2011-2012 Saltwater Regulations
2011-2012 Saltwater Regulations
2011-2012 Saltwater Regulations
2011
Contents
Contact us
Go to MyFWC.com for up-to-date information on recreational saltwater fishing regulations, news and events as well as resources, publications and videos. Visit the FWCs Fish and Wildlife Research Institute online at MyFWC.com/research For federal fishing regulations, please contact: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 888-833-1844 www.gulfcouncil.org South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 866-SAFMC-10 www.safmc.net National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) 727-824-5301 www.nmfs.noaa.gov
On the cover
Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) Photographer: Jerry McBride, DOA Lures
SFR.........................................................................12
Management of Floridas marine fishes........13
Gulf Coast Snook ................................................13
Floridas Grey Ghosts .........................................12
Spotted seatrout regions ..................................10
Lionfish .................................................................14
Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) ................14
Resource hotlines...............................................14
Blue crab regulations.........................................15
s a Lt Wat e r r e g u L at I o n s
This publication is provided as a guide to Florida fishing laws and regulations. The Florida Administrative Code is the final authority on fishing laws. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) strives to ensure information in this booklet is accurate, but assumes no liability for any errors that occur in this publication. Contact the FWC if you have any questions on issues not covered in this booklet. This publication is valid only from July 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The money collected from saltwater fishing licenses is used to improve and restore fish habitat and for marine fisheries research, law enforcement, and public education on marine resources. An additional $.50 subagents fee will be charged for any license or permit not purchased directly from the county tax collector. Obtain immediate license privileges, Carlos Solis 24 hours a day, at MyFWC.com/License or by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Processing fees will apply to telephone and Internet sales. Additional processing fees will apply to telephone and Internet sales. Subject to change regarding availability of appropriate facilities to hold the meeting.
Introduction
AboutthisGuide
This highquality regulation guide is offered to youbytheFloridaFishandWildlifeConservation Commissions Division of Marine Fisheries Managementthroughitsuniquepartnershipwith J.F.GriffinPublishing,LLC. J.F.Griffinisanawardwinningpublishinghouse thatspecializesinproducingstatefish&wildlife regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the FWC staff in the design, layout and editing of the guides. They also manage the marketing and sales of advertising to appropriate businesses withinthebook. The revenue generated through ad sales significantly lowers production costs and generates savings. These savings translate into additionalfundsforotherimportantfisheriesand habitatprograms! If you have any feedback or are interested in advertising,pleasecontactusat(413).884.1001 oronlineatwww.JFGriffin.com
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s a Lt Wat e r r e g u L at I o n s
NORTHWEST
Commissioners
Gil christ
NORTHEAST
Kathy Barco Chairman, Jacksonville Richard A. Corbett Vice Chairman, Tampa Rodney Barreto Miami Ronald M. Bergeron Ft. Lauderdale Dwight Stephenson Delray Beach Kenneth W. Wright Winter Park Brian S. Yablonski Tallahassee
NORTH CENTRAL
SOUTHWEST
Staff
Nick Wiley Executive Director Gregory L. Holder Assistant Executive Director Karen Ventimiglia Deputy Chief of Staff Mark Robson Director, Marine Fisheries Management
closure regions. Please see pages 6-11 and 20 for information on fishery closures.
SOUTH
Saltwater fishing licenses are sold online at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com, at all county tax collectors offices and at many license agents. Licenses may also be obtained over the telephone by dialing toll-free, 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). An additional fee is charged for telephone and Internet services. For any recreational licensing information not contained in this publication, please go to MyFWC.com/License. When applying for a saltwater recreational fishing license, you are considered to be a Florida resident if you are: Any person who has resided in Florida for six continuous months prior to applying for a resident license and who claims Florida as their primary residence. Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is stationed in this state and any family members residing with them. $100 (valid for one year). Includes: Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and
Freshwater Fishing licenses
Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Deer, Snook, and Spiny Lobster permits Florida residents may buy a lifetime saltwater fishing license or a lifetime sportsman license. Holders of lifetime saltwater fishing licenses may fish in saltwater for life and will pay no additional fees. The lifetime license fee includes the taking of snook or spiny lobster, which would otherwise require a separate fee. A lifetime sportsman license allows holders to fish in freshwater or saltwater and to hunt in Florida. Both of the licenses require holders to obey fishing or hunting laws in effect at any given time.
In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents may charge an issuance fee for selling licenses or permits. note: all sales are final.
Florida resident licenses One-Year Shoreline Only License......................................................................................................$0.00 One-Year License................................................................................................................................$17.00 Five-Year License .............................................................................................................................. $79.00 Combination licenses (Florida residents only) Fishing-Saltwater/Freshwater........................................................................................................$32.50 Fishing-Saltwater/Freshwater & Hunting ....................................................................................$48.00 One-Year Gold Sportsmans License...........................................................................................$100.00 One-Year Military Gold Sportsmans License..............................................................................$20.00
Covers both watercraft and shoreline fishing. Covers shoreline fishing only, not fishing from a watercraft or from shore reached by watercraft.
