Our View: FWC Should Skip Tarpon-Jig Ban

As predictable as the poinciana bloom, but not so pretty, is this year's outbreak of warfare between types of gear users in tarpon fishing at Boca Grande Pass.

Unfortunately, however, the latest turmoil between live bait drifters and jig droppers has attracted the ear of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, whose members plan to consider possible new regulations based on what we think is skimpy evidence, at best.

Hold the phone, we say.

There are no scientific findings to justify claims that jig fishing results in an extraordinary number of tarpon snaggings. And there's no showing that the uncommon hookups out of the mouth are in any way intentional.

A snagged tarpon, it should be noted, is not eligible for entry in tournaments involving the species.

It should also be noted that snagged fish can also turn up in live bait fishing, as with virtually all angling.

Still, we recognize that the Boca Grande tarpon fishery is rich with interesting history and deserves everyone's close attention and continuing study, done carefully and scientifically.

For a complete agenda of the FWC meeting this week in Lakeland, FL, click here.

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