Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/116876
Sarasota News Leader March 22, 2013 Page 78 in Gainesville. Actually, her title is ���fishery biologist,��� but why use two words when you can use just one cool word and then use two or more words to define it? A bird of prey (that���s me!) is born with the primeval instinct to hunt in order to eat. But parents must teach us how. The thrill of our first kill, sloppy as it usually is, is still a thrill, one that motivates us independently to hone our She replied with the following: hunting skills. In many ways, people���s pride ���Yes, that fish appears to be a Florida pompa- in landing their wily catch of the day is no no (Trachinotus carolinus). Unfortunately, it different from ours. looks to be under the size limit and would be I feel a twinge of pity for captive wild creaillegal to keep. This species must measure 11 tures who can no longer enjoy that sense of inches from the tip of the nose to the fork in accomplishment or take pride in their huntthe tail. The size limit is to protect the young ing prowess. They can no longer experience ones. I hope it was returned to the water. Here the mounting tension in that silent, intense is a link that has the size limits for many salt- concentration when stalking a meal; when water fish for you to pass on. Until the size watching its prey���s every move and calculating limits are learned, fishermen should probably counter moves; and sooo anticipating the fatal carry a copy of the regulations in their tackle error on the part of the hunted. Oh! And the box.��� rush from that deadly, final swoop ��� wow! Hmm ... Rick, I guess you lost, too ��� but only in a culinary sense! You won big time in gamesmanship. Both the Permit and the Pompano are wily, difficult-to-catch, greatly coveted game fish. Both are famous for their fighting spirit, but the latter is a particularly desirable catch because of its prized, delectable flesh. It is good news to learn Pompano are passing through Little Sarasota Bay. When I crave a plump baby Florida marsh mouse (which is really a rat, but I do not want to scare off tourists), I fly to my oak by the mangroves, that same oak from which I first saw the lovely Ardea. While waiting for my ���mouse��� to betray its presence, I often spot Rick fishing off the dock. My impression from observing him and other fisherfolk is that so much of the elation and satisfaction in hooking that fish stem from the hunt, the thrill of the chase. For a fun demonstration of an owl���s hunting skills, please click on this National Geographic link. The snow-covered grounds will remind you why you want to be in Florida this time of year! Another thing I have noted while watching fisherfolk is that they take the same pride we do in presenting a trophy to a mate. Here is a charming homemade (really homemade, but sweet!) video of a Great Horned Owl presenting a ���baby��� bunny wabbit (I think it is actually an adult Marsh Rabbit) to its mate. There are few moments more gratifying to us birds of prey than when we show off our ability to provide for our wee ones. Amy Benson also included a very helpful link to identifying Florida game fish. Even if you are not a fisher person, it is interesting to read through this professional, well-researched and well-documented publication with beautiful