TRUE LIES April 2016 The Stuart Rod & Reel Club Newsletter Dave McClure with a 7 ½ pound largemouth from Lake O. Now is the time to catch the big ones on live shiners. Call Jim Bohrer for a list of suggested guides. These fish consider the shiners as enemies and they hit them hard! The Stuart Rod and Reel Club is dedicated to improving local fishing through by increasing angler knowledge, encouraging conservation and maximizing the fun involved in light tackle fishing in the Stuart Florida area. We hold monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month, year round. Please join us or contact any board member for more information on how you can become a member of the Stuart Rod and Reel Club. 1
Electronic Tracking of Game Fish in our Area Zack Judd PhD, of the Florida Oceanographic Society(FOS), presented a fascinating lecture on March 7 th about the electronic tracking of game fish in the Treasure Coast, the upper Gold Coast and in the Bahamas. His lecture was held in conjunction with the FOS series at Blake Library in Stuart. Those of you who have met Zack know that he is both an enthusiastic scientist and an avid fisherman of many saltwater species. Zack explained the rationale for fish tracking. It is not enough to know where fish are, we must understand where they move and the reasons for their movement. Fish all of the world are subject to overfishing and environmental degradation. Those who live on the Treasure Coast are well aware of these problems. Fishing limits on catches, both for recreational and commercial fishing interests, have only a limited impact on any fishery. Zack told us that entire ecosystems must be protected and balanced. With limited law enforcement efforts, size and take limits are not the only answer. A more dynamic conservation approach has led to the common expression of ecosystem based fishery management. Tagging of fish within a population serves several purposes, allowing scientists to track where and when fish travel and then allowing movement patterns to be established. There are three basic methods of tracking fish. Zack explained them all, starting from the least expensive and ranging up to the most expensive and invasive. The simplest category is an inexpensive numbered tag that is inserted into the fish, generally in or near the dorsal fin. This type of tag is called a spaghetti tag and it is usually a small white plastic dart-type tag that carries a number that an angler can call in to a fishery management organization. Unfortunately, many of the fish are never recovered or the tag numbers are never called in. Only about 3 percent of these tags are ever called in after the fish is recaptured The second type of system is called a P.I.T or passively integrated transponder that uses Radio Frequency Identifier Device (RFID). These devices costs about $3.00 to $5.00 per fish and must be surgically implanted by a qualified person. The device has a limited detection range and expensive detection devices must be installed along rivers or waterways to allow the fish to be counted. 2
A few stitches are needed to secure the device into place safely. Now the fish can easily swim away. Another type of tracking device is an Acoustic Sonic Tag. These are surgically implanted devices that emit a ping code that is unique to each transmitter. Sonic tags cost about $300 per fish. No recapture of the fish required but underwater electronic listening posts are needed to monitor fish movements. Zack explained that much of his research includes snook studies along the Loxahatchee water system above the Jupiter Inlet. The devices and the detection system can track fish as they rapidly move from the inlet areas up the river for feeding and spawning. surface occasionally. They use satellite technology to provide latitude and longitude positioning when the signal can pass through air. These devices have an error range of 10 to 100 miles depending on type. These devices are somewhat subject to failure and at a cost of $ 3000 to $4000 each, they are not used casually. The high cost of these devices and the failure rate limits their use as one can imagine. In discussing local fishing, Zack told us about this research on the Loxahatchee River as it relates to snook fishing. The Loxahatchee has salt water incursion into its upper areas that are normally fresh water. This is opposite the problem that we have in the St. Lucie River. Zack