Fishing Blog
A very rare and spectacular occurrence is upon us, on August 21st, 2017, most of the U.S. will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse, which hasn’t occurred in almost a century. The last time an eclipse was visible as a partial or total solar eclipse by the entire continental U.S. was on June 8th, 1918. The total eclipse or direct path will go from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Most of the other states that are not under the direct path of the eclipse will see no less that 50% coverage, or a partial eclipse. Here in Texas, we will see the moon cover over half of the sun, while those in Florida will see about 75% coverage. While this event is no doubt fascinating and a wonder to behold, what does that mean for the Gulf Coast?
Fish are undoubtedly effected by many of their environment’s subtle variables, and a solar eclipse is no different. Although the eclipse will only last a few minutes, the normal patterns that our Texas game fish follow will change. According to a study from the University of Moncton in Canada, species that are in shallow enough water to be effected by differences in light from night and day will think that it is dawn and begin to exhibit night-time behaviors like hunkering down and retreating to reefs and deep cuts. Once the eclipse has passed, fish will resume their normal activity after a few minutes.
Written by: Urs E. Schmid, President of Saltwater-Recon.com. “Know Before You Go”
In order to tag sharks you must catch them. A variety of equipment is used to catch sharks. When conducting research, scientists choose gear and procedures in order to help limit possible damage to sharks that could occur as the sharks are captured. The scientist's goal is to capture the shark, collect data, tag the shark, and return it to the ocean to live a healthy life.
For tagging very large sharks, it is not possible to bring them out of the water, so they are tagged from the boat using a pole. Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory have a special permit to use gill nets and are required by law to follow procedures that limit damage to sharks. Gill nets, if not used with special care, can cause damage to sharks or may kill them. Biologists are trained to tag sharks in specific ways that will not harm the shark or affect its movements. In recent years, fishermen have joined the efforts to collect data about sharks by tagging g sharks when they catch them, rather than killing or releasing them without tags.
The fishermen who participate in these tag and release programs also need to be trained to use tags correctly. Tags improperly applied or placed in the wrong types of sharks can fall off, affecting stunt growth, creating inaccurate age and growth estimates. Improperly applied tags can even cause death. To prevent this, scientists have studied different types of tag design and technique in order to determine the best type of tag to use. The specific style and size of a tag can be matched to the shark being caught and released. For example, young or small adult sharks cannot handle tags designed for larger, tougher animals. Sharks are tagged at the base of their first dorsal fin.
Dr Neil Hammerschlag of the University of Miami Rosensteil School of Marine Science recently spent time with Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps in South Africa as they went Cage Diving for the Discovery Channels Shark Week.
After an intense week of weather in the Florida panhandle, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic was a huge success. With over 70 plus boats trying to catch the largest Blue Marlin for prizes at over a million dollars.
Winning Team in Red Hook & Tackle hats enjoying the moment.
The ECBC is based in Destin, Florida at the popular Sandestin resort in Baytowne Marina. Thousands came out to watch the weigh in. The grounds at Sandestin are pristine with beautiful views and sunsets.
Hook & Tackle is a proud sponsor of the event with a full store set up on the boardwalk.
Anglers enjoying their new hats!
Are you Ready for Shark Week!
Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 8:00 pm (est) watch Olympian Michael Phelps Cage Dive with a Great Shark!
Michael Phelps, joins Dr. Neil Hammerschlag of the University of Miami Rosensteil School of Marine Science in Australia as they Cage Dive with his fieriest competitor, the Great White Shark!
Hook & Tackle has partnered with University of Miami as the exclusive manufacturer of the Shark Research clothing gear. Watch Michael Phelps go way down under in the UM/Hook & Tackle Gear.
For 21 years Hook & Tackle has been a partner of the Miami Dolphins Foundation and a sponsor of the Fins Weekend annual charity event benefitting City Year, a mentoring program for underprivileged high school students. This is the largest NFL event with the entire team, current players, alumni, coaches, rookies and cheerleaders.
With over 1500 people in attendance at Fins Friday night party in Key Biscayne, Florida. Many enjoyed great food from top local restaurants, cocktails and top entertainment.
Great Live and Silent Auction Items were available
The weekend was filled with current players and the new Rookie class, including QB Ryan Tannehill, Tight End Anthony Fasano, Alumni Dan Marino, Jason Taylor and so many more...
The Fishing Day was epic with lots of Dolphin,Tuna, and Kingfish
The weekend ended with one of the largest Fire Work displays celebrating a very highly successful weekend bringing together, NFL players, anglers, golfers, fans and fishermen. Feels great to give back to the community!
