Supporting rare event species research

Through citizen science on the GotOne app

Contribute to TBD research with your GotOne app

Some words here about rare event species and the role of TNC

Identifying snowy grouper, warsaw grouper, queen snapper, blueline tilefish, golden tilefish, speckled hind

TBD info here about how to identify each of the rare event species

Photo courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

How to accurately record the length of a red drum

When recording the length of your red drum, either in Atlantic coastal waters or in Louisiana, you should use the total length of the fish. Measure in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the extreme tip of the tail fin. Adjust the tail by rotating or squeezing to obtain the maximum length of the fish.

Recording additional data about TBD

When sharing your redfish catch data with our research partners at ASMFC and LDWF, in addition to the total length of the fish, you’ll be asked to record the following information. You do NOT have to fill out all the data if you are unable to do so, and remember, your catch logs are shared anonymously!

Disposition of catch:

  • Released - fish was landed and released

  • Kept - fish was landed and kept (harvested)

  • Lost - fish was hooked and species identified, but not landed

Photo courtesy Costa Sunglasses

Condition (if released):

  • Healthy - no noticeable injury to the fish when released

  • Gut-hooked - fish is hooked in the throat, gill or stomach

  • Dead - fish was not kept, but was unable to be revived

  • Other injury - fish was noticeably injured when released

Photo courtesy Costa Sunglasses

Mode:

  • Private boat - fish caught from a private boat (not operated by a charter captain)

  • Shore - fish caught from shore

  • Charter / for-hire: fish caught from a boat operated by a charter captain

Photo courtesy Costa Sunglasses

Method:

  • Fly - fish caught fly fishing with a fly

  • Lure - fish caught with any other artificial bait

  • Bait - fish caught with live or dead bait

Photo courtesy Costa Sunglasses

Sex:

For most anglers, determining the sex of redfish is very difficult, and there is no need to provide this information in the app. However, scientists and experienced fishermen use a few methods to determine their sex. Male redfish are known for producing a drumming sound, especially during the spawning season. This sound is produced by vibrating their swim bladders. Males are also identified during spawning season by applying light pressure along the abdomen in a posterior direction to expel milt.

More information about red drum research

For more information about research into redfish, check out the following resources:

  • The American Saltwater Guides Association website’s resources on redfish research, management and policy

  • ASMFC’s webpage on Atlantic redfish science and research, stock assessments, management and policy

  • LDWF’s webpage on red drum, current research, and Louisiana regulations and guidelines