Interesting and Fun Alternatives to Conventional Freshwater Fishing

The reasons to go fishing are many. It is a time-honored sport that can be relaxing, fun and contribute to a healthy mind and body. A rod and reel are what most think of as the primary tools, but a few alternatives to conventional methods for catching freshwater fish, namely bow fishing, cane pole and survival fishing can also bring another level of fun and excitement. Catching a fish is challenging enough even with the most sophisticated equipment and years of experience. On the other hand, it is a sport that can be done with success by a young child under adult supervision with equipment that can cost less than $25. To the angler who is experienced and thinks they would like to try an alternative, using more primitive methods can be rewarding to connect the fisherman with traditional methods, ways that were once the only means to provide fare for the table. Additionally, the target species of fish caught by these primitive methods are nongame and non-native fish, which are a threat to native game species.

Bow Fishing is done with archery equipment but using a fiberglass arrow with a barbed point, and the arrow is connected to the bow via a mechanical reel or simple spool. Done from land or by boat, during the day or night, this is an exhilarating challenge. Image left is Gus in 1976 with Gar and bow in hand. Photo description below.

Cane Pole Fishing often referred by Florida statute as the cane-pole exemption, because cane pole fishing does not require a license. The law states, “In Florida you must be a resident who is fishing with live or natural bait, using poles or lines that are not equipped with a fishing line - retrieval mechanism, and you are fishing for noncommercial purposes in your home county. However, you must have a valid fishing license to fish by any method in a fish management area.”

Survival Fishing is simply cane pole fishing, but without the pole. Using natural or artificial bait, natural or synthetic string, this method will strip away most of the technology and just leave the fisherman verses the fish.  If successful, it will bring a sense of confidence to the angler that perhaps they could survive in the wilderness with minimal tools. Exciting!

Although Florida fishing laws are used as an example, other states have similar laws and/or exemptions so checking with the state game commission on a regular basis is important. Fishing regulations change so what may be legal this year may not be the next.

Since not all Florida fish can be taken by all methods, clarification is necessary. Florida freshwater fish are divided into game fish that have specific bag and length limits and may only be taken with pole-and-line or rod-and-reel, and nongame fish, which are all others.

See the chart for types of Florida Game Fish. Non-native fish are those that do not occur in Florida naturally; most should be harvested and never released. Florida Nongame Fish includes all freshwater fish that are NOT defined as game fish. A license is required to take nongame fish, but additional gear types are allowed (as mentioned above).

** See regulations for exemptions other than Cane Pole.
♦ See regulations for special region-specific restrictions.

Resources:
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Freshwater Fishing Regulations, 2016-2017.

Photo description: The photo was taken by my Mom when I was 16 or 17 years old in Fort Worth, TX after a day of fishing on the Trinity River, downtown Fort Worth.  My buddies and I would go there regularly to shoot Carp and Gar. Although some were just thrown away (because they eat game fish), most were harvested and given to resident neighbors to the river who ate them.  We made a lot of friends when we gave away our catch. In the background is my first car, a 1967 Rambler American which I kept until 1982.

This article also appears as a University of Florida / IFAS, Brevard County Extension Fact Sheet Number 6175, by Gus Koerner 4-H Program Assistant.

Mr. Gus Outdoors Proudly Supports FOWA

Recently I had the honor of hosting the Florida Outdoor Writer's Association (FOWA) on a day shooting experience at the Titusville Rifle and Pistol Club in Mims, FL.  They were right in the middle of hosting their annual conference in Titusville, Florida and one of their conference favorites is getting in a little "trigger time".

We had a great day at the range, practicing a little clay bird practice off the trap machine then finishing up at the pistol range. We all had a safe fun day, thanks in part to the gun club, and Diamondback Firearms who provided some of the pistols for our evaluation and recreation.

FOWA is a great organization! FOWA’s mission, "Through ever-improving our communication skills . . . to heighten the education of all outdoor participants in the areas of conservation, safety, participation and environmental issues” is as important today as it was over 50 years ago when they began.  Students need to realize that FOWA provides scholarships to young writers, as well as memberships.

Back to basics: Cane pole fishing

Image by Cindy Baer Webster

I love to fish, and most of my friends feel the same way. More than likely, if you're reading this you like to fish too. I hope by the end of this article, you'll appreciate and try cane pole fishing.