Florida residents
(Offers the same privileges as the Gold Sportsmans License. Available only to Florida residents who are active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, the National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, upon submission of a current military identification card and proof of Florida residency. Purchase at county tax collectors offices only.)
Lifetime saltwater fishing license (Florida residents only; includes Snook and Lobster Permits) Age: 04........................................................................................................................................... $126.50 Age: 512 ........................................................................................................................................ $226.50 Age: 13 or older .............................................................................................................................. $301.50 Lifetime sportsman license (Florida residents only) Age: 04........................................................................................................................................... $401.50 Age: 512 .........................................................................................................................................$701.50 Age: 13 or older ...........................................................................................................................$1,001.50 Non-resident licenses Three-day License ..............................................................................................................................$17.00 Seven-day License............................................................................................................................$30.00 One-Year License................................................................................................................................$47.00 Permits Snook Permit ..................................................................................................................................... $10.00 Five-Year Snook Permit (Florida residents only) ........................................................................$50.00 Spiny Lobster Permit...........................................................................................................................$5.00 Five-Year Spiny Lobster Permit (Florida residents only) ...........................................................$25.00 Tarpon Tag (available only at tax collector offices) ....................................................................$51.50
If you are required to have a license, even the $0.00 shoreline license, you are required to purchase permits to harvest Snook and Spiny Lobster.
A resident who is saltwater fishing from land or a structure fixed to land who has been determined eligible for the food stamp, temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid Program by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Proof of identification and a benefit issuance or program identification card issued by DCFS or the Agency for Health Care Administration must be on your person when fishing. A child under 16 years of age. Any resident fishing for recreational purposes only, within her or his county of residence with live or natural bait, using poles or lines not equipped with a fishing line retrieval mechanism. Fishing from a for-hire vesselguide, charter, party boatthat has a valid charter boat license or charter captain license. A holder of a valid saltwater products license. A Florida resident 65 years of age or older
and you possess proof of age and residency, such as a Florida drivers license or ID, or an optional no-cost Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate. A Florida resident who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, who is not stationed in this state, while on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders. This does not include family members. Any person who has been accepted as a client for developmental services by the Department of Children and Family Services, provided the department furnishes proof thereof. Fishing for recreational purposes from a pier that has a valid pier saltwater fishing license. Fishing from a boat that has a valid recreational vessel fishing license. A Florida resident who is fishing for mullet in freshwater with a valid Florida freshwater fishing license. A Florida resident who possesses a no-cost Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate. In order to qualify for this, applicants must provide a certification of total and permanent disability
from the United States Armed Forces, Railroad Retirement Board, Florida Workers Compensation or the United States Veterans Administration. Alternatively, current documentation from the Social Security Administration for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits also will be accepted. Licenses (Charter Boat or Charter Captain) are required for all vessels that charge a fee (for-hire vessels) to take passengers out to catch marine fish. Eleven or more customers ....................$801.50
Five to ten customers.............................$401.50
Four or fewer customers........................ $201.50
Optional fees include the annual Recreational Vessel fee ($2,001.50) for not-for-hire pleasure craft and the annual Pier license ($501.50). For charter licensing information, contact your local county tax collectors office or visit MyFWC.com.
Nancy Sheridan
Angelfish Butterflyfish Filefish/Triggerfish Gobies Hamlets/ Seabasses Jawfish Parrotfish Porkfish Pufferfish, Burrfish, Balloonfish, Porcupinefish Tangs and Surgeonfish
No more than 5 per person per day in any combination Except Gray and Ocean Triggerfish Except reef fish2 and Longtail Bass
sIze LIMIts (total length unless otherwise noted) Gray, French Angelfish: 1 8" slot limit Blue, Queen Angelfish: 1 8" slot limit Rock Beauty: 25" slot limit 14" slot limit
Maximum size limit: 4" Maximum size limit: 12" Minimum size limit: 1 "
Spanish Hogfish: 28" slot limit Except Hogfish Wrasse/Hogfish/Razorfish Snapper Cuban Hogfish: 38" slot limit 1 Other Marine Life fish include : Basslets, Batfish, Blackbar Soldierfish, Blennies, Brotulas (Black and Key), Cardinalfish, Clingfish, Cornetfish, Damselfish, Eels (Moray and Snake), Frogfish, Hawkfish, High-hat/Jackknifefish/Spotted Drum/Cubbyu, Pipefish, Reef Croakers, Seahorses, Sleepers, Yellow Stingray, Sweepers, Toadfish, Trumpetfish, and Trunkfish/Cowfish.
LIMIts
One gallon of tropical ornamental marine plants per day in any combination; 2 gallon maximum possession limit
Don DeMaria
Unless otherwise noted, combined bag limit of 20 marine life fish and invertebrates per person per day, only 5 of any one species allowed. A 2-day possession limit also applies (40 total organisms, only 10 of any one species). Such as groupers, snappers, seabass, and amberjacks. Must abide by regulations for these species on pages 611. Bag limit of 2 live shells of any single species per harvester per day in Manatee County. Harvest prohibited in Lee County.
