One Week Left for J-Hooks
By Kevin Wadlow, Florida Keys Keynoter, Marathon
May 21–Gulf of Mexico anglers have one week left to legally use their supply of J-hooks for snapper and grouper.
New state and federal regulations go into effect June 1 that require all fishermen to use circle hooks when using natural bait for grouper and snapper in gulfside waters.
“There are a lot of questions about how this is going to work,” said Craig Velger, fishing-shop manager at Capt. Hook’s Marina in Marathon. “A lot of guys rely on techniques for snapper that involve J-hooks.”
Fishing artist and conservationist Guy Harvey “absolutely endorses the rule,” said Steve Stock, president of Guy Harvey Industries.
“Guy has used circle hooks for several years and has become a big proponent,” Stock said.
The rule seeks to improve survival chances of released fish. The J-hook, with its straight shank, is more likely to be swallowed by the fish, causing fatal injuries, fishery managers say.
A circle hook usually sets in the jaw, making it easier to free the fish unharmed, according to government gear specialists.
“We’re stocking up [on circle hooks] and getting more in every week,” Velger said.
Many anglers contend the circle-hook design, which works in billfishing and bottom fishing, proves far less effective in fishing for shallow-water species like yellowtail and mangrove snapper.
New rules also require gulf reef-fish anglers to be in possession of a dehooking device and a venting tool to deflate the air bladders of released fish.
J-hooks may still be used with unbaited rigs and for species like snook.
Board members of the federal Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved the circle-hook rule late last year as part of its reef-fish management.
In February, the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted matching rules for gulfside waters in its jurisdiction.
The circle-hook rule could extend to waters governed by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, which will consider the regulation at its June meeting in Orlando.
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