Report Your Catch!

[Mike]

Thanks to Finalpoint for writing a great article on the important of reporting your catch.

Check it out: http://www.swordfishingcentral.com/r.../reporting.php

If you woudl like to contribute to SFC by writing an article, there is a FREE t-shirt in it for you.. Just give me a shout.

Thanks,
Mike

[RiskTaker]

Great Job Pat:

Thanks for putting in your effort into writing up this article about requirement for reporting. I just received a confirmation number today for reporting a fish. But I did not really even consider the consequences if you do not report until I read your article! I am still not clear what the exact penalties are; I am just happy to report my catches if it can possibly secure our local fishery for the locals. And of significant importance to manage and maintain a healthy stock of swordfish for eternity.

I was carefully reminded, that you must call the 1-800... number to initiate your report and receive a specific reporting number. Greg, from St. Petersburg, will very likely be the person to record your data and subsequently, issue you the confirmation number. Your responsibility to report is not satisfied until you have that number. You should write it down in a journal because I am not yet familiar with a paper trail or receipt. (I jot mine down on the back of my paper print-out of the Federal Fisheries Permit. Wouldn't that be the day when I have to start attaching sheets!) The exception to this rule is if you are participating in a legitimate tournament. Even so the pertinent data must be properly recorded with the tournament committee.

It typically identifies the fish you have reported with a date code, a region and a unique number. For example, SWO11232004FL123.

I believe that it would also beneficial to report your released fish as well. I have not gotten into the habit of doing this but I certainly do not mind if I can chalk up a few more votes for myself.

Does anybody know if report numbers are issued for released fish?

Hey, is anyone out there having swordfish for Thanksgiving, instead of turkey? If so, be thankful if you are and also to NOAA for managing your fishery. It appears that they are doing a satisfactory job of it.

Pat - Good luck catching a swordfish on Thursday. RT

[FinalPoint]

Thanks RT. I hope it can make a little difference...can't wait to fish with you on Saturday. Let's get em (and report them of course).

[INSPECTOR]

Hear Ye,

Excellent job on the article Pat!