Florida Keys Fishing News
Сентябрь 25, 2018 Big Pine Key 4 фото
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Корифена (махи-махи)
Grouper (Black)
Чёрный групер
Snapper (Mutton)
Светлый луциан

Описание тура

FISHING GUIDES NOAA and Florida Keys fishing guides partner to support sustainable recreational fishing Long considered an angler’s paradise, the sandbars, flats, channels, and reefs in the Florida Keys provide year-round opportunities for anglers who dream of catching a “fish of a lifetime.” These lush habitats support charter fishing captains and guides whose livelihoods depend on a healthy, productive ecosystem. The Blue Star Fishing Guide program recognizes charter fishing captains who are committed to sustainable fishing practices and educating their customers about resource protection in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The voluntary training and compliance program seeks to increase fishing guides’ knowledge and, ultimately, that of their clients, to conserve the mangroves, seagrass meadows, and reefs that are the foundation for world-class fishing in the Florida Keys Boneafide is Blue Star Fishing Guide operator. Photo: Boneafide Charter Company “Becoming a Blue Star Fishing Guide is not only a step towards conserving the Florida Keys, but also protects the fisheries we rely on each day for charters,” says Tony Young, owner of Forever Young Charter Company in Islamorada. “It is in each operator’s best interest to go Blue Star and educate their clients on sustainable fishing practices.” In 2017, 41 percent of visitors participated in recreational sport fishing, according to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s visitor profile survey. Florida Bay, edged by the inner curve of the Keys and the Florida mainland, is referred to locally as the backcountry. It is home to five of the most sought-after game fish among recreational anglers: bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish (red drum, and snook. Off the Keys’ outer curve and the nearby Gulf Stream lies the Atlantic Ocean. Blue and white marlin, sailfish, and swordfish inhabit these deep-sea areas. Debi Gabriel, of Boneafide Charter Company in the Lower Florida Keys, says the Keys offers unrivaled outdoor experiences as well as the opportunity to educate visitors about the principles of sustainable recreation. “We became involved with the Blue Star Fishing Guide program because we are the eyes and ears of the Florida Keys sanctuary,” she says. “Teaching people about how important it is to conserve, preserve, and educate is what we feel needs to be done in order to sustain our precious fishery.” Captains and guides in the program receive online training that covers general education about the sanctuary, its diverse habitats, and its fisheries. They also learn best practices that include using gear suited to the size of fish targeted and employing proper techniques and tools to revive fish if they are released. Blue Star Fishing Guide operators are required to follow legal and ethical standards as well as conservation measures such as proper fish handling. Program guidelines also encourage the use of barbless circle hooks whenever practical, and limit catch to what clients want for their own use. The program also encourages respect for other anglers. Blue Star Fishing Guide operators receive branded materials to market their business as a sanctuary partner, plus educational materials to share with clients and customers on their vessel. Annual evaluations ensure compliance with program criteria and continued program excellence. Gabriel and other guides say the need for angler education is painfully evident in the negative impacts on the Key’s sensitive marine habitat that they see when they’re on the water. Guides witness anchor damage to corals, propeller scars in seagrass meadows, entangled and discarded fishing line, abandoned traps, and trash. “We pick up trash on every trip,” Gabriel says. “It’s really sad. We educate anglers every day that it is so important to keep the bays and the oceans clean and to not teach their trash to swim. Especially the bait boxes. I pick up a lot of those every week.” Adds Young: “We see a lot of people anchoring on the coral in shallow reefs, fishing in areas they are not supposed to, and taking fish that are undersized or out of season. Some visitors do not know, but many simply ignore the regulations and laws that are set in place to protect the Florida Keys.” In addition to pollution and poor boating practices, guides say many visitors lack basic awareness about the sanctuary and their surroundings. “Most clients are from outside the local area and really don’t have sanctuaries in their backyard or even realize they’re fishing in one until you tell them,” says Jim Loftus, owner of Mile Marker 27 Fishing Charters. We must do our part to protect our beautiful marine environment.
Zach Stells
Big-pine-key, Florida, United States
Boneafide Charters - 29' SeaVee thumbnail
Boneafide Fishing Charters Florida Keys is located in Big Pine Key, Florida. Captain Zach Stells and his crew offer customized private fishing charters, where you can choose between backcountry, wreck or reef fishing, fly fishing, spearfishing, snorkeling...

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