I'm neutral on this one, I don't particularly care what they do. I'm not a bay fisherman at all, and I don't see myself turning into one because of a lack of a boat. I haven't caught a snook since high school....the last time I really tried fishing for them. Almost had a Grand Slam that day fishing from kayaks, had the tarpon rolling close to us but couldn't get one to eat.
Due to not knowing what is going on with the snook population, I can't form an educated opinion. I was just throwing some variables in there and stirring the pot a little about the science-bashing. With the slot sizes and spawn being over, I agree that it's not going to affect a whole lot, but at the same time, in order to repopulate, certain areas may desperately need every breeder sized fish next year too....especially when we have no idea what this winter has in store for us and the high mortality rate of fish eggs/fry. What if we have another horrible winter?
FWC extends emergency snook-fishing closure
News Release
August 5, 2010
Contact: Henry Cabbage, 850-488-8843
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has temporarily extended the emergency closure of snook harvest and possession in Florida through Sept. 16. (Executive Order 10-39 )
This action will continue the prohibition on harvest and possession of snook in effect since Jan. 16. The FWC enacted the closure in response to possible effects of prolonged cold weather on the snook population last winter. Catch-and-release fishing for snook is still allowed under this extended closure.
"We took immediate action to prohibit harvest of snook as a proactive, precautionary response to the freeze. We want to make sure that if we reopen the fishery, we will be able to do it knowing the snook population is secure and will continue to rebound from the effects of that unprecedented cold snap," FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said. "Snook is one of Florida's premier game fish species. Anglers expect us to manage them carefully, and we will."
The temporary extension will enable FWC Commissioners to hear a report by staff at their Sept. 1-3 meeting at Pensacola Beach. They will review the latest information on the status of the snook population, receive public input and determine whether to reopen the fall harvest season or continue to prohibit harvest and possession as a precautionary measure.
The extension of the snook closure will remain in effect until 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 17. The season normally would have opened on Sept. 1 statewide.
While the temporary harvest prohibition remains in effect, no person may harvest or possess snook in state or federal waters off Florida. The FWC may reopen the fishery, if warranted, before the order expires or, if necessary, the agency may extend the closure by issuing another executive order.
On Sept. 2, during the meeting in Pensacola Beach, Commissioners will hear a report on the extent of damage to the snook population and consider a range of management options covering the next 12 months.
does ANYONE really believe that keeping it closed for an additional 16 or 17 days is going to make it any better? seriously?
not 2.5 weeks. If they are trying to accomplish something they should be serious about it, not annoying.
Well all I know is that when I was a kid growing up in Pinellas,freezes always killed snook and so did red tide. I seen pictures of TAmpa BAy from the 60's where soldiers were cleaning the beaches up from all the dead fish from red tide outbreaks that you would not believe. I'm talking millions and millions of dead fish,including snook. They always seem to survive,how is closing them down for 1 year going to do anything at all for them?