s research has shown that there are more than two times as many snook in the Loxahatchee system in the summer rather than in the winter. Transient fish are rarely tagged in large numbers, but resident fish that stay in the waterway system are easier to capture and tag. In the normally wet summer season, more snook run upriver to the upper reaches of the Loxahatchee. Snook can easily change their color scheme within one day, changing from what is commonly called a dark color phase to a silvery light color phase. The internal clock that a snook possesses is apparently based on the high water/low water seasonality common in the wet summer season. If you see a very dark snook upriver, it does not mean that it has been there for a long time. Like our local lizards, snook change color quickly to match their surroundings. The most sophisticated devices are satellite tags (PAT) that can be monitored when a fish rises to the surface. Obviously, these are limited to use in fish that come to the Zack completed his talk with results from his extensive research into bonefish migration and spawning behaviors and life phases. Although not directly related to Stuart Rod and Reel Club interests, it is fascinating to learn how the larval stage of 3
bonefish become gradually transformed into this speedy fish of the flats. The important research that Zack and other scientists have done in conjunction with the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust has enlightened anglers about the fascinating mating behavior, birth and life of the silver ghost of the flats. Club Officers President Jim Bohrer halieutics@gmail.com 301-648-2052 Vice President Jim Bowdish jlsb@crarybuchanan.com 772-475-5068 Treasurer Pete Noll mpnoll@aol.com 772-223-2136 Secretary and Newsletter Editor Fred Bartlett fredbart@aol.com 913-909-9326 Board of Directors Director Roy Buckley rlbuckley007@aol.com 772-871-7008 House Committee Jerry Hoge jhoge@hogeengineering.com 772-485-7267 Angling Committee Frank Miller frmiami2@gmail.com 305-469-4654 Membership Comm. Eric Hutter emhlbr@comcast.net 772-463-7112 Meeting Speakers Jim Bohrer halieutics@gmail.com 301-648-2052 Raffle Chairman Jim Harter pjharter@comcast.net 772-223-0648 Conservation Coordinator Jim Harter pjharter@comcast.net 772-223-0648 Events Coordinator Bob Ruggeri bob.ruggeri@yahoo.com 772-285-4264 E-mail all newsletter copy and photos to Fred Bartlett at fredbart@aol.com. Closing date is the 25 th of the month preceding publication. Angling Committee Report by Frank Miller March 12th brought our annual Round Island outing. It also brought howling 20 to 25 knot winds that would scare most intrepid anglers off the water but not the brave anglers of the SRRC. We had four boats out chasing the wily snook, redfish and spotted sea trout. We used our normal scoring system of 3 points for redfish, 2 points for snook and 1point for each trout. Of course there were many trout caught which is a good sign and Captain Squeeky Kelly took honors with 2 trout and one snook. Congratulations Squeeky. Lunch was provided at the Manatee Island Bar and Grill on Seaway Causeway in Ft. Pierce and a crowd of twenty plus showed up for delightful food, comradery and a beautiful view of the Ft. Pierce inlet. This writer suffered a double trailer tire failure about three o clock Friday afternoon so no fishing for me but I had a great lunch. The fish of the month prize this month was taken by John Wayne with 26 snook. The new month s fish is most legal pompano and I was told yesterday that there are still some around. GO GET "EM 4
Kellie and Todd Puig had a productive trip to the Crystal River area. While fishing with a Captain, they caught both grouper and snook. Kellie scored this full sized snook, measuring 36 inches overall length, using a DOA five inch jerk shad. This is predominately a shallow water fishery, and the Puig s caught these fine groupers in about seven feet of water using hard plastic lures. They also caught a few keeper redfish and trout that they brought home. For more information on the Captain that they used, contact them at topuig@aol.com. 5
