclub.com

• Dock Builder

• Boat Lif t Installation

• Seawall Installation

• Jet Ski Dock s

• Jet Ski Lif t Installation

• Seawall Repair s

•

• Pile Snap Jackets

• Dock Accessories

• Shoreline Stabilization

• Hurricane Preparedness

• Mariner VIP Ser vice Club

MARINER DOCK & SEAWALL

CAPE HAZE

Cape Haze Marina ...................................................... (941)

www.capehazemarina.com

Gasparilla Marina ........................................................ (941) 697-2280 www.gasparillamarina.com

Palm Harbour Marina .................................................. (941) 697-4356 www.palm-harbourmarina.com

Royal Palm Marina ....................................................... (941)

www.royalpalmmarina.com

Stump Pass Marina ..................................................... (941) 697-2206 www.stumppassmarina.net

CHARLOTTE HARBOR

www.charlotteharboryc.com

www.fishville.com/marina

www.islesyc.com

www.laishleymarina.com

www.shmarinas.com

UNDERSTANDING SALVAGE

The definition of salvage is “saving property in peril at sea and reducing environmental damage.” Salvage is also “all the actions taken aboard and ashore to resolve a marine casualty and to save property in peril at sea.”

There are four items that must be present for any situation to be considered a salvage:

1. Peril

2. Voluntary (no pre-existing contractual relationship to provide the services)

3. Success (in part or in whole)

4. The object must be a recognized subject of salvage (i.e., have value) Most all of the on the-water services performed by Sea Tow involve vessels in some degree of peril and are therefore technically salvage. The difference is that many of these services are low peril, for example, covered ungroundings, jump starts and fuel drops, which are covered by your Sea Tow membership and are provided free of charge.

REJUVENATE Your Body

Experience relief at MedBar IV Lounge, now available at Reichbach Center. Replenish, rehydrate, and revitalize with IV infusion therapy, and enjoy quick recovery for a stronger you in our relaxing environment.

IV vitamin therapy helps you:

• Fight allergies and the common cold

• Have more energy

• Combat the effects of dehydration

• Slow down aging

• Promote long-term health

Follow

this dermatologist’s tips for a safer time in the sun

Southwest Florida’s warm gulf waters are paradise found for the discriminating boater and fisherman. But hours - even minutes, of exposure to the sun’s intense rays can do a lifetime of damage to our skin.

“We are here to enjoy the outdoors and all benefits of this beautiful area,” said Venice Avenue Dermatologist, Jeffrey R. Hunek, M.D. “So go ahead. Go out and boat, fish, swim, and enjoy the beachjust do so sensibly and with the proper protection.”

Dr. Hunek offers his sun protection guide for those on and off the water:

Clothing counts

• Clothing is your best protection. Choose lightweight sun protective clothing with a tight weave and a UPF rating of 50 or higher, and cover as much skin as possible. Long sleeves, gloves, neck gaters or buffs, are all great ways to shield your skin from the sun.

Pick a sunscreen, any sunscreen

• There are so many choices for sunscreen. Don’t overthink it. Find the one you like the best and use it every day - on all exposed skin. Choose and SPF of 30 or higher. Dr. Hunek says his favorite sunscreen is the one you will actually use.

• Lay it on thick and reapply. Make sure you use enough of it. At least a shot glass full of sunscreen each time you apply. A bottle should not last very long, especially when applying every hour or so.

• Apply to ALL exposed areas of skin. Don’t forget your feet!

Avoid peak sun hours

• Watch the UV index and avoid peak times, usually between 10 am and 2pm.

Throw some shade

• Or at least seek shade when you can. If you can’t find natural shade out on the open water, create it yourself. Consider installing a bimini top on your boat, it’s a great way to block the sun’s intense rays.

Don’t forget your shades

• Choose sunglasses with good coverage all around the eyes. When on correctly, they should prevent light from reaching the eyes from the frame’s corners. This helps to protect the delicate skin around the eyes, too.

Put a lid on it

• Carry your shade with you and wear a wide brimmed hat. The skin on your face will thank you.

Check yourself

• Skin cancer won’t check itself. Perform monthly self-skin exams. If you notice any changes….

Seek professional help

• Even if you don’t notice a change, it helps to get a second pair of (professional) eyes on your skin yearly. Make sure to schedule an annual exam with a dermatology provider.

Jeffrey R. Hunek, M.D., has practiced dermatology in Charlotte and Sarasota counties since 2005. His office is located in Venice at 897 E. Venice Ave., Suite A. He is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Hunek provides comprehensive dermatology care for adolescents and adults. While specializing in skin cancer detection and treatment, he also has an interest in medical dermatology, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, skin infections, and autoimmune diseases. He utilizes dermoscopy when evaluating all patients to provide the most thorough evaluation. He is a member of the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery and the Sarasota Dermatological Society. Dr. Hunek may be reached at 941/486-1404 or www.VeniceAveDerm.com

Established in 2019, Mariner Dock and Seawall was created with integrity and honesty for a new generation of marine construction. With over 25 years of combined experience, we have the skills and knowledge to execute quality workmanship and impeccable service for our many loyal customers. We stand by our commitment to each project and go the extra mile for every job; no matter how big or small.

