Corbin Fletcher

There is sufficient scientific evidence, which supports this fact. For example, in Florida, studies have been conducted, and the results prove, that a rather high percentage of fish that are caught and promptly released do not survive. The scenario is repeated perhaps thousands of times daily in Florida. The angler catch a sport fish (Snook, Red Drum etc.) and brings his prey to the skiff; he then takes the fish out of the water to remove the hook, admire his catch and compose a photograph. At this point is where the problem begins. The fish become disoriented and stressed and when placed back in its natural habitat it is weak, and often easy prey for a predator. Current projects in the Common Wealth of the Bahamas have began to notice that Bonefish (at the point of air exposer) release a hormone, and when placed back into the water, predatory fish use the hormone to easily find and eat a just caught Bonefish.

With the recent cold front in Florida, which was the worst in thirty year or more, the department of Florida Fish and Wildlife issued an executive order closing the season. What does that mean? For the fly fishing guide who is strictly catch and release and does not allow his clients to keep a slot fish, nothing. The angler or outfitter's who wish to keep his allowed slot size fish; this means that it is now not legal for anglers to keep there allowed fish. This order will/might have different restrictions for commercial fisherman.

Regardless of the above order, the recent cold weather killed many hundreds of thousands of young (primarily first year fish and juveniles) sport fist through out Florida. There has been confirmed reports that sharks have died in South Florida. This will have a long lasting effect on the fish populations in Florida's fisheries. Why? Because, the young sport fish who were killed were primarily juvenile fish which are our stock for the next year or two.

As guides/anglers, there are certain things that can be done to reduce our negative impact on the fish populations. One, do not remove the fish from the water. Always handle the fish as little as possible and keep it in the water at all times. Two, do not photograph the fish. If you need to get a photograph, prepare the camera prior to removing the fish from the water and preferably leave this fish in the water for the photograph. Remove the fish only sightly above its center line for the photograph. This way the fish and angler are not standing there waiting while your guide/fellow angler attempts to locate the camera. Third, do not keep any fish! Some species of sport fish are strictly catch and release; however, there are other sport fish that you are allowed to keep; therefore, you are legally able to keep some fish which is between certain size limits. These species receive enormous amounts of fishing pressure and should always be released. Lastly, do not wear sunscreen. Sunscreen has been attributed to the death of sport fish. Sunscreen removes the fishes protective slim and often causes a visible hand print that causes infection. Proper use of products such as sun gloves and a buff, plus a long sleeve shirt, long pants and shoes will prevent sun burn. If you do need to use sunscreen apply only in the morning before the beginning of you trip and wash your hands throughly afterwards.

The Kanektok river, which empties into the Kuskokwim Bay at roughly 59°44'52"N Latitude, 161°55'08"W Longitude and the majority of the river is contained in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, which is 4.7 million acres. Within the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge is the Togiak Wilderness area and is protected by the Wilderness Act of 1964. More information hear: wilderness_act.pdf

The boundary of the Togiak Wilderness meanders; however, it is stated as being in the Northern part of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge and is two million and seventy thousand acres. So, roughly half of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge is protected Wilderness (see map). The mighty Kanektok river is partial contained in the Togiak Wilderness and is protected.

I began my research by locating an area where I wanted to work as a professional guide. My research led me to the Kanektok river in South West, Alaska. I believe one important responsibility, as a professional guide, is to know the fisheries in which you guide; therefore, understanding the conservation, cultural and environmental issues are my priority. And I have found that the interpretive potential, of the Kanektok river, and Togiak Wilderness is endless.

Now, I have located the area, and the river, I want to guide on; I am actively seeking guide operations who provide service on the Kanektok River.

Map Details:

For pdf version of the above table: lat.long.pdf