Circle hooks have been used by fishermen around the world for many years. But it is only in the past 15 years that it has caught on amongst the recreational anglers. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of using circle hooks. From an increased hook up ratio to the high probability of survival of the fish upon release, there is no good reason NOT to use circle hooks in all methods of fishing.

When fishing with live or dead bait, traditional methods have entailed using a "J" hook and allowing the fish to swallow the bait. This is great if you're going to keep the fish, but what if you intend to release the fish? The idea behind releasing a fish is that it survive, as unharmed as possible, after release. A fish that has swallowed a bait with a J hook is likely to either be gut-hooked, or damaged internally by the hook as it makes its way out of the body when the angler applies pressure with the rod and reel.

There are a number of important differences to understand between the use of J hooks and circle hooks. First, notice that the point of the barb of the circle hook is pointed towards the shank of the hook and is not exposed along the lateral path of travel like the J hook. The J hook is designed to snag anything along its path of travel, while the circle hook is designed to snag in one place and one place only: the corner of the mouth.

J Hook	Circle Hook

Which brings up another difference between the hooks: fishing method. For the experienced angler, the use of circle hooks involves forgetting almost everything we know about baiting and hooking fish. The J hook must be set by quickly swinging the rod tip upwards in an effort to "set" the hook. This is done after the fish has been allowed to eat or swallow the bait long enough for the bait to get into the throat of the fish.

With a circle hook, the angler allows the fish to "eat" the bait for a short count, keeping the rod pointed at the fish. The reel is put into gear, but NO motion is made to set the hook. The ONLY way the circle hook can work is if it travels SLOWLY. Once the reel is in gear, the turning of the reel handle will begin to pull the bait out of the fish. If the bait is moving slowly, the circle hook will pivot at the corner of the mouth and hook the fish there. After the line has pulled tight and the fish is pulling drag the angler can then SLOWLY lift the rod tip and fight the fish in a regular manner.

As mentioned early, circle hooks, when used properly, have as good if not a better hook-up rate then J hooks. The catch rate is much higher with the circle hooks because the hook is in the corner of the mouth which prevents the line from rubbing against the fish's teeth. At the same time, there tends to be fewer injuries to the fish caught and released (when handled properly) when circle hooks are used as the fish does not need to be handled nearly as much.

If you haven't already added circle hooks to your tackle box, head to your local tackle store and stock up. The Owner Mutu Circle Hooks are an excellent choice. See for yourself just how effective these hooks are. 

For more information or if you would like to have our Conservation Officer, Jenny Armstrong, speak at your club meeting, email Jenny at Jenny@SportCon.org  or call at 949-813-7831.

Sacramento: Today the California legislature has sent AB 2503, commonly referred to as the "Rigs to Reefs" bill, to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature.  The legislation would permit leaving in place the incredible marine habitat that has evolved under offshore oil platforms, if this can be shown to provide a positive environmental value.    This landmark legislation has moved through both the California Senate and Assembly with broad support from legislators on both sides of the aisle, collecting but one single nay in the many committee and floor votes.  Assembly Speaker John Perez authored the legislation that provides incentives for early decommissioning of offshore platforms, allows for the maintenance of the vibrant habitat beneath the structures and creates an independent ocean trust fund earmarked for California marine resources.

"AB 2503 does an incredible job of providing habitat for a number of California's at-risk fish populations and at the same time will provide an awesome marine legacy for the governor and legislators.  This bill will create an endowment to help fund the management and enhancement that our marine resources desperately need", said Tom Raftican, president of The Sportfishing Conservancy.   He added, "Recreational anglers have worked hard for this win-win solution and we urge the governor to sign this incredible legacy into law. Please tell Governor Schwarzenegger that you are a fisherman and ask him to sign AB 2503".

