Fishing Regulations

2010
F L O R I D A
Valid from Jan. 1, 2010
through June 30, 2010
Fishing Regulations
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
MyFWC.com
SALTWATER EDITION
Know your
Florida fish
Page 14
Blue crab trap
closure map
Page 16
Report sawfish
sightings
Page 18
LEGENDARY FLORIDA LURES
3 Must-Haves
for Florida Fishing
Available at select retail outlets.
Liv’Eye Jig
The best and most popular jig in Florida is the Cotee Liv’Eye jig. When rigged with Cotee’s
shrimp-scented Chubby Grub tail, it is engineered to fall in an erratic, spiraling, wounded
baitfish action that cannot be duplicated by ordinary jigs. It has a perfect finish and each
recessed eye is hand painted with glow in the dark paint. Twin retainer barbs are used
to extend the life of your plastic tails and only super-strong, premium Lazer Sharp
hooks are used.
MirrOdine®
MirrOdine® features a wide body profile and realistic baitfish pattern which produces
violent strikes. MirrOdine® has a luminescent insert, “fish calling” rattles and natural
3-D eyes to enhance its realism. With a twitching retrieve, this shallow runner darts
from side-to-side, mimicking a wounded baitfish.
Yo-Zuri Topwater Sashimi Pencil
Yo-Zuri’s Sashimi Pencil is a “walk the dog” lure that has a twist. It is the only lure in the world
that can change colors. With its color change technology, every time the lure “walks” back and
forth, it changes colors just like real baitfish do. Imagine a Gold Mullet turning into
a Green Mullet then back into a Gold Mullet. Every Sashimi lure
has two different color patterns incorporated into them.
With an internal “cadence” rattle Snook, Redfish
& Sea Trout find it irresistible. Also available
with conservation circle hooks—
“Catch More; Kill Less!”
www.Yo-Zuri.com
ENTER
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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 FWC’s Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute online at
http://research.MyFWC.com
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
Photo by Walt Sterns
Regional offices...................................................4
2010 Commission meeting
dates and locations .........................................6
Shows and events ...............................................6
You do not need a license
if you are............................................................8
Costs for licenses................................................8
Other saltwater fishing fees ..............................8
Marine life regulations .......................................9
Basic recreational saltwater fishing regulations.................................. 10–11
Florida
Wildlife
Magazine
Articles and tips for anglers, hunters
and other outdoor enthusiasts. Order
your subscription today online at
www.FloridaWildlifeMagazine.com or
call toll-free 866-967-5600.
Recreational gear and spearing .................... 12
On the cover
Artificial reef locations.................................... 13
Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus)
New regulations for snapper, grouper
and other reef fish ........................................ 14
Know your Florida fish..................................... 14
Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) .............. 15
Resource hotlines............................................. 15
For additional information
please contact:
Blue crab trap closures ....................................16
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
New regulations for sharks in Florida ...........17
MyFWC.com
Report sawfish sightings for science ........... 18
Division of Marine Fisheries Management
2590 Executive Center Circle East
Berkeley Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
850-488-6058
State records and slams................................. 18
Wildlife Alert
Reward Program
Immediate
license privileges
Obtain immediate license privileges,
24 hours a day, at MyFWC.com/License
or by calling toll-free 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA
(347-4356). Processing fees will apply to
telephone and Internet sales.
Photographer: Sam Talarico
Report fish and wildlife law
violations by calling toll-free
1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on
cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC
depending on service carrier; or
click MyFWC.com/Contact. For more
information, see page 15.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
This publication is developed by the FWC’s
Division of Marine Fisheries Management
and produced by J.F. Griffin Publishing LLC,
430 Main St., Suite 5, Williamstown, MA
01267. For inquiries regarding advertisement
in this publication, call (413) 884-1001.
e
J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is
proud to print the official Florida
Saltwater Fishing Regulations on
post-consumer recycled paper.
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
3
Dear Angler,
On behalf of all the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioners, I am pleased to provide you with
the January 2010 edition of Saltwater Fishing Regulations. This publication is just one example of your
saltwater fishing license dollars at work. In fact, every
penny of your license fee is spent on Florida marine
fisheries management, research, enhancement, outreach
and enforcement. Over a million licensed anglers in our
state are providing us with the resources to maintain a
level of conservation and protection that ensures Florida’s
status as the “Fishing Capital of the World.”
Your contribution to management and conservation of Florida’s saltwater fisheries
extends beyond the license you buy. By knowing the rules and regulations, and
abiding by them in the spirit of conservation that we all value, you are actively
participating in the long term protection of our valuable saltwater fisheries. Knowing
and complying with the regulations, properly handling your catch to maximize the
chance the fish will survive when it is released, taking care to ensure monofilament
line (and other trash items) do not get into the marine environment, and being careful
not to damage sea grasses or corals when boating in shallow water are just some of
the ways we can all demonstrate a personal commitment to conserve and protect
Florida’s fishing treasures. Your actions will have a lasting impact on the resources.
As commissioners, we share your interest in conserving our natural resources
and like you, we also have a passion for the great outdoors. We thank you for your
support and will continue to work on your behalf.
Have fun out there, and be safe!