This brief summary of regulations governs the taking of saltwater species in Florida state waters for personal use. It is not applicable to the commercial harvesting of these species. The absence of complete laws, rules and regulations in this summary does not relieve persons from compliance with those laws, rules or regulations. State waters extend to 3 nautical miles on the Atlantic and 9 nautical miles on the Gulf. Federal rules apply beyond state waters unless expressly stated otherwise. For species that do not have an established bag limit, more than 100 pounds or two fish per harvester per day (whichever is greater), is considered commercial quantities. A saltwater products license and commercial vessel registration are required to harvest commercial quantities of unregulated species. It is illegal to sell recreationally harvested fish without compliance with commercial license requirements. Issue Thirty Nine, July 2011. Highlights indicate recent regulation changes. Species
Amberjack, Greater Amberjack, Lesser & Banded Rudderfish Billfish Black Drum T Bluefish Bonefish Clams (Hard) Cobia (Ling)
Closed Season
June 1 July 31 Gulf of Mexico
Remarks
Measured tip of lower jaw to fork. All landed fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours 800-894-5528 or hmspermits.noaa.gov. HMS permit required in federal waters. May possess one over 24". Snatching prohibited. Catch and release only. Hook and line gear only. Illegal to harvest from closed areas. Go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for allowable harvesting areas. To sell or exceed the daily bag limit follow commercial regulations.
May not harvest half hour after official sunset until half hour before official sunrise Sept. 20 Oct. 4 Gulf state waters beyond 3 miles closed to traps; federal waters closed to traps; Regional closures (see map on page 15) July 1 Oct 31
One 5 gal. bucket per harvester or 2 per vessel, whichever is less per day (whole in shell) 1 per harvester or 6 per vessel per day, whichever is less 10 gallons whole per harvester per day
Crab, Blue
5 traps maximum. Trap requirements apply. Harvest of egg-bearing crabs prohibited. See page 15 for more information.
Crab, Blue Land Crab, Stone Crawfish (Spiny Lobster) Dolphin Flounder T 2 " claw Carapace must be greater than 3" measured in the water 20" fork Atlantic 12"
May 16 Oct 14 April 1Aug. 5 Exception: Sport Season (last consecutive Wed & Thurs of July each year)
Trapping prohibited, harvest of egg-bearing females prohibited, harvest prohibited in state parks and from the right-of-way of federal, state or county maintained roads. 1 gal. Stone Crab claws per harvester 5 traps maximum. Trap requirements apply. Illegal to possess whole crab. or 2 gal. per vessel, whichever is less Harvest of egg-bearing crabs prohibited. Recreational trapping prohibited. Spiny Lobster permit required when Regular season: license required. Harvest of egg-bearing females prohibited. Special 6 per harvester per day bag limit for 2-day Sport Season. Contact FWC regional office for current information on Sport Season. 10 per harvester per day, not to To sell or exceed the daily bag limit follow commercial regulations. exceed 60 per vessel per day 10 per harvester per day May be harvested by spearing. Snatching prohibited. 20 per harvester per day
Gag
24" Atlantic & Monroe County 22" Gulf (excluding Monroe County)
June 1 Sept. 15 & Nov. 16 Dec. 31, 2011 Gulf (excluding Monroe County) Closed Atlantic & Monroe County Jan. 1April 30 Closed in Gulf (excluding Monroe County) Feb. 1 March 31 Closed in Gulf (excluding Monroe County) Feb. 1 March 31 Closed Atlantic & Monroe County Jan. 1April 30
1 per harvester per day Atlantic & Monroe County; 2 per harvester per day Gulf (excluding Monroe County)
Grouper, Black
1 per harvester per day Atlantic & Monroe County; 4 per harvester per day Gulf (excluding Monroe County) 3 per harvester per day Atlantic & Monroe County; 2 per harvester per day Gulf (excluding Monroe County) 1 per harvester per day Atlantic
No more than 1 fish may be Gag or Black Grouper, either individually or in combination in Atlantic & Monroe County. Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County) and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper aggregate bag limit. Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain & crew on for-hire vessels.
Grouper, Red Grouper, Snowy Grouper, Yellowfin & Yellowmouth Grouper, Scamp Grouper, Warsaw & Speckled Hind
Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County) and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper aggregate bag limit. Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain & crew on for-hire vessels.
