BigBendFishing.Net

I've always been interested in tagging fish, redfish mainly. I would have to admit I'm ignorant on the subject and the google searches I have done have not provided the information I was looking for. Is there a tag and release program in the state for recreational anglers?

I have tagged a bunch of reds in years past. NMFS used to offer free nylon dart tags--not sure if they still do. You might do a search of myFWC.com to see if the state has a program or email them at the Division of Marine Fisheries.

BigBendGyrene is still actively tagging cobia, I believe. Last I heard he was using tags from the Gulf Coast Marine Lab/USM in Ocean Springs, MS. Cobia are much more migratory than reds, so there is a shared data base among states. Not sure if they maintain one for redfish or not. If you'd like a contact there (or FWC), let me know. I have used Dr. Jim Franks for a number of articles and work with his research team every year when covering the MS Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. One of his researchers used to post on here as a student, but he's been MIA for awhile.

Still tagging cobes, though my numbers have been down the past few years after giving up much of my salt time to tractor time.

Two main fish the Gulf Coast lab out of Mississippi track are cobia and triple tail, with many FL anglers helping tag both.

For anyone who might be interested...

http://gcrl.usm.edu/fisheries_center/ta ... rogram.php

Thank you silverking I will look into that.

BBG I appreciate the information. As of right now I do not actively target cobia or triple tail so it wouldn't make sense for me to carry tags for when I do happen to catch either. Although triple tail is a fish I would like to focus on more in the future, I know a guy in St George who targets them with great success, but I'm not sure about the fishery for tripps here in Apalachee Bay versus Apalachicola Bay.