Rodney Barreto
Chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
NORTHWEST
620 South Meridian Street
Farris Bryant Building
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
(850) 488-4676
(800) 955-8771 TDD
Commissioners
Rodney Barreto
Chairman, Miami
Kathy Barco
Vice Chairman, Jacksonville
Ronald M. Bergeron
Ft. Lauderdale
Richard A. Corbett
Tampa
Dwight Stephenson
Delray Beach
Kenneth W. Wright
Winter Park
Brian S. Yablonski
Tallahassee
Staff
Nick Wiley
Executive Director
Gregory L. Holder
Assistant Executive Director
Keren Ventimiglia
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mark Robson
Director, Marine
Fisheries Management
4
NORTHEAST
Gil­
christ
FWC regional offices
Northwest Region
3911 Highway 2321
Panama City, FL 32409-1658
(850) 265-3676
Lt. Col. Louie Roberson, Regional Director
NORTH CENTRAL
North Central Region
3377 East U.S. Highway 90
Lake City, FL 32055-8795
(386) 758-0525
Roland Garcia, Regional Director
Northeast Region
1239 Southwest 10th Street
Ocala, FL 34471-0323
(352) 732-1225
Dennis David, Regional Director
Southwest Region
3900 Drane Field Road
Lakeland, FL 33811-1299
(863) 648-3200
Tom Champeau, Regional Director
SOUTHWEST
SOUTH
South Region
8535 Northlake Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33412-3303
(561) 625-5122
Charles E. Collins, Regional Director
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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S A LT WAT E R R E g u L AT I O N S
Introduction
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 January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010.
How your license fee helps
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, 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.
2010 Commission meeting dates and locations
Subject to change regarding availability of appropriate facilities to hold the meeting.
■ February 17–18 — Apalachicola
■ April 28–29 — Tallahassee
■ June 23–24 — Winter Park
For more information about Commission meeting dates, times, locations and agendas, visit
our Web site at MyFWC.com and click on “Commission Meetings” on the left side of the page.
Michael Ludwig
Shows and Events
Visit the FWC booth at these upcoming events to pick up your copy of the
Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations and Fishing Lines: Angler’s Guide to
Florida’s Marine Resources.
Florida State Fair
February 4–15
Tampa
Florida Sportsman
Fishing & Boating Show
February 6–7
Ft. Myers
941-378-0411
www.floridasportsman.com/
shows
Florida Sportsman
Fishing & Boating Show
February 20–21
Ft. Walton
941-378-0411
www.floridasportsman.com/
shows
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
February 27
Crystal River
352-527-7677
6
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
March 27
Daytona Beach
850-488-6058
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
May 8
Panacea
850-488-6058
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
April 10
Summerland Key
850-488-6058
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
June 5
Panama City Beach
850-488-6058
FWRI Marine Quest
April 15–17
St. Petersburg
727-896-8626
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
June 12
Fernandina Beach
850-488-6058
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
April 17
Pensacola
850-488-6058
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
June 26
Cape Canaveral
850-488-6058
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
April 24
Naples
850-488-6058
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
WFN: World Fishing
Network is the only
24/7 all-fishing
TV channel.
subscribe
ToDay!
Dish Network..........ch 394(HD) / 1-888-825-2557
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Verizon Fios...........ch 597(HD) - 317(SD) / 1-888-553-1555
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Knology.................ch 198 / 1-877-KNOLOGY
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www.wfn.tv
WFN is available nationwide.
Call your TV provider or visit www.wfn.tv/demand
to find the channel number in your area.
Don’t get WFN? Demand that WFN be added to your
channel line-up to
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Saltwater fishing in Florida…
What you must know before you go
Saltwater fishing licenses are sold 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). For those
with Internet access, licenses are now available
online at MyFWC.com. An additional fee is
charged for these services. For any recreational
licensing information not contained in this publication, please go to MyFWC.com/License or
call your local county tax collector office.
Florida residents
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.
Gold sportsman’s license
■ $100 (valid for one year). Includes:
— Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses
— Management Area, Archery,
Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun,
Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, 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.
You do not need a license if you are:
■ 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 vessel—guide, charter, party boat—that has a valid vessel license or charter captain license.
■ A holder of a valid saltwater products license.
■ A Florida resident 65 years old or older and
8
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
Costs for licenses
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.
Florida resident licenses
One-Year Shoreline Only License.................................................................................................. $9.00
Covers shoreline fishing only, not fishing from a watercraft.
One-Year License ........................................................................................................................... $17.00
Covers both watercraft and shoreline fishing.
Five-Year License ...........................................................................................................................$79.00
Combination licenses (Florida residents only)
Fishing-Saltwater/Freshwater .....................................................................................................$32.50
Fishing-Saltwater/Freshwater & Hunting..................................................................................$48.00
One-Year Gold Sportsman’s License....................................................................................... $100.00
One-Year Military Gold Sportsman’s License ...........................................................................$20.00
(Offers the same privileges as the Gold Sportsman’s 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
Florida National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, upon submission
of a current military identification card and orders showing you are stationed in Florida. Purchase
at county tax collector’s offices only.)
Lifetime saltwater fishing license (Florida residents only)
Age: 0–4....................................................................................................................................... $126.50
Age: 5–12..................................................................................................................................... $226.50
Age: 13 or older .......................................................................................................................... $301.50
Lifetime sportsman license (Florida residents only)
Age: 0–4....................................................................................................................................... $401.50
Age: 5–12..................................................................................................................................... $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.................................................................................................................................... $2.00
Five-Year Snook Permit ................................................................................................................$10.00
Spiny Lobster Permit....................................................................................................................... $2.00
Five-Year Spiny Lobster Permit ...................................................................................................$10.00
Tarpon Tag (available only at tax collector offices) .................................................................$51.50
If you are not required to buy a license, you are not required to buy permits (except tarpon).
If you are not required to purchase a fishing license and snook and spiny lobster permits, you may do
so anyway to help support programs that protect and preserve Florida’s marine fisheries resources.
you possess either a Resident Senior Citizen
Hunting and Fishing Certificate or proof of
age and residency.
■ 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 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 Worker’s 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.
