The reasons to go fishing are many. It is a time-honored relaxing sport, that is fun and contributes to a healthy lifestyle. A rod and reel are what most think of as the primary tools, but a few alternatives to conventional methods for catching freshwater fish, namely bow fishing, cane pole and survival fishing can also bring another level of fun and excitement.
Catching a fish is challenging enough even with the most sophisticated equipment and years of experience. On the other hand, it is a sport that can be done with success by a young child under adult supervision with equipment that can cost less than $20. To the angler who is experienced and thinks they would like to try an alternative, using more primitive methods can be rewarding to connect the fisherman with traditional methods, ways that were once the only means to provide fare for the table. Additionally, the target species of fish caught by these primitive methods are nongame and non-native fish, which are a threat to native game species.
Alternative Fishing Methods
Bow Fishing is done with archery equipment using a fiberglass arrow with a barbed point. The arrow is connected to the bow via a mechanical reel or simple spool. Done from land or by boat, during the day or night, this is an exhilarating challenge. Image left is Gus in 1976 with Gar and bow in hand. There are many non-game species that can be taken with a bow or cross-bow. See the 2018 FL FWC Fresh Water Fishing Regulations, pg. 11.
Cane Pole Fishing often referred by Florida statute as the cane-pole exemption. The law states, “In Florida you must be a resident who is fishing with live or natural bait, using poles or lines that are not equipped with a fishing line – retrieval mechanism, and you are fishing for noncommercial purposes in your home county. However, you must have a valid fishing license to fish by any method in a fish management area.” See the 2018 FL FWC Fresh Water Fishing Regulations, pg. 12.
Survival Fishing is simply cane pole fishing, but without the pole. Using natural or artificial bait, natural or synthetic string wrapped around a soda bottle, this method will strip away most of the technology and just leave the fisherman verses the fish. If successful, it will bring a sense of confidence to the angler that perhaps they could survive in the wilderness with minimal tools. Exciting!
Laws May Vary
Although Florida fishing laws are used as an example, other states have similar laws and/or exemptions. Checking with the state game commission on a regular basis is important. Fishing regulations change so what may be legal this year may not be the next.
Since not all Florida fish can be taken by all methods, clarification is necessary. Freshwater fish are divided into game fish that have specific bag and length limits, and may only be taken with conventional fishing gear. Non-game fish, which are all others, may be taken by these alternative methods.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Freshwater Fishing Regulations, 2017-2018.
Comments:
March 29, 2022
Hi Laura, Currently, we do not have any permaculture classes. Our horticulture agent, Sally, might have some information on it though. You can contact her at sasc@ufl.edu
March 27, 2022
Do you have classes regarding Perma Culture? My daughter-in-law was talking to me about this and I am hoping you have available information. Thanks
February 10, 2022
Hello, We have another pressure canning class coming up on March 5 from 10 am to 12 pm. You can find it on our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-brevard-county-18496539748
February 10, 2022
I was wondering if another pressure canning class is coming up? I missed the one this month unfortunately and am very interested in learning this skill!
November 17, 2021
Hi Dianna, I have a post scheduled to go out on 11/24. If you would like to receive our class list sooner, we have a newsletter that goes out on the 3rd Monday of every month! You can subscribe to it here: https://bit.ly/3CxvPY4
November 16, 2021
When will they post December classes?
October 12, 2021
Dear Dr. Wells, I admire your work to find the happy environmentally friendly balance of natural ecosystems within golf courses. We have found many supporters who wish to reinvent the abandoned , privately -owned West End golf course on Newberry Road in Alachua County, and are reaching out to our County government for their support as well. The golf course was the core of our West End Village neighborhood ; we have a dream to revitalize it. Looking forward to contacting you at a later time! Thank you.
