Loss of top predators causing surge in smaller predators, ecosystem collapse

Loss of top predators causing surge in smaller predators, ecosystem collapse

The article discussed in this link points out the importance of protecting big predators. Release those sharks and billfish!!! Don't even drag them into the boat for a photo.

Take Marlin off the Menu

The Take Marlin off the Menu campaign's webpage posses the question:

If you saw lion or tiger for sale in a restaurant or grocery store would you buy it?

The obvious answer for most people would be no. Its time to start thinking of marlin in the same way. Populations of these magnificent top predators are depleted by overfishing, deserve protection, and contain high levels of toxic mercury. It's time to get them off the menu.

Fortunately, the International Game Fish Association, the National Coalition for Marine Conservation, and the Billfish Foundation have teemed up to create this new campaign:

Take Marlin off the Menu

How you can help

Lets do our part and ensure healthy marlin populations for the future!

An old book

The other day I was poking around in the library for something to read while I wait for warmer weather. I stumbled across an old 1974 copy of Lefty Kreh's Fly Fishing in Saltwater. Out of curiosity I checked it out to see what things were like back when I was still focused on bluegill fishing with a push button Zebco road and reel. Interestingly enough little has changed over the 34 years and just about everything in this book is still relevant to the modern saltwater fly angler.

I really liked a couple of parts of this book. But before I get carried away with this ramble I want to remind my readers that I still fish in fresh water and even chase trout from time-to-time. However there is something about the salt, especially the tropics, that appeals to me - I guess its the difference between a soft piece of classical music and ear splitting heavy metal or flying a kite compared to riding in an F-16 at full throttle or maybe you could say its like a tea party contrasted with Carnaval in Rio. Lefty puts it a little more plainly opening the book with a chapter on the appeal of Saltwater Flyfishing and sums it up well:

"...these things have to be experienced. Once they are, the freshwater angler is never the same."

and concludes the chapter with:

"You need not justify the lure of saltwater fly rodding to those who have tried it.

His second chapter contrasts the salt to fresh water and discusses things like big guys getting drug the length of a boat and 50 lb line snapping. I think he could say it a little more clearly - in warm salt water, big strong fish can really do some damage to the angler and their gear.

For example check out this video by Loreto Pam - just fast forward to about 2:50 and check out that line burn.

The sea is full of dangers not found in other waters. Last winter I was out and caught a smaller fish with little fight right on the bottom in about 35' of water. I hauled it up and asked Francisco what it was - he called it a "Lupon" - he seemed a little surprised when I pulled out my pliers to release it myself. He said something about not touching it. Fortunately, before I got too carried away I realized that I had caught my first scorpion fish and asked for some help with the release. These fish have poisonous spines an should not be handled - seek medical care if you make the mistake that I almost did.

Sandy and muddy bottoms in Baja often have sting rays hidden on them. Wear good shoes an shuffle - watch out in bays especially in the spring time. Beware of the razor sharp blade on the gill cover of the snook and obviously practice caution around the bill of a marlin and the teeth of a shark.

My favorite part of Lefty's book, one that you would never find in a fresh water angling book is a table titled "Guide to the dangers of handling fish" that includes a list of species, specific dangers, and how to hold and release them. Its worth a look for everyone headed south. There is also a table that breaks down fighting a large fish and what to do in specific situations.

I think I need to track down the 2003 version of this book!!!

Stop the Shark Norma

Here is something you can do to help stop the Shark Norma and save the dorado and bill fish of the Sea of Cortez from the long line fleet.

Sea Watch - Make a Difference

A couple mouse clicks and a moment of your time will help make a difference!!!

Catch and Release at Ranch Leonero

I see too many Internet pictures of bill fish hanging by their tails looking sad and half rotten in the hot sun. While checking out Rancho Leonero's webpage I was glad to see the following statement on their fish report page:

"In order to discourage our guests from killing bill fish just for the sake of a photo, we only display photos of marlin or sailfish that have been released after the photo was taken. We highly encourage our guests to preserve the future of this great fishery by releasing all healthy marlin and sails. Thanks."

I have never been to this East Cape resort but look forward to visiting one day. There are so many great tasting fish in Baja California there really is no need to kill bill fish, rooster fish, or sharks.

So as we say here at El Moscero - Por favor ¡Suelta lo!