Other saltwater fishing fees
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 collector’s office
or visit our Web site at MyFWC.com.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
S A LT WAT E R R E g u L AT I O N S
Marine life regulations
Matthew L. Wittenrich/Jeff Turner
Marine Life — Fish
SPECIES
REMARkS 1
Angelfish
No more than 5 per
person per day in any
combination
Butterflyfish
Filefish/Triggerfish
Except Gray
and Ocean
Triggerfish
Gobies
Hamlets/
Seabasses
Maximum size limit: 2"
Except
reef fish2 and
Longtail Bass
Jawfish
Parrotfish
Porkfish
Pufferfish,
Burrfish,
Balloonfish,
Porcupinefish
SIzE LIMITS
(total length unless otherwise noted)
Gray, French Angelfish: 1½ – 8" slot limit
Blue, Queen Angelfish: 1¾– 8" slot limit
Rock Beauty: 2–5" slot limit
1–4" slot limit
Maximum size limit: 4"
Maximum size limit: 12"
Minimum size limit: 1½ "
Includes Sharpnose
Pufferfish, Striped
Burrfish, Spotted
Burrfish, Balloonfish,
Porcupinefish
Tangs and
Surgeonfish
Maximum size limit (fork length): 9"
Spanish Hogfish: 2–8" slot limit
Except Hogfish
Wrasse/Hogfish/Razorfish
Snapper
Cuban Hogfish: 3–8" 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/Jackknife­
fish/Spotted Drum/Cubbyu, Pipefish, Reef Croakers, Seahorses, Sleepers, Yellow Stingray, Sweepers, Toadfish,
Trumpetfish, and Trunkfish/Cowfish.
Marine Life — Invertebrates
SPECIES
REMARkS 1
Corallimorphs and Zoanthids: No more than 5 polyps of each may be landed
Anemones
per person per day, must be harvested with a flexible blade no wider than 2".
Corallimorphs must be harvested as single polyps only.
Conch, Queen
Harvest prohibited
Corals, Hard (Stony)
Harvest prohibited
No more than 6 octocoral colonies per person per day in any combination;
Corals, Soft
harvest of attached substrate within 1" of base is permitted; harvest closes in
response to federal octocoral closures
Crab, Hermit
Except Land Hermit Crabs
Crab, Horseshoe
Harvest prohibited
Live Rock
Harvest prohibited
Octopods
Except Common Octopus
Sea Fans
Harvest of Venus Sea Fan and Common (Purple) Sea Fan prohibited
Siphonophores/Hydroids
Harvest of Fire Coral prohibited
Except Sheepswool, Yellow, Grass, Glove, Finger, Wire, Reef, and Velvet Spong­
es; no more than 5 sponges per harvester per day in any combination; harvest
Sponges
of substrate within 1" of base permitted north and west of the southernmost
point of Egmont Key, no substrate allowed south of Egmont Key
Starfish
Harvest of Bahama Starfish (Cushion Sea Star) prohibited
Urchins
Except Sand Dollars & Sea Biscuits; harvest of Longspine Urchin prohibited
Other Marine Life invertebrates include 1: Brittlestars, Decorator (Furcate Spider) Crab, False Arrow Crab, Green
Clinging (Emerald) Crab, Nimble Spray (Urchin) Crab, Red Mithrax Crab, Red-Ridged Clinging Crab, Spotted Porcelain
Crab, Yellowline Arrow Crab, Fileclams, Upside-down Jellyfish, Nudibranchs/Sea Slugs, Sea Cucumbers, Sea Lilies,
Cleaner/Peppermint Shrimp, Coral Shrimp, Snapping Shrimp, Nassarius Snails, Starsnails, Featherduster Worms,
and Calcareous Tube Worms.
Marine Life — Plants
SPECIES
Algae, Coralline Red
Caulerpa
Halimeda/Mermaid's Fan/Mermaid's
Shaving Brush
1
2
As part of a recent comprehensive management
review of the organisms in the fishery, the
FWC has modified both commercial and
recreational regulations for marine life.
These regulations are intended to maintain
the existing fishery while also protecting
Florida’s delicate coral reef ecosystem.
Effective July 1, 2009, there are new
regulations for the recreational harvest of
these organisms.
Current Requirements for Recreational
Marine Life Harvest:
■ Recreational saltwater fishing license
■ Organisms must be landed and kept alive
■ A continuously circulating live well, aeration, or oxygenation system of adequate
size to maintain these organisms in a
healthy condition
■ Allowable Gear: hand held net, drop net,
rod, barrier net, slurp gun (use of quinaldine is prohibited)*
■ Bag Limit: 20 organisms per person per
day; only 5 of any one species allowed
within the 20-organism bag limit
■ Possession Limit: 2-day possession limit, 40 total organisms, no more than 10 of
any one species allowed
■ Allowable substrate: see species specifications in table
■ Closed areas: Some closed areas exist**
■ Sale of recreationally caught marine life
organisms is prohibited
* Some organisms have additional gear
limitations, see chart.
** Various closed areas exist. See regulations
for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Everglades National Park, Biscayne
National Park, and Florida’s State Parks
before collecting in these areas.
Additional rules apply to the collection of
shells containing live organisms in Lee or
Manatee counties.
See MyFWC.com for FAQs about marine life
harvest and information about collecting
shells with live organisms.
LIMITS
Low Cost Insurance—Boat & Equipment
One gallon of tropical ornamental marine plants per day in any
combination; 2 gallon maximum possession limit
•Low cost, agreed value •Tournament coverage
•Fishing equipment coverage •Broad cruising area
•Optional fishing guide coverage
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 10–11.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
For a free quote call 866-532-1829
mention priority code 4844
or at BoatUSAngler.com
Policies subject to limits and exclusions.
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
9
Basic recreational saltwater fishing regulations
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. 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 Six, January 2010.
Highlights indicate recent regulation changes.
