Tags applied in Boca Grande Pass keep tabs on Predators

BY: Kevin Lollar – NewsPress.com Ft Myers Florida

Hanging over the side of the rocking barge in a rough Boca Grande Pass on Monday morning, Bob Hueter was having trouble getting a dart tag into the base of the immature male bull shark’s dorsal fin.

So he called for the heavy equipment, a mallet, and drove the tag home.

“When bull sharks are small, their scales are very tight and close together, and bulls have notoriously tough skin,” said Hueter, director of Mote Marine Laboratory’s Center for Shark Research. “So you really have to whack them.”

Although Mote researchers have tagged sharks in Boca Grande Pass for a decade, they are now in the first year of a multiyear study to determine the ecological relationship between predators (bull and hammerhead sharks) and prey (tarpon) in the pass.

Every summer, tarpon swarm into the pass by the thousands, and every summer, large numbers of bulls and hammerheads cruise in to eat them.

“We’re asking several questions,” Hueter said. “Are the same sharks returning to the pass year after year? How many sharks are there by species? Where do they go when they’re not in the pass? Have sharks learned and changed their behavior as the tarpon fishery has intensified in the pass?”

Data from the study, which is financed in part by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, might ultimately be used in management decisions.

“Understanding the ecological role of sharks is very important as we deal with the fact that their numbers are being depleted,” Hueter said. “Hammerheads are being studied by the National Marine Fisheries Service as possibly being listed as endangered, so our data could play into that.

“Bull sharks are the most formidable inshore shark in Florida, and they sometimes bite people. So understanding their behavioral patterns is important.”

Bull sharks tagged in Boca Grande Pass in the summer have turned up off Cuba and the Bahamas in the winter, so data from this study could factor into international shark management plans.

Hueter is hoping to get funding to conduct the study for three years and tag 300 sharks.

To answer their questions, Mote researchers use three kinds of tags:

• Dart tags have information about how to contact Mote. For the tag to be successful, the shark must be caught again, and the fisherman must report the catch.

• Pop-up tags record the shark’s depth, location and water temperature. On a predetermined date, the tags detach from the shark, float to the surface and send data to a satellite.

• Smart Position or Temperature (SPOT) tags are attached to the shark’s dorsal fins, and every time they surface, the tags send their positions to a satellite.

An interesting part of the Mote study is whether sharks have learned to arrive at Boca Grande Pass as tarpon fishing has increased, especially during tarpon tournaments — every year in the pass, many hooked tarpon are eaten by bull and hammerhead sharks before the fishermen can get them to the boat.

“There’s a line in ‘Jaws’ that says the only things sharks do is ‘swim, eat and make little sharks,’ but I think there’s more to it than that,” Hueter said. “We know sharks can learn. That’s been shown in laboratory situations.

“It could be that sharks are coming here during tournaments, and instead of spending energy chasing healthy tarpon, they wait until one is hooked, and they go after it.”

Volunteer fishing guides are a critical part of the study.

While researchers wait on the barge, guides fish for sharks.

When a guide gets a shark on the line, he radios the scientists, and the barge goes to the guide’s boat.

“A lot of guides are coming out with clients,” Mote senior scientist Jack Morris said. “The clients catch a shark, get to ooh and ahh and be part of the scientific process. It’s win-win.”

On Monday morning, guide Capt. Bo Johnson radioed the barge that client 11-year-old Katie O’Connor of Katy, Texas, was hooked up with an immature bull shark — the first shark of the day.

When the barge got to Johnson’s boat, Morris slipped a line around the thrashing shark’s tail, and the scientists measured (6 feet, 5 inches), dart-tagged and released it.

“I love sharks — they’re the top of the food chain — and clients love to catch them,” Johnson said. “These scientists are out here learning about them, and I want to help any way I can.”

Katie was obviously excited about catching her first shark.

“It was hard,” she said. “It pulled and went under. When I first saw it, I was in shock. Bull sharks are really good game fish. We have proof on iPhone.”

The rest of the day, the researchers put a dart tag in another immature male bull shark and attached pop-up tags to an 8-foot female bull shark, an 8-foot, 6-inch female bull shark and an 8-foot, 9-inch bull shark — in June, they put SPOT tags on three female bull sharks and are saving their last SPOT tag for a large hammerhead.