Mariner repairs and builds docks and decks to the highest of standards. We use an array of dock construction materials including but not limited to marine grade timbers, composite decking and other custom requests. Our seawalls are built to withstand mother nature’s most brutal conditions and are reinforced with materials like Everlast panels vinyl, rip

rap, concrete panels and composite. The longevity of a new seawall will last a lifetime and provides customers with the reassurance that their property will remain protected against the elements. Another specialty we pride ourselves in are our boat lift installations. We work closely with a local manufacturer (DECO), who custom builds elevator lifts, beamless lifts, JetSk lifts and platforms. We also have the knowledge and the experience to install or repair any other lift, regardless of the manufacturer. We also offer a tri-annual VIP service to ensure your lift is being inspected and maintained year-round. The service includes but is not limited to lubricating all moving parts, re-wrapping cables, re-leveling the cradle and checking the overall condition and functionality of all working components. Customers who belong to our VIP club receive a 10% discount on parts, priority service and no overtime or emergency rates.

Over the years, we have developed a strong customer base and a great reputation within the community. We look forward to continuing to grow and prosper and become the #1 name for dock, seawall and boat lift construction in Southwest Florida!

2024-25 SARASOTA BAY

YACHTING ASSOCIATION

SAILING SCHEDULE

WWW.SARASOTABAYYACHTING.ORG

Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, 34236

UPCOMING EVENTS

WFPHRF Annual Meeting • Fri 20 Sep, 2024 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Bradenton YC • 4307 13th Street W, Bradenton 34221

BYC Kickoff Regatta • Sat 21 Sep - Sun 22 Sep, 2024

Island 2 Island Regatta • Thu 10 Oct - Sun 13 Oct, 2024 https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/28289

SYC Invitational • Sat 2 Nov, 2024 • Sarasota Yacht Club

VSS/VYC Windjammer • Sat 25 Jan - Sun 26 Jan, 2025

SSS Cherry Pie Regatta • Sat 15 Feb, 2025 • Sarasota Sailing Squadron

BYC Around Egmont Classic • Sat 22 Feb, 2025

SSS Pot ‘o Gold Regatta • Sat 15 Mar, 2025 • Sarasota Sailing Squadron

VSS/VYC Sharks’ Tooth Regatta • Sat 29 Mar - Sun 30 Mar, 2025

BKYC Sarasota Bay Cup • Sat 12 Apr, 2025 • Bird Key Yacht Club

Time to line up your crew and get in tune for the coming season!

MARINE RESOURCE DIRECTORY FOR SARASOTA & CHARLOTTE COUNTIES

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline 888-404-FWCC (3922)

To report marine violations, boating accidents, and marine mammal injuries or strandings.

Cell Phones *FWC or #FWC, depending on your service provider

FWC Southwest Regional Office (Lakeland) 863-648-3200

FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 727-896-8626 (St. Petersburg)

For information on Florida’s marine resources and marine research

FWC’s Marine Fish Kill Hotline 800-636-0511

To report a fish kill diseased or abnormal fish in your area

FWC’s Red Tide Status Line 866-300-9399 (Florida) 727-552-2448 (outside Florida)

To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state

U.S. COAST GUARD

Rescue Station (24 hours) VHF Channel 16

Sector Office 727-824-7534

National Response Center 800-424-8802

To report oil spills and maritime emergencies

U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary, Seventh District 941-697-2273

Division Eight, Flotilla 87 (Lemon Bay-Placida Harbor)

Division Nine, Flotilla 98 (Charlotte Harbor)

For information on boating skills and safety courses offered locally

BOATU.S. FOUNDATION 1-800-245-BOAT (2628)

For information on boating skills and safety courses offered locally

NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Recorded forecast

Tampa Bay (including Charlotte Harbor) 813-645-2506/2507/2508

NOAA Weather Radio 162.4/162.475 MHz

For 24-hour weather and marine forecasts

AQUATIC

PRESERVES

Lemon Bay, Cape Haze, Pine Island Sound, 941-575-5861

Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Habor, Matlacha Pass

For more information about Florida’s protected coastal waters

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

Island Bay, Matlacha Pass, Pine Island Sound 239-472-1100

For more information about National Wildlife Refuges around Charlotte Harbor

STATE PARKS

Charlotte Harbor Preserve 941-575-5861

Stump Pass Beach, Don Pedro Island, 941-964-0375

Gasparilla Island, Cayo Costa

For more information about Florida’s natural and cultural lands

NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE

Southeast Regional Office (St. Petersburg) 727-824-5301

For more information about marine fisheries in federal waters

Charlotte County UF/IFAS Extension

Florida Sea Grant 941-764-4340

For extension bulletins on the conservation and use of marine and coastal resources

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program 239-338-2556

Partnership to protect the natural environment from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven

Peace River Wildlife Center 941-637-3830

For assistance with sick, injured wildlife in the Charlotte Harbor/Peace River area.

