There's a new catch to Florida sport fishing.
Coastal development, habitat loss and pollution still take their toll. But as prominent gamefish like tarpon and snook face sweltering waters, rising seas and other climate changes, career anglers' livelihoods are on the line, too.
Known for their elusive nature and mythic proportions, tarpon never fail to entice anglers looking for a challenge. But human development and climate change are hurting the species, from the time the baby fish are just a few inches long and seeking safety in coastal ponds.
For snook, the old rules no longer apply. The tropical gamefish are taking advantage of warmer winters brought on by climate change, forming a genetically-distinct stronghold on the Nature Coast. As their historical range shifts northward, anglers are
adapting, too.
adapting, too.
