FISHING

Julio Mancilla

CATCH-and-RELEASE FISHING, A Decade of Experience. Catch-and-Release fishing was first tried in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1954. Today, most states and provinces in North America and in Latin American have catch-and-release programs on some waters. Catch-and-Release regulations must be selectively applied; productivity of the environment and longevity of the fish are important considerations and strict compliance with special regulations by anglers is necessary for success. Anglers will accept these regulations when professionals present sound biological evidence to demonstrate the need. Traditionally, most saltwater sport fish have not been released but, because of increased pressures on declining stocks, Catch-and-Release fishing now is promoted by concerned saltwater angler organizations.

History of Catch-and-Release Fishing The term “Catch-and-Release Fishing” may have originated with Stroud (1964) when he took to task the term “fishing for fun”, stating that most anglers fish for fun. Ashe pointed out, two-thirds of U.S. anglers catch less than one-third of all fish caught and half of these anglers catch no fish at all. “Fishing for fun” was conceived by A. Hazzard, who first published the idea in a sport magazine (Hazzard 1952); the article later was reprinted in several state conservation bulletins. The Hazzard Plan of trout management included the release of all trout ( or sometimes all except the largest fish ) so that they might be caught again. Stroud (1964) suggested this type of management should be more properly termed “catch-and-release fishing”.

In 1954, the Bradley Fork and West Prong of the Little Pigeon River in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were the first designated “fishing-for-fun” areas. Catch rates increased dramatically and, 4 years later, these streams were opened to year-round fishing for fun (Thompson 1958 Lennon and Parker 1960=. In 1958, after Hazzard moved to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, a section of Young Womans Creek in Pennsylvania was established as a fishing-for-fun area (Miller 1958). The U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife (1962), in a national survey of recreational fishing and fishery resources, stated that fishing for fun may eventually become important by providing a special type of recreational fishing on selected waters. In 1973, regulations were established in Yellowstone National Park that required anglers to release all fish caught in several waters, including a popular section of the Yellowstone River below Fishing Bridge (Anderson 1977; Varly 1980). By 1977, Pennsylvania managed 18 areas with fishing-for-fun regulations (Graff and Hollender 1977).

Gradually, the term “fishing-for-fun” was replaced by “catch-and-release fishing” and catch-and-release rules were broadened from “no kill, zero limit” to the use of “special regulations”, including size limits and possession limits that encouraged fishermen to release most of the fish caught but allowed them to keep some fish. Catch and release has evolved from a regulation to a management concept. Today catch and release is a tool used to establish and sustain optimum angling quality by reducing or manipulating angling mortality. The emphasis is on release but zero harvest seldom is required. For the angler, catch and release has become an angling philosophy; the angler chooses to keep no fish or few fish. Management regulations tell the angler which fish can be kept, because it is important not to harvest the wrong age and size of fish. This definition of catch-and-release fishing was agreed upon by the 1987 symposium sponsors and may of the participants.

THE FISHES YOU WILL CATCH

BILLFISHES

The Billfishes are large, spectacular, oceanic game fishes characterized by a prolongation of the upper jaw into a weapon commonly referred to as bill, spear, or sword. Members of the great can are Sailfishes, Marlins, Spearfishes and Swordfish

Marlins and Sailfish are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Billfish species mostly confined to the waters on the warmer-side as follows:

Marlins: 45o N in the Western Pacific Ocean
35o N in the Eastern North Pacific
35o S in the Western South Pacific
25o S in the Eastern South Pacific
40 to 45o S in the Southwestern Indian Ocean
35o S in the Southeastern Indian Ocean

Sailfish: 45 to 50o N in the Western North Pacific
35o N in the Eastern North Pacific
40 to 35o S in the Western South Pacific
35o S in the Eastern South Pacific
45o S in the Western Indian Ocean
35o S in the Eastern Indian Ocean

We know that a billfish will often plow through a school of fish, raising havoc with its bill. Often small fishes take shelter close to an ocean-going vessel and will travel alongside for hundreds of miles. Perhaps when in the excited state of feeding a billfish may accidentally ram the vessel.

