There will be numerous educational seminars for you and other interested anglers who are interested in gaining a better understanding of the effects that the ocean environment have on the catchability of tuna, dolphin, wahoo, swordfish and other billfish, along with sharks. The goal is to provide information that will help increase your time catching rather than searching for concentrations of quality fish.  Free gift certificates good for ROFFS™ analyses will be provided at registration.

In one seminar on the main stage at 7:00 PM Saturday April 1st, 2017 – Dr. Roffer will focus on how to find fish using satellite data and other information.  The concept of a fish’s preferred habitat and catchability, in terms of water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, clarity/turbidity, water color  and ocean frontal boundaries will be the focus. Fish catchability in terms of fish being available (geographically) and vulnerable to surface and subsurface fishing gear will be stressed. Climate variability including El Niño will be discussed in relation to catchability. A large part of this talk will focus on the variability of tuna catchability in the local waters off New England.

Above: 2016 Men’s All Tackle World Record, U.S. & MA State Record Wahoo – 182.0 Lbs. – Derrick Wittkamper & Capt. Damon Sacco (Castafari).

In a second seminar at 1:30 PM Sunday April 2nd, 2017 – Dr. Roffer will share the main stage and microphone with the very successful Captain Mark DeCabia of Broadbill Fisheries. This is considered the battle of the ages as they will discuss and debate aspects related to the fisherman’s point of view compared with the scientists point of view regarding how to find and catch fish. This should be great entertainment. This is a no-holds-barred event. We are not sure who will be the referee as there were charges of bias and a formal protest from their last match at the Atlantic City Boat Show. This is a 1.5 hour special event, well worth the price of admission.

In both seminars, the preferred habitat and catchability will be linked to different strategies and tactics that anglers should use to increase their catch rates in relation to the main factors affecting fish (e.g. temperature, water color, turbidity, water density, and bottom structure). A critical review of some of the more common techniques that are presently being used to search for productive fishing grounds by local area fishermen, as well as, by others using satellite imagery and other oceanographic data and models will be presented.

Above: The fishing season will be early. April is likely to be like May. For more details please contact ROFFS™, see us at the upcoming Castafari Offshore Seminar (4/1-4/2) or become a ROFFS™ paid subscriber and read about in our upcoming article about the upcoming season.

The dynamics of ocean circulation and water mass boundaries, in terms of their water density differences in relation to forming fish concentrations will be shown. Differences in the direction of eddy rotation (clockwise and counter-clockwise) for forming concentrations of baitfish and finding concentrations of feeding fish will be explained.The audience will be instructed on how they can find and use satellite data on the internet to understand regional and local area circulation to improve their catch rates. A tutorial will be presented on the techniques needed to accomplish this, as well as, the challenges and limitations when using satellite data and common errors when trying to interpret the imagery. Many different examples of what can be gained from individual static satellite images and movie loops of the data will be provide.

There will be a question and answer period at the end of the seminar. For more details on the Castafari Offshore Fishing Seminar Series please visit this link.

If there is anything else that we can assist you with, please let us know at ROFFS™ (321-723-5759).