Tours and info
Welcome to my tour desk!
I do 3 different tours at this moment.
The first trip I do is with my Mako 17 ft Flats boat.
I will pick you up at 6.30 am at your hotel with my car +boat and we will go to different flats our target will be Bonefish and Tarpons ,baby or big depending on season .(Permit can be found on occasion)! There will be a cooler with water and soft drinks on board, we will be fishing till 12 pm and transfer back to hotel is included.
The cost of this trip is $220
The second one is a tour where we meet at your hotel at 7 am and we will go by car to a beautiful flat where we will be fishing for bone fish and I will bring a cooler with soft drinks and water. We will fish till 12 pm and then I will bring you back to your hotel.
The cost of this trip is $120
The third trip i do is a Spin fish trip ,with the flats boat. Pick up from your hotel at 6.30 am with my car and boat and we will fish till noon. I have the best Sage spinning rods and Shimano reels and Yozuri lures and we will target different species. Common fish to catch are Barracuda's, Jacks, Snook, Rainbow runners, Snappers you name it!
I will bring soft drinks the only thing you have to bring is Sunscreen!
The cost of this trip is $ 220
Trips include the use of Tackle.
All the gears that we use is from Sage, Orvis, Redington and Rio.
(Spin and light tackle fisherman are welcome!)
(All the prices for the trips are for 1 person ,if you like to bring an extra person fishing or non fishing please add $30 to your trip.)
For bookings, click here.
Things to bring on tour;
- Sunscreen lotion
- Wading shoes
- Polarized sun glazes
I will give you advice during the trip on where to fish unguided or info on where to go on the island for fun.
Note; if the weather doesn't allow us to fish we can cancel or reschedule.
Important medical issues should be told in advance!
All the trips are on your own risk!
(life vest first aid kit and radio/ rescue items are on board)
Looking forward to fish with you!
Greetings Laurenz of Aruba
About Fishing on Aruba
On Aruba you don’t need a fishing license for unguided fishing!
Fishing is good the whole year round, the peak season for fly fishing starts from March through October. Aruba has some of the biggest bones in the world.
The bonefish in Aruba are not in big numbers like in Belize or the Bahamas, but are definitely worth fishing for average size is 6 to 9 lbs and can go up to 14 lbs!
Baby Tarpon are here year around and the big Tarpons are here some where between April and July!
Permits are here not big in numbers but Big in size and the best months to fish for them is October till February.
Other common species are Snook ,Barracuda, Rainbow runners and Jacks!
The fish are here year around!!!
Things to bring to Aruba for unguided fishing
EVERYTHING you need, local stores do not have any fly fishing materials. Remember that the winds can be strong, my favorite rod is a 9 weight and flies vary from Crazy Charley to Clousers Deep minnow size 2/6.
Also bring a leader with steel tapper tippet, catching Barracuda's are a nice change on a slow day!
Check list Aruba:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Wading shoes
- Polarized sunglasses
- 8-9-10 weight rod
- 4 piece travel rod can be brought as hand luggage (This will prevent lost or damage)
- 12 -15-20 pound leaders
- Steal leaders
- Floating line
- Flies for Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, Barracuda and Jacks
My Favorite flies are;
- Tarpon toad
- Every Crab fly!
- The Clouser Minnow (all size and colors)
- Lefty's Deceiver
- Cockroach
- Red-and-white Tarpon Fly
- Crazy Charley
Please bring your own favorites too. I am a big believer in experimenting to get a better result.
High and low tides and weather conditions.
The following tide table can be used for the Aruba tides with some minor adjustments; to get the correct time add 21 minutes on the high tide time and add 1 hour and 16 min to the low tide time!
Download tide table (PDF)
The tide table above shows the different tides for the whole year a head ! If you want a tide table for only the next 3 day's please click the following link, 3 day tide table.
This has no adjustment and is very accurate!
