Making news
Gag Grouper season winds down in GUlf
Gulf anglers have less than a week to catch gag grouper. The season closes Nov. 1 in most state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The state waters off Monroe County, which are included in Atlantic gag seasons and rules, remain open through Dec. 31. Most gag grouper are caught in federal waters, which begin 9 miles offshore on Florida's west coast, except during the winter months, when they move inshore. Gag is one of the most common of the shallow-water grouper and the species most likely to be caught by recreational anglers, who sometimes mistakenly call gag grouper black grouper. For details, visit myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational.
Local sailors excel in Sunfish event
Addison Hackstaff, 16, of St. Petersburg won the Sunfish Youth World Championships at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club on Oct. 13. The event pitted local talent against the top youth sailors from as far away as Venezuela and Peru. Other top finishers included St. Petersburg sailors Nic Baird, 14, in second place and Liam McCarthy, 15, in third. After nine races over three days, Hackstaff was tied at 19 points with Baird. Hackstaff and Baird both had three firsts, but Hackstaff had one more second, giving him the title. The SPYC Junior sailors normally race Lasers and were introduced to the Sunfish the week of the event.
Anchor guide adds mooring field info
If you're a cruiser, powerboater or just a casual mariner, here's a great resource. The Boat Owners Association of the United States, one of the nation's leading boating advocacy groups, just released an updated Florida anchoring information sheet that explains the new pilot mooring field projects, including one here in St. Petersburg. A law passed in 2009 gave relief to boaters who utilized public anchoring areas. The other pilot project areas include St. Augustine, Monroe County (Key West, Marathon) and Sarasota. Martin County and Stuart are currently drafting an ordinance likely to come on line in 2013. These areas will be used to test policies that promote public access, enhance navigational safety, protect maritime infrastructure and deter improperly stored, abandoned or derelict vessels. To get a copy, go to boatus.com/gov/fl anchoringsheet.
Send news to Terry Tomalin at ttomalin@tampabay.com.
Solunar chart
AM PM
Minor Major Minor Major
10/26 3:20 9:25 3:35 9:45
10/27 4:00 10:05 4:15 10:30
10/28 4:45 10:45 4:55 11:05
10/29 5:20 11:25 5:35 11:50
10/30 6:05 0 6:25 12:15
10/31 6:55 12:40 7:15 1:05
11/1 7:45 1:35 8:10 1:55
Loading...