2016 TOURNAMENT OUTING SCHEDULE Date Outing/Event Details Food Service Rules January 15, 16, 17 Lucky 4 Snook, Trout, Pompano, Redfish February 12,13,14 March 12 th only April 10, 11, 12 May 13, 14, 15 June 24 & 25 July 15, 16, 17 Total Number of all Target Species Caught - 3 fish per species max. Snook 18 min. Sandsprit Park 1:00 PM Stuart Pompano Total Number Legal Pompano Caught Sandsprit Park 1:00 PM Round Island High Point Trout=1pt. Snook =2pts. Redfish=3pts. Max. 3 per species Snook 18'' min. Stuart Manatee Island Bar & Grill 1:00 Ft Pierce Local Event Any Species: Old Member with New Member Sandsprit Park 1:00 PM Stuart Top Water Lures Only CCA INTERCHAPTER CHALLENGE Local Tarpon Outing Most Points Total Snook are 2 points. Trout are 1point and Redfish are 3points. Max. 3 per species. Snook 18'' min. released. CCA event at River Palms. Chapter Challenge between Martin County and other chapters of CCA. Most Tarpon: 3 Points for angler touching the leader, 1 point for a jumped fish. One point per jumped fish only. Sandsprit Park 1:00 PM Stuart River Palms Resort Jensen Beach Shrimper s Restaurant, Port Salerno 1:00PM Max. 3 fish each species Total Legal Number Caught Must use D.O.A. brand lures only New Member/Old Member Total Points, 3 fish per species $65.00 per angler entry fee includes two meals Three points for caught fish, one point for each jumped fish August 12, 13, 14 Local Trout and Redfish Outing Largest Trout & Redfish, total inch length Sandsprit Park 1:00 PM Stuart Longest total trout and redfish combined September 9, 10, 11 October TBA November 11, 12, 13 Local Snook Longest Snook - 18'' Min. Sandsprit Park 1:00 Pine Island Total Inches: 1 Trout, 1 Redfish, 1 Snook (18 inch minimum) PM Stuart Pine Island Away Longest snook Longest total length Local Redfish Longest Redfish Sandsprit Park 1:00 PM Longest total length December 10 Christmas Party No Outing Dolphin Bar & Fish House Jensen Beach No Outing All Stuart Rod and Reel Club Outings are based purely on the Honor System. All scheduled Club Outings will be Daylight Outings. You can fish any of the dates listed above. Event will begin at the first safe light in the morning with lines out of the water by 1PM. Scores must be turned into the Angling Director or other board member by email, phone or verbally by 2 PM local time on the day after the event. You are encouraged to join with other members for post Outing Food Service regardless of which of the 3 days you decide to fish or even if you do not fish the Outing. Food will be provided at the conclusion of the Saturday Outings only. Guests and spouses are invited to attend the food services on Saturday. For food at sponsoring restaurants, guest and spouses will be charged for their meal and beverages costs. Family members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to participate in an outing. While guests are always welcome to join members during our outings, you must be a paid member of the Stuart Rod and Reel Club to be eligible to win an outing. Outing scores shall be published in the Club s Newsletter following the Outing. Outings cancelled due to weather shall be rescheduled for the following weekend. Outing result disputes shall be settled by the Angling Director. OUTING SCHEDULES AND RULES MAY CHANGE DURING THE YEAR. FISHING BOUNDARIES Boundaries will extend from the south shore of the Jupiter Inlet to the North Vero Beach Bridge. 6
MEMBER S INFORMATION MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS WITH SPEAKERS: The monthly membership meeting is the second Thursday of the month. Our home port is The Quality Inn/Flanigan s Bar & Grill located at 950 SE Federal Hwy. (US 1) Stuart, FL. Flanigan s offers a very nice menu for $18. We have the privilege of many fishing industry and conservation leaders in the Southeastern Florida region. These experts include tackle manufacturers, tournament winning Captains and guides, television and print journalists, and academic researchers. We have a guest speaker from this pool at each monthly meeting. Speakers will address topics of interests such as how to fish for the upcoming outing s targeted species and our diverse estuary system. This is a great way to gain additional local knowledge of this fishery. MONTHLY OUTINGS: The Club sponsors a fishing outing each month. All outings are based on an Honor System. You don t have to keep your catch or take a picture of it either. Outings are scheduled for the weekend following the general membership meeting. Outings are usually three day events where anglers select to fish Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Most outings are scheduled from first safe light till 1PM. The targeted fish and scoring change from