20" 20" Atlantic & Monroe County; 16" Gulf (excluding Monroe County)
Closed in Gulf (excluding Monroe County) Feb. 1 March 31 Closed Atlantic & Monroe County Jan. 1April 30 1 per vessel per day of each species Closed in Gulf (excluding Monroe County) Feb. 1March 31 for Rock Hind and Red Hind Closed Atlantic & Monroe County Jan. 1April 30 for Tiger, Rock Hind, Red Hind, Coney, Graysby
Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County) and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper aggregate bag limit. Atlantic & Monroe County: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels
Hogfish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Spanish Mullet, Striped (Black) & Silver
5 per harvester per day 2 per harvester per day 15 per harvester per day 50 aggregate per harvester per day; Aggregate vessel limits Feb. 1Aug. 31: 100 per vessel; Sept. 1Jan. 31: 50 per vessel 2 bags per harvester or vessel, whichever is less per day. 1 Bag = 60 lbs. or two 5 gal. buckets (whole in shell) 1 per harvester per day, not to exceed 2 per vessel per day SPZ; 2 per harvester per day all other state waters 6 per harvester per day
Bag limit reduced to 1 in some state waters when federal waters are closed to all harvest. Check www.MyFWC.com/Fishing for most current regulations prior to fishing. Transfer of Spanish Mackerel to other vessels at sea is prohibited. Mullet aggregate bag limit includes Striped and Silver. Call DMFM for additional restrictions in Pinellas and Charlotte counties. Apalachicola Bay has summer & winter seasons/areas. Harvest from approved shellfish areas only. Go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for allowable harvesting areas. Effective August 31, 2011. May possess 1 over 22" fork length in all other areas, not to exceed 2 over 22" fork per vessel per day. See page 8 for gear restrictions, page 9 for SPZ definition and other information. Effective August 31, 2011. Hook and line, cast net, and beach or haul seine ONLY. See page 9 for more information.
Oysters
3" 22" fork SPZ; Not less than 11" or more than 22" fork all other areas 11" fork
June, July, Aug. in Dixie, Wakulla, Levy counties. July, Aug., Sept. in all other areas. May 1July 31 SPZ
species
Pompano, African T Red Drum (Redfish) T Red Porgy Scallops, Bay Sea Bass, Black Shad
Closed season
remarks
Effective August 31, 2011. See page 8 for gear restrictions. See page 9 for more information. Gigging, spearing, snatching prohibited. Harvest in Federal waters prohibited. Harvest allowed only in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico from the PascoHernando county line, to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County. American, Alabama & Hickory are part of aggregate limit. Hook & line gear only. Hook and line gear only. See list below for prohibited species. Snatching prohibited. Contact FWC Regional Office for closed areas.
Sept. 26, 2011 June 30, 2012 12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf
Shark T Sheepshead T Shrimp Snapper, Black & Wenchman Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) Snapper, Lane Snapper, Mutton
54" fork for all sharks except Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, blacktip, bonnethead, finetooth and smooth dogfish 12" April & May closed to Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Putnam, Flagler & Clay counties
1 per harvester or 2 per vessel per day, whichever is less 15 per harvester per day 5 gallons heads on per harvester or vessel per day, whichever is less Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit if under 30" 5 per harvester per day Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit Atlantic Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit July 19May 31 Gulf 2 per harvester per day Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit Nov. 1March 31 Atlantic 5 per harvester per day Atlantic; 10 per harvester per day Gulf Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit
May possess no more than 2 Cubera Snapper over 30" per harvester or vessel per day, whichever is less. 30" or larger not included within the Snapper aggregate bag limit. Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit. Gulf not included within the Snapper aggregate bag limit.
Snapper, Red Snapper, Schoolmaster Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, all other Snook (all species) T
Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit. Note: Check www.MyFWC.com/Fishing for most current regulations prior to fishing. Gulf: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels. Vermilion Snapper not included within the Snapper aggregate bag limit. Atlantic: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels. Includes: Blackfin, Dog, Mahogany, Queen, Silk & Yellowtail. Snook permit required for harvest when saltwater license required. Illegal to buy or sell snook. Snatch hooks and spearing prohibited. See page 13 for more information. Includes: Sheepswool, Yellow, Grass, Glove, Finger, Wire, Reef & Velvet sponge.
10" 12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf 12" Not less than 28" or more than 32" Atlantic Not less than 28" or more than 33" Gulf of Mexico, Monroe County, Everglades Nat. Park Greater than 5" in greatest dimension measured across the top of the sponge Not less than 15" or more than 20" (statewide) except one fish over 20" per person 47" lower jaw fork length with head attached or 29" cleithrum to keel length if head removed. Dec. 15Jan. 31; June 1 Aug. 31 Atlantic Closed through Aug. 31, 2012 Gulf of Mexico, Monroe County, Everglades National Park
Sponge, Commercial
Spotted Seatrout T
Nov. & Dec. S. Region 4 per harvester per day South Region May possess no more than 1 over 20"; included in the regional bag limit. Feb. N.E. and N.W. Regions 5 per harvester per day See regional definitions map on page 10. (see regional N.E. and N.W. Regions definitions page 10) 1 per harvester per day, All landed fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours 800-894-5528. not to exceed a maximum of HMS permit required in federal waters. Zero daily bag and possession limit 4 per recreational (not for-hire) vessel for captain and crew of for-hire vessels. or 15 per for-hire vessel per day 2 fish possession limit Requires $50 tarpon tag to possess or harvest. Snatching and spearing prohibited. Boca Grande Pass has seasonal regulations. Contact DMFM for current information. Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County) and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper aggregate bag limit. Atlantic: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels Triggerfish except Gray and Ocean have live landing & live well requirements. 2 per harvester per day 2 per harvester per day 1 per harvester per day Hook & line gear only. No snatch hooks. To sell or exceed the daily bag limit, follow commercial regulations. Regulations apply in parts of Nassau County only. See MyFWC.com for map.