The best website to check the weather forecast go to Wind Guru
About the fish
BONEFISH
Order - Albuliformes
Family - Albulidae
Genus - Albula
Species - Vulpes
Taxonomy
Linnaeus described the bonefish in 1758, designating it a species within the genus Esox, a taxon that at the time already referred to at least one species of the holarctic freshwater pikes and pickerels. Recognizing the conflict, later workers placed the bonefish in the available genus Albula. The scientific name Albula vulpes is derived from Latin, and can be translated as "white fox". Other synonyms of Albula vulpes include, Esox argenteus, Albula conorynchus, Albula plumier, Amis immaculata, Clupea brasilienses, Clupea macrocephala, Butyrinus bananus, Engraulis sericus, Engraulis bahiensis, Glossodus forskalii, Albula goreensis, Albula parrae, Albula seminuda, Albula rostrata, Esunculus costai, Atopichthys esunculus, and Albula virgata. At least one other species of bonefish exists, the shafted bonefish, described and named by Fowler as Dixonina nemoptera in 1911. However, some scientists argue that the differences between the two species do not warrant genetic separation, and that both should be included within the genus Albula.
Geographical Distribution
Bonefish inhabit tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide, Although western Atlantic bonefish are occasionally taken as far north as North Carolina, New York, and New Brunswick, this species is most plentiful in south Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. To the south, they range throughout the Caribbean Sea to Brazil. On the eastern Pacific coast, the bonefish occurs from San Francisco Bay, California, south to Peru and west to Hawaii.
Habitat
Bonefish are predominately a coastal species, commonly found in intertidal flats, mangrove areas, river mouths, and deeper adjacent waters. The flats vary in composition from sand or grass to rocky substrates. Bonefish can tolerate the oxygen-poor water they sometimes encounter in coastal habitats by inhaling air into a lung-like air bladder. Bonefish typically school, sometimes in groups of up to 100 individuals. Studies in the Bahamas using ultrasonic telemetry demonstrated the daily patterns of bonefish consist of a movement to shallow water during the rising tide, and a retreat into deeper water during a falling tide. Bonefish are also known to move from particular sites (creek, channel, bay, etc.) after inhabiting the location for a maximum period of several days. Over the long-term movements between such "favorite" sites seem to occur without any discernable pattern. During summer months, larger individuals tend to remain in deep water, rarely moving onto the flats; they reappear in autumn, as water temperatures grow cooler.
Biology
Distinctive Features
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the bonefish is the inferior mouth and conical nose that protrudes a third of its length beyond the mandible. The body is slender, round, and compressed, more so in large specimens than in young adults. The dorsal profile is more convex than the ventral profile. The first few rays of the dorsal fin are higher than the following rays and this lends a somewhat triangular shape to the dorsal fin when erect. The caudal fin is deeply forked, with the upper lobe slightly larger than the lower.
Coloration
Bonefish appear blue-greenish above, with bright silver scales on the sides and below. Dark streaks run in between the rows of scales, predominantly on the dorsal side of the body. The dorsal and caudal fins have dusky margins. Bonefish have no spines. Juvenile bonefish exhibit a series of nine dark cross bands on their backs. These bands extend nearly to the lateral line, with the third band crossing at the origin of the dorsal fin. Bands four and five are found under the posterior base of the dorsal fin. As the juvenile bonefish age the bands begin to disappear with the posterior bands the first to fade. Beyond about 3 inches (7.5 cm) the dark longitudinal streaks characteristic of the adults begin to appear and the last of the cross bands become obscured.
Dentition
Granular teeth, forming specialized dental plates, cover the tongue and upper jaw of the bonefish. Similar grinders are also present in the throat. The bonefish uses these modified teeth to grind its mollusk and crustacean prey.
Size, Age, and Growth
In the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean, the bonefish reaches a maximum length of about 31 inches (77 cm) and a weight of 13 or 14 pounds. Floridian and Bahamian fish often range from 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg), with fish over 8 pounds (3.6 kg) regarded as large. However, bonefish taken from Africa and Hawaii may attain weights over 20 pounds (9.1 kg). Bonefish reach sexual maturity between 3 and 4 years of age, at which point they are typically between 17 and 19 inches (43-48 cm) in length. Bonefish may live in excess of 19 years.