If a billfish is following the bait and looks it over before hitting (they often do-from side to side ), he should, I believe, be given about ten seconds of free-spool. On the question of whether or not the billfish hits the bait before taking it, I believe much depends upon the fish’s state of hunger. It is our opinion that the length of time between the strike and the setting of the hook should be governed by the conditions of the moment plus the experience of the angler.

The following incident may add more material for discussion on the subject. In the yellowfin tuna grounds near the equator south of Hawaii, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service logline vessel, the “John R. Manning”, captured a huge marlin (erroneously called white marlin). The estimated weight of this fish was 1,500 pounds, and in its stomach was fond a 5-foot yellowfin tuna which was speared twice through the body. The tuna was headfirst in the marlin’s stomach and weighed 157 pounds. It may be that marlin hit small prey with their bills and spear the larger ones.

BLACK MARLIN
“Makaira Indicus”

Other Names:
Pacific Black Marlin, Giant Black Marlin. Hawaii: White Marlin. Mexico y Centro América: Marlin Negro.

Description:
The Black Marlin is the only Marlin with non-retractable fins. Another distinguishing trait is their dorsal fin which is proportionately the lowest of any billfish. It stands less than 50 percent of the fish`s body height. The Black Marlin`s back is slate blue and transitions to a silver belly. It may also have light blue stripes when excited.

Typical Habitat:
Black Marlin generally exist in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Pacific ad Indian Oceans. They are a highly migratory, pelagic species that will rarely swim deeper than 100 feet. They are most commonly found in deep waters, near such prominent bottom structures as continental shelves and reefs.

Feeding Habits:
Large Black Marlin are known to feed on squid, scad, mackerel tuna, frigate mackerel, and tuna.

Age and Growth:
The Black Marlin´s highly ( and erratically ) migratory nature make it difficult for scientists to know how long a member of this species can live. Females can grow to 15 feet long and exceed 1000 pounds. Males generally are much smaller.

Sporting Qualities:
The Black`s immense strength and exceptional size makes it a favored target among big-game fishermen. A fight with one of these fish can last for hours, wearing severely on the angler as well as the tackle. Anglers commonly troll brightly colored lures or rigged baitfish to catch this species. Other popular techniques include kite fishing (where baits are suspended at the surface from flying kites) and heavy-tackle fly fishing. Commercial fishing has put a strain on numerous Black Marlin fisheries worldwide. As a result of the depleted stocks, many sport fisherman are now tagging and releasing their catches.

World Record:
1560 lbs. Cabo Blanco, Peru.

BLUE MARLIN
“Makaira Nigricans”

Other Names
Australia: Blue Marlin. Chile: Pez zuncho. China: Lan fu yii. Japan: Aburakajiki, Genba, Katokui, Katsoukui, Kudamaki, Kuro. Malaysia: Mersudji. Mexico y Centro América: Marlin Azul. New Caledonia: Empéreur, Marlin bleu. New Zealand: Marlin, Taketonga. Tahiti: Haura. USA: Blue Marlin, Cuban black marlin. Former USSR: Ch’joemij marlin.

Description:
Of gamefish in the oceans, few can equal the excitement generated by the majestic Blue Marlin. From romance and history, the fish of Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea fights with a strength which can only be exceeded by that of the giant bluefin tuna.

A Blue Marlin has retractable fins that can be folded flat against the body even after death. The dorsal fin stands high *although it is not as tall as the fish’s body-depth( and is pointed anteriorly, rather than curved. It has a large anal fin and lavender stripes that appear when excited but fade after death. The lateral line is not visible in adults without removing scales. The back is dark blue and the belly is a silver/white.