“The dynamics of the pass are really intriguing,” Morris said. “Tarpon are here feeding. Sharks are here feeding on them. It’s the circle of life.”

A SILVER DREAM COME TRUE

By: First Mate Deidra

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

“Every now and then, a dream comes true,

Behind such feat, the passion to pursue;

I’ll never forget this moment in time,

The day I made the Silver King MINE!”

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

May 12th, 2013 -A day that will live in infamy for First Mate Deidra Bridger of Tenacity Guide Service. For nearly 3 years, she has worked with Capt. Bo Johnson to help their clients not only capture a trophy fish of a lifetime, but also to capture that moment with a photo of a lifetime. Fishing clients for the mighty Silver Kind (aka Tarpon) for every fishable day of tarpon season (Mar – Oct depending on cold fronts) doesn’t provide for much opportunity to enjoy this magnificent game fish for yourself. If given a day off, the appeal of catching up on sleep or letting your exhausted body take a break from the elements vetoes the effort for yourself. However, this past Mother’s Day was reserved as a play day for Capt. Bo’s kids Kylie and Hunter.

The tarpon bite had been hot south of Sanibel Island off Naps, so we chose to launch out of St James City’s Marina. After the long idle, it was a short run to cast net thread fins by the causeway and another quick run further south to our honey hole. We wasted no time baiting our hooks and casting out the Sewell Custom Rods – 2 out the back drifting and 2 on the bow ready to pitch at rollers. Paying close attention to the Lowrance side imaging, we located a pod and trolling motored into position. WHAM! The back left rod double over! Son Hunter was manning this station and quickly picked up the rod. ZING ZING ZIIINNNGGG.. three swipes of the tail and the regal scaled creature sky rocketed into the air! Not once, not twice, but three times leaping with all his force. It was a STUD!!! The aerial acrobatics played well for the fish as Hunter was left with a limp rod and a look of bewilderment. Humbled by the mighty Silver King!

Up next was Kylie. Now Kylie has a reputation for catchin and killin MONSTERS (like her 400lb wild hawg!) and this occasion was no different. When the head came up on this fish’s first jump, there was no denying it was a beast. Kylie fought her fish like a pro and before we knew it, she was boatside with her 180 lb + trophy tarpon! It weighed about the same as the last one she caught, only this one didn’t get bit in half by a giant bull shark! Kylie leaned over the gunwale and released her fish, hopping up with a big smile at her successful feat.

After pictures and celebration, we went back to locating fish by our scouting eyes and side imaging technology. Fish EVERYWHERE. We knew someone’s rod would get hit any second. Again, back rod doubled over and Hunter sprung to action. Line went limp and for a second we thought it was gone, but Capt Bo knew better. REEL REEL REEL son, he is swimming at you!!! Hunter cranked on the Canyon reel a few seconds when the fish suddenly realized he was hooked! This Silver Stud had some momentum when he leaped, greyhounding not 30 yds down the side of the boat. WOW!!! The jumping power of this fish was humbling as once again, it threw the hook.

Back at it, First Mate D was on the bow with Capt Bo pitching baits. The side scan indicated we were on em THICK. Right as Capt Bo said, “Someone is about to get eaten”, First Mate D’s rod tip began to fall with the pull of her bait. She could hear herself say, “Oh man, Oh man.. FISH ONNNN… take it, take it.. REEL REEL REEL!!” as the drag took off screaming! She knew the fish would leap at any moment, and it did! Successfully ‘bowing to the king’ (aka dropping the rod tip and pointing at the fish), it stayed on. A big sigh of relief prefaced what would become many. With every jump and trick the fish would pull out of the ‘tarpon’s Book of Evading Anglers’, she held her breath, executed proper technique, and prayed to God this fish would be boated and that photo of a lifetime would be captured once and for all! And that is precisely what happened! First Mate D was in shock. The gorgeous fish surrendered into the hands of Capt Bo as D slipped on her gloves. She was gonna hold this bad boy in her hands and soak up every second of this accomplishment. Kylie snapped photos of the fishing duo together, all smiles, beaming with pride. This was just as much an accomplishment for Bo as it was for D. He celebrates his clients’ victory time and again, but never had done so with his own girlfriend- plus he had to hear about it every day at work LOL. First Mate D took several photos handling the fish all on her own, including a video of her release. Staring mesmerized into the giant silver scaled mirage, she saw her dream realized and a giant smile spread across her face. Holding onto the tarpon’s jaw with her right hand, dorsal in her left, she pushed the fish down/up, out/in. Revived, it swam away for to one day make the dream come true for another lucky guy or gal. This day happened to be this tarpon’s date with my destiny.