Species
Amberjack, Greater  ●
Amberjack, Lesser &
Banded Rudderfish  ●
Billfish 
Black Drum   T
Bluefish 
Bonefish 
Clams (Hard)
Cobia (Ling) 
Minimum Size Limits
28" fork Atlantic;
30" fork Gulf
Not less than 14" or more
than 22" fork
Sailfish 63";
Blue Marlin 99";
White Marlin 66"
Not less than 14" or more
than 24"
12" fork
18"
1" thick across hinge
Closed Season
Jan 16 - March 31
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 16)
Crab, Blue Land
Crab, Stone
Crawfish
(Spiny Lobster) 
Dolphin 
Flounder   T
Gag   ●
Grouper, Black   ●
Grouper, Red   ●
Grouper, Snowy  ●
Grouper, Yellowfin
& Yellowmouth   ●
Grouper, Scamp   ●
July 1– Oct 31
2 ¾" claw
May 16– Oct 14
Not less than 3" carapace
measured in the water
April 1–Aug. 5
Exception: Sport Season
(last consecutive Wed &
Thurs of July each year)
20" fork Atlantic
12"
24" Atlantic &
Monroe County
22" Gulf (excluding Monroe
County)
Remarks
5 aggregate of lesser amberjack
and banded rudderfish
33" fork
Crab, Blue
Daily Rec. Bag Limit
1 per harvester per day
Closed in Gulf (excluding
Monroe County)
Feb. 1– March 31
Closed Atlantic &
Monroe County
Jan. 1–April 30
20"
1 per harvester per day
aggregate bag limit
Measured tip of lower jaw to fork. All landed fish must be reported to
NOAA within 24 hours 800-894-5528.
HMS permit required in federal waters.
5 per harvester per day
May possess one over 24". Snatching prohibited.
10 per harvester per day
1 per harvester per day
One 5 gal. bucket per harvester
or 2 per vessel, whichever is less
per day (whole in shell)
Illegal to harvest from closed areas.
Go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for allowable harvesting areas.
1 per harvester or 6 per vessel
per day, whichever is less
To sell or exceed the daily bag limit follow commercial regulations.
10 gallons whole
per harvester per day
5 traps maximum. Trap requirements apply. Harvest of egg-bearing
crabs prohibited.
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
or 2 gal. per vessel, whichever is less crab. Harvest of egg-bearing crabs prohibited.
20 per harvester per day
Recreational trapping prohibited. Spiny Lobster permit required when
license required. Special bag limit for 2-day Sport Season. Contact
FWC regional office for current information on Sport Season.
Regular season:
6 per harvester per day
10 per harvester per day, not to
exceed 60 per vessel per day
10 per harvester per day
1 per harvester per day
Atlantic & Monroe County;
2 per harvester per day Gulf
(excluding Monroe County)
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)
20" Atlantic & Monroe
County; 16" Gulf (excluding
Monroe County)
Closed in Gulf (excluding
Monroe County)
Feb. 1– March 31
Closed Atlantic &
Monroe County
Jan. 1–April 30
1 per vessel per day of each species
Closed in Gulf (excluding
Monroe County)
Feb. 1–March 31 for
Rock Hind and Red Hind
Closed Atlantic &
Monroe County
Jan. 1–April 30 for
Tiger, Rock Hind, Red
Hind, Coney, Graysby
Grouper, all others  ●
Hogfish  ●
12" fork
5 per harvester per day
Mackerel, King 
24" fork
2 per harvester per day
Mackerel, Spanish 
12" fork
15 per harvester per day
50 aggregate per harvester per day;
Aggregate vessel limits
Feb. 1–Aug. 31: 100 per vessel;
Sept. 1–Jan. 31: 50 per vessel
Mullet, Striped (Black)
& Silver
3"
June, July, Aug. in Dixie,
Wakulla, Levy counties.
July, Aug., Sept. in
all other areas.
Not less than 11" or more
than 20" fork
6 per harvester per day aggregate
of Permit and Pompano
Pompano, African  T
Not less than 24" fork
2 fish per harvester or per vessel
per day, whichever is less
10
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.
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.
Not less than 18" or more
than 27"
14" Atlantic
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
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
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.
2 bags per harvester or vessel, which­ Apalachicola Bay has summer & winter seasons/areas.
ever is less per day. 1 Bag = 60 lbs. Harvest from approved shellfish areas only.
or two 5 gal. buckets (whole in shell) Go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for allowable harvesting areas.
Permit & Pompano  T
Red Drum
(Redfish)   T
Red Porgy   ●
May be harvested by spearing. Snatching prohibited.
1 per harvester per day Atlantic
20"
Grouper, Warsaw &
Speckled Hind  ●
Oysters
To sell or exceed the daily bag limit follow commercial regulations.
May possess one over 20" of either Permit or Pompano included in
the aggregate bag limit.
Vessel restriction: no more than 2 permit and pompano over 20" fork
length at any time in any combination. Gigging, spearing, snatching
prohibited. Permit: hook & line only.
Hook & line gear only.
Gigging, spearing, snatching prohibited.
Harvest in Federal waters prohibited.
1 per harvester per day
3 per harvester per day Atlantic
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Species
Minimum Size Limits
Scallops, Bay
Closed Season
Sept. 11–June 30
12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf
Sea Bass, Black   ●
Shad
10 aggregate per harvester per day
54" fork for all sharks
except Atlantic sharpnose,
blacknose, blacktip,
bonnethead, finetooth and
smooth dogfish
12"
Shark  T
Sheepshead   T
1 per harvester or 2 per vessel
per day, whichever is less
15 per harvester per day
April & May closed to
Nassau, Duval, St. Johns,
Putnam, Flagler & Clay
counties
Shrimp 
Snapper, Black &
Wenchman  ●
12" (see remarks)
Snapper, Cubera   ●
Snapper, Gray
(Mangrove)   ●
10"
16"
Snapper, Mutton   ●
Snapper, Red   ●
20" Atlantic; 16" Gulf
Snapper,
Schoolmaster   ●
10"
Snapper, Vermilion   ●
12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf
Snapper, all other   ●
12"
Sponge, Commercial
Spotted Seatrout   T
Swordfish
5 gallons heads on per harvester or
vessel per day, whichever is less
Aug. 15–May 31 Gulf
Hook and line gear only. For more information, see page 17.
See list below for prohibited species.
Snatching prohibited.
Contact FWC Regional Office for closed areas.
5 per harvester per day
Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit.
2 per harvester per day
Gulf not included within the Snapper aggregate bag limit.