Swordfish
Tarpon
Tilefish, Golden 12" fork Atlantic; 14" fork Gulf 15" 12"
PROHIBITED SPECIES Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads, fins & tails intact). It is unlawful to land, purchase, sell, or exchange the species: Measured as total length. Total length is the straight line distance from the most forward part of Goliath Grouper harvest, possess, Grouper, Sawfish, Atlantic Angel Shark,following Shark, Bigeye (Jewfish), Nassau Basking
the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed together while the fish is lying on its side.
Additional gear rules apply. See Reef Fish Gear Rules page 8. T Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead
natural bait. Harvester: Regardless of what species you are fishing for, bag limits are only for properly licensed individuals and those people exempt from licensing requirements who are actively harvesting. People harvesting may not exceed the individual bag limit and take someone elses bag limit. That is, people (including children) who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits. Northwest Region Panama City 850-265-3676; North Central Region Lake City 386-758-0525; Northeast Region Ocala 352-732-1225; Southwest Region Lakeland 863-648-3200; South Region West Palm Beach 561-625-5122; Wildlife Alert 888-404-FWCC (3922)
Sand Tiger Shark, Bigeye Sixgill Shark, Bigeye Thresher Shark, Bignose Shark, Caribbean Reef Shark, Caribbean Sharpnose Shark, Dusky Shark, Galapagos Shark, Lemon Shark, Longfin Mako Shark, Narrowtooth Shark, Night Shark, Silky Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Sandbar Shark, Sevengill Shark, Sixgill Shark, Smalltail Shark, Spiny Dogfish, Whale Shark, White Shark, Manta Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Longbill Spearfish, Mediterranean Spearfish, Roundscale Spearfish, Sturgeon, Florida Queen Conch, Stony, Hard and Fire Corals, Sea Fans, Bahama Starfish, and Longspine Urchin. Harvest of live rock in state waters is prohibited. Puffer fish harvest is prohibited in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.
For saltwater fish identification, request a copy of FWCs Fishing Lines magazine or visit: MyFWC.com.
Recreational gear
Explosives, etc.
Additional regional gear restrictions may apply in your county. For further clarification, contact the local regional offices listed on page 3.
The use of powerheads, explosives, chemicals or the discharge of firearms into the water to kill or harvest marine life is prohibited in state waters.
pages 6 and 11) GulfofMexico: These regulations require the use of a venting tool and dehooking device when recreationally or commercially fishing for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. All persons aboard a vessel harvesting reef fish must possess and use non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural baits. Atlantic Ocean: Recreational and commercial fishers are required to use dehooking devices as needed while fishing for reef fish.
Spearing
These rules apply to the following species. For a complete species list, please visit MyFWC.com. Greater amberjack Banded rudderfish Black grouper Snowy grouper Yellowmouth grouper Warsaw grouper Grouper, all others Red porgy Black snapper Cubera snapper Lane snapper Red snapper Vermilion snapper Golden tilefish Lesser amberjack Gag grouper Red grouper Yellowfin grouper Scamp grouper Speckled hind Hogfish Black sea bass Wenchman snapper Gray snapper Mutton snapper Schoolmaster snapper Snapper, all other Gray triggerfish
Spearing is defined as the catching or taking of a fish by bowhunting, gigging, spearfishing, or any device used to capture a fish by piercing its body. Spearing does not include the catching or taking of a fish by a hook with hook-and-line gear or by snagging (snatch hooking). Spearfishing is defined as the catching or taking of a fish through the instrumentality of a hand or mechanically propelled, single or multi-pronged spear or lance, barbed or barbless, operated by a person swimming at or below the surface of the water. The use of powerheads, bangsticks, and rebreathers remains prohibited. The following is a list of species which are prohibited for harvest by spearing. Any other species not listed which are managed by the Commission, and those not managed by the Commission are allowed to be harvested by spearing. Billfish (all species) Spotted eagle ray Sturgeon Manta ray Sharks Bonefish Tarpon Goliath grouper Snook Blue crab Nassau grouper Spotted seatrout Red drum Weakfish Stone crab Florida Pompano African pompano Permit Tripletail Lobster Families of ornamental reef fish (surgeonfish, trumpetfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, porcupinefish, cornetfish, squirrelfish, trunkfish, damselfish, parrotfish, pipefish, seahorse, puffers, triggerfish except gray and ocean)
Hook-and-line gear
Hook-and-line anglers must tend their gear at all times to prevent people, marine life and shore life from becoming entangled in the line or injured by the hook. Also, it is against the law to intentionally discard any monofilament netting or line into or onto state waters. Monofilament line can entangle birds, marine mammals, marine turtles and fish, often injuring or killing them.
