27th Bonaire International & Local Fishing Tournament

 

Returning tag recapture information is extremely important and an instrumental part of the tagging process. Without recapture information, the scientific loop is not completed and valuable data is lost. Tags previously placed on billfish are not always easy to find and in many instances have been in the fish for an extended period of time.  Various forms of marine growth often attach to exposed portions of the tag, making the bright color of the streamer difficult to recognize. Therefore, before releasing every billfish that you catch and release, you should carefully examine the billfish and make sure there are no tags.

The billfish tag has three major components, the tag head, a monofilament leader, and the tag body. The tag head is composed of surgical grade nylon and can be left in the fish without causing harm. Rather than pulling the tag out of the fish and possibly causing damage, a release knife or other sharp object can be used to cut the monofilament leader attaching the tag to the tag head. To recover a tag from a caught billfish, make sure the fish is under control and left in the water. With one of the crew members controlling the bill and the fish, carefully remove the tag from the billfish by getting a firm grip on the tag and cutting the monofilament leader. Before releasing the fish, take a measurement from the bottom of the jaw to the fork in the tail and estimate the weight of the billfish. If possible re-tag the fish with a new tag. To increase the accuracy of the scientific data collected from the fish, record the location of the recapture. To report the recaptured billfish, call TBF at (954) 938-0150 or email TBF at tag@billfish.org with the information about the billfish. Remember the success of this program rests in the hands of all of us. TBF appreciates your support!

As a reward, TBF will send both the original tagging captain, angler and mate as well as the recapture captain, angler and mate a recapture t-shirt as a thank you. In some regions, individuals will be put in a lottery for a cash award