Meet the Captain and Boat; the Apalachee Cat

Conservation of resources through respect for our environment is paramount to sustaining our incredible natural resources of our area. We are so fortunate to have these phenomenal resources literally at our backdoor. Between the National Wildlife Refuges, the State Parks and the additional unique and interesting ecosystems within our area such as: Apalachicola National Forests, numerous State Preserve as well as Leon/Wakulla County Parks and City Parks that there are numerous diverse opportunities to experience the inter-related of our dynamic community. Our coastal areas are the basis for a healthy marine ecosystem. Sustainability is key to the wise and appropriate stewardship of this resource.

Conservation is based upon appreciating and understanding the intricasies of the total resource. Understanding the interrelatedness of the fresh water sources from springs and rivers that flow into our coastal areas, and thus into our marine areas, is the basis for being able to holistically protect these resources and our environment. Educational awareness is the key to conservation, and relevancy is key to educating.

I believe that fishing assists in supplying this relevancy. Photoconservation also supplies this relevancy. An appreciation of good water quality, coastal conservation and ecosystem relationships are all intertwined in a successful angler. Awareness of the weather, knowing the tides and the currents, the bait patterns, the visibility of the water, the indicators of one species telling us about the presence of another and the solunar patterns are all intertwined in an active and successful angler's perspective.

I actively support and follow rules and regulations and numerous conservationally based organizations. When I have questions, I seek appropriate clarification. When a fish comes on board, you will see respectful treatment of the fish, whether it is to be safely returned to the sea or destin for the dinner table.

I make full use of the fish that I harvest and I return the by-products of my catches to the sea on my next fishing adventure (much to my wife's chagrin); in fact I attempt to return in the same vicinity from which it was harvested. This fish-waste material may end up in my fish traps, crab traps or in a frozen chum block for my next fishing trip. When I clean fish, I examine the health of the fish, the stomach contents, the sex of the fish, examine scars and blemishes on the fish and carefully review the condition of the fish tissue.

The careful handling of fish throughout the storage and cleaning process also assures the best flavors and freshness of your catch. This philosophy is mirrored in my publications on: Removal of Grouper Throats and Cheeks (and Backbones); Cleaning and Recipes for Flounder; How to Clean Triggerfish and Making the Best Use of Your Catches of Smaller Fish. This is also why I researched and presented how much Fish Shrink when placed on ice; so as to assist the recreational angler as well as the Enforcement Officers in making appropriate calls related to fish length. .