Food Habits
The bonefish uses its conical snout to dig through the benthos to root up its prey, which it crushes and grinds with its powerful pharyngeal teeth. Bonefish feed on benthic and epibenthic prey, often in water less than 30 cm (12 inches) in depth. In south Florida, the prey consists primarily of crustaceans (xanthid crabs, portunid crabs, alphiid shrimp, penaeid shrimp), mollusks (clams and snails), polychaete worms, and fishes (primarily the gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta). The gulf toadfish is commonly found in the stomachs of larger bonefishes. Bahamian populations of bonefish appear to feed more heavily upon bivalves than do Florida Keys bonefish. Bonefish forage primarily on the flats, entering shallow water on rising tides. While in motion, schooling bonefish travel at the same speed and at a constant distance from each other. When feeding, the bonefish disperse slightly from the school but will reunite if frightened, again traveling in a patterned formation. Bonefish do not always travel in schools, but may also be found singly or in pairs. Schools of similar sized fish may consist of 4-6 individuals, or may number in the tens or hundreds. Large adult specimens are solitary.
Reproduction
Bonefish spawning occurs year round. Sexual maturity is reached at two years and near ripe females may be as small as 9 inches (25 cm). In the Florida Keys, bonefish spawn in deep water where currents can easily disperse the developing eggs and larvae to other locations. Bonefish are less reproductively active during the hotter summer months, while spawning peaks from November through June. Bonefish possess a leptocephalus larval stage, a reproductive strategy seen elsewhere only amongst the closely related tarpons and eels. The transformation from the transparent, ribbon-like leptocephalus to juvenile bonefish occurs in three distinct stages. Early stage 1 leptocephali lack dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins and are small, usually less than about 30mm. Late in stage 1 the nascent dorsal and anal fins appear and the larvae approaches its maximum size of approximately 63mm. At this length the larvae begins a rapid metamorphosis in which the entire body shrinks for 10-12 days until it reaches half its original length. During this transformation (stage II) the anal and dorsal fins move forward and the snout projects noticeably beyond the mandible. The subsequent appearance of scales, the lateral line, and the onset of an overall appearance of that of a miniature bonefish mark the transformation to a fry (stage III). Pigmentation and cross bands appear at about 4 cm in length, followed by the appearance of longitudinal stripes and the disappearance of the cross bands.
Predators
Sharks and barracuda often prey on bonefish. Bonefish are built for speed out of necessity, as the only defense they have is to flee their predators. Bonefish are alert and wary; whole schools may be easily spooked, making them difficult for fishers to catch.
Importance to Humans
In Florida, the commercial sale of bonefish is prohibited. Bonefish caught by recreational fishers must be larger than 18 inches (45.7 cm), with a bag limit set at one fish per angler per day. This minimum length is less than the minimum length that the female must reach to be sexually mature. However, like the tarpon, permit, and other game fish of the western Atlantic, bonefish provide the base for a large charter industry in Florida, the Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean. Thus, most bonefish guides and anglers esteem the bonefish to such a degree that bonefish are nearly always released unharmed. Most mortality attributed to human activity occurs from injuries incurred when being landed, such as "gut hooking" or sharks that take advantage of the hooked fish. Although this is considered an important game fish, the flesh is bony and not highly prized.
Danger to Humans
Bonefish pose no threat to humans, though ciguatera poisoning may result if eaten.
Conservation
Other than the size and bag limits listed above, the bonefish is not listed as endangered or vulnerable with the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations in a partnership that assesses the conservation status of species. However, although local bonefish populations may not be affected by over fishing thanks to widespread catch and release practices, the fish may suffer from post-release mortality and poor water quality.
