petej's blog

Purse seine netters seeking permits in highly prized sportfishing/tourism locale

FT. LAUDERDALE, Florida, USA — A commercial Bahamian purse seine netting operation is attempting to obtain permits to begin operating in the islands of the Bahamas for yellowfin tuna, much to the frustration of conservation groups and sports fishing interests.

Freshwater fishing’s “Holy Grail” now has dual holders; 22 lb 4 oz bass caught by
Japan’s Manabu Kurita matches IGFA record held for 77 years by Georgia’s George Perry

DANIA BEACH, Fla. USA, (January 8, 2010) --- After nearly six months of waiting, Japan’s Manabu Kurita is taking his place along side Georgia, USA angler George Perry in the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) World Record Games Fishes book as dual holders of the All-Tackle record for largemouth bass each weighing 22 lb 4 oz and caught 77 years apart.

Impressive new Carey Chen artistry/foiled stamped certificates commemorate a great day of catching billfish and releasing them; they’re free for The Billfish Foundation members

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. Is there an angler in your family or a friend who loves catching and releasing billfish? Here’s a great gift idea which will keep on giving throughout 2010.

Chris Fischer leads “Expedition Great White” on Nat Geo Channel Monday night, Nov. 16th

GUADALUPE ISLAND, Baja Mexico, (Nov. 13, 2009) – Avid billfish angler and TV outdoor fishing adventurer Chris Fischer never thought he’d actually be living a scene much like that from Jaws as he kneeled face-to-face handling a huge, live 4,600 pound great white shark.

The Billfish Foundation President Ellen Peel in Brazil for 10 day worldwide summit
but is not overly optimistic about strong conservation measures being passed

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. USA and RECIFE, Brazil -- (November 6, 2009) -- Ellen Peel who was recently appointed as the new U.S. Commissioner to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) is in Brazil today for the start of the 21st annual meeting of the commission.

Elite fly and light tackle angling champions to compete in 10th annual event July 13 - 15

ISLAMORADA, In The Florida Keys, USA ---They are among the “best of the best,” as nearly 40 top men and women fly and light tackle “sight-casting” fishing champions from across the world will be invited to compete in the 10th annual Florida Keys Outfitters / IGFA Inshore World Championship set for July 13 - 15.

The Billfish Foundation seeks seven month closure; email campaign to Washington

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 26, 2009) -- With an August 31st deadline for the voicing of comments on reducing the bycatches of billfish and bluefin tuna by commercial longliners, The Billfish Foundation is asking the help of the recreational fishing communities, especially on the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts.

Twelve conservation groups issue joint statement regarding IATTC meeting underway in California

Editor’s Note:

Below and attached is a joint press release from 12 non-governmental conservation organizations – of which The Billfish Foundation is a member – that are negotiating with the 16 member nations at the annual Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) meeting underway now in La Jolla, Calif. USA.

Continue to face strong opposition from commercial fishing lobbyists

MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Though backed with a stronger sportfishing/conservation bill currently on the Senate floor in Mexico City that would close major loopholes in the current law, its proponents now face opposition from political and commercial fishing interests pushing legislation to open the dorado fishery more.

The Billfish Foundation generally pleased with new regulations

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica ---- Though not all of the previously agreed measures were passed by the Costa Rican fisheries agencies’ board this past week for the protection of sailfish and other sport fishing resources, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) was upbeat about the regulations which were approved.