Now a days you just can't grab your pole and go without stopping at the local bait shop, sporting goods store or mega-mart and picking up your fishing license. That alone can cost you well over $20, and if you're not a frequent fisherman the permit you have in your wallet is probably expired and you have to go get another. That could make for a costly trip. Perhaps your an avid fisherman, always keep a current license and you're always ready to go all the time. Cane pole fishing may be for you too.

There was a time for all of us when we could just grab our fishing pole, tackle box and go. In modern times, and by that I mean the last 40 or so years, the fish populations have dwindled due mostly to loss of habitat, and the problem has been compounded by less-than-ethical fisherman. The result is that game commissions all over our nation have put tighter restrictions on fishing, and even now in Florida, a resident needs a license or special permit to fish anywhere beyond their own property. See the FL Freshwater Regulations for example.

Recently I discovered Florida's "cane pole exemption" which states you do not need a license if "you are a resident who is fishing with live or natural bait, using poles or lines that are not equipped with a fishing-line-retrieval mechanism, and you are fishing for noncommercial purposes in your home county." (this could actually mean a pole make of any material)

I kind of fall into both categories mentioned above. My license seems to be expired every time I look at it and even though I have quality fishing tackle out in the shed, I appreciate old-school methods. We don't see cane pole fishing that frequently now, but it is still popular in some areas.

This morning I went to our other office where we have a marvelous stand of various bamboo varieties. I was looking for a straight piece about 8 to 10 feet long, but could find the right one. What I did find was a culm (stalk) of bamboo about 25 feet tall which I fell and cut off the last 10 feet. I plan on using it all. I suppose I could fish with the tip immediately, but my plan is to let it dry slowly, cut and sand the rough edges and put a finish coat of varnish on it. I'll let you know how it turns out.

I hope some of you will try this! If so, please send me your comments. If you're doing it to save money, or just to get back to basics, both are good reasons. I also have to admit I hate giving the government money to utilize our fishing resources, paying another fee beyond the taxes I'm already paying!

In researching this topic I found the marvelous work of Cindy Baer Webster, an artist and educator based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She owns the company smART Decor and travels all over the mid-west painting murals. I hope you'll visit her site.

5 of the Top 10 US Beaches are in Florida

You know, I have to venture away from my shooting, fishing, hiking stories for this one!


Trip Adviser just named five of the top ten beaches in the United States right here in my home state of Florida.  Of the top ten, they named: St. Pete #1, Miami Beach #2, Daytona Beach #6, Fort Lauderdale #7 and Key West #10.  Personally my favorite is Playalinda Beach which is part of the Canaveral National Sea Shore, just 30 minutes south of Daytona in Brevard County.  I'm sure it was just too small (or not commercial enough) to name.


So, next time you need to relax on the sand with the waves lapping the shore, practice your surfing or throwing in a fishing line consider coming to visit us in Florida.  For the full article on Trip Advisor, click here.

Midway Progress Report - 4-H Fly Fishing Clinic

We're about midway through our 12 week 4-H Fly Fishing program, and it is going incredibly well.  I attribute our success to the overwhelming support of our volunteer experts from local fly fishing clubs, and the sharp, willing to learn young students.  The weather in Melbourne (Florida) this past weekend couldn't have been any better, although the fish weren't biting!  In spite of that, it will be a weekend to remember for a long time.  I am including below, a program summary for those interested in starting a similar program.

Photo credit: Kristen Sanderson

The University of Florida / Brevard County Extension 4-H Program has a goal to attract and teach one of the most challenging clientele bases for the program, the teenager.  It is also a programmatic desire to overlap with other Extension program areas, bring in subject matter experts and additional sources of funding. Partnering with a local fishing enthusiast group, small businesses, and Brevard County’s Marine Science Extension Agent, a 4-H program in Fly Fishing was developed.  Extension’s primary role was to capture the vision of the group and bring them together as a unified team. This six-month twelve session program involves seventeen boys ranging from age 12 to 17 and 13 adult volunteers.  Of the nearly 30 people involved in this program, only 5 have had previous experience in 4-H.  Learning the techniques of fly fishing is only one piece of the curriculum. Youth are also taught knot tying, the artistic form of creating your own flies to imitate insects and marine prey, wildlife conservation, and building lifelong friendships with fellow fly fishers. An evaluation process is in place to report on and expand this program.