TARPON
Order - Elopiformes
Family - Megalopidae (Elopidae)
Genus - Megalops
Species - Atlanticus
Taxonomy
Valenciennes described the tarpon in 1847, classifying it under the genus Megalops, which translates from the Greek into "large-eyed," a conspicuous feature of the tarpon. While most agree on the fish's placement in the order Elopiformes, scientists debate whether its family designation should fall within the family Elopidae or the family Megalopidae, a family separate from Elopidae within the suborder Elopoidei. One other species exists in the genus, Megalops cyprinoides, the ox-eye. Synonyms of Megalops atlanticus appearing in the literature include Clupea gigantea, Megalops giganteus, Megalops atlantica (misspelling), Tarpon atlanticus, and Megalops elongatus.
Geographical Distribution
Tarpon inhabit a large range on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The range in the Eastern Atlantic extends from Senegal to the Congo. In the Western Atlantic, the fish primarily inhabit warmer coastal waters concentrating around the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the West Indies. However, tarpon are not uncommon as far north as Cape Hatteras, and the extreme range extends from Nova Scotia in the north, Bermuda, and to Argentina to the south. Tarpon have been found at the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal and around
CoibaIsland.
Habitat
Tarpon populate a wide variety of habitats, but are primarily found in coastal waters, bays, estuaries, and mangrove-lined lagoons within tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates (45° N-30° S). The normal habitat depth extends to 98 feet (30 m). Although a marine fish, tarpon can tolerate euryhaline environments (0-47 parts per thousand) and often enter river mouths and bays and travel upstream into fresh water. In addition, tarpon can also tolerate oxygen-poor environments due to a modified air bladder that allows them to inhale atmospheric oxygen. The only variable that seems to limit their choice of habitat is temperature, and research shows tarpon to be thermophilic. Rapid decreases in temperature have been known to cause large tarpon kills. During such temperature drops, tarpon usually take refuge in warmer deeper waters.
Biology
Distinctive Features
Externally, the almost vertical, silvery sides made up of large scales are the most distinctive feature of the tarpon. The tarpon has a superior mouth with the lower mandible extending far beyond the gape. The fins contain no spines, but are all composed of softrays. The dorsal fin appears high anteriorly and contains 13-15 softrays with the last ray greatly elongated into a heavy filament. The caudal is deeply forked, and the lobes appear equal in length. The anterior portion of the anal fin is deep and triangular. The fin has 22-25 softrays, with the last ray again elongated as in the dorsal fin, but shorter and only present in adults. The tarpon has large pelvic fins, and long pectoral fins containing 13-14 softrays.
Perhaps the most unique internal feature of the tarpon is the modified swim bladder. This swim bladder contains spongy alveolar tissue and has a duct leading to the esophagus that the tarpon may fill directly with air gulped from the surface. This feature allows the tarpon to take oxygen directly from the atmosphere and increases its tolerance of oxygen-poor waters. In fact, studies have shown that tarpon must have access to atmospheric oxygen in order to survive, and that juvenile tarpon are obligatory air-breathers. Adults living in oxygen-rich waters still roll and gulp air, probably as an imitative pattern based on visual perception of other tarpon.
Coloration
The synonym "silver king" refers to the predominant bright silver color along the sides and belly of the tarpon. Dorsally, tarpon usually appear dark blue to greenish-black. However, the color may appear brownish or brassy for individuals inhabiting inland waters. The dorsal and caudal fins have dusky margins and often appear dark.
Dentition
Despite having an enormous mouth, often exaggerated by anglers or others as being the size of a five-gallon bucket, tarpon have extremely small villiform (i.e., fine densely packed) teeth on their jaws, vomer, palatines, pterygoids, tongue, and skull base. In addition, tarpon have an elongated bony plate along the long, upturned lower jaw. The tarpon uses this plate to crush crustaceans and other prey not consumed whole.
Size, Age & Growth
Female tarpon can grow to lengths of over 8.2 feet (2.5m) and reach weights of near 355 pounds (161 kg), with the males generally smaller. Tarpon are slow-growing fish and do not obtain sexual maturity until reaching an age of 6-7 years and a length of about 4 feet (1.2 m). Tarpon weighing about 100 pounds (45.4 kg) typically fall between 13-16 years of age. Male tarpon attain lifespans of over 30 years, while females may live longer than 50 years. A female tarpon held in captivity at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois died in 1998 at the age of 63.
