Red snapper

Know the rules of fishing for red snapper

Sun Harold

When it comes to catching red snapper, the average recreational fisherman might not know if he or she is coming or going.

With the high cost of fuel, the National Marine Fisheries Service might get its wish and have fewer recreational anglers on the water this summer.
But if you do venture into the Gulf of Mexico to fish, know the rules.

The season opened this past weekend and will close on Aug. 4. Most recreational anglers I know have voiced their opinions, which have all been negative toward the federal government, about a shorter season and the number of fish each angler is allowed to keep.

The short season falls right in a period when red snapper, considered by the feds to be overfished, for one reason or another is slower.

That's a strike in itself against the recreational sector.
We, the recreational anglers, can keep two fish per person with a minimum size limit of 16 inches.
With the costs of gas and diesel, fewer boats will venture 60 or 80 miles offshore to fish for a fish that's considered a prize among anglers.
Another strike against the recreational fishermen.
But that's only half the story.

Here's the rest of the story that adds confusion to the mix.
I received a press release last week from the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council about a new checklist for reef fish like snapper, grouper, sea bass and amberjack.
Basically, it applies to just about every fish in the northern Gulf of Mexico that can be caught bottom fishing around oil rigs, wrecks or reefs.

Anglers can no longer use traditional stainless steel circle hooks when fishing with natural baits. Instead, non-stainless steel circle hooks can be used because research shows circle hooks are more likely to hook fish in the mouth rather than in the gut or throat.
I have been using circle hooks for years and actually agree with this move.

All boats, not anglers, must have a de-hooking device. It allows the hook to be secured when it is released rather than risking the hook becoming engaged again. The device must be blunt, have rounded edges and be size-appropriate to secure the range of the hook size.

All boats must have a venting tool.
When fish are pulled up from the depths, they can undergo expansion of gases in the swim bladder. The venting tool can be used to deflate the bladder and increase the survival rate.
According to the press release, a venting tool can be any hollow, sharpened instrument that allows gases to escape. Ice picks and knives are not suitable because puncturing fish can result in mortal injury.