The FWC and Tarpon II

A soon-to-be illegal jig. Photo: Courtesy of the FWC.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved protective measures for tarpon and took the first step toward regulating how the sought-after fish can be caught in one of the state's most popular fishing destinations.
The FWC moved forward with a proposal that restricts jigging in Boca Grande Pass, one of the most famous tarpon spots in the world. The draft rule, which passed 4-3 during a public meeting in Lakeland on Wednesday, prohibits weighting a jg at the bottom of the hook.
The decision drew praise from conservation groups, who say the big fish in the Pass have been foul hooked and snagged with the jigging technique, which they say stresses the fish.
"Getting these important Boca Grande Pass gear restrictions brought to the table for discussion was a unique group effort not commonly seen in the world today," Save the Tarpon posted on its Facebook page. "A group of individuals from all over the world using nothing but their combined voices to make a difference. It's a beautiful thing. Again, thank you."
The heart of the debate centers on the Professional Tournament Tarpon Series, a big-money event that draws competitors from around the state to Boca Grande every summer. Save the Tarpon supporters say the PTTS competitors snag many tarpon and often mishandle their catch during the weigh-in process, accusations the PTTS denies and says lack scientific evidence.
The FWC is expected to vote on its gear restriction proposal in September.
"We're confident in the system and hopeful that the FWC arrive at a final decision based on the current evidence entered in the record, which fails to demonstrate any scientific, or biological impetus, that would necessitate restricting the rights of recreational anglers," the PTTS said in a statement. "Thank you to the hundred-plus supporters who were present at the meeting, and those who emailed and called to voice opposition to the rule, and the unjustified restrictions it will place on citizens and anglers in Florida."
In a related matter, the FWC formally approved tarpon and bonefish as catch-and-release quarry. Starting Sept. 1, the harvesting of tarpon will be prohibited unless the angler is pursuing an IGFA record.
Temporary possession allows for photography, measurement of length and girth and scientific sampling, with the stipulation that tarpon more than 40 inches must remain in the water.
The bonefish tournament exemption permit has been eliminated. This exemption allowed tournament anglers to temporarily possess bonefish for transport to a tournament scale.