Of the Big Three, Blue Marlin leap, greyhound, and then settle down deep, testing the strength of both angler and tackle. They can be an awesome fish, never mundane. Found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate seas, they afford maximum sport in over 30 countries.

Typical Habitat:
Like the black marlin, blues are known wanderers with little scientific history. They are a high migratory, pelagic species that can be found between 48 degrees South to 48 degrees North. They roam deep waters and congregate near baitfish-producing bottom structures such as continental shelves, canyons and reefs.

In the northwestern Atlantic, Blue Marlin are found in season from North Carolina southward to the West Indies, the best months are from June to October. Southwestern waters, including the Caribbean around Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the Virgin Islands, have a high season which runs from October to April. In South America, they are plentiful off Venezuela to Brazil in the fall and winter. Large granders are taken in the eastern Atlantic, top areas being the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and off the Ivory Coast.

The Pacific Blue Marlin, thought by some to be a separate or sub-species, is caught from California to Panama, out to Hawaii and Polynesia, and south to New Zealand. Visiting American anglers, as well as local pescadores, take Blue Marlin from Mexico, off Guatemala and Costa Rica, to Ecuador. In the northeastern Pacific, the best season runs from May to October, while equatorial waters are prime in April and November.

Feeding Habits:
Blues are voracious and not very selective eaters. They will consume most any baitfish presented to them but their preferences are mackerel, squid, dolphin, and tuna.

Live bonito, bridled through the “hole” at the top of the eye-socket, make excellent baits for large Blue Marlin. Slow-trolling, by kicking alternate engines in and out of gear, allows the bait to live for a surprisingly long time. Usually the bonito must be caught well inshore of the Blue Marlin grounds. As soon as caught, the bait is either wrapped in a towel or placed in the live well, the boat heading for deeper water haste amundo!

Age and Growth:
It is difficult to find a Blue Marlin over 10 years old, however they are believed to live up to 15 years. Like black marlin, the largest blues will always be females. Males rarely grow above 300 pounds. A commercially-caught Blue Marlin weighed about 2,200 pounds.

Techniques:
For Blue Marlin up to 250 lbs, a 30-50 Stand-Up Class rod will do well. It has enough beef in the blank to avoid an extended battle. Most rods run from 5 ½ feet to 5-feet 9-inches in length, allowing the angler good leverage; and they should have Heavy Duty Aftco roller guides.

Reels must have a good proven drag, such as the Penn 30W International II, or the Shimano TLD 30 II, heir to the original 20;50 Beastmaster. Both reels can spool 600 yard of 30-lb test monofilament. Double the last 30 feet of the line with a Bimini Twist, making a 15-foot section below the knot, and attach a BX5 or 6 Sampo-styled ball-bearing swivel with an Offshore Swivel Knot.

For comfortable stand-up angling, choose a rugged harness and belt that fits you comfortable. Whether made by Reliable of Braid, these are important items and should be chosen carefully.

Large Blue Marlin require a chair and heavy tackle. Machined aluminum reels are standard, the 80STW Penn International II or a comparable Shimano Tiagra or Fin Nor. Trolling rods for big critters are in the 80-lb Class, usually 7-footers with either Aftco Big Foot or Fin Nor Heavy guides. With the big outfits, an angler has the choice of Dacron or monofilament line. Although there are advantages to both lines, most boats use 80 or 100-lb test mono.

Brightly colored lures and teasers are also commonly used. Blue marlin anglers will look for temperature breaks in the water and follow large concentrations of baitfish.

World Record
1402 lbs. 2 ounces Vitoria, Brazil (Atlantic Blue) and 1376 lbs. Kona, Hawaii (Pacific Blue).