Food Habits
The tarpon employs different feeding techniques depending upon its level of growth and development. Stage I larvae absorb nutrients directly from seawater through the integument. Zooplankton (copepods and ostracods), insects, and small fish compose the diet of stage II and III tarpon larvae and small juveniles. As tarpon grow, they move away from zooplankton as a chief food source and prey more exclusively on fishes (especially poecilids and cyprinodontids) and larger invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs. While juvenile tarpon are planktivorous, adult tarpon are strictly carnivorous and mostly feed on mid-water prey such as mullets, pinfish, marine catfishes, Atlantic needlefish, sardines, shrimp, and crabs. Tarpon feed during both day and night. Since the tarpon have minute teeth only, they usually swallow the prey whole.
Reproduction
The sexual fecundity of a 6.6 foot (2 m) tarpon is about 12 million eggs. The fish typically spawn in May, June, and July, though evidence exists that suggests they spawn year-round. They make extensive migrations to offshore spawning areas where currents then move the larvae to inshore nurseries. Tarpon reach sexual maturity at 6-7 years of age and a length of about 4 feet (1.2 m).
Tarpon possess a leptocephalus larval stage, a reproductive strategy seen elsewhere only amongst the closely related bonefish (Albulidae), ladyfish (Elopidae), and true eels (Anguilliformes). The transformation from the transparent, ribbon-like leptocephalus to juvenile tarpon occurs in three distinct stages. Stage 1 leptocephali grow to a length of 6-28 mm and last from 2-3 months. Instead of continuing growth in stage 2, the larvae shrink to about 14 mm. This stage lasts 20-25 days. The larvae grow again in stage 3 and become juveniles at a length of approximately 40 mm, this final stage lasting about 7-8 weeks.
|
A. Stage I larva, leptocephalus, 9.4 mm SL.
B. Stage I larva, leptocephalus, 17.5 mm SL. C. Stage I larva, leptocephalus, 23.0 mm SL. Head shape changing, body thick. D. Stage II larva, 14.0 mm SL. E. Stage II larva, 13.0 mm SL. F. Stage III larva, 13.8 mm SL. Dorsal and anal continue to move anteriorly; gas bladder extends forward. |
G. Stage III larva, 15.9 mm SL. Pigmentation increased over body, particularly between myomeres; dark band over gas bladder.
H. Stage III larva, 16.9 mm SL. I. Stage III larva, 23.0 mm TL, 19.6 mm SL. Spots developing on dorsal and anal. J. Juvenile, 31.5 mm TL, 25.5 mm SL. Spot on doral fin distinct; body pigmentation more profuse. K. Juvenile, 41.0 mm SL. L. Adult, ca. 386 mm TL. |
Predators
Zooplankton and small fishes prey on tarpon in the egg and larval stages, and piscivorous birds are primary predators of juvenile tarpon once they enter nursery areas. Sharks, e.g. bull and hammerhead, are the main predators of adult tarpon, but porpoises and alligator also prey on the fish.
Parasites
The most common internal parasite found in the tarpon is the digenetic trematode Lecithochirium microstomum, which occurs in the stomach of tarpon. The trematode Bivescula tarponis occurs in the pyloric caecae and throughout the entire length of the intestine. External parasites include the isopods Nerocila acuminata, Cymothoa oestrum and the copepod Paralebion pearsei. Though not parasitic, remoras (Remora remora) often attach to large tarpon.