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.
Included within 10 per harvester per
day Snapper aggregate bag limit
Nov. 1–March 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
Jan 16 - March 31
2 fish possession limit
1 per harvester per day Atlantic
Tilefish, Golden  ●
Triggerfish (Gray)  ●
American, Alabama & Hickory are part of aggregate limit. Hook & line
gear only.
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.
Not less than 28" or more
than 32" Atlantic
Not less than 28" or more
1 per harvester per day
Jan 16 - August 31
than 33" Gulf of Mexico,
Monroe County, Everglades
Nat. Park
Greater than 5" in greatest
dimension measured across
10 per harvester per day
the top of the sponge
Nov. & Dec. S. Region
Not less than 15" or
4 per harvester per day South Region
more than 20" (statewide)
Feb. N.E. and N.W. Regions
5 per harvester per day
except one fish over 20"
(see regional
N.E. and N.W. Regions
per person
definitions below)
47" lower jaw fork length, 29"
1 per harvester or 3 per vessel,
cleithrum to keel length, or
whichever is less
33 pounds dressed weight
Tarpon
Remarks
Harvest allowed only in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico from the
Pasco-Hernando county line, to the west bank of the Mexico Beach
Canal in Bay County.
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"
Included within 10 per harvester
per day Snapper aggregate
bag limit Atlantic
Included within 10 per harvester per
day Snapper aggregate bag limit
8"
Snapper, Lane   ●
Snook
(all species)   T
Daily Rec. Bag Limit
2 gallons whole or 1 pint meat per
harvester per day; no more than
10 gallons whole, or ½ gallon meat
per vessel anytime
15 per harvester per day Atlantic
12" fork Atlantic;
14" fork Gulf
15"
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 when saltwater license required. State
regulations apply in federal waters. Illegal to buy or sell snook.
Snatch hooks and spearing prohibited.
Includes: Sheepswool, Yellow, Grass, Glove, Finger, Wire, Reef &
Velvet sponge.
May possess no more than 1 over 20"; included in the regional bag
limit. See regional definitions below.
All landed fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours
800-894-5528. HMS permit required in federal waters.
Requires $50 tarpon tag to possess or harvest. Snatching and spear­
ing 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.
Hook & line gear only. No snatch hooks.
To sell or exceed the daily bag limit, follow commercial regulations.
2 per harvester per day
Tripletail   T
2 per harvester per day
Wahoo 
12"
4 per harvester per day
Weakfish  
 Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads, fins & tails intact).
 Measured as total length. Total length is the straight line distance from the most forward part of 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 12.
T Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait.
ORNAMENTAL TROPICAL FISH AND PLANTS
See Marine Life Regulations on page 9.
PROHIBITED SPECIES
For saltwater fish identification, request a
copy of FWC’s Fishing Lines magazine or visit:
MyFWC.com.
It is unlawful to harvest, possess, land, purchase, sell, or exchange the following species:
Goliath Grouper (Jewfish), Nassau Grouper, Sawfish, Atlantic Angel Shark, Basking Shark, Bigeye Sand Tiger Shark, Bigeye Sixgill Shark, Bigeye Thresher Shark, Bignose Shark, Caribbean Reef
Shark, Caribbean Sharpnose Shark, Dusky Shark, Galapagos 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.
FWC REGIONAL OFFICES
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)
SEATROUT REGIONS
Northeast Region means all state waters lying north of the Flagler-Volusia County line to the Florida-Georgia border, and adjacent federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters.
Northwest Region means all state waters north and west of a line running due west from the westernmost point of Fred Howard Park Causeway (28E9.350’N 82E48.398’W), which is approxi­
mately 1.17 nautical miles south of the Pasco-Pinellas County line to the Florida-Alabama border, and adjacent federal EEZ waters.
South Region means state waters lying between the Flagler-Volusia County line on the Atlantic Ocean and the southern boundary of the Northwest Region on the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County
and adjacent federal EEZ waters.
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 else’s 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.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
11
gEAR & SPEARINg
Recreational gear
Explosives, etc.
Additional regional gear restrictions may apply in your county.
For further clarification, contact the local regional offices listed
on page 4.
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.
Reef fish gear rules (applies to species marked with ● on
Spearing
pages 10 and 11)
■ Gulf of Mexico: 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.
These rules apply to the following species. For a complete species
list, please visit MyFWC.com.
•Greateramberjack
•Bandedrudderfish
•Blackgrouper
•Snowygrouper
•Yellowmouthgrouper
•Warsawgrouper
•Grouper,allothers
•Redporgy
•Blacksnapper
•Cuberasnapper
•Lanesnapper
•Redsnapper
•Vermilionsnapper
•Goldentilefish
• Lesseramberjack
• Gaggrouper
• Redgrouper
• Yellowfingrouper
• Scampgrouper
• Speckledhind
• Hogfish
• Blackseabass
• Wenchmansnapper
• Graysnapper
• Muttonsnapper
• Schoolmastersnapper
• Snapper,allother
• Graytriggerfish
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 harvester’s 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 harvester’s 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.
12
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
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(allspecies) •Spottedeagleray •Sturgeon
•Mantaray
•Sharks
•Bonefish
•Tarpon
•Goliathgrouper
•Snook
•Bluecrab
•Nassaugrouper
•Spottedseatrout
•Reddrum
•Weakfish
•Stonecrab
•Pompano
•Africanpompano •Permit
•Tripletail
•Lobster
•Familiesofornamentalreeffish(surgeonfish,trumpetfish,
angelfish, butterflyfish, porcupinefish, cornetfish, squirrelfish,
trunkfish, damselfish, parrotfish, pipefish, seahorse, puffers,
triggerfish except gray and ocean)
You may NOT spearfish (excluding bowfishing and gigging):
■ 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 sea—except 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.