The 42nd Annual Suncoast Boat Show on Florida’s west coast brings 150 exhibitors and sportfishing, powerboats, and motorized yachts, both on land and in the water to Marina Jack along 65,000 sq. feet of Sarasota waterfront. Friday and Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM.

Adult One-Day General Admission is $19; free for Military Veterans, Active Duty, and Children 15 and under; Note all tickets must be purchased online in advance of arrival.

www.suncoastboatshow.com/en/home.html www.facebook.com/SuncoastBoatShow/ www.instagram.com/suncoastboatshow/ twitter.com/SuncoastBoatShw

MOTE MARINE Laboratory & Aquarium

Within Sarasota or Manatee county waters, if you see a stranded or dead dolphin, whale or sea turtle, please call Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program, a 24-hour response service, at (941) 988-0212.

If you see a stranded or dead manatee anywhere in state waters or a stranded or dead dolphin, whale or sea turtle outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1 (888) 404-FWCC (3922).

Information about Seafood and Red Tide

Please note that it is safe to eat shellfish that are commercially harvested and sold in fish markets, restaurants and other outlets. Florida has a well-established monitoring program for all commercial shellfish beds and these beds are closed when affected by Red Tide or other environmental conditions. Note: It is not advisable to harvest shellfish recreationally, unless you first check on the status of the location (open or closed) with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For recreational fishing: Fish that act as they would normally when hooked should be safe to eat as long as they are fileted first and the innards discarded.

More Information about Red Tide

For conditions throughout the Florida Gulf coast, with information about cell concentrations observed at specific locations and closed shellfish areas, please see the FWC web site and follow the link to “Red Tide Current Status.” The FWC Red Tide Status Line is now available for callers to hear a recording detailing Red Tide conditions throughout the state. FWC updates the recording each Friday by 5 p.m. after sampling efforts for the week have been completed and analyzed.

• Red Tide Status Line: (866) 300-9399 (toll-free inside Florida only); (727) 552-2448 (outside Florida).

• If you need immediate assistance regarding health related issues, please call the Marine and Freshwater Toxin hotline at 1 (888) 232-8635. It is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tips for Protecting Marine Life

As you enjoy Southwest Florida’s beaches and coastal waters, please be vigilant for marine animals and follow the best practices below to avoid harming sea turtles, dolphins and manatees. These tips matter year ‘round — especially during the summer boating season, when sea turtles are swimming just offshore to mate and coming ashore to nest, and dolphins and manatees are also on the move for breeding and feeding. Sea turtles, dolphins and manatees are all protected by federal law.

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236

(941) 388-4441

Open Every Day: 10am - 5pm

Ahoy, water enthusiasts! Are you looking forward to making a splash on the high seas this summer? Before you set sail, let’s talk about the ultimate way to fuel your aquatic adventures and stay hydrated all summer long: BARE Blends! Our fresh, plant-based offerings are designed to compliment your active, sun-soaked lifestyle. Nothing is better on a hot day than a refreshing açaí bowl or a cold cup of fresh pressed juice. We also offer nourishing salads, cold brew coffee, avocado toasties and more. The best part? All our offerings are 100% plantbased, vegan, and gluten-free. We believe in food that not only tastes amazing but also makes you feel fantastic. No more heavy, greasy meals that leave you feeling sluggish on the water. With BARE Blends, you’ll be riding the waves with boundless energy and a happy tummy. Beat the Florida heat with our cool, refreshing menu. Whether you’re sailing, kayaking, or just lounging on the beach, our food is designed to keep you feeling good all day as you soak up the sun and sea air. Ready to fuel your next water adventure? Order online for quick pickup or visit us in-store. And here’s a pro tip: download our mobile app to earn points and score free food. It’s like catching a perfect wave – totally rewarding! So, before you hit the water, hit up BARE Blends. Your taste buds, your body, and your inner mermaid (or merman) will thank you. Let’s make your day on the water unforgettable, one delicious, healthy smoothie at a time!

IGFA RELEASE RECOMMENDATIONS

Modifying the types of hooks you use can significantly affect a fish’s chances for survival after it is released. When fishing with natural bait (dead or alive), IGFA strongly encourages the use of non-offset circle hooks. Extensive research on species from salmon to sailfish has demonstrated that circle hooks gut hook significantly fewer fish without sacrificing catch rates. Lures that have treble hooks should have the barbs bent down or removed to facilitate easier hook removal.