♥ Blessed ♥

THIS is my FIRST EVER tarpon not only captured by rod, but by the camera too! I am beyond STOKED. It may come as a huge shock to many of you that this is my first, being that I have taken hundreds of photos of our Tenacity Guide Service clients with their trophy tarpon. I have jumped a few and did land one in 2011 while filming and competing in the Outdoor Channel’s MadFin Shark Series (which we won) but Capt. Bo popped the hook out and told me to “re-rig! we are fishin a tournament!”.. I pretty much went into convulsions lol. So yes, I have dreamed of this moment for over 3 years now and finally I have my photo shoot with the magnificent Silver King. I feel incredibly blessed to have my boyfriend and Captain, Bo Johnson, who helped make this dream a reality. Thanks to his kids, Kylie and Hunter for sharing the experience and helping to take photos! And I gotta thank amazing gear like Sewell Custom Rods and Canyon Reels!

Capt. Bo Johnson & First Mate Deidra team up to bring you the ultimate saltwater fishing experience in Southwest Florida & Key West. They offer adrenaline packed tarpon and shark action as well as family friendly backcountry redfish, seatrout, snook, developing a great reputation for quality trips. In addition to the fishing charter community, this duo is active with TV Shows, Magazine Publications, Pro-Staff Duties, Philanthropic Events, and the Tournament World. Visit them online- www.FishTenacity.com and follow them daily on Facebook- Tenacity Guide Service.

CONTACT = FishTenacity@Gmail.com  239.633.4662

VOTE for Deidra to win the Florida Sportswoman JUNE photo contest! Click on the photo below or click HERE and “LIKE” her picture on Facebook.

MAKING WAVES TV – Episode featuring Capt. Bo Johnson and First Mate Deidra airs on Discovery’s VELOCITY network May 31st (Friday at 3pm) and again on Sunday June 2nd, at 9:30am. It is also scheduled to run again on June 21st and June 23.

This show features action from Shark fishing in Pine Island Sound FL with Tenacity Guide Service to Country music stars, Casey Weston and Taylor Goyette, jamming out at world renowned Cabbage Key. We hope y’all can tune in!!

*** CLICK to VIEW THE ENTIRE ALBUM on Facebook ***

Once again, your favorite crazy charter captain, BO Johnson, has a flashback of his alligator wrestling days and proceeds to man handle this giant est. 15 foot Hammerhead shark boatside as the beast tries to make lunch out of his client’s tarpon. Capt. Bo Johnson’s efforts and coaching his clients on the boat helped the mighty silver fish to evade the toothy creature’s best attempts and swam away uneaten! All the action took place just west of the infamous Boca Grande Pass where your world record hammerhead sharks lurk!

VIEW THE FULL VIDEO BELOW
***Viewer Discretion Advised – Strong language***

Salt Life introduces its new line of ALL NATURAL, reef safe, biodegradable Skincare.

We just received our package in the mail ——————>

VIDEO OVERVIEW

Being on the water 250+ days a year, we use A LOT of sunscreen. We are VERY excited about this new line, ESPECIALLY being “NATURAL”. When it comes to sunscreen, there is Natural (aka Physical) and Chemical. Natural ‘blocks’ the UVA / UVB rays whereas Chemical ABSORBS them. Sounds great BUT.. while the chemicals are absorbing the rays, your skin (the largest organ in your body) is absorbing the chemicals. Though the jury is still out, studies are showing these chemical agents (such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate, diethylexyl, triethanolamine and a host of other unpronounceable ingredients) are implicated in free radical production ultimately leading to skin damage and irritation, increase the risk of cancer as well as accelerating the aging process. Another side effect is hormone disruption – specifically an increase in estrogen levels.