You may NOT spear, bowfish or gig:
■ In Volusia County inland waters with the exception of flounder
and sheepshead using a spear with three or fewer prongs.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
SEAR
LTRWAT
RIEOgNSS
S A LT WAT
E g uELRAT
New Artificial Reef Locations*
COuNTY
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Charlotte
Collier
Collier
Collier
Collier
Dade
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Escambia
Manatee
Martin
Martin
Martin
Monroe
Palm Beach
Pinellas
Sarasota
Sarasota
Sarasota
St. Lucie
St. Lucie
St. Lucie
St. Lucie
DEPLOY DATE
6/24/09
6/19/09
6/19/09
6/19/09
6/19/09
6/19/09
7/2/09
7/2/09
7/2/09
6/25/09
6/25/09
7/10/09
7/30/09
6/9/09
6/9/09
6/9/09
6/9/09
6/9/09
6/9/09
7/15/09
8/24/09
8/24/09
8/24/09
5/27/09
6/10/09
7/14/09
7/18/09
7/13/09
2/23/09
8/31/09
8/31/09
6/11/09
6/5/09
REEF NAME
Red Sea Tugboat
2009-8
2009-5
2009-3
2009-2
2009-1
Captain Jeff Steele Reef—#09-1
DR Pass 4.5 Mile Site—#09-4
DR Pass 4.5 Mile Site—#09-3
DR Pass 4.5 Mile Site—#09-2
DR Pass 4.5 Mile Site—#09-1
Golden Beach Eternal Reefballs Site #9
David's Reef
Wayne Frier
David Lee Sellers
Freedom Boat Club
Roy Jones Jr 1
Academy 1
Fredrick H Cleveland
7 Mile North Reef, Site "09-01-07"
Sirotkin Charlie
Sirotkin Bravo
Sirotkin Alpha
Hoyt Vandenberg
MV Miss Lourdies
JJ Shrimpboat
I-1, Lynn Silvertooth, #25-4
I-1, Lynn Silvertooth, #25-3
I-1, Lynn Silvertooth, #25-2
Fish America Foundation #4
Fish America Foundation #3
Fish America Foundation #2
Fish America Foundation #1
MATERIAL
TONS
Ship Steel 125' Tugboat
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (4)
16.00
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (3)
13.00
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (5)
25.00
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (5)
25.00
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone (5)
25.00
Concrete Culverts
279.00
Concrete Pilings (200)
265.00
Concrete Rubble (200)
265.00
Concrete Pilings (150)
215.00
Concrete Rubble (150)
215.00
Modules Concrete Reefballs (9)
5.00
Modules Concrete Walter Florida Limestone (4)
12.00
Modules Concrete Fish Havens (3)
3.00
Modules Concrete Fish Havens (3)
3.00
3.00
Modules Concrete Fish Havens (3)
Modules Concrete Fish Havens (3)
3.00
Modules Concrete Fish Havens (3)
3.00
Modules Concrete Fish Havens (3)
3.00
Rock Limestone Boulders (300)
956.56
Concrete ,Culverts, Boxes And Pilings (200)
500.00
Concrete ,Culverts, Boxes And Pilings (300)
500.00
Concrete ,Culverts, Boxes And Pilings (250)
500.00
Ship Steel 522'
13300.00
Ship Steel 165' Work Boat
925.00
Vessel Steel Shrimp Boat 45'
60.00
Modules Concrete Reefballs (8)
5.75
Modules Concrete Reefballs (11)
4.75
Modules Concrete Reefballs (11)
4.02
Concrete Culverts And Lightpoles
1000.00
Concrete Culverts And Lightpoles
500.00
Concrete Culverts And Manholes
566.00
Barge Steel (65')
LATITuDE
LONgITuDE
30°00.958' N
29°43.496' N
29°46.740' N
29°46.563' N
29°43.695' N
29°44.184' N
26°55.674' N
26°10.241' N
26°10.254' N
26°10.269' N
26°10.278' N
25°57.779' N
30°17.833' N
30°17.518' N
30°17.576' N
30°17.616' N
30°17.715' N
30°17.808' N
30°17.866' N
27°32.340' N
27°12.814' N
27°12.936' N
27°13.040' N
24°27.597' N
26°19.188' N
27°41.686' N
27°17.072' N
27°17.163' N
27°17.156' N
27°31.173' N
27°31.227' N
27°31.214' N
27°31.213' N
85°42.003' W
85°40.487' W
85°41.608' W
85°35.867' W
85°28.275' W
85°28.309' W
82°35.832' W
81°54.043' W
81°54.049' W
81°54.035' W
81°54.043' W
80°05.877' W
87°13.869' W
87°14.158' W
87°14.149' W
87°14.150' W
87°14.168' W
87°14.176' W
87°14.194' W
82°52.673' W
80°00.289' W
80°00.280' W
80°00.306' W
81°44.188' W
80°03.200' W
83°17.547' W
82°35.864' W
82°35.944' W
82°35.966' W
80°11.110' W
80°11.156' W
80°11.158' W
80°11.169' W
DEPTH RELIEF
74
93
82
85
60
60
60
30
30
30
30
43
43
53
53
52
49
44
43
40
187
187
185
145
140
100
30
30
30
55
55
55
55
36
12
12
12
12
12
8
10
10
10
10
4
8
6
6
6
6
6
6
18
13
7
10
100
41
25
5
4
4
27
27
18
10
* Chart represents a small sample of the over 2,000 artificial reef sites in Florida; for additional artificial reef locations, go to MyFWC.com and click on “Fishing.”
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
13
S A LT WAT E R R E g u L AT I O N S
New Regulations for Snapper, Grouper, and other Reef Fish by Martha Bademan
In 2009, several new recreational regulations
for reef fish took effect in state and federal
waters off Florida to reduce fishing pressure
and help conserve populations of snappers
and groupers. The regulations were made
in response to stock assessments which indicate that a number of reef fish species are
overfished or undergoing overfishing. The
new regulations are designed to increase the
abundance of these fish and ensure quality
fishing for the future.
