A Practical Guide to Assembling and Using a Fish Resuscitation System for Florida Catch-and-Release Fishing Tournaments

Florida is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World.” However, increasing fishing pressure and loss of habitat threaten the sustainability of our fishing resources. A key to the future of our fishery resources is maximizing the effectiveness of catch-and-release practices.

The scientific basis for enhancing fish health under tournament conditions has contributed to the development of the fish resuscitation system, and is what makes it so successful. This practical guide provides all of the basic information necessary to assemble the apparatus, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to use it safely and successfully.

In this guide, several equipment manufacturers are named, and suggested retail price ranges are given for the equipment needed to assemble the fish resuscitation system. These are intended as examples; no endorsement is intended or implied. Suitable, quality equipment produced by different manufacturers and offered through various suppliers is normally available locally, or through online purchase.

Download Printer Friendly Version (.pdf, 400K)
The publication measures 16 x 9 inches. Best results are achieved by printing to tabloid-sized paper (17 x 11). When printing to a smaller sheet, be sure to select Acrobat's "Fit to paper" option.

Special FWC Redfish Tournament Exemption
Redfish tournament organizers can receive a special exemption from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that will allow tournament participants to cull redfish during the tournament, exceeding the state’s bag and possession limits.

Exemption permits will only be issued to catch-and-release redfish tournaments that agree to a number of specified conditions throughout the course of the tournament that are intended to increase survival of released redfish. Those conditions include maintaining a resuscitation tank in case a fish needs revival prior to release.

At this site, FWC also provides a list of Redfish Best Management Practices, and Redfish Tournament FAQs.

About Freshwater Tournaments
Much of the information contained in this brochure can be successfully adapted by operators of freshwater tournaments. The discussion about salinity factors in resuscitation tank water and livewells can be disregarded. Please note that all other parameters -- dissolved oxygen, water temperature, water quality and proper handling -- still apply.

Caution: Persons operating a tournament and weigh station should be familiar with applicable FWC regulations, proper weigh-in protocol and fish handling procedures. For further information, contact a member of Florida Sea Grant's marine extension faculty or consult with a knowledgeable marine fisheries biologist.