Nets
The following types of nets may be used for recreational purposes in Florida waters: Bully nets (for lobster only) no greater than 3 feet in diameter. Frame nets and push nets (for shrimp only) no greater than 16 feet in perimeter. Hand held landing or dip nets no greater than 96 inches in perimeter. Cast nets measuring 14 feet or less stretched length (stretched length is defined as the distance from the horn at the center of the net with the net gathered and pulled taut, to the lead line). Cast nets may be used as harvesting gear for the following species only: black drum, bluefish, cobia, flounder, mullet, Florida pompano, red drum, sheepshead, shrimp, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout, weakfish and unregulated species. Beach or haul seines measuring no larger than 500 square feet of mesh area, no larger than 2 inches stretched mesh size, not constructed of monofilament, and legibly marked at both ends with the harvesters name and address if a Florida resident. Non-residents using beach or haul seines for recreational purposes are required to have a commercial saltwater products license and legibly mark the seine at both ends with the harvesters saltwater products license number. Beach or haul seines may be used as harvesting gear for the following species only: black drum, bluefish, cobia, flounder, mullet, Florida pompano, red drum, sheepshead, shrimp, Spanish mackerel, weakfish and unregulated species.
Spearfishing of marine and freshwater species in freshwater is prohibited. Possession of a spear gun in or on freshwater is also prohibited. Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed. Within 100 feet of any part of a jetty that is above the surface of the seaexcept for the last 500 yards of a jetty that extends more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline. In Collier County and in Monroe County from Long Key north to the Dade County line. For any fish for which spearing is expressly prohibited by law. In any body of water under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks. (Possession of spearfishing equipment is prohibited in these areas, unless it is unloaded and properly stored.) Fishermen who catch and/or sell fish harvested by spearing are subject to the same rules and limitations that other anglers in the state are required to follow. In Monroe County there are additional regulations for spearfishing. For more information call 305-289-2320 or visit www.floridakeys.noaa.gov.
In Volusia County inland waters with the exception of flounder and sheepshead using a spear with three or fewer prongs.
Permit and African Pompano: Hook and line only in state waters; hook and line or spearing only in federal waters. Florida Pompano: Hook and line, cast net and beach or haul seine only in state and federal waters
Increased protection
In June 2011, the Commission amended the rule for permit, Florida pompano, and African pompano in order to provide increased protection for these important species. In the past, there were no regulations for these fish in federal waters adjacent to Florida. The recreational rule amendments primarily establish recreational regulations in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic. Additionally, the Commission decided to create separate management strategies for each species. The combined bag limit for Florida pompano and permit was split into separate bag limits, and the size limits for each species were changed. The rule amendments the Commission passed created two separate management areas in Florida for permit. The Special Permit Zone (SPZ) lies in south Florida, encompassing waters south of Cape Florida on the Atlantic coast and south of Cape Sable on the Gulf coast. The regulations for permit in the SPZ are more restrictive to protect spawning aggregations of permit as well as large permit that support the trophy fishery in the Keys. The remainder of Florida (north of Cape Florida and Cape Sable) makes up the other permit management area.
s a Lt Wat e r r e g s
Overall the new regulations for permit, Florida pompano, and African pompano should greatly increase the protection for these three fish in Florida waters and ensure that future generations can enjoy them.
Closed season
May 1July 31
gear
State waters: Hook and line only. Federal waters: Hook and line and spearing. State waters: Hook and line only. Federal waters: Hook and line and spearing. Hook and line, cast net, and beach or haul seine. State waters: Hook and line only. Federal waters: Hook and line and spearing.
remarks
Vessel Restriction: no more than 2 permit.
Not less than 11" or more than 22" fork length 11" fork length 24" fork length
May possess 1 over 22" fork included in the per person bag limit. Vessel Restriction: no more than 2 over 22" fork.
Current recreational regulations for state waters through August 30, 2011.
species
Permit & Florida Pompano African Pompano
gear
Permit: Hook and line only
remarks
May possess one over 20" fork of either permit or Florida pompano included in the aggregate bag limit. Vessel restriction: no more than 2 permit and Florida pompano over 20" fork length at any time in any combination.
Know your Florida Fish: Permit, Florida Pompano, African Pompano and Palometa
species Description Identification Dorsal fin is short and upright Forehead slopes gently backward
Florida Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Body is generally mostly silver with a darker back. Yellow coloring on belly is common in juveniles and adults. Dorsal fin begins forward of anal fin.
Trachinotus falcatus
Permit
Orange coloring on belly and/or pelvic and anal fin is common in juveniles. May have a black spot behind the pectoral fin. Dorsal fin begins over anal fin.
african Pompano
Alectis ciliarus
Long, threadlike rays at front of dorsal and anal fins (juveniles). 45 narrow bars on sides of juveniles only.