NOAA Fisheries Service is responsible
for regulations in federal waters of the Gulf
of Mexico (greater than 9 miles from shore)
and Atlantic Ocean (greater than 3 miles
from shore).
The FWC manages reef fish in state waters (from shore out to federal waters). In
many cases, the FWC has approved rules in
state waters that are consistent with federal
regulations. Consistent state and federal
regulations are generally beneficial because
a united effort expedites recovery and allows
continued harvest of reef fish, minimizes confusion about regulations, and aids in compliance with the rules.
Recent Reef Fish Rule Changes in State and Federal Waters off Florida*
Atlantic Ocean
Grouper (including Monroe County)
■ January through April closed to all harvest of Atlantic shallow-water groupers (red,
black, gag, scamp, rock hind, red hind, coney, graysby, yellowfin, yellowmouth, and tiger
groupers)
■ Recreational grouper aggregate bag limit reduced to 3 fish per person per day
■ Gag and black grouper recreational bag limit within grouper aggregate reduced to one
gag or black grouper combined per person per day
Vermilion Snapper
■ Recreational bag limit reduced to five fish per person per day
■ November through March closed to recreational harvest
All Reef Fish
■ Dehooking device required on vessels when fishing for reef fish, which includes groupers,
snappers, amberjacks, sea basses, golden tilefish, gray triggerfish, hogfish, and red porgy
(dehooking device required for additional species in federal waters).
Gulf of Mexico
Grouper (excluding Monroe County)
■ February through March closed to recreational harvest for Gulf shallow-water groupers
(red, black, gag, scamp, rock hind, red hind, yellowfin, and yellowmouth groupers)
■ Recreational grouper aggregate bag limit reduced to 4 fish per person per day
■ Gag recreational bag limit reduced to 2 fish per person per day
■ Red grouper recreational bag limit increased to 2 fish per person per day
Red Snapper
■ Recreational red snapper season shortened to June 1 through August 14
* Other related federal and state reef fish rules have also been implemented.
See MyFWC.com for more information.
Know Your Florida Fish: Mackerels
Species
Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Description
Adults and juveniles have several
rows of round, bronze spots
Identification
1st dorsal fin
is black
Maximum size 3 ft
Lateral line gently
slopes downward
king Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla
Adults are silvery with no spots
1st dorsal fin
is silver
Juveniles have bronze spots
Maximum size 6 ft
Lateral line has
sharp drop
Cero
Scomberomorus regalis
Adults have a bronze stripe from
the pectoral fin to the tail
1st dorsal fin
is black
Both adults and juveniles
have oblong spots
Maximum size 3 ft
14
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
L AW E N F O R C E M E N T
FWC Division of Law Enforcement (DLE)
The FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement patrols Florida’s
coastal waters to provide assistance to boaters and anglers
as well as to enforce Florida’s saltwater fishing and boating
laws. FWC officers assist boaters who are in distress,
provide advice and direction to those who are traveling
Florida’s coastline and waterways, and may issue citations
for violations of state and federal fishing, wildlife, and
boating laws.
In emergencies or if state fisheries, wildlife, or boating laws are being violated, call
888-404-FWCC (3922) or for cell phone users throughout the state, dial *FWC (*392)
depending on your location, or hail on VHF Channel 16.
FOR THE
TOUGHEST
JOBS ON
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Resource information
Join the nation’s largest conservation law enforcement agency—become 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
■ To report Sawfish sightings:
941-255-7403
[email protected]
■ FWC Division of Law Enforcement
888-404-FWCC (3922)
■ Bird Entanglement
888-404-3922
727-391-6211 for Tampa area
■ To report fish and wildlife law viola­
tions, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline:
888-404-FWCC (3922)
■ FWC Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute
727-896-8626
http://research.MyFWC.com
■ To request Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits:
800-367-4461
[email protected]
■ Red Tide Information Hotline
866-300-9399 toll free in Florida
727-552-2488 nationwide
■ To report fish kills:
800-636-0511
■ Aquatic Toxins Hotline
888-232-8635
■ To report fish tags:
800-367-4461
[email protected]
■ Shellfish Harvesting Questions
FDACS
850-488-5471
www.floridaaquaculture.com
1-800-966-3458 Made in U.S.A.
© 2009 Gorilla Glue Company
OUTDOORS INSURANCE
Make sure there are
fish for tomorrow
Only half of Florida’s anglers buy a
license, but their license fees are a
vital source of funding for fish and
wildlife conservation. Seniors,
youths and others that are exempt
can contribute to fish and wildlife
conservation simply by voluntarily
buying a fishing license.
Each license you buy captures more
Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration
money and brings tackle and motor boat
fuel taxes home to Florida.
Visit: MyFWC.com
Call: 888-FISH-FLORIDA
OUTDOORSINSURANCE.COM, INC.
Call a Sportsman
About Insurance
• General Liability
• Director’s & Officer’s Liability
• Excess/Umbrella Liability
• Property (Building & Contents)
(3-D Targets - Equipment)
• Hunting Clubs
(Owned and Leased)
• Sportsman’s Clubs
• Rod & Gun Clubs
• Sporting Clays &
Wing Shooting
• Archery &
Bowhunting Clubs
• Guides & Outfitters
• Hunting Preserves
• Pro Shops
• 3-D Ranges
• National &
State Organizations
P.O. Box 6336 • Wheeling,WV 26003
866-695-9040 or 800-552-9925 (Evening) • Fax: 304-905-0187
www.outdoorsinsurance.com
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
15
S A LT WAT E R R E g u L AT I O N S
Blue crab trap closures for recreational & commercial traps The dates and locations
of the closures are:
■ All waters of the St. Johns River system from Jan. 16–25*
■ All other coastal waters from the Georgia/Florida state line south through Volusia County from Aug. 20–29**
■ All waters of Brevard through Palm Beach counties from Aug. 10–19**
■ All waters of Broward through Pasco Counties from July 10–19
■ All waters of Hernando through Wakulla
Counties including all waters of the
Ochlockonee River and Bay from July 20–29
■ All waters of Franklin County to the
Florida/Alabama state line from Jan. 5–14
Additional Information:
■ The closures apply only to standard recre­
ational 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.