October 11, 2021
Hi Laura, Thanks for your comment! I missed it earlier, I apologize. Please feel free to quote me and reach out if you have any questions. Several of our golf courses have become certified with Audubon International for their conservation efforts! I also have an article you may be interested in here, page 16: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ftga.org/resource/resmgr/turf_digest/2019/ftd_septoct_2019.pdf
October 11, 2021
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October 9, 2021
Pls specify, as well, Bonnie, which of the plants in your table r native to Florida.
October 8, 2021
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September 29, 2021
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September 20, 2021
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September 5, 2021
I am a huge fan of Greenspaces/ Golf Courses. I love the statement you make underlining the importance of golfcourse superintendents as “stewards of the land. “May I please quote you ? I’m writing our commissioners to help save an abandoned for sale golf course! I love seeing deer, red tailed hawks, Sandhill Cranes on this former course. I’ve also seen a pair of pileated woodpeckers, a flock of egrets, and bluebirds.
August 23, 2021
Hello Michael, It's possible that the class in Cocoa is already full. Please contact the instructor, Gus Koerner, at (321) 633-1702 ext. 52320 or email him at gkoerner@ufl.edu for further information.
August 21, 2021
Hello! the Hunter Safety Class is NOT listed on the FWC class list.. My son needs the class, it has been canceled twice..he is signed up for the 3 hour virutal on AUG 24th, but if this cancels, we would like to do the 28th class in Cocoa.. Please advise! Thank YOU! Mike
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July 7, 2021
Hi Chris, Yes, these are "Florida-Friendly" plants, meaning they are low impact, environmentally friendly, use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters. Learn more here: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ Thanks! Bonnie
July 1, 2021
Hello, I just want to clarify... Under "Florida Friendly" cloumn, are you saying the plants do well in the Florida environment OR the plants are dangerous because of the ability to spread and damage the environment like Kudzu in Georgia? I live in Boca Raton, in Palm Beach County, which I believe is Zone 10.
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January 6, 2021
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November 27, 2020
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November 9, 2020
Hi Mia, the Duval County Extension office should be able to help you with that question. Dr. Kerr is the commercial horticulture agent there, his email is CKERR@COJ.NET. Thanks for reading!
November 9, 2020
Awesome Frank, will do! Thanks so much for the suggestion. :)
November 9, 2020
Please, please, please add the FL native climbing aster! (Symphyotrichum carolinianum) The incredible explosion of fragrant purple flowers arrives in November & December, at a point when many other FL wildflowers are fading. To me, the flowers smell like sweet, warm sugar cookies! It's always loaded with pollinators too... Perfect for wetter soils - along the edges of ponds, swales, etc. Thanks, Frank Galdo - Program Coordinator, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Pics & info: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-symphyotrichum-carolinianum/ http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2009/11/climbing-aster-symphyotrichum.html https://twitter.com/PascoExt/status/1243217796705763329
June 28, 2020
These plants are very hard to find for purchase. Do you know anywhere in the Jax area? Thank you
June 11, 2020
It as hard to find experienced people in this particular topic, however, you sound like you know what you are talking about! Thanks
May 13, 2020
Thanks and you're welcome! - gus
May 13, 2020
Thanks for your comments! There are so many math and physics principles practiced and demonstrated in archery! If an instructor can remember to point them out while the kids are on the range, he or she can really reinforce what is taught in the classroom. All the instructor has to do, is find the appropriate teachable moment and take advantage of it. gus
May 8, 2020
This is a great use of math an angles to help improve your archery shooting range. When teaching a beginner having them line up a 90 degree angle will be helpful for them to take the same stance each time. Thank you
May 6, 2020
Informative, Thanks for this.
April 30, 2020
Thanks for your comments! I feel the same way. - gus
April 30, 2020
fishing is a awesome hobbit. I want fishing again and again.
