TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is extending its catch-and-release rule for snook and red drum until May 2020, as those populations continue to struggle after last year's devastating red tide.

  • Spotted sea trout, red drum showing below average in affected areas
  • FWC will look at numbers again next year
  • More Pinellas County stories

Karen Hughart — or "Captain K," as she's known — owns and operates Captain K's Charters out of her waterfront home in Treasure Island.

But lately, Hughart says she hasn't been catching any big fish.

“On a four-hour charter, I won’t even catch a speckled trout. Maybe one. So, a big change,” Hughart said.

Last year, she saw the effects of red tide firsthand as they reached the area's waters.

“I literally got to see it coming in from offshore charters. I could start to see the first lines of fish coming in to the beaches,” she recalled.

The toxic algae bloom eventually reached her backyard.

“Heartbreaking. Heartbreaking,” she said. “You feel like this is your children. This is your backyard. What is going on?”

An avid environmentalist, Hughart joined the red tide cleanup crew. Each day, she and 70 other boats rounded up dead marine life. 

Though the red tide is gone, the aftermath still lingers. 

FWC says certain fish populations are still struggling after red tide. 

“Both spotted sea trout and red drum were showing in most of those areas as below average,” said FWC spokesperson Amanda Nalley. 

"I’m thankful for the closure. It’s going to be very difficult for us,” Hughart said. “Our industry’s been hit very, very hard for the last year, but it’s something we’re going to have to do.”

Hughart encourages fishermen to be vigilant. 

“If you’re out fishing and you’re seeing someone keeping one of those fish, please tell them, 'put it back, they’re closed now,'” she said. 

Though it's hard for charter boat captains like herself, Hughart knows there's a bigger picture to consider.

“Whatever I can do, I’m going to advocate for our waters, because I know how important this environment is to not only us but to our future generations and our economy.”

FWC says it will take a look at the closure again early next year and see where the populations stand. 

Depending on what those findings are, there's a chance it will lift the catch-and-release rule.