month to month with interesting twists such as more points for one species than another. The intent is to have fun! The winner of each monthly outing receives a Club logo embroidered fishing shirt. As part of the outing we have several lunches at restaurants along with club and family cook-outs. Additionally, the Board is encouraging members to partake of the lunch regardless of the day fished. These are no-cost events. With two away outings and the remainder based at Sandsprit Park, there is opportunity to participate without travelling around the state. Frank Miller as the Angling Committee Chairman will also consider your ideas about other outings in other parts of the state. This year s outing schedule was developed to increase participation, emphasizing the fun of fishing. You are able to view the 2016 schedule in every edition of True Lies. NEWSLETTER: We publish a newsletter, True Lies, each month. It is circulated by e-mail. We are constantly looking for your fishing reports, pictures, recipes, and any other Club related information for inclusion. Submitting information is easy. You can send an e-mail to Fred Bartlett (fredbart@aol.com) or Jim Bohrer (halieutics@gmail.com). WEB SITE: The Club s web site (www.stuartrodandreel.com) is a wealth of information. You can find the latest weather and tides, fishing tips and information on our advertisers/sponsors. RAFFLE: An activity at our membership meetings that generates a great amount of interest is the Raffle. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Raffle prizes vary monthly but usually include a fishing rod, reel or combination. Other prizes have been tackle bags, boxes, pliers, lures and boating accessories. Your purchase of raffle tickets gives you a good chance of winning and helps support the activities of your club. MEMBER DISCOUNTS: Your Club membership can help you to save some money. White s Tackle offers a 10% store discount on all purchases. Be sure to bring your current membership card of the Stuart Rod and Reel Club and tell them that you appreciate the support that they give our club. Support our Advertisers We are very fortunate to have many local businesses that advertise on our web site and provide additional sponsorship support to the Club. These businesses provide a wide range of products and services for the entire community. Whether you are looking for lodging, restaurants, fishing supplies, boat repair and restoration, guide services, legal services, or roof repair our sponsors deserve your consideration. You can learn more about these businesses by visiting our website at www.stuartrodandreel.com. Click on the advertiser s tab and you will find a brief description of our sponsors with contact information and links to their websites. Make our advertisers your priority when shopping. Please let them know that you learned about them through the Stuart Rod and Reel Club and that you appreciate their support. Bait & Tackle Crowder Rods D.O.A. Lures Fish Heads of Stuart Snook Nook Treasure Coast Rod and Reel White's Tackle Area Dining Crawdaddy s Dixie Grill Manatee Island Bar & Grill Manero s Restaurant Polka European Deli Rancho Chico Shrimper s Marine Products & Services C&H Trailer Lenco Marine Manatee Marina Marine Customs Unlimited Marine Parts Outlet Master Repair Outboards Only RJ Marine Group Sailfish Marina Treasure Coast Battery & Alternator Area Lodging Marriott - Hutchison Island Resort River Palms Cottages Guide & Charter Services Cajun Fishing Adventures Louisiana Catch 22 Charters - FL The Fish Intimidator Louisiana General Business Capps & Huff Roofing Inn of the Dog Plaza 95 Marathon, Dairy Queen and Highway Café Professional Crary Buchanan Attorneys 7
(L to R) Jerry Hoge, Fernando Giachino, Juan Giachino Jr., Jeff Kittredge, Roy Buckley, Bob Ruggeri, Tony Penny and Tayna. This table won the Captain s Table at the CCA Banquet. Jay Honan with a huge fly rod caught largemouth bass. Guy Johnson with a bragging sized pompano, back at the dock. Matt Behm of CCA, George Poveromo of Saltwater Sportsman Magazine seminars and Jim Bohrer at the CCA booth at the Poveromo seminar in Port St. Lucie. Jim and Matt signed up 47 new CCA members at the seminar. CCA is working closely with us to improve water quality and sea grasses in our area. 8
