News: Daiichi offers free hooks to anglers turning in tarpon DNA samples

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]The first 300 tarpon anglers to turn in a DNA sample after April 1, 2013 will receive a pack of Daiichi Red Circle Hooks. T. J. Stallings of TTI Blakemore Company said of the hooks, “I wish I had documented how many Tarpon Tournaments this hook has won over the past six years.” When T.J saw the FGA/FWC Spirit of Tarpon DNA Sampling Challenge last year he got on the bandwagon and made his original offer of 300 hook packs to use in the promotion. He is back in 2013 supporting the effort again.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) has been using DNA fingerprinting of tarpon for several years now. Genetic samples are collected by recreational anglers (including guides) and returned to FWRI for processing. These samples are used to determine recapture rates, health, migration, and movements of individual fish.

T.J. has always been a big supporter of using science to improve the fishery, so this was a natural fit for him and TTI Blakemore. The biologists at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory, use the data to assess the success of tarpon stocks and the connectivity of, or relationship between, tarpon and different bodies of Florida waters. “What is best for the fishery, anglers and the FWC is the objective,” said Stallings as he confirmed his 2013 support for the project. The challenge is conducted to encourage more anglers to participate.

If you would like to be involved as a sponsor with the 2013 FGA/FWC Spirit of Tarpon DNA Sampling Challenge by offering your product in the promotion please contact Capt. Charlie Phillips at: hopefishingadv@hotmail.com

The challenge is an annual event running from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.