MOTE MARINE LABORATORY

CIRCLE HOOK UPDATE

Although our circle hook study focuses on red snapper, we are also collecting hook data on recaptures for two other target species, red grouper and gag. Due to the small number of returns reported, data should be considered as preliminary. Additional updates will be presented as returns increase. The first fish were caught, tagged and released using circle hooks on 2/10/2000 ( red grouper), 2/17/2000 (gag) and 3/28/2000 (red snapper). Data have been divided between fish caught in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Comparison of returns by hook type are from the same period. Unfortunately, there is great disparity in the number of fish tagged, which were captured on circle hooks versus those caught on J hooks. Too few fish were caught in the Atlantic for comparison. See the table below.

Although far from ideal, a sufficient number of fish per species were tagged in the Gulf, to compare tag returns from both hook types from February/March 2000 through February 28, 2002. Based on recaptures, more circle hooked red grouper and red snapper survived, however, with so few returns, results should be considered preliminary until additional data are collected.

Last Update: July 20, 2004

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