Congratulations on the Wedding of Jeff and Mellie Kittredge Hearty congratulations to members and newlyweds Jeff and Melinda Kittredge. Jeff and Mellie were married in a true fishing style. Who else but true fishing fans would have the men wear fishing shirts and then give Mellie a send off in Salerno slipper fishing boots? Jeff is a law enforcement officer and Mellie is in the corrections department. Mellie is also a talented USCG certified fishing guide/captain. Any of you that have seen this team fish together know that they are hard to beat. Mellie is the daughter of Roy Buckley, an SRRC board member. Please join us in wishing Jeff and Mellie the best of luck in their married life! 9
Dusty Smith with a nice jack Hilarie Bohrer with a 25-inch sea trout that she caught and released. Rose Rooney is watching with envy. Juan Giachino, Jr with a very nice river caught pompano Club Treasurer Pete Noll with a healthy river sea trout 10
Top Left; Bill Lalone with a fine snook. Top Right; Rose Rooney with a ribbonfish as long as she. Bottom Left; Capt. Squeeky Kelly with the snook that won the March tournament. Bottom Right; a massive spiny lobster caught in the Bahamas by a Captain friend of Jim Bohrer. The Captain reports that the lobster was reluctant to leave its nice hole. Wonder why? UPCOMING SPEAKER FOR APRIL MEETING Our speaker for the April 14 th meeting at Flanigan s on US-1 (Federal Highway) will be Captain George Gozdz. Capt. Gozdz has a feature-rich TV show and runs his boat Flat Lined Charters in our local waters. He will speak on local fishing conditions and how to catch the big ones. Please see his website for more information at www.flatlinedcharters.com. Please note that we will be going back to our regularly scheduled meetings on the second Thursday of each month. Dinner at 6PM and the meeting portion begins at 7PM sharp. Dinner is $18 and you pay at the door for your meal. 11
2016 Annual Dues Dues for 2016 are now past due. Fully paid memberships begin the first day of January, and end on the thirty first day of December of each calendar year. An individual membership is one adult 18 years of age or older. Family memberships consist of the member, their spouse or significant other, and children under the age of 18. You must be a fully paid member to participate in tournament events. Individual membership for a full year is $80 (January thru December) Half year is July thru December $45 Family membership for a full year is $95 (January thru December) Half year is July thru December $55 2016 FISH OF THE MONTH CONTEST The Fish of the Month Contest runs from the day after each month s membership meeting and ends at 12 Noon the day of the following monthly meeting. All fish need to be legal size, except for Snook that must be 18 inches minimum and all fish outside the legal slot size must be released. Live bait, lures and flies are allowed. The member catching the most fish will be the monthly winner. The monthly winner will receive a monogrammed club hat. Jan. 14 through Feb. 11: Snapper, Bluefish & Mackerel Winner-RICHARD MATTISON Feb. 12 through Mar. 20: Snook (over 18 inches OAL) Winner-JOHN WAYNE Mar. 11 through Apr. 9: Most Legal Pompano Send your checks payable to: Stuart Rod and Reel Club, Inc. c/o Peter Noll, Treasurer 1888 S. W. Mooring Dr. Palm City, FL 34990 Membership entitles a single person (or family) to participate in all outings and to enjoy a meal at every local outing. Members also receive an included meal (with soft drinks) at Shrimpers and Manatee Island Grill on the appropriate dates. We hold monthly meetings with interesting speakers and share information on where and when to fish in our area. Apr. 10 through May 12: Largest Spotted Sea trout May 13 through June 9: Snook (over 18 inches OAL) June 10 through July 14: Most Redfish July 15 through Aug, 11: Most Trout Aug. 12 through Sept. 8: Most Tarpon Caught & Released Winner of the March Tournament Sept. 9 through Oct. 13: Largest Legal Snapper The winner of the March Tournament Event was Capt. Squeeky Kelly. Please RSVP to Bob Ruggeri at bob.ruggeri@yahoo.com if you plan to attend the April luncheon. It is important that you show up as we plan our food needs upon your word that you are coming. Oct. 14 through Nov. 10: Largest Redfish Nov. 11 through Dec. 8: Most Black Drum The overall Winner of the Year will be the person who catches the highest number of species listed during the calendar year. The overall prize for the year will be a $50 gift certificate from White s Tackle in Stuart. 12