Anglers are invited to a unique, science-focused snook tournament to be held by Mote Marine Laboratory on Nov. 13 – 14 and a kids’ fishing clinic Nov. 7.
The William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig Honoring Captain Scotty Moore is a research-based catch, sample and release tournament that helps Mote scientists learn more about snook in Sarasota Bay. It is part of Mote’s Snook Stock Enhancement research program conducted in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Snook are one of the most sought-after catches in Florida’s saltwater recreational fishing industry, which draws more than $6 billion to the economy annually. However, increased fishing pressure, habitat loss and natural challenges such as freezes and red tide have contributed to a decline in snook populations. Thus, for more than 25 years, Mote and FWC scientists have partnered on research studies designed to evaluate if stocking hatchery-reared snook can be an effective fishery management tool for replenishing snook stocks.
Mote researchers document snook caught during the tournament to identify individual hatchery-reared fish they previously tagged and released, recovering vital data that can be used to adjust release protocols. Past tournament results have revealed that changes in snook-release strategies, based on Mote pilot studies, have improved survival of stocked snook by as much as 200 percent.
“The tournament provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about Mote’s fisheries research and conservation, and with their participation it is a valuable tool to provide vital data on hatchery-reared snook contributions to the fishery, and snook population size and movements in Sarasota Bay,” said Carole Neidig, Mote Staff Scientist. “Also, it’s the only scientific tournament that involves citizen scientists with a focus on hatchery-reared and wild common snook.”
The tournament is preceded by a fun, educational Teach-A-Kid Fishing Clinic on Nov. 7.
Snook Shindig Teach-A-Kid Fishing Clinic
Mote invites kids to discover the fun of sustainable fishing — not to mention why fish are so slippery, how to do the fishy art of Gyotaku and how anglers can make a “reel” difference for marine environments — at this year’s Snook Shindig Teach-A-Kid Fishing Clinic from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Kids ages 5 to 16 can learn from professional guides and experienced anglers during this fishing clinic at Mote Aquaculture Park (MAP) — Mote Marine Laboratory’s sustainable fish farm in eastern Sarasota County.
The fishing clinic will include a tour of MAP, where guests can learn first-hand about sustainable fish farming for ocean conservation and innovative aquaculture systems for marine and freshwater fish, production of sea vegetables together with fish for local food markets (marine aquaponics), and much more. The Clinic will be followed by lunch sponsored by the Sarasota Sportsmen’s Association.
The clinic is designed to educate young anglers about enjoying Florida’s fisheries while helping to sustain them.
The event will include educational stations focusing on spin and fly rod casting, bait and tackle, ethical angling, environmental stewardship, sun and water safety, kayak fishing, fly tying, catch-and-release tactics and Gyotaku (Japanese art of fish printing), along with fishing in the MAP lake with professional guides and knowledgeable anglers.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7. Please check-in by 8:45 a.m. The Teach-a-Kid Fishing Clinic runs from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. followed by lunch.
Where: Mote Aquaculture Park at 12300 Fruitville Road, Sarasota (about 7 miles east of Interstate 75)
Register: Registration is $10 per child ages 5-16. Registration is limited to 120 youths. Cost includes lunch sponsored by the Sarasota Sportsmen’s Association. *Each registered child receives a goody bag, rod, reel and tackle kit. Learn more and register at mote.org/fishingclinic
The 2015 Shindig Teach-A-Kid Fishing Clinic is made possible by Fish Florida and Sarasota philanthropists Carol and Barney Barnett, who have generously donated to Mote to help the independent, non-profit “home grown” marine research institution with extensive expertise in ocean science around the world implement its Fisheries Conservation & Enhancement Initiative to protect and restore fisheries in Sarasota Bay. The Barnetts have challenged the community to raise $3 million more for Mote’s Oceans of Opportunity Campaign (www.mote.org/oceanscampaign). To sponsor the 2015 Shindig Teach-A-Kid Fishing Clinic, contact Carole Neidig atcneidig@mote.org or 941-704-7663.
William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig Honoring Captain Scotty Moore
Anglers of all ages are also invited to participate in Mote Marine Laboratory’s William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig honoring Captain Scotty Moore — a research-based catch, sample and release tournament targeting snook released by scientists from Mote’s Fisheries Ecology and Enhancement Program and colleagues at Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Children who participated in the Teach-A-Kid Fishing Clinic can compete for free.
The tournament will run from Nov. 13-14, starting with a mandatory captain’s meeting at Mote, followed by fishing in Sarasota Bay and then an awards ceremony in Mote Aquarium’s courtyard. Details below.
Anglers of all ages can take home prizes (and new fish stories) while helping Mote scientists find out how snook fare after being raised and released into the wild by Mote and FWC staff.
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 13 – 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14
Where:
Mandatory Captain’s Meeting: 6 p.m. Nov. 13 in Mote’s Keating Marine Education Center, 1599 Ken Thompson Parkway on City Island, Sarasota
Fishing: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 – noon Nov. 14 along Sarasota Bay from Venice to CortezAwards
Dinner: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in Mote Aquarium’s Courtyard.
Register: Adults ages 18 and older can register $50 per person. Youths ages 17 and younger can register at $20 per person.
Registered anglers are eligible for prizes. Snook Shindig entry fee includes entry in the tournament, barbecue dinner, an event T-shirt, voluntary participation in raffles and lots of fun.
To register only for the 5:30 p.m. Awards Dinner on Nov. 14, purchase a dinner ticket for $30 per adult, $15 per youth (17 and younger). Children under 5 can eat for free. Learn more and register at mote.org/snookshindig
The Snook Shindig is part of Mote’s Snook Stock Enhancement research program and is conducted in partnership with FWC.
Sponsors of the tournament include Carol and Barney Barnett; Mote Marine Laboratory; Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission; Fish Florida; Bark & Company Realty, Inc.; Fran Bays; Chris and Jill Malkin; FishBrain; Steve Whitlock; Captain Scotty Moore; Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports; Hydro Glow Fishing Lights; North American Environmental Protection Association; Daiichi; DOA Lures; Pinch-A-Penny; Captain Curt’s; MirrOlure; CB’s Saltwater Outfitters; Woody Wax; Weisman Jewelers; Cannons Marina; Johnny Miller Outfitters; Sarasota Sportsmen’s Association; Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers; Siesta Harbor Fishing Club; Waterproof Charts; Yippee Kayak Fishing; Coconut Tree Boutique; Ray Domingo; and Sarasota Bay Explorers.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Carole Neidig at cneidig@mote.org or 941-704-7663.