To send an email to the governor go to:
http://gov.ca.gov/interact

To write the governor:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
To call the governor:
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160
Or for information:
tom@sportcon.org

OBAMA'S LONG AWAITED OCEAN POLICY GARNERS SUPPORT TO BETTER REGULATE NATIONAL RESOURCES
The Sportfishing Conservancy Weighs In On The New National Policy

WHAT/
WHY: Obama Administration officials released the Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force today. This new policy would establish a National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes (National Policy) and create a National Ocean Council (NOC) to strengthen ocean governance and coordination.  The Final Recommendations prioritize actions for the NOC to pursue, and call for a flexible framework for coastal and marine spatial planning to address conservation, economic activity, user conflict, and sustainable use of the ocean, our coasts and the Great Lakes.

Long Beach-based The Sportfishing Conservancy has long been a vocal advocate for a positive change in how we wisely utilize our natural resources. The Conservancy, composed of passionate anglers with an ear to the ground in the sportfishing community, has sought to strengthen the bond between conservationists and outdoorsmen.

The Sportfishing Conservancy provided insight to the administration on developing a federal Ocean Policy and strongly endorses their comprehensive, coordinated approach to fishery management that integrates other ocean drivers such as energy and shipping into the grand equation.

These factors will determine the overall health of our ecosystem. 

WHO: Tom Raftican, president and founder of The Sportfishing Conservancy and member of the Marine Fish Advisory Committee to the United States Secretary of Commerce has keen insight into the implications of the new legislation and is available for an inside analytical interview.
 
WHERE: The Sportfishing Conservancy is based in Long Beach, California.

WHEN: The policy was release July 19, 2010 - http://www.whitehouse.gov/files/documents/OPTF_FinalRecs.pdf

CONTACT:
Jay Geer/James Chisum MGA, Inc. (562) 467-2020 Mobile: (714) 496-0541
Tom Raftican The Sportfishing Conservancy  (805) 895-3000

Terrific Toss Back Tuesday Two on the Toronado Angler Photos!

Click Toss Back Tuesday 06-15-2010 for the photos of the trip.

Terrific Toss Back Tuesday Two on the Toronado !

The fishing and the catching were awesome this past Tuesday aboard the Toronado.  Toss Back Tuesday Two featured a complete catch and release trip with some great photographs given out as souvenirs for anglers and a special $100 jackpot for the largest release.

The trip ran from 7 AM to 3 PM and targeted an array of surface fish with some rockfish thrown in for good luck.  The Sportfishing Conservancy's senior deputy, Bob Olinskas handled the "West Marine Elevator" that helped return rockfish to their home turf.  Barracuda fishing was center stage for most of the anglers onboard with many fish in the 5 to 10 pound range.  And that's on a digital scale!  Contact Pierpoint Landing at 562 495 6250 for information on the next "Toss Back Trip".

Click Toss Back Tuesday 06-15-2010 for the photos of the trip.

ANGLERS PUT A NEW SPIN ON CONSERVATION WITH SECOND "TOSS BACK TUESDAY" FISHING TRIP

"Photos, Not Fillets" Say Long Beach Anglers

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Lately, Conservationists and fishermen have spent considerable time and energy yelling at each other. Two advocates for ethical angling think they may have found some middle ground and a new way to unite those respective camps under the banner of their common love for fishing.

Don Ashley from Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach has partnered with Tom Raftican from The Sportfishing Conservancy to implement "Toss Back Tuesday." On Tuesday, June 15th, at a cost of $45 per person, anglers are invited to fish the Toronado out of Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach at 7:00 A.M., on which every fish caught will be "tossed back."
There will be a camera and printer on board, and anglers who catch fish will get their pictures taken as part of the " Photos, Not Fillets" campaign. Motivated by the successful turnout for the first 'Toss Back Tuesday,' Raftican and Ashley hope to this innovative approach to conservation will continue to spread.

