Baitfish are once again invading coastal waters, so it’s time to remind anglers about the importance and protection of seabirds. Knowledgeable anglers know how valuable seabirds are, and all anglers should learn how to keep them safe.
Besides being an integral part of the marine ecosystem and beautiful to watch, seabirds help anglers locate fish. An observant angler notices where birds congregate on a low tide. They know the birds are feeding on marine organisms that fish will seek out when the flat is covered on a rising tide. They point us to schooling fish, often indicating action much farther away than we could see otherwise.
Anglers who fish coastal Florida will invariably come into contact with the seabirds that inhabit local waters. The encounter can be deadly to seabirds if anglers don’t know the basics of caring for them.
Many anglers choose to chum with, and use, live shiners or shrimp for bait. Spring and early summer are one of the most exciting times to fish the coast and a lot of effort will be put into fishing with live bait and top water plugs and flies for breaking fish on the beaches.
The encounter can become deadly if a bird becomes entangled in fishing line and takes some of it back to their roost.
The birds are also put in harm’s way when they come into contact with fishing line that careless anglers leave in the water, or in the mangroves from an errant cast.
One day, a couple of years ago, I was drifting the west side of Jewfish Key when I noticed braided fishing line trailing behind me.
After about 30 minutes, I managed to retrieve almost 100-plus yards of bright blue 100-plus-pound line. It was chilling to imagine how many birds and other wildlife that might have impacted.
If a bird is hooked while fishing, it’s important to bring them to the boat with a properly set drag to prevent the line from breaking. Eventually even fly anglers will hook a bird, even while being diligent to avoid them. When it does happen, work them to the boat carefully, as you would a big fish, then throw a towel over their head to calm them before removing the hook.
Care should be taken with all birds, especially ones that have sharp beaks and they don’t know you’re trying to help them. They should also be handled carefully as they have very light, hollow bones. Cautiously remove the line from their body, wings and feet and check them thoroughly before releasing them.
If you see a hooked or tangled bird in an active rookery during nesting season, it’s important not to approach them, as their young may be startled and fall from the nest.
You can reduce the chance of hooking birds by following a few simple rules. First, never feed birds, as this will teach them to look for a handout.
Secondly, while you’re fishing, keep an eye out for birds that might be hovering and getting ready to dive on your live bait or top water lure or fly. Moving the lure or bait slightly as they plummet will be enough to make them miss their target.
Taking care of the wildlife that inhabits our coastal estuaries is everyone’s responsibility.
If you see a bird in distress and can’t help it, call Save Our Seabirds at 941-388-3010 or Audubon Florida Coastal Island Sanctuaries at 813-623-6826.