Fishing Knots...Part 5 of 6, The Blood Knot

The blood knot is a knot used for attaching two pieces of monofilament together, primarily for rebuilding tapered leaders. This is an extremely strong knot when formed properly and should be tied with monofilament close in diameter. Best use is for monofilament 10 lbs. and up.

Step 1. Lay both sections of monofilament across one another. Wrap one section 5-6 times around the other bringing the end back down through the loop formed by both.

Step 2. Wrap the other line 5-6 times around the remaining portion of the first line and pass it's free end up through the formed loop. (See illustration 2)

Step 3. Moisten the knot with your mouth, and while holding the long ends pull the knot tight. Clip the short ends close and the knot is complete.

Many thanks to The Fly Fishing Connection for their great resources!

Fishing Knots...Part 4 of 6, The Nail Knot

Step 1. Place a nail between the fly line and leader. Wrap the leader back towards the end of your fly line about 6 times.

Nail Knot (Leader to Fly Line)

The Nail knot is one of the most important knots that every fly fisherman should learn. There are a few variations in the way this knot is tied. The angler can use a tube or a needle in replacement of the nail. With a little practice, this knot can be tied very quickly. Most common area for use is attaching the leader to the fly line. It can also be used to attach the fly line to the backing.

Step 2. Pass the end of your leader back through the loops you just made. After the leader is through, pull on both ends of the fly line and leader trying not to have the loops cross each other. Holding with fingers, remove nail.

Step 3. Moisten and snug down by pulling both ends away from each other. Clip excess line and leader close to the formed knot.

Fly Tying Adventure, Guest Post - Rodney Smith

A story by good friend, author, publisher and conservationist Caption Rodney Smith of Coastal Angler Magazine -

Rodney kissing his prize catch!

Photo credit to Addictive Fishing Television

Looking back some twenty years ago to the first fly I tied brings back fond, humbling memories. My first fly was an extremely weird looking thing that didn’t resemble anything I’d seen before or since! It was a colorful combination of deer hair and meager chicken feathers wrapped around the shank of a silver hook. It was loosely wrapped with of a wad of yellow sewing thread.

I can still recall my pride afterwards. Even though I had a long ways to go before I’d show anyone my flies, I knew I was on to something much bigger.

I attended a fly tying class that was being offered by a local fly fishing club, Melbourne’s Backcountry Fishing Association. Not long afterward, under the supervision of master fly tier Tom Lentz, I started getting the hang of it.

In class, we tied simple and effective fly patterns. We learned classics like the Clouser’s deep water minnow, foam spiders, ants, and Lefty’s Deceiver. In no time, I was catching redfish and spotted seatrout in saltwater, and  bream and bass in freshwater on my creations. Learning to tie flies and catch fish with those flies lead me down a more copasetic path with nature with my fishing experience.

Learning to tie and catch fish with my own flies has been very rewarding and fulfilling. Besides learning new skills, first-time tiers become acquainted with the aquatic ecosystem. This brings awareness of important conservation and environmental issues.

Capt. Gabe Nybald with a silver salmon

caught on the Goodnews River in Alaska

Kids who want to learn fly tying need to become familiar with a few basic tools and materials. They’ll need an inexpensive fly tying vise, a bobbin with thread, scissors, hooks, and tying materials. These can be purchased in a beginner’s kit or separately at a retail sporting goods store, fly shop or on-line.

Today learning to tie a fly has become as easy as turning on one’s computer and googling fly tying. But, if you are fortunate enough to have a local fly club in your community contact them to see if they offer classes for beginners. These classes can be a wonderful gateway to an extraordinary adventure.

About Rodney - A Florida native, conservation advocate, and lifetime angler with an in-depth understanding of the economical and environmental impacts of Florida's recreational fishery.

Married thirty years, father of four, and community leader, for fifteen years Rodney has been the publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine, which focuses on fishing, boating and conservation.

Rodney's also a member of the South Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council's Grouper /Snapper Advisory Panel.

Fishing Knots...Part 3 of 6, The Albright Knot

The Albright knot is used in situations where you need to join two lines of greatly unequal diameter or of different material. Mostly used in saltwater situations, I prefer this knot for joining of fly line to backing material.

