When: 1st Thursday of the month: Unless otherwise noted by **!!
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Whiskey Jacques 521 Main St, Ketchum, ID
Guest speakers present local and global fishing opportunities, discuss tactics and stewardship practices. Learn about opportunities to participate in local projects and conservation efforts.
Next Meeting : Nov . 7th, 2019.
Topic: “Tarpon Fishing on the Yucatan”
Presenter : Ed Cummings, Fishing Aficionado
This month we take a break from freshwater fishing and local conservation concerns to travel to the Yukata. Ed Cummings a Wood River Valley local will take us on a photo journey to the Yukatan and share his knowledge about angling for what some consider the king of saltwater fish, the Tarpon.
There are two species of Tarpon, baby and giant, the giant tarpon may reach 350 pounds. Tarpons are found. in both saltwater and freshwater habitats, usually ascending rivers to access freshwater marshes. They are able to survive in brackish water, waters of varying pH, and habitats with low dissolved O2 content due to their swim bladders, which they use primarily to breathe. They are also able to rise to the surface and take gulps of air, which gives them a short burst of energy. The habitats of tarpon vary greatly with their developmental stages. Stage-one larvae are usually found in clear, warm, oceanic waters, relatively close to the surface. Stage-two and -three larvae are found in salt marshes, tidal pools, creeks, and rivers. The habitats are characteristically warm, shallow, dark bodies of water with sandy mud bottoms. Tarpon commonly ascend rivers into freshwater. As they progress from the juvenile stage to adulthood, they move back to the open waters of the ocean, though many remain in freshwater habitats
The vast estuaries, mangrove coastlines and flats of the Yucatan Peninsula are home to some of the best locations anywhere for small- to medium-size tarpon, offering pristine and productive fisheries on a year-round basis. Most tarpon range from 5 to 20 pounds, with larger trophy-size fish found in a handful of locations.
Fishing for Tarpon, it’s possible to sight-cast to fish cruising the turtle grass flats or to rolling fish in open water and in mangrove-lined jungle rivers, creek mouths and bays. The larger Tarpon are usually found in the deeper water but when the wind comes up often anglers will retreat to the flats and mangroves where they are protected from the swells and wind.
Come and join us for what is certain to be an entertaining and educational evening.
Admission is free, All are welcome
*Photo credit Jim Klug
Program Calendar 2019-2020
September (no meeting)
** Wednesday, October 2 5:00-7:00 PM
“Fishing and Conservation Trivia Night ”
Various Presenters
Thursday, November 7 5:00-7:00 PM
“Tarpon Fishing on the Yucatan”
Ed Cummings, Fishing Aficionado
THURSDAY, December 5 5:00-7:00 PM
“Update Big Wood River Initiative”
Keri York, Trout Unlimited, Big Wood River Project Manager
Thursday, January 9 5:00-7:00 PM
“Predatory Fishing: “How to hook the Big One”
Brian Richter, Professional Fishing Guide, Silver Creek Outfitters
Thursday, February 6 5:00-7:00 PM
“Copper Basin Revisited: Fishery Issues in the Basin”
John Heckel, Regional Fisheries biologist, Idaho Fish and Game
** Thursday, March 12 5:00-7:00 PM
“News From Silver Creek”
Greg Loomis, Executive Director, Silver Creek Alliance
Thursday, April 2 5:00-7:00 PM
TBA
“ TBA ”
Thursday, May 7 5:00-7:00 PM
TBA
“ TBA ”
On October 8th, Hemingway TU volunteers gathered at Silver Creek Preserve to partner with The Nature Conservancy to plant native plants of various sizes to help protect and restore areas of the preserve. Dayna Gross the Preserve Manager oversaw the plantings and lunch was provided for all the workers. It was a rewarding day for all the participants. There will be more opportunities for planting and stream restoration in the future. Dave Spaulding, our project chair coordinated and participated in this restoration effort.