"I'd like to thank Don Ashley and Pierpoint for hosting 'Toss Back Tuesdays' on the Toronado," said Raftican, founder of The Sportfishing Conservancy. "His efforts demonstrate that sportfishing and an exciting day on the water go hand in hand with the type of conservation programs recreational anglers are famous for. Don has started an awesome program that promises great rewards for both sport fishing and our resources. " Raftican added, "With the marked success of our first 'toss back', we hope the trend of 'real world conservation' continues to catch on."

For more information, or to register for "Toss Back Tuesday," please call Pierpoint Landing at (562) 983-9300. Pierpoint is located at: 200 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802

For information on upcoming "Toss Back Tuesday" and other events visit: [link]

2010 California Fish & Game Warden Stamp

The Sportfishing Conservancy's campaign to create a Warden Stamp has become a reality.  Californian's can now contribute $5 to purchase a Warden Stamp.  All proceeds this year will be used to either buy equipment for the wardens or to pay for needed training.

Sportsmen have always understood how important the wardens are in protecting our natural resources.  While the Highway Patrol may find one-third of the drivers stopped are armed, Game Wardens find ALL of their contacts armed.  To read about what the wardens are involved with see In the News at www.californiafishandgamewardens.com.

Warden stamps can be purchased at Department of Fish and Game offices or on-line at:

Game Wardens Foundation:

www.californiagamewardensfoundation.com

Department of Fish and Game:

www.dfg.ca.gov/wardenstamp

NO WEAR CAMPAIGN SUCCESSFUL

The California Fish and Game Commission listened to anglers who through The Sportfishing Conservancy petitioned to remove the provision requiring the "Display" of licenses while fishing.  Effective with the Spring 2010 regulations we still need to purchase licenses (and any needed stamps) wallets.

Our problem now is we still have a box full of license holders that we gave out as a form of civil disobedience during the campaign.  I've used my holder to keep fish guts and other things off my current license.  Anyone wanting a license holder contact info@sportcon.org.

Tuesday May 19^th there were 2 amazing celebrations in southern California, one at Pierpoint Landing in Long Beach and another deep under the Horse Shoe Kelp. Sport fishermen celebrated the kick-off of Toss Back Tuesdays at Pierpoint Landing with an awesome day of fishing aboard the Toronado, but broke with tradition by releasing 100% of their catch.  However, the release side of the equation played well at Horse Shoe Kelp as grateful fish headed back down to the reefs.  Bill Hopper utilized a West Marine "fish elevator" that played a key role in their safe return.

This trip aboard the Toranado was unique in that anglers agreed to "toss back" all catches. This toss back concept is part of The Sportfishing Conservancy's "Blue Footprint" program that blends recreational fishing's commitment to conservation with the light touch recreational techniques (rec tech) that sports anglers can employ.  "Rec tech" is designed to produce not only the desired conservation results, but also provides the incredible outdoors experience sadly lacking in today's video impregnated world.   

To sweeten the pot, the Toronado crew took and printed photos of fish caught right on board so that each angler had tangible proof of his efforts.  Instead of taking home fillets, anglers were presented with photos of their catch. "This is about having a great time out on the water and that the fun will show through in the photos", said The Sportfishing Conservancy founder, Tom Raftican.

"I'd like to thank Don Ashley and Pierpoint for kicking off 'Toss Back Tuesdays' on the Toronado, Raftican added. "These efforts demonstrate that sportfishing and an exciting day on the water go hand in hand with the type of conservation programs recreational anglers are famous for."

The next TOSS BACK TUESDAY is scheduled for June 15. For information or reservations call Pierpoint Landing (562) 983-9300. Photos of the fish can be viewed at www.SportCon.org

Alexandria, Virginia, April 16 and 17: The sportfishing community assembled from all four corners of the United States to meet with the National Marine Fisheries Service under the guidance of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). The reason for this "Summit" was to compare notes on the mutual challenges that NOAA and the sportfishing community face and outline a plan to address them.  NOAA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, pulled together facilitators and sportfishing leaders in order to examine where recreational fishing sits today and then to chart a course for the future.

