Ask Otus: In Praise of Permits and Pompano

Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature's secrets. Otus will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but only if you Ask Otus™.

Dear Otus,

Here's the photo of the fish in question. Permit or pompano? Thanks.

Rick Wulterkens, Siesta Key

(Photo courtesy

Rick Wulterkens)

Dear Readers and Rick,

I love guessing games and I guess "permit." Oops! I lose (again).

I sent your photo to Amy Benson, an eminent ichthyologist with the US Geological Survey in Gainesville, FL. Actually, her title is "fishery biologist" but why use two words when you can use just one cool word and then use two or more words to define it?

She replied with the following:

"Yes, that fish appears to be a Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus). Unfortunately, it looks to be under the size limit and would be illegal to keep. This species must measure 11" inches from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail. The size limit is to protect the young ones. I hope it was returned to the water. Here is link that has the size limits for many saltwater fish for you to pass on: The full FWC saltwater fishing regulation site (that includes a link to the quick chart and pages for individual species) is http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ [my advice to readers: go directly to the "quick link" highlighted in red]. Until the size limits are learned, fishermen should probably carry a copy of the regulations in their tackle box."

Hmm ... Rick, I guess you lost too. But only in a culinary sense. You won big time in gamesmanship. Both the permit and the pompano are wily, difficult-to-catch, greatly coveted game fish. Both are famous for their for their fighting spirit, but the latter is a particularly desirable catch due to its prized, delectable flesh. It is good to learn that pompano are passing through Little Sarasota Bay. It is also good to know that true fisherfolk, amateur or professional, respect the rules governing fishing and your prize catch was released.

Sportsmen, whether fisherfolk or hunters, are among the most serious conservationists. This is because they understand the need to preserve wildlife habitats and their often fragile ecosystems that support and sustain the game they hunt or fish. The 17th century English angler Izaak Walton wrote the Compleat Angler (1653), a classic which he continued to update and expand over the next 25 years. This work inspired the establishment in 1922 in the US of the Izaak Walton League, one of our nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations.

Similarly, Theodore Roosevelt, himself a big game hunter, created during his presidency (1901 – 1909) five new national parks. More important, however, was his enactment of the Antiquities Act of 1906, which allowed him and his White House successors to declare sites of natural or historic importance as national monuments. Roosevelt was not shy about using this authority and exercised it liberally throughout his term in office. All these national parks and monuments came under the administration of the National Park Service, which was established in 1916.

When I crave a plump baby Florida marsh mouse (which is really a rat, but I don't want to scare off tourists by saying so), I fly to my favorite oak tree by the mangroves. While waiting for my "mouse" to betray its presence, I often spot Rick fishing off the dock. My impression from observing him and other fisherfolk is that so much of the elation and satisfaction in hooking that fish stems from the skill for the hunt and the thrill in the chase. A bird of prey (that's me!) is born with the primeval instinct to hunt; but parents must teach us how. The thrill of our first kill, sloppy as it usually is, is still a thrill, one that motivates us independently to hone our hunting skills and one that will wean us away from dependence on our parents for food. In many ways, people's pride in landing their wily catch of the day is no different than ours. I feel a twinge of pity for captive wild creatures who can no longer enjoy that sense of accomplishment or take pride in their hunting prowess,. They can no longer experience the mounting tension in that silent, intense concentration when stalking a meal; when watching its prey's every move and calculating counter moves; and sooo anticipating the fatal error on the part of the hunted. And the rush from that deadly, final swoop — WOW! For a demonstration of an owl's extraordinary hunting skills, please click on this National Geographic "World's Deadliest" link. The snow-covered grounds in it will remind you why you want to be in Florida this time of year!

Another thing I have noted while watching fisherfolk is that they take the same pride we do in presenting a prized trophy to a mate. There are few moments more gratifying to us birds of prey than when we show off our ability to provide food for our wee ones.

Amy Benson also included a very helpful link to identifying Florida gamefish: http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/fish/saltwater/ Even if you don't fish, it is interesting to read through this professional, well-researched and documented publication with beautiful illustrations for both the permit and pompano, demonstrating how very similar they are in appearance, yet so different in their roles in the sport of fishing. Simply click on an illustrated fish and read all about it!

Rick, thanks for your high quality photo and fun guessing game. When you finish plowing through the FFWCC (Florida Wildlife Commission) Saltwater Fishing Regulations guide, which Amy so kindly provided us, please pass it on to "Charley", one of our south Siesta Key Great Blue herons. I believe his Gulf toadfish-lunch is under regulation size and I would hate to see him get in trouble with the FWC.

Otus