Step 1. Loop the heavier line (wider diameter) and place it between your thumb and index finger of your left hand. Pass the lighter line through the formed loop leaving yourself about 8 inches. Pinch the lighter line in with the line already in your left hand.

Step 2. Make approximately 10 wraps with the lighter line wrapping away from you and working from left to right. With each wrap, work your thumb and index finger along holding these wraps in place, trying not to let up any pressure on your left hand. On the 10th wrap, come around and then through the remaining loop. Taking the standing line in your right hand, and pull gently as you push the wraps with your left hand towards the closed loop.  Alternate between the end of the lighter line, and on the standing part until the wraps are against the tag end. Make sure the wraps do not go over each other and that you don't push them to far. Pull the tag tight then pull on the standing part of both lines until the knot is secure.

Step 3. Finally, clip the two short pieces close to the knot.

Share The Sport

Mr. Gus teaching Josh how to tie an Improved Clinch Knot.

This is a topic that I write and speak frequently about, sharing the sports and crafts we love with the younger generation.  Be it fishing, shooting, sewing or what ever, many of these skills are being lost as the years go on.  My daughter is a kindergarten teacher and she did an classroom poll of how many of them knew how to tie their shoes.  I think the number was about 5 out of 25 or 20 percent of the students.  Looking down at their feet, you could see a host of slip on or hook and loop type fasteners.

A rewarding moment came to me today during our first fly fishing clinic.  We had already learned the fundamentals of fly casting and tying a fly, and now it was time to attach the fly to the leader and get some fish!  Near the lake front I was helping Josh get things going, and asked him if he knew how to tie a knot, and he said no.  "What about your shoes?", I asked.  Another no.  At the time, he was wearing Velcro (Registered Trademark) fasteners, and he said he didn't have any other kind of shoes, nor had he ever.  Well he successfully learned how to tie his fly to the leader and was able to go wet his hook.  He went away with a little more knowledge, and I left with a great sense of satisfaction knowing I had taught a kid to tie his first knot - of many more I hope!

Fishing Knots...Part 2 of 6, Improved Clinch Knot

Fishing Knots All Kids Need To Know... If you had to pick one, and only one knot to learn or teach to a rookie, this is the one. It is much more reliable than its little brother, the Clinch Knot.  The Improved Clinch knot is used for fastening a hook, swivel, or clip to a fishing string or the leader to the fly. If you are using over 12 Lb. test line, this is not a recommended knot.

Step 1. Thread your leader tippet through the eye of the hook. Wrap the end of the leader around the standing line 5 times for lines up to 8lb test and 4 times for lines from 8-12lb test. (You can also turn the hook 5 or 4 times)

Step 2. Take the tag end of the leader and pass it through the gap between the eye of the hook and the first wrap. Continue the tag end back up through the main loop just formed.

Step 3. Moisten the knot with your mouth, and while holding the hook in your left-hand pull on the standing leader allowing the knot to seat tightly against the hook. Clip the excess line.

Spotlight: The Snook Foundation

I had an email exchange this morning with a great guy, Rick Roberts, who is the Executive Director of the Snook Foundation.  He is also a die-hard angler and an optimist, whose life theme has been conservation.

When I asked Rick why his organization is so important, he told me, While the foundation’s name is Snook we are truly universal in our desire to protect all game and forage fish...We are  the inshore angler alliance. Our primary objective is to protect and retain the remaining nursery and juvenile fish habitat. We have lost 50% of what existed here in Florida  in the past fifty years...that has to stop.  William R. Mote, who founded the organization in 1998 and relates his vision, For countless ages, man has taken from the sea. Now it is time for us to give back to this precious source of all our planet's life.

We need this organization and those like it.  Please visit their website to learn what they’re doing to preserve this great species, how to catch them, and read stories from anglers and all about Snook in the news.

About the Snook: The Common Snook, Centropomus undecimalis, Adorned with a distinct lateral line; high, divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth, protruding lower jaw, there is nothing "common" about her.  Found from central Florida and off Galveston, Texas south to Rio DeJaniero, Brazil. Snook cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60 degrees F for long. Usually they prefer inshore in coastal and brackish or fresh waters, along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges; also on reefs and pilings near shore.  Photo Credits: The Snook Foundation