Catch Fish, Not Birds, When Fishing Natural North Florida’s Coastal Waters
Birds that become entangled in fishing line almost always die a slow, agonizing and painful death. To avoid hooking or tangling sea birds, use the following techniques:
- Cast away from birds, especially if you’re fishing with topwater lures or baits
- If dock fishing, let the current take you line towards the fish rather than casting
- Use sufficient weight to keep your live or cut bait below the surface, especially when birds are present
- Use a slow retrieve to keep bait below the surface
If you accidentally hook a sea bird, here’s what to do:
- Do not cut the line
- Seek assistance, as 4 hands are better than 2 when it comes to subduing a frightened bird
- Reel the bird in slowly
- Use a net to bring the bird to the dock or onto the boat
- Calm the bird by putting a cloth or towel over its eyes
- Hold the bird’s wings close to its body and locate the hook or tangle
- Cut the line near the hook, if tangled
- If the bird is hooked, use pliers or cutter to remove the barbed point of the hook, and pull the hook from the bird
- Double check for any line that might still be around the bird
- Release the bird into the water