SAILFISHES
“Isitiophorus platypterus”

Other Names
Spindlebeak, Bayonetfish, Ho-soan-ki-hi, Mbassi kouri, Fung-hibaru, Djangilus, Akitaroo, Nsulinsuli, Ndware, Mersuji, Pez Vela, Empéreur éventail, Dogso, Dot-sae-chi, Mulmeen, Haurepe, Cà co, Parusnik, Vilier, Espadon Vela, A´U Lepe, Pesce Vela, Pesce Ventaglio, Veleiro, Aguja de Abanico, Aguja Voladora, Aguja de Faralá.

Description:
These are the easiest of all the billfish to identify. Their tall, arching dorsal fin is filled with blood vessels and is used to regulate the fish’s body temperature. Its back and dorsal fin are dark blue, sides are silver, and belly is white. The visible lateral line runs from the tall to gill plate. The bill is usually twice the length of the fish’s lower jaw.

Found in tropical and subtropical seas of the world, sailfishes are the most popular members of the billfish clan. Everyone recognizes them immediately.

Sailfish are unbelievable sprinters that can reach up to 68 miles per hour. When hooked, they will dump a lot of line and put on an impressive acrobatic show in their initial run. However, they will lose stamina quickly. Anglers commonly troll medium-sized lures and baits in middepth waters for this fish. Throw out an extra bait, on heavy spinning gear whenever a sailfish is hooked. They tend to travel in packs ranging from three to 30, making chances for a double hook-up very good. Sails are prime targets for medium-tackle bail-and switch or flyfishing. Once incited, they will pursue a baitfish longer and more aggressively This gives anglers a good chance of luring a sailfish from a teaser to a hooked dropback bait. The beautiful shimmering colors of a Sailfish are at best when the fish is jumping.

The first sailfish was described in 1876 by Brousonnet from an Indian Ocean specimen. Not many years later attention was drawn to the sailfish along the eastern coast of the United States when it was being caught on handline by anglers who went along with commercial fishermen to enjoy a day hooking kingfish and mackerel. A Mr. Armes with Mr. Cammeron as guide, about 1898, caught the first sailfish on rod and reel in the Florida Keys. It wasn’t until the 1920´s however, that the Atlantic Sailfish was given recognition as one of the gamest fish in existence.

Scientists refer to this family as Istiophoridae. The sailfish genus Istiophorus, previously split into many species, has been narrowed down.

Typical Habitat
Sailfish will migrate in deep, warm waters, of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are pelagic and migratory in warm offshore waters, although they may migrate into warm nearshore areas in some parts of their range. In the eastern Pacific, sailfish range from Baja California to Peru, and in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Brazil, being most common in warm waters along the edges of the Gulf Stream.

Feeding Habits:
Sailfish eat squid, octopus, mackerel, mullet, flyingfish, needlefish, ballyhoo, herring, tunas, jacks, and other small fish. Although they travel in deep water, they will usually feed in mid-depths. Given the proper bait population, sailfish can exhibit the same group hinting characteristics as white marlin. Since the net ban, they have been spotted balling baitfish over reefs in Key West. “Balling” occurs when an number of predators herd a school of baitfish into a tight ball near the surface of the water. Two or three predator fish will keep the bait organized while the others feed from the ball.

Age and Growth:
While there is very little known about the overall life span of sailfish, it is believed that they can grow up to four or five feet in their first year. It is also believed that Pacific Sailfish can grow much larger than their Atlantic counterparts. Like other pelagic species that spawn in the open sea, Sailfish produce large numbers of eggs, perhaps 4 to 5 million. These are fertilized in the open water, where they float with plankton until hatching.

World Records:
Sportfishing records for Sailfish have long been maintained by the International Game Fish Association on the basis of Atlantic and Indo-Pacific distribution; the all-tackle world record for Atlantic fish is a141 Lbs. Luanda, Angola in 1994, 221 Lbs. Santa Cruz, Ecuador 1947 (Pacific).

Seasons:
In Mexico and Central America the best months is November thru May. But there is a very rare phenomenon in the waters off Guatemala, a place where Sailfish found all year long.