Direct observation of fishing effort, catch, and discard rates of charter boats targeting reef fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Fishing activities on charter boats that targeted reef fishes were documented by observers in 2012 and 2013 to examine the effect of fishing season (open versus closed) for red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) on fishing effort, catch, and discard variables. During 54 trips of charter boats with observers, 38 species of fishes were identified; 32 trips were taken during red snapper open seasons and 22 trips were taken during closed seasons. The majority of the catch and discards comprised lutjanids but also included small demersal reef fishes, highly migratory pelagic fishes, and elasmobranchs. Boat captains targeted artificial reefs at depths