Importance to Humans
In Florida, the commercial sale of tarpon is prohibited. Recreationally, the tarpon provides a huge industry for charter captains. In the Florida Keys, many of these guides make the bulk of their earnings from April through June, the prime months for tarpon migrations. Recreational anglers must obtain a tarpon tag (purchased prior to catching) in order to possess a tarpon. However, most tarpon guides and anglers esteem the tarpon and nearly always release the fish unharmed. Most mortality attributed to human activity occurs from injuries incurred when being landed, such as "gut hooking" or sharks that take advantage of the hooked fish. Though conscientious anglers attempt to break the line to release the tarpon from restraint, sharks occasionally leave the angler with only half of the fish. Although this is considered an important game fish, the flesh is not highly prized in the United States, though the natives of Panama, the West Indies, and Africa consider the tarpon a delicacy and sell it on a small scale.
Danger to Humans
Though tarpon usually spook easily and show extreme weariness when around humans, they occasionally, and usually accidentally, injure humans. Most injuries occur when anglers try to release tarpon after a fight, whereby tarpon have reportedly killed the angler in its violent thrashing. To avoid this situation, one should not attempt to boat a tarpon that is still green (i.e., full of vigor). Let the fish thoroughly tire out before attempting to either gaff or bring the tarpon close for release. Occasionally a tarpon will rush toward and inadvertently leap into the boat. Several tarpon guides have reported having such a fish destroy rods, electronics, and other equipment.
Conservation Status
Although tarpon may not be harvested commercially, debate looms over the recovery of fish caught and released. Though released, a tired tarpon that is not adequately resuscitated may die from oxygen deprivation or may more easily fall prey to predators such as sharks. In order to assess the hook-and-release survival of tarpon, the Florida Marine Research Institute is in the process of designing a study in order to track released individuals and determine their rate of post-release survival.
While any angler may practice catch-and-release in pursuing tarpon, beginning in 1989 anglers must obtain a tarpon tag in order to possess and deliberately kill them. The permit costs $50 for each tarpon (limit two per day), and the anglers who purchase the tag agree to provide the Florida Marine Research Institute with information about the catch, including date and location of capture, the length and weight of the fish, and how many anglers were fishing. According to data obtained since this permit was instituted, the number of tarpon killed has steadily dropped from 342 in 1989 to 70 in 1998.
The tarpon is not currently listed as endangered or vulnerable with the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations in a partnership that assesses the conservation status of species.
PERMIT
Order - Perciformes
Family - Carangidae
Genus - Trachinotus
Species - Falcatus
Taxonomy
Carolus Linnaeus originally described the permit in 1758, classifying it within the jack family carangidae. He initially named it Labrus falcatus, but later taxonomists reclassified the permit within the genus Trachinotus, grouping it with similar species such as the Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), the palometa (Trachinotus goodei), and the blackblotch pompano (Trachinotus kennedyi). Though the permit has been confused as all of these fish, Trachinotus falcatus serves as the only valid scientific name for the species. Falcatus, a Latin adjective that translates to "armed with scythes," appropriately describes the large sickle-shaped dorsal fin that breaches the surface when permit feed.
Geographical Distribution
Permit inhabit the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to southeastern Brazil. They occur throughout the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico, and less-frequently in Bermuda. The species has been reported in the eastern Atlantic, but does not regularly occur there. The species is most abundant in southern Florida.
Biology
Distinctive Features
The deeply forked tail and elongated anterior dorsal fin provide the more distinct characteristics of the permit. Looking like long sickles, these fins impart the fish's species name falcatus. However, one can also identify the permit by its highly laterally compressed body, making the fish appear thin and tall. From a lateral perspective, the permit shape looks round in juveniles, but becomes oblong as the fish ages into an adult. In addition to the long anterior dorsal fin, inserted directly above an elongated anterior anal fin, permit also possess 17-21 soft dorsal rays, and 16-19 soft anal rays.
Coloration
Permit have bright silver sides and bluish-green or brown backs. The belly will sometimes show yellow or an occasional black splotch. The fins appear dark gray or black.
Dentition
Permit have no teeth other than granular teeth that occur on the tongue, designed for crushing mollusks and crustaceans. The teeth are most conspicuous in younger fish.
