Differences remain, but we have a lot in common
BY DONDI DAVIS
I have read many comments regarding the Professional Tarpon Tournament Series in Boca Grande Pass. They range from the thought provoking to the downright rude.
It seems to me that supporters of Save The Tarpon and supporters of the PTTS have a lot in common. We all like fishing for tarpon, we all like boating and we are all family oriented. We even like to enjoy the same types of activities when we aren’t “on the clock.” For instance, scalloping in Homosassa, spending time with our families and enjoying what this great state of Florida has to offer.
The main difference between Save The Tarpon supporters and those who have chosen to support the PTTS is learning from past mistakes, standing up for what is right and having the ability to determine the difference between right and wrong.
Tarpon can only be fished recreationally in Florida. The majority of recreational anglers practice catch and release since the fish is not considered to be of any food value. However, anglers can possess them for trophy purposes at the cost of $50.00 per tag, per fish. Without this tag, possession is illegal. The Professional Tarpon Tournament Series (PTTS) uses this “kill tag” or “trophy tag” (as seen in the above photo) as a way to drag and weigh the fish for the television audience.
We all know that it’s common sense that when you gaff, drag and handle a fish as the PTTS does, it lessens their ability to recover.
Why won’t the PTTS go to a strict catch and release format? Is it all about TV ratings? Is it not enough to film the excitement of anglers and the mighty silver king as it jumps from the water?
The FWC clearly states “proper handling techniques ensure the best chance of survival. This includes returning the fish to the water as quickly as possible.”
The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust agrees “that research on catch and release fishing generally shows the amount and type of handling of fish after being caught and before being released is an important factor in determining the likelihood of survival after release. Fish that are kept in the water and handled minimally do best, while fish that are handled extensively and exposed to air for long periods of time don’t fare well.
So why does the PTTS insist on calling their tournaments “catch & release?”
Wikipedia defines catch and release as a “practice within recreational fishing intended as a technique of conservation. After capture the fish are unhooked and returned to the water before experiencing serious exhaustion or injury.”
Expertglossary.com defines catch and release as “catching a fish and immediately releasing it.”
Nowhere can you find a definition of catch and release that involves purchasing a $50 tag, gaffing a hole in the fishes bottom lip, attaching said tag, dragging it across Boca Grande Pass, weighing it, dragging it somewhere else and “reviving” the fish so it can be released.
Is it legal? That’s what the state says. But is it ethical? Is it preserving the fishery for future generations? I’ve listened to arguments on both sides. My conclusion is no, it shouldn’t be legal and it is definitely not ethical. Critics will say I wasn’t born here. That I don’t have the right to speak my mind. Nonsense. I live here. I see things with my own eyes. I have experienced catching – and immediately releasing – the mighty Silver King.
With all that we now know about fishing and conservation, the only answer for me is to DEMAND that the PTTS change its format and practice true catch and release. Catch the fish, release the fish. Not catch the fish, gaff the fish, drag the fish, hoist and weigh the fish, drag the fish again, and hide what’s left of the fish.
We have much in common. Let’s work together to preserve this fishery.
It is always best to reach out to the other side of any issue. Looking for ‘common ground’ is much better than demonizing and slamming the other side. I applaud your attempt, Dondi.
For me, however, there is clearly a complete rejection of our position by the PTTS people. Ingman, Mecurio, Wise and most of the PTTS captains and anglers flatly refuse to have any serious rule change that encompasses conservation and respect for the tarpon of Boca Grande. They spin, attack but do not admit the damages that are clearly happening.
I tend to separate the management of the PTTS from the actual participants. The Ingman team has clearly taken a stand that will delay any changes to the tournament in order to protect their income stream. Knowledgeable television people tell me that Ingman, Mecurio & Wise personally take in a total of almost $2 million each year from the PTTS revenues. I wonder why they are so obstinate?? Yeah! The captains and anglers also are money oriented but seemingly at a much lower level.
So yes, we might have a better chance of protecting these tarpon from PTTS mis-handling if we seek common ground. It seems that they have drawn a line in the sand. My best hope is that their refusals will end up turning off the whole fishing/boating community and the tv sponsors. How many sponsors have already followed Randy Wayne White out the door? How many PTTS captains refuse to weigh their fish? How many PTTS captains have dropped out? Say it ain’t so, Joe, but you know the second half runs out quicker……!
Why don’t they show the Tarpon after they have put a huge hole in its lower lip and after it has been dragged to the weigh station? Why don’t we see the Tarpon being released or the Tarpon that are left floating dead in the water? Or show the boats with the protesters being rammed by the Tarpon fishermen. Catch and release is just that,you catch the fish then release it, it’s a simple idea that these fishermen don’t seem to grasp the concept. It’s all about money pure and simple. They don’t care what happens to the fish once they have released it just as long as they get their faces on tv. It’s such a shame that no matter how much they say they are conservationists they are far from it. At the end of the day there are no winners only losers and they would be the fisherman, the sponsors, and the hosts of the competition. But the biggest losers are the Tarpon. They don’t know any better. They just follow their instincts to hunt to survive. It’s a sad sad day when these fisherman tell everyone that they only practice catch and release and there is no harm done to the fish. Good luck convincing myself and others of your lies.
It is not catch and release fishing when you by law possess a fish, no matter if you eventually send it back or not, for better or worse.
If I were to see another angler, in a non-tournament setting, gaffing a tarpon by the jaw, putting a rope through the hole, and then dragging it to the shore to weigh it and set up grip and grin photos for a half hour, I would take it up with that angler post haste.
Why should a “pro” angler vying for prize money be excused from this b.s. practice?
If you are going to buy a tarpon tag, and thus take even temporary possession of a tarpon, then just get a skin mount of the fish, as ridiculous as that would be. It stands only a so-so chance of surviving anyway.
Ban the weigh-in format once and for all!