We all know fishing is big business in Florida, contributing billions of dollars each year to the state’s economy. Fishing captains and guides are an important part of that industry, providing locals and tourists alike with authentic Florida fishing experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
The Florida Keys have some of the most esteemed fishing guides in the world, and our local guides are fishing ambassadors who demonstrate best practices for ethical angling to their customers. The University of Florida IFAS Extension has developed a program with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and input from fishing captains, called Florida Friendly Fishing Guides. The target audience is offshore and inshore captains, including flats guides, charter boat captains, headboat captains and crew. There is a free recreational version called Florida Friendly Anglers.
The Florida Friendly Fishing Guide certification recognizes fishing guides who are committed to preserving the future of the state’s fisheries through sustainable boating and fishing techniques. Florida Sea Grant provides free marketing for your business, which is a great way to direct customers to your website. The course usually costs $130 but the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension has free vouchers if you contact our office at 305-292-4502 or email shellykrueger@ufl.edu.
This online course teaches best practices for catch-and-release fishing. Each lesson plan focuses on a different aspect of ethical angling. There are modules on seafood safety, fisheries management and how to teach your customers about the environment. Learn how to identify barotrauma and the different regulations for descending and venting tools to return reef fish back to deep water.
Since July 2020, in the Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Florida, a descending device is required for head-boats, charter boats, commercial and recreational vessels fishing for reef fish in federal waters. Descending devices are required on-board, rigged and ready when fishing for fish in the snapper-grouper complex in the Atlantic Ocean from 3 miles offshore all the way to the Dry Tortugas.
Since January 2022, in Gulf of Mexico federal waters, anglers are required to have a descending device or venting tool onboard, rigged and ready to use when fishing for reef fish. These regulations also apply in Florida state waters when fishing from a vessel. Barotrauma occurs when fish are caught and brought up from deep water, typically greater than 50 feet of depth. The rapid change in pressure when the fish is brought to the surface causes the swim bladder to expand (or even burst). Common signs of barotrauma are the stomach protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes and distended intestines. Descending devices use a weight to return the fish to depth, which recompresses the expanded gas and reverses the effects of barotrauma. Science has shown that descending gear is very effective at getting fish back down to depth, and this increases survival rates. Venting tools are hollow needles used to penetrate the swim bladder and remove the gas pressure onboard prior to release. The Florida Friendly Fishing Guide course will teach you how to identify barotrauma and select the right tool for sending fish back down to the depths.
One environmental impact of fishing is what we call discard mortality — this is when a caught fish is released but does not survive. Up to 60% of fish that are caught recreationally are released, which is why it is so important to know the best practices and regulations to increase survival when releasing fish.
Fishing guides are role models who can teach ethical angling through their onboard behaviors. This is a great opportunity for professional development and a benefit to list your business and contact information on the Florida Friendly Fishing Guides website. The course takes about four hours and you can finish at your own pace, and complete one module at a time. The cost is usually $130 and includes a welcome package with boat decals, and free gear from product sponsors CaddyCan and SeaQualizer, public listing on the Florida Sea Grant website, and an optional social media promotion.
For more information and registration, scan the QR code here or contact your local Florida Sea Grant agent, Shelly Krueger, at shellykrueger@ufl.edu or 305-292-4502.