Size, Age & Growth
Permit reach a maximum length of at least 48 inches (122 cm) and a weight of 79 pounds (36 kg). They grow rapidly until an age of 5 years, at which point growth slows considerably. Permit reach sexual maturity at about 2.3 years for males, and 3.1 years for females. Their size at sexual maturity ranges from 19.1 inches (486 mm) for males and 21.5 inches (547 mm) for females. Permit can attain an age of 23 years, though they probably live longer. Other carangids, such as the Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) and the white trevally (Pseudocaranx dentex), are known to reach ages of 7 and 49 years, respectively.
Food Habits
Permit primarily forage on flats and intertidal areas, entering shallow water on incoming tides from deeper adjacent channels and basins. They usually travel in schools of about ten, but may school in larger numbers; larger permit tend to be more solitary, feeding alone or in pairs. Permit also congregate around wrecks and other deeper-water structures.
Reproduction
Permit spawning may last all year, but occurs primarily from May through June in the Florida Keys. Spawning peaks during these summer months, with extended spawning seasons occurring outside this main period and a decrease in spawning activity during the winter months. Researchers have found that permit may spawn over natural and artificial reefs or in near shore waters in the middle and lower Florida Keys. Males reach sexual maturity earlier than females, 2.3 versus 3.1 years, and at respective sizes of 19.1 inches (486 mm) and 21.5 inches (547 mm).
parasites
Permit suffer from many parasites, including the branchial parasite Bicotylophora baeri, the intestinal parasite Serrasentis socialis, and trematodes from the genus Lobatostoma. When cultured together in fish farms, permit may become susceptible to bacteria such as Vibrio anguillarum and the dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum. The latter infests the skin and gills of the host, eventually causing death
through toxins or by interfering with respiration.
Importance to Humans
Permit compose an important commercial fishery along with their close relative the Florida pompano. The permit commercial fishery yielded 10.4 metric tons in 2002, down from 68 metric tons in 2000. Florida landings comprised 100 percent of the catch in 2002. In response to possible over fishing, the Florida Wildlife Commission recently raised minimum size limits and decreased bag limits (see Conservation below). Originally interested in the related Florida pompano, fish farmers have only recently begun to experiment with the mariculture of permit, raising them in large near-shore pens for commercial sale.
Danger to Humans
Permit pose no threat to humans, though ciguatera poisoning may result if eaten.
Conservation Status
After recent surveys in 2003, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission changed the Florida size and bag limits for permit, effective January 1, 2004. The FWC raised the minimum size limit from 10 inches to 11 inches for all fishermen (commercial and recreational), and decreased the recreational aggregate bag limit of permit and Florida pompano from 10 fish to 6 fish per person per day. The upper size limit remains at 20 inches, but with a provision that allows anglers to retain one fish over 20 inches in their daily bag limit. These changes are designed to allow more permit to reach sexual maturity and reduce overall landings.
About Aruba
Warm tropical breezes, sun drenched beaches and perfect weather await you in Aruba! Hotels with oceanfront views let you awake to the sounds of the waves lapping gently against the beach. Attractions in Aruba offer everything you need to alleviate your stress including the thrill of water sports, the exhilaration of horseback tours through gorgeous scenery or evenings with scrumptious cuisine and the excitement of gambling or dancing the night away.
Location and Size
Aruba is located in the heart of the southern Caribbean, 15 miles (20 km) off the coast of Venezuela. It is 19.6 miles (30 km) long and 6 miles (9 km) across, at its widest point, with an area of approximately 70 square miles (184 square km).
Population
Aruba's population of about 100,000 inhabitants is made up of a broad international mixture of well educated people with a pleasant nature and a zest for hospitality. The modern Aruban is generally of mixed ancestry, claiming Caquetio Indian, African and European roots. However, the face of Aruba is in continuous flux with the island, drawing individuals from all over the world. Today, the island claims over 40 different nationalities, which live and work peacefully on the island.
Weather
The average temperature is 82ºF (28ºC), with cooling trade winds.
Time
Atlantic Standard Time one hour ahead of New York except during Daylight Savings when the time is the same.