While the focus of the Summit was to design a more robust future for the fishing public, Obama administration heavyweights were there in force to endorse their commitment to sportfishing and conservation.  NOAA Fisheries is the governmental agency that manages both commercial and recreational fishing for the federal government.  Eric Schwabb, the new Fisheries chief, introduced Russ Dunn, the newly hired National Policy Advisor for Recreational Fisheries.   But the star of the show was Dr. Jane Lubchenco, who, from satellites to submarines, heads up the entire agency.  Dr. L spoke on 2 controversial issues: Marine Spatial Planning and "Catch Shares".  These emerging initiatives are getting mixed feedback from stakeholders.   Addressing these concerns Dr. Lubchenco reiterated that making stewardship a priority meant not only healthy oceans, but also healthy (recreational) fishing communities.  It also meant having stakeholders (us) at the table from the start.  She also stressed the need for pilot projects to start this process.  Interestingly, anglers from Massachusetts and Rhode Island told positive stories of their states attempts at Marine Spatial Planning.

One of the other heavy hitters from DC was Michael Weiss, from CEQ, the White House's environmental arm.  Mike recognized the role of recreational fishing and emphasized the human element.  And by the way, the president does fish.

The real stars however were the recreational anglers who came from Alaska and Hawaii, Maine, Florida and all points in between.  They rolled up their sleeves and for 2 days solid worked not only on problems, but solutions to the resource and access issues we face.  These folks gave up weekends, travelled on their own dime and came up with hundreds of suggestions to move the needle for all rec anglers.  Key issues included:  increasing recreational representation on the Fishery Management Councils, broad sportfishing access and better management data.

Commentary: 

While most anglers present were openly optimistic about being there, tackle industry and head boat regulars were luke warm to change.  They were quick to point out that talk was cheap, but when it came to action, most expected NOAA to do all the heavy lifting.  The last (Bush) administration may not deserve accolades for their conservation work or the way they treated recreational fishing, but for an industry that prided itself on their access to that White House to roundly criticize the new administration's attempts to right the ship seemed childish.  Some industry concerns are valid, but it is fair to ask who deserves more of our scrutiny, a new administration, which has come more than half way to the table, or old guard industry leadership, that seemed out of touch with a public committed to rebuilding marine resources.  Maybe most revealing about the Summit was the fact that Doctor Lubchenco received a standing ovation at the end of her opening remarks with fully 2/3rds of the room on their feet.  Sadly, it was industry leadership again on the sidelines.  Clearly this was more the whine industry than the once proud, pro- conservation sportfish giants. 

Tight lines,

Tom Raftican

This past April 20, a violent explosion rocked BP's Deepwater Horizon resulting in the tragic loss of 11 lives and creating a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  This catastrophic event reminds us that energy exploration is a dangerous business and our addiction to low cost energy occasionally can have dire consequences.  These consequences are only too real for Gulf fishermen but also serve as a warning to those of us here on the west coast.  Today there are some 27 drilling rigs off of the southern California coast and while the oil industry has had an excellent safety and environmental record here in the 40 years since the Santa Barbara oil spill, the environmental consequences of a breakdown as in the Gulf could potentially be catastrophic.

For California's recreational and commercial fishermen the pursuit of the Pacific's bounties depends not only on solid fisheries, but also relies on clean, safe and environmentally sound marine habitat.  More than 90% of our local habitat is mud or sand bottom, devoid of the high relief structural habitat favored by marine life.

California Assembly Speaker John Perez has introduced legislation that incentivizes the oil industry for early removal of state and federal offshore drilling platforms. While paving the way for early rig retirement this legislation allows for the retention of valuable high relief structure that they provide.  The bill also creates a funding stream for budget strained California in addition to creating a Trust for underfunded marine programs.  But most importantly, such a decommissioning could take place if and only if leaving the sub-sea habitat in place makes good environmental sense.  A California Ocean Science Trust study to ground-truth this is due out later this June.  

Now is the time for conservation minded anglers to get behind this important program.