March 26, 2020
Hey Steven! Thanks for your comment. I suggest you get into hunting with a multi-tiered approach, making sure you are comfortable in the woods, you know the laws and regulations of what you plan on hunting, and starting small - with small game that is. Hunting, which includes dispatching small game takes the same skills as hunting large game but with less input and intensity. If you can successfully bag your first raccoon (for example) and process it all the way to the table, you'll be well on your way to hunting larger game as you gain experience. If you haven't taken it, or done it lately, enroll in your local Hunter Safety class by your state game division. They can help. Go out into the woods and scout around. Go to the range and perfect your skills. All these things will not only prepare you for hunting, but will help you decide IF and how you want to go ahead. I hope that helps! - gus
March 25, 2020
Great share. I am new in hunting. Should I start with deer hunting? What your recommandation?
July 8, 2019
I'm glad you enjoyed the article! gus
June 19, 2019
Great to hear Joe! Send me a picture of it. gkoerner@ufl.edu I'd love to see it! gus
May 12, 2019
Haha I did it I made awing bone call . Thanks for the information .
March 6, 2019
Thank you for your nice blog post. Keep it up.
March 5, 2019
Thank you very much, Gary! I have been impressed with the BMP efforts of the Brevard turf professionals I've visited and will most definitely be helping with the implementation of new programs and certifications in environmental stewardship. Stay tuned!
March 5, 2019
Thank you for your post. Keep it up.
March 4, 2019
This is a great article Bonnie. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit the courses and talk to the superintendents. I am sure that you were pleased with the knowledge and effort they use daily to be stewards of the environment. Many are BMP Certified but we need more to get this certification and implement new programs to make the best agronomic and environmental decisions on a daily basis.
February 18, 2019
The counties currently involved in the FL Horseshoe Crab Watch Program are Franklin, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Hernando, Pinellas, Manatee, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Volusia, and Nassau. There are some counties that will be incorporated in the future including those in Southwest Florida (and Collier county). Here on the East Coast of Florida we see horseshoe crabs nesting between December-May depending on where you are. On the Gulf Coast of Florida they see them nesting in the spring and fall (Feb-May and Aug-Oct). It's unknown what the nesting time is in southwest Florida. If you ever do see horseshoe crabs please report them to the FWC Wildlife Hotline for horseshoe crabs at this link: https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/crustaceans/horseshoe-crabs/ (click on Report Your Nesting Horseshoe Crab Sighting). You can also download the free FWC Reporter App and report sightings through your mobile device (https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/sighting-app/).
February 17, 2019
Is any yagging being done in Collier County? When is the best timr of yr to watch for mating crabs? Several yrs ago I was doing daily searches at Tigertail beach/lagoon. Found a good number that I sexed, measured etc. Never knrw where to send tbe data. Any contact person for this area?
December 3, 2018
Thanks Michael. I've put you down on my list and will be in touch once training dates are set.
December 3, 2018
Thanks Ivan. I've put you down on my list and will be in touch once training dates are set.
November 29, 2018
Hi Erin, unfortunately I do not have another one planned. I will keep your email address and let you know if we have another one.
November 29, 2018
Hi Cynthia, this class was in August. I don't have another one planned.
November 26, 2018
I'm in for a mid Brevard county location.
November 14, 2018
Would you please provide me with more information, like date and cost?
November 13, 2018
I'm interested and can work for Kirk in Indian River County or Holly in mid to south Brevard.
November 5, 2018
thank you for the info, very interesting
October 17, 2018
Is this going to be offered anytime soon? I was registered for a previous course but it was cancelled. Thank you. Erin
October 11, 2018
Thank you Mary. Feel free to call me anytime to discuss youth shooting sports in our region. Gus 321-633-1702, Ext. 52320
September 27, 2018
Gus, We shoot lever action smallbore and pistol cartridge rifle metallic silhouette at Seminole County Gun and archery and Chuluota Sportsmans Club on second Saturday and second Sunday of each month. Also smallbore and Hunters Pistol at Chuluota SC. Mary Watkins
June 14, 2018
We have just posted an article about the Tegu Lizard being spotted in Brevard County.
May 22, 2018
Thanks Mr. Gus!
Comments are closed.