Captain Favorite's Weekend Fishing Forecast: May 22, 2014

BRADENTON –  Gulf recreational red snapper season opens May 24. FWC is asking for angers to collect DNA samples from tarpon that are more than 30 inches and sending it to the Wildlife Research Institute. Monofiliament fishing line is perilous for pelicans; find out how you can help! Also, don't miss your chance to compete in the Fire Charity Fishing Tournament from June 6-8. Sign up now! All proceeds benefit child burn victims. 

Gulf recreational red snapper season opens May 24 in state waters

• The recreational red snapper season in Gulf state waters opens Saturday, May 24, and will remain open through July 14, a total of 52 days, closing July 15.
• This season was set at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting in April. Opening the season the Saturday before Memorial Day will provide recreational red snapper fishing opportunities through an important holiday weekend, helping attract more visitors and bringing economic benefits to our coastal communities.

Monofilament fishing line perilous for pelicans

• Fishing is an important part of the Florida lifestyle as well as its economy. In spite of the obvious benefits, this leisure-time activity, on occasion, can lead to problems for birds and other wildlife such as sea turtles and manatees. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists, monofilament fishing line and fishing hooks can entangle these animals, leading to injury and even death.

Wanted: North Florida anglers to collect tarpon DNA

• Volunteer anglers in northern Florida are encouraged to catch and collect a DNA sample from every tarpon they catch that is 30 inches or longer. Since 2006, scientists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) have partnered with Mote Marine Laboratory to use DNA fingerprinting as a way to track the movements, habits and recapture rates of Atlantic tarpon in coastal and inshore waters.
• Anglers can collect a DNA sample by scraping the outer jaw of the tarpon with a small, abrasive sponge. Immediately after collecting the DNA sample, the sponge should be placed in the prelabeled vial. DNA vials can be mailed to FWRI with the accompanying data slip so that geneticists can analyze and compare the DNA sample with cataloged samples to determine if someone caught and sampled the tarpon previously. This recapture information provides evidence of long-term survival and insight into the seasonal and regional movements of individual fish.

FWC seeks public input on largemouth bass management

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold a public meeting to discuss a proposed change for largemouth bass management.
• The meeting will be held May 28 starting at 6 p.m. at Gary’s Tackle Box, 5721 NW 13th Street in Gainesville.
• Participants will be encouraged to provide input on the proposal for a statewide five-fish daily bag limit, only one of which could be 16 inches total length or longer.
• The meeting will offer the public a chance to hear from freshwater fisheries biologists about the science behind managing bass fisheries. Biologists will give a presentation and then open up a discussion and a question and answer session. The meeting is open to everyone, and largemouth bass anglers are especially encouraged to attend.
• To learn more about largemouth bass and the FWC’s current regulation, go to MyFWC.com/Fishing, and visit the “Black Bass Management” and “Regulations” links under “Freshwater Fishing.”

Fishing Forecast

A weak ridge of high pressure will remain across the waters through Saturday. A weak back door cold front will move south across Florida Saturday night followed by a ridge of high pressure building north of the waters Sunday and Monday.

Thursday

South winds around 5 knots becoming northwest around 15 knots in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Thursday night will bring northwest winds around 10 knots becoming north around 5 knots after midnight. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2014/05/22Thu02:37 AM0.23L

2014/05/22Thu09:07 AM1.74H

2014/05/22Thu03:22 PM0.9L

2014/05/22Thu08:35 PM1.63H

Friday

Northwest winds 5 to 10 knots becoming west around 15 knots in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Friday night will bring northwest winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2014/05/23Fri03:27 AM0.44L

2014/05/23Fri09:42 AM1.92H

2014/05/23Fri04:40 PM0.59L

2014/05/23Fri10:11 PM1.53H

Saturday

West winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Saturday night will bring northwest winds around 10 knots becoming northeast around 5 knots after midnight. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2014/05/24Sat04:11 AM0.63L

2014/05/24Sat10:15 AM2.09H

2014/05/24Sat05:42 PM0.3L

2014/05/24Sat11:30 PM1.49H

Sunday

Northeast winds around 5 knots. Bay and inland waters smooth. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Sunday night will bring east winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2014/05/25Sun04:51 AM0.8L

2014/05/25Sun10:47 AM2.25H

2014/05/25Sun06:33 PM0.06L

Solunar Forecast