Capt Bo and First Mate D are passionate about living a healthy life, indeed, the SALT LIFE. We advocate the natural ingredients (MINERALS and HERBS / OILS) found in the new Salt Life SUNSCREEN:

Tenacity Guide Service‘s very own First Mate Deidra made the cover of Woods ‘N Water Magazine’s special, once-a-year “Spring Fishing Edition”.

Y’all can find out what’s in the issue HERE:

Find the nearest location that carries Woods ‘N Water Magazine HERE:

Tenacity Guide Service’s very own Capt. Bo Johnson and First Mate Deidra recently defended their title in the 2013 Mad Fin Shark Series in Key West, Florida!

Y’all can catch all the shark wranglin’ action on the Outdoor Channel SOON —–>

View the video teaser now!

2013 MADFIN TEASE from JM Associates on Vimeo.

We appreciate all the support from our family, friends, fans, and sponsors = BLACK JACK Roof & Driveway Coatings as our title sponsor, Canyon Coolers, Sewell Custom Rods, Canyon Reels, Salt Life Optics, Al Gags Fishing Lures, Simms Fishing Products, Power-Pole® Shallow Water Anchor, and RedZone Apparel.

Read about our 3 day battle to victory in April’s edition of Nautical Mile Magazine:

Tenacity Guide Service will be donating to The Winston School San Antonio (WSSA)’s  27th Annual Auction at the Don Strange Ranch in Welfare, Texas on March 23, 2013.

WSSA is an expceptional school that serves bright children whose learning styles are uniquely different. Since 1985, WSSA has recognized students’ learning styles for what they really are — differences, not disabilities. Hence, their vision statement is “Advocating for minds that learn differently” and it serves their students well; over 85% of WSSA graduates go on to college.

Tenacity’s Capt Bo and First Mate D are privileged to be a contributing force with this noble cause. For more information on this establishment, please visit: http://www.winston-sa.org

With 250+ trips of guiding clients a year, rarely do we take the time to fish for ourselves. But recently in early February, a one-day gap between 3 consecutive weeks of charters in Key West pulled us out to play. First Mate Deidra had never caught a permit and so we made that the mission of the day. Conditions were not on our side with 30 mph winds. Unable to get to the offshore wrecks, and the inshore flats gutted from the tide buckin’ the wind, we decided to come back to the dock. A teary eyed Deidra began to sob – her one day to fish for herself and it was ruined by the wind. Although other species would have been attainable, permit was the target. Defeated, we docked the boat and drug our feet up the ramp.

Suddenly, our sour attitudes straightened right on up when low and behold there in his wheelchair sat Tred Barta!!! This accomplished outdoorsman has made his living in the woods and on the water, much of his life showcased on television – including overcoming a spinal stroke that left him paralyzed from the chest down. This did not stop him from pursuing and enjoying our Great Outdoors!! With numerous hunting and fishing world records, and a NEVER GIVE UP attitude, when you think Outdoors and Inspiration, you think Tred Barta – and here he was sitting on the dock just hoping someone could take him fishing for a few hours! What are the odds!?!?

Luckily, Capt. Bryan (Bear) Holeman had just returned to the dock (in between trips) and helped us load Barta and his wheelchair on board. With a little maneuvering, we were able to make it fit sideways. Most of us just hop on the boat and file in however we want. That’s not the case when you are restricted to a wheelchair. But Barta didn’t complain one eye-ota. He exudes one of the most “can do” – “don’t give up” – “positive attitudes” around. Holding tight to a dock line tied to our bow cleat and braced by First Mate D, we jumped on plane for a 2 mile ride. The normal light chop that doesn’t bother us was quite a challenge for Barta with the sideways arrangement, but he gritted his teeth and wouldn’t let us slow down.

We pulled up to where we jacked a few cudas for shark bait a day prior. This would be a great opportunity to stick a fish for Barta. Dropping the Minkota as we stopped, all three of us grabbed Sewell 7’6” medium heavy rods rigged with 4000 Shimanos and 20 lb Ultra-Cast, finished off with cuda tubes. Barta chose the orange, and Capt. BO & First Mate D threw chartreuse. On his third cast, Capt. Tred Barta gets smoked by a 48 inch, narly toothed barracuda!! I think we all forget how easy it is to run around the boat and maneuver to land the fish. With Capt. Bo operating the trolling motor, and Barta’s obvious skills at landing a fish, the team subdued their quarry in about ten minutes.