Interested in the science behind circle hooks? Read Circle hooks, 'J' hooks and drop-back time: a hook performance study of the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus published in Fisheries Management and Ecology in 2007.

If you’re not going to photograph your fish or document it for record purposes, the best method is to not remove the fish from the water. In-water releases can be aided by the use of de-hooking devices that eliminate the need to boat the fish and keep hands safe distances away from the fish. If the fish has swallowed the hook, it is much better for the angler to cut the leader as close to the fish as possible, rather than trying to forcibly remove the hook.

If a fish needs to be removed from the water to remove the hook and/or document it for record purposes, anglers should use either their hands or knotless, rubberized landing net. Most small to moderately large sized fish can be landed by hand. Ideally, this should be done with wet hands or soft, wet gloves to minimize slime and scale loss. Lip gripping devices may be used to help subdue fish. However, they should not be used to hoist fish vertically out of the water, as this can cause damage to jaw muscle and bone as well as to internal organs. The best method for removing fish from the water is to grip the fish or the lower jaw and support the fish’s underside. Again, the point is always to hold fish horizontally and not vertically.

TheBillfish

Foundation works worldwide to advance the conservation of billfish and associated species to improve the health of oceans and economies. Considering the context of a planet with over seven billion human inhabitants, conservation strategies must be forward-looking and adaptive. By accounting for the roles of billfish within the marine environment as well as in relation to their interactions with humanity, TBF’s conservation campaigns maintain the flexibility to adapt to emergent threats as well as those which have historically confronted resource managers. TBF employs a multi-tiered, proactive suite of initiatives involving research— both biological and socioeconomic–education, and advocacy projects. As billfish and other highly migratory species are not confined to the territorial waters of any one nation, these strategies must also take into account the differences in culture and law inherent to the international arena. Empowered by an internationally diverse constituent network, The Billfish Foundation is uniquely equipped to do just this.

Established in 1990, The Billfish Foundation’s Tag and Release Program is the largest private billfish tagging database in the world and the cornerstone of TBF’s conservation and advocacy efforts. With more than 220,000 tag and release reports, TBF receives over 15,000 tag and release records annually from across the globe and provides vital information for billfish conservation.

The success of TBF’s Tag and Release program is contributed to the dedicated anglers and captains around the globe that voluntarily tag, release, and report their billfish catches. The deployment of traditional tags and the data gathered from recaptured billfish provides valuable scientific data to further understand growth rates, migratory patterns, habitat utilization, and postrelease survival rates. Tag and release data also provides valuable information for stock assessments that are instrumental in a time when industrial longlines represent the largest source of marlin mortality. This valuable data, much of it impossible to measure without the use of traditional tagging, provides the groundwork for conservation minded policy, scientific advancement, and gives insight into the demographics and socio-economic benefits generated from billfishing.

As tagging provides The Billfish Foundation with substance for its conservation efforts, TBF recognizes those anglers and captains that tag and release the most billfish each year at an awards ceremony at the Miami International Boat Show. The annual International Tag & Release Competition recognizes members who tag and release the most billfish by species in each

of the world’s oceans. TBF award winners are the ‘who’s who of the billfishing world’ and are those that do not just catch and release a great number of fish, but embody and share a common conservation ethic. As captains and anglers on the water represent the first line in billfish conservation, recognition of their efforts provides a means to illustrate the direct link between catch and release fishing and marine conservation. To recognize the efforts of all of its members, TBF also provides release certificates for those that report billfish tags and releases.

PROPER TAGGING TECHNIQUES

AFTER THE FISH IS LEADERED: Bring the billfish alongside the boat. Idle the boat forward and maintain this position to allow the billfish to calm down and allow for easier tagging. Never attempt to tag a jumping or thrashing fish. This can be not only dangerous for the health of the billfish but for you too!

NEVER remove the fish from the water. This can result in fatal damage to the fish for two reasons. Excess rubbing and drying can result in the loss of the protective slime coat found on the surface of the fish. Without this protective covering, the fish becomes susceptible to bacterial infections and parasites. Additionally, the skeleton of a billfish is designed for the buoyant conditions of the ocean. Removing the fish from the water, even onto the gunnel, causes the skeleton to come under the full strain of gravity, which can damage the skeleton and internal organs.

It is vitally important that the tag be placed in the proper area: in the dorsal muscle well behind the head and gill plates, above the lateral line and away from all vital organs (see Figure 1). It is not necessary to use a great deal of force to insert the tag. A firm, well-aimed stroke is best. Place the applicator against the fish’s flank and push, inserting the tag until the stopper assembly is pressed against the fish. Improper tag placement or tagging too hard can result in serious injury or death to the fish. Speed tagging often results in injury.