Hardened scutes
Trachinotus goodei
Palometa
Dorsal and anal fins are very elongated. 4 narrow bars on sides of both juveniles and adults. Bright, silvery sides.
Elongated anal fin
s a Lt Wat e r r e g u L at I o n s
CountY Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Bay Escambia Escambia DePLoY Date
5/5/11 5/5/11 5/5/11 5/5/11 5/5/11 5/5/11 3/9/11 9/28/10 9/28/10 9/28/10 9/28/10 9/28/10 9/28/10 2/18/11 12/22/10
reeF naMe Mb 130 - Set 13 Mb 129 - Set 9 Mb 128 - Set 8 Mb 127 - Set 5 Mb 126 - Set4 Mb-123 - Set 11 Mb 125 Mb 123 Mb 124 Mexico Beach Memorial Reef Stewart Unkles Jr. Memorial Reef Hannon Smith Memorial Reef Drew's Reef Capt Bob Quarles Reef Lane Gilchrist Reef
MaterIaL tons Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (3) 13.90 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (1) 12.90 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (4) 14.40 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (5) 17.40 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (5) 22.10 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (2) 8.40 Ship Ferro-Cemment Sailboat 47' 8.50 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (2) 5.00 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (8) 32.50 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (8) 22.50 Modules Walters Florida Special Steel (1) 2.50 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (1) 2.50 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (1) 2.50 Concrete Rubble 270.00 Concrete Bridge Rubble 1200.00
LatItuDe 2947.187' N 2955.222' N 2955.063' N 2954.549' N 2954.250' N 2955.253' N 2954.385' N 2955.253' N 2955.438' N 2954.567' N 2954.720' N 2954.578' N 2954.577' N 3019.738' N 3017.467' N
LongItuDe 8541.758' W 8532.558' W 8532.577' W 8532.638' W 8532.690' W 8532.362' W 8532.405' W 8532.362' W 8532.542' W 8532.360' W 8532.602' W 8532.339' W 8532.376' W 8710.871' W 8713.773' W
DePtH reLIeF
87 56 58 58 61 54 61 56 56 59 61 60 61 14 50
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 10 8 8 7 15
* Chart represents a small sample of more than 2,000 artificial reef sites in Florida; for additional reef locations, visit MyFWC.com/fishing.
Do you have a photo of your prize catch and want to show it off?
If so, the FWC invites you to participate in the Ethical Angler Photo Recognition Program! Send in your photo, along with a signed photo release form to EthicalAngler@MyFWC.com and your photo may appear on the next cover of the regulations! For additional information, please visit www.MyFWC.com/Fishing
Hector Vasallo
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YOuR ROLE
and angler outreach and education. A variety of publications are also produced, including boating and angling guides, fish identification posters, and Fishing Lines magazines. All of these and more are available to the public free of charge through Sport Fish Restoration, and can be viewed online or ordered by visiting MyFWC.com/Research/Publications. Thanks to this program, marine resources in Florida may have a brighter future. Since Sport Fish Restoration money contributes to both marine research and angler education programs, fisheries are benefitted both directly and indirectly. So the next time you purchase fishing tackle or use a public boat ramp, remember that you helped to make it all happen. Thanks to angler contributions and stewardship of marine resources, sport fishing will endure for generations to come.
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Extended Protection
for Gulf Coast Snook
FWC reminds anglers that the recreational harvest season for snook in Floridas Atlantic waters will reopen September 1, 2011. Floridas Gulf of Mexico waters will remain catch and release through August 31, 2012. Prolonged cold weather during the winter of 20092010 adversely impacted Floridas snook population. Protective measures were taken by extending the closed-harvest periods for parts of 2010 and 2011. At the June 2011 Commission Meeting, Commissioners received the latest staff report with information on the status of the snook population. Atlantic coast snook were less severely impacted by the cold weather than Gulf coast snook. Based on this information, the Commission agreed to reopen the snook harvest season this fall in Atlantic waters. Snook has been strictly regulated in Florida for more than 50 years. Current regulations include summer and winter closed harvest seasons, a one-fish bag limit during open seasons, restrictive slotsize limits, and a prohibition on the sale of snook. A snook permit is required to harvest snook. Revenue generated from the sale of this permit is used exclusively for programs to benefit the snook population. Even though recreational harvest is closed in Gulf of Mexico waters, you may still purchase a snook permit to support these programs. If you would like information on the Gulf Coast voluntary snook permit refund and to learn about these programs, please visit MyFWC.com/license. The Atlantic stock of snook in Floridas Atlantic coastal and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, will return to the regular season opening September 1, 2011.
Katie Purcell and Jacob Fojtik
The regular daily bag limit of one snook per recreational angler will apply, as will the 28 to 32-inch total length slot limit. A snook permit is required to harvest snook. The current prohibition of recreational harvest of snook in all of Floridas Gulf of Mexico waters, including Everglades National Park and state and federal waters of Monroe County, will remain in effect until August 31, 2012. This extended closure will allow the Gulf snook population additional time to rebound. Anglers may still catch and release snook during harvest closures. Remember to handle and release these fish carefully to help ensure their survival upon release. More information is available at MyFWC.com/fishing.