Catching barracuda always has intrigued Barta. In fact, one of his favorite ways to catch them is on ultra-light outfits rigged with 4lb test fighting them for 2+ hours at a time- no that’s a challenge! We soaked up all of this incredible man’s tips, insights, jokes and stories. He told of his days as a Tuna Captain, spending the majority of his year off shore 200 miles killing more than 400 big eye tuna on rod and reel, supposedly more than any recreational angler in history. He went on to attain numerous fishing world records. He vividly recounted the aerial feats of his mako shark catch – 800+ lbs of finned beast!  He emphasized his appreciation for quality products, only endorsing what he believes in.  He spoke of his renowned love of hunting with a longbow, the 100+ animals he has successfully harvested from around the world (including Africa’s Dangerous 5 – twice!). He played back the scariest moment when a cape buffalo charged him only to meet his fate at Barta’s feet. With numerous hunting records, he also he spoke of his misses – a major reason why folks love Barta.. he is REAL – a true genuine and passionate outdoorsman who let’s nothing stop him for enjoying this life.

We gave Barta back to his lovely wife Anni back at the dock, and drove away with huge smiles. Not only did we meet and fish a legend, with him successfully hooking and landing his own barracuda, but we received a greater gift – a renewed appreciation for the times ya strike out in the woods and the water. THIS is what keeps ya coming back in pursuit of victory. Permit – we will see you next time. Thanks Capt. Tred Barta!!!

http://www.tredbarta.com

Southwest Florida’s Finest aid SUPERSTORM Disaster Relief Efforts

*** While the majority of Lee & Charlotte County’s Fishing Guides are chasin’ redfish tails in late Fall, a select few chased cell phone towers instead. ***

As many of you well know, a powerful hurricane met up w a strong Nor’eastern, creating a perfect storm much like the movie. But instead of the drama taking place out at sea, the devastation hit the New York and New Jersey shorelines and inner cities. Infamous SuperStorm Sandy swept the Northeast, putting millions of people in need of help. To make matters worse, a crippling winter storm followed in its path.

Valrico Ventures, a company headquartered in Tampa and Texas, specializes in restoring power to cell phone towers so that people can have much needed communication during these tough times. Gripping steering wheels instead of rods, several local fishing guides headed north with their big trucks to transport fuel tanks to thousands of cell sites.

It really puts things in perspective when you drive down what used to be beautiful beachfront property that now looks like a child knocked over his pick-up sticks. You watch families and their children carrying everything they own and stack it on the curb, and they are no different than the neighbor beside them. Instead of fighting each other in traffic jams, people are fighting for water, warmth, food and fuel. Gas had to be rationed by even and odd numbers by license plate, creating lines of vehicles for miles, and lines of people with gas cans for blocks. Imagine coming home tomorrow, and everything you have, from the family pet, the family car, to your home, is no longer there… and what is left, is wrecked beyond repair. Houses with no other option but to be gutted – the walls, the floors, the insulation, the furniture, personal belongings – all taken to the streets and put in piles. The dumps aren’t filled with leftover dinner and garbage, but are piled up with what used to be known as normal life. Immersed in the destruction, it becomes apparent how all too often we take for granted everyday luxuries.

These fishing guides returned to their Southwest Florida homes with a renewed appreciation for the simple things in life. They may have missed out on family time, hunting the rut, and some great fishing, but that’s what you do when there is a greater calling.  So we encourage y’all to take the time to help others, even when it means sometimes neglecting your own, and the hobbies you enjoy, for the greater good.

To the guys n gals that came along on this ride, we would like to thank you for your support, your friendship, and your service: Capt. Bo Johnson, Capt. Mat Haag, Capt. Brian Ball, Capt. Rhett Morris, Capt. Ryan McGee, Capt. Ronnie Jones, Capt. Artie Price, Capt. Bruce Morris, Capt. Tom Fisher, and Capt. Nick “Gator” McGraw. Also a special thank you Lee and Judy Hancock with Scorpion Airboats, which gave us the ability to reach sites unreachable by truck.

~ Capt. Bo Johnson & First Mate Deidra