Conservation of Florida Fishing Waters

Written By: Captain Martin Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charter Family Friendly Fishing (386)679-0317

www.ReelHarmonyFishing.com

ReelHarmonyFishingCharters@gmail.com

With over 4 million Floridian Anglers hitting the water each year, it is No Surprise the Saltwater Recreational Fishing industry produces approximately 9.2 Billion dollars in state revenue annually. This is a HUGE Economic impact in the state we call ‘Home’.

This growing Florida Saltwater Fishing industry provides over 88,501 jobs and employment opportunities each year. Of these 88,501 jobs, Florida’s Commercial Fisheries generate approximately $4.6 Billion in income annually.

There is no wonder why our surrounding waters seem so congested and overcrowded on any given day of the year.

As anglers and environmental enthusiasts, we all need to come together to ensure we preserve our precious waterways and resources. This action starts on a micro level in your surrounding community waters (i.e. Oceans, bays, creeks, estuaries, saltwater lakes, runoff ponds, drainage ditches, etc).

Advocating for cleaner water Management and statutes that provide clean water protection are actions we can all take whether a Recreational Angler or a Commercial Fisherman.

It will benefit the entire Saltwater Fishing Industry and community to invest in our local waters and resources they provide. The goal being to sustain what we have available and resources in place today so our children get to share these Amazing Coastal environments with their families.

We often hear of the term ‘Conservation’ being associated with fishing in Florida. What does it mean to conserve when you are a Florida Fisherman?

First, be Educated on the issues and problems that plague waters today. Second, Advocate for what needs to happen now to preserve our water ways for generations to come.

A Floridian Angler practicing conservation can appear in many different ways. Listed below are a few simple ways to involve yourself in the fight to help manage our waterways.

• Collect and Pick-Up trash ‘In & Around’ your local water ways (Arriving to the boat ramp or leaving the beach for the day, always be sure to have your grippers/gloves and a trash receptacle accessible)

• Correct those who you catch littering/polluting ‘in the Act’ as these behaviors will continue if not ‘Called Out’.

• Refrain from using harmful herbicides and Pesticides on your property as there is a direct Negative correlation with ‘Runoff’ from these chemicals

• Join an Environmental Agency/Organization that helps to Sustain our Florida waterways (i.e. CCA Florida Chapter, Captains For Clean Water, Lagoon Watermen Alliance, Surf Rider Foundation, etc.)

• Contribute funds to Environmental Agencies/Organizations in an effort to fight the cause (i.e. CCA Florida Chapter, Captains For Clean Water, Lagoon Watermen Alliance, FWC, Surf Rider Foundation, etc.)

• Partake or lead the efforts in organizing Routine Beach/Boat Ramp/Park ‘Clean-ups’

• Practice Sustainable Fishing when on the water (i.e. Eliminate ‘Bycatch’, safe ‘Catch and Release’ of ALL species, Ban overfishing of Endangered species, use ‘Lead-Free’ fishing gear, reduce fossil fuel use, follow ‘MSC certification guidelines’ (per Marine Stewardship Council), Become ‘Green Business Certified’, & adhere to the “Good Fish Guide”(per Marine Conservation Society)).

By following these simple steps listed above, YOU can help sustain our Florida water ways for years to come. Please help do your part in further protecting our Amazing Florida estuaries.

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Published By: Desiree’ Harbster

In Loving Memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009 Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018

WRITERS:

Desiree’ Harbster

Capt. Lynda Hawkins

Insert Photo: Ryan Pratt released this bass to fight again. Photo courtesy of Bass N Gal Guide Service.

Capt Mike Nelson with Knot On Duty Fishing Charters pictured with a Atlantic Red Snapper caught offshore Ponce Inlet. Photo courtesy of Ponce Inlet Fishing Network.

Insert Photo: Crappie Addicts from Orange City can lay down some slam crappies (speckled perch). If you would like to know how to catch these beauties almost year round call them today!!

Welcome CRAPPIE ADDICTS Orange City 386-479-3266. Brian tells us that crappie are still biting good on the St. John’s River. Fish are seeking cooler water and shade with warmer temperatures. What’s working now: Fish deep water structure (lay down, bridges, pilings, etc). Dropping jigs on them with 1/32 oz. Slater jigs casting to them with Crappie Addicts Super Shad. Chartreuse, natural shad colors are doing well. Crappie Addicts has fishing gear including rods, reels, tackle and apparel. Live bait and pro advice as well.

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