Florida Times-Union does fun Q&A with JU’s own Prof. Dan McCarthy, the “spot master” for the Redfish Roundup
April 2, 2013
Wave Weekly
Be sure to check out a fun Q&A in the Tuesday, April 2, Florida Times-Union with JU’s own Prof. Dan McCarthy, the “spot master” for the annual Times-Union Redfish Roundup.
Well, it’s no joking matter, actually. Top prize? $7,500.
In a big Life section splash of an article, it’s noted that McCarthy’s job is to measure each fish to make sure it’s legal — 18 to 27 inches long — and to count all natural black spots.
Here’s an excerpt from Florida Times-Union writer David Crumpler’s story:
Times-Union: How do you become a spot master?
Dan McCarthy: I think that fishing tournaments usually look for someone with a certain level of expertise — and I have a background in ichthyology [the study of fish] and inverts [invertebrate zoology, the study of animals without a backbone]. The director of marine science at JU got approached, and I was recommended. It was basically word of mouth.
T-U: This is a catch-and-release tournament. That doesn’t give you much time to count spots, does it?
DM: I basically have about 30 seconds. I try to be fast. The whole experience is stressful for the fish. At least we are able to throw them back alive.
To read the entire story, click here.
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