Before fishing nine nautical miles beyond shore in the Gulf of Mexico or three nautical miles beyond shore in the Atlantic, be sure to check the latest federal regulations.
For Gulf federal regulations, contact the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council at www.gulfcouncil.org or 888-833-1844. For Atlantic federal regulations, contact the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council at www.safmc.net or 866-SAFMC-10. For Gulf, Atlantic, and Highly Migratory Species (tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish) federal regulations, contact NOAA Fisheries Service at sero.nmfs.noaa.gov or 727-824-5301.
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L aW e n F o r C e M e n t
Resource information
Join the nations largest conservation law enforcement agencybecome an FWC law enforcement officer.
For more information contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-866-FWC-HIRE (392-4473) or visit MyFWC.com/Law
To purchase fishing licenses: 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356) MyFWC.com/license FWC Division of Law Enforcement 888-404-FWCC (3922) For up-to-date information on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill please visit MyFWC.com/OilSpill To report fish and wildlife law violations, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922) FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 727-896-8626 MyFWC.com/research To report fish kills: 800-636-0511 To report fish tags: 800-367-4461 TagReturn@myfwc.com To report Sawfish sightings: 941-255-7403 sawfish@MyFWC.com Bird Entanglement 888-404-3922 727-391-6211 for Tampa area To request Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits: 800-367-4461 TarponGenetics@myfwc.com Red Tide Information Hotline 866-300-9399 toll free in Florida 727-552-2488 nationwide Aquatic Toxins Hotline 888-232-8635 Shellfish Harvesting Questions FDACS, 850-488-5471 www.floridaaquaculture.com To report Lionfish sightings, please visit MyFWC.com/reportlionfish or call 1-877-786-7267
More information about lionfish may be found using the resources below.
Lionfish Discovery Story oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/stories/lionfish USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species nas.er.usgs.gov Poison Help Hotline 800-222-1222 NOAA Guidelines for Lionfish Consumption ccfhr.noaa.gov/docs/EatLionfishPullCard.pdf Reef Environmental Education Foundation reef.org/programs/exotic/lionfish
s a Lt Wat e r r e g u L at I o n s
Allowable Gear
Dip or landing net, drop net, fold-up trap, hook and line gear, push scrape, trotline, trap less than 1 cubic ft. in volume fished from a vessel, dock, or shore, and commercial-style, or standard, traps.
The dates and locations of the closures are: All waters of Broward through Pasco Counties from July 1019 All waters of Hernando through Wakulla counties including all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Bay from July 2029 All waters of Franklin County to the Florida/Alabama state line from Jan. 514
If you are using commercial style traps you are allowed to use no more than 5 traps per person. Each trap must have a mesh size of 1.5 inches. Throats may only be located on vertical surfaces and may reach into the trap no more than 6 inches. Maximum dimension is 2 ft. x 2 ft. x 2 ft. or have a volume of 8 cubic ft. or less. Traps must have a buoy that is made of Styrofoam, cork, PVC, or polystyrene and be a bright color that can be easily distinguished, seen, and located. The buoy must be spherical in shape and be no less than 6 inches in diameter or some other shape that is no shorter than 10 inches in the longest dimension and the width at some point must exceed 5 inches, each buoy must have a legible R written on it (stands for recreational) at least 2 inches in height, and no more than 5 ft. of line can float on the surface of the water. Buoy requirements do not apply to traps tied to private property, such as a dock. Each trap must have at least three unobstructed escape rings with an inside diameter of 23 /8 inches and at least one ring must be placed adjacent to each crab retaining chamber on a vertical surface. Each trap must have the harvesters name and address permanently affixed. Traps may only be worked from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.
Get Involved!
Volunteer groups may remove traps and trap debris from state waters during trap closures when they host an organized cleanup event and obtain authorization from the FWC. More information about how you can help organize or participate in a cleanup event in your area is available online at MyFWC.com/get-involved. You can also email Cleanuptraps@MyFWC.com with questions or comments about volunteer cleanup events.
There are six regional closed seasons to the harvest of blue crabs with traps to help clean up Floridas waters. Traps that remain in the water will be removed and disposed of by FWC. The closures apply only to standard recreational and commercial blue crab traps. During the closures, these traps must be removed from the water. The harvest of blue crabs by other gears, such as dip nets and fold-up traps, is allowed during the closures. The closures apply to recreational harvesters who use standard blue crab traps unless the traps are attached to private property, such as a dock. Closures will extend from the shoreline out to 3 nautical miles and include all inland waters in these regions.** Florida Statutes prohibit tampering with, collecting from or moving traps that are not yours, even during the above closures (F.S. 379.366(4)(b)). * All waters of the St. Johns River, its associated lakes and tributaries from west of the St. Johns Rivers intersection with the Intracoastal Canal through and including Lake Hellen Blazes. ** Except all waters of the St. Johns River system.
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