* All waters of the St. Johns River, its associated lakes and tributaries from west of the St. Johns River’s intersection with the Intracoastal Canal through and including Lake Hellen Blazes
** Except all waters of the St. Johns River system
Coral Reef Protection Act
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is alerting all fishers, divers and boaters that the Coral Reef Protection Act went
into effect on July 1, 2009. The law was created to raise awareness and prevent injuries associated with vessel impacts on Florida’s
coral reefs. The law authorizes penalties for damages associated with vessels anchoring, grounding, and dragging cables on coral
reefs off the coasts of Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. For further information regarding the Act,
associated penalties, and contact information, please visit: www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/ripr.htm.
Take the Initiative:
Enjoy and Protect
Our Reefs.
PHOTO: KAREN LANE
Your way of life may depend on it.
S A LT WAT E R R E g u L AT I O N S
Fish mounts help save fish
Releasing fish is a great way to support fisheries conserva­
tion, but often we would like to keep the catch as a trophy.
Photographs may capture the size or uniqueness of a catch,
but sometimes the best way to brag about your battle with a
trophy fish is to show off the actual fish. Modern technology
can provide an angler a way to achieve both goals. Fish mounts
allow you to release your fish to fight another day while offering
an accurate representation of the fish to show off.
Based upon your
description of a released
fish, talented, professional
taxidermists can create
a high quality fish mount.
Simply record the species,
length, and girth and snap
a few pictures to show the
uniqueness of your trophy
fish before releasing it.
Some taxidermy shops
only need the fish’s
length while others can
really enhance particular
characteristics of your fish with additional information and photographs. Remember, you can preserve your exciting fishing experience while still practicing marine conservation. New regulations for
sharks in Florida,
aimed at establishing
healthy, self-sustaining
populations
by Aaron Podey
Last December the FWC adopted
new regulations for the harvest
of sharks in state waters. These new regulations were put
in place to help rebuild overfished shark stocks and prevent
future overfishing of these species. These Florida regulation
changes along with recent federal management changes
should help establish healthy, self-sustaining populations of
sharks in waters off of Florida.
Updated Shark Regulations:
■ New additions to the prohibited species list are sandbar,
silky and Caribbean sharpnose sharks (please see page
11 for complete list of prohibited shark species).
■ Sharks must be landed whole. This means filleting and
removing heads, fins, and tails of sharks at sea is not
allowed. Gutting and bleeding of sharks at sea is allowed
to preserve the meat.
■ There is no minimum size limit for Atlantic sharpnose
sharks, blacknose sharks, blacktip sharks, bonnethead
sharks, finetooth sharks, and smooth dogfish, all other
sharks must be at least 54 inches long (fork length) to
harvest or possess.
■ Sharks may be harvested with hook and line gear only.
Additionally, snatching and use of multiple (e.g. treble)
hooks with natural baits is not allowed.
■ There is a bag limit of one shark per person per day and a
maximum of 2 sharks per vessel per day.
■ Smooth dogfish and the Florida smoothhound are now
included in the shark regulations. For a complete list of
regulated sharks please visit MyFWC.com.
Many sharks are difficult to identify and it is up to anglers
to learn how to properly identify the sharks they harvest.
Please visit MyFWC.com to view shark identification
information and other management information.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
17
S A LT WAT E R R E g S
Report sawfish
sightings for science
by Gregg Poulakis
Smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata, are unique fish that have
a long hedge trimmer-like “saw”
extending out from their heads.
Although they swim like sharks,
they are more closely related to
stingrays because they have gill
slits under their bodies rather
than on the sides of their bodies.
Sawfish are born at about 2 feet
long and can grow up to 18 feet.
Historically, sawfish were a common sight off Florida’s coastline.
However, they have become less common during the last century
because they were unintentionally overfished. Their long saws,
referred to scientifically as “rostrums,” were easily entangled in
any kind of fishing gear. Sawfish rostrums have also been popular
trophy items. Since these fish produce few young, it has been a
challenge for their population to recover after being overfished.
The smalltooth sawfish has been protected in Florida since
1992 and is currently listed as endangered under the Federal
Endangered Species Act. They should be released unharmed
if accidentally caught while fishing for other species.
Very little is known about this spectacular fish, so scientists at
FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) initiated a
research program to learn more. They are asking for help from the
public via the Sawfish Survey. This statewide survey provides
a means for anglers, boaters, and beach-goers to help biologists
learn more about the areas where sawfish are sighted. If you see
or catch a sawfish while fishing for other species, please contact us.
Report sightings to FWRI by one of the following methods:
■ Online: http://research.MyFWC.com/sawfish
■ E-mail: [email protected]
■ Telephone: 941-255-7403
When reporting a sawfish sighting, please include:
■ Date and time
■ Location
■ Estimated length of each sawfish including the saw
Thank you for sharing your information with us and supporting
our research efforts!
State records and slams
Congratulations to the following individuals who have
qualified for new state fishing records and grand slam
certificates! State records are administered by the “world
record keepers,” the International Game Fish Association
(IGFA) in Dania, Florida. All-tackle records apply to fish
caught on both conventional and fly tackle and catches must
be made in accordance with IGFA rules. The Grand Slam
Club celebrates the variety of Florida game fishes and the
achievement of anglers catching a particular set of three
species in one day. There is a different slam for each of the
state’s four geographic regions, and you do not need to keep
the fish to qualify.
For more information or to apply for a
state record or grand slam, contact
the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries
Management by calling 850-488-6058,
or visit our Web site at MyFWC.com.
Click on “Fishing.” Entries are free!
Grand slam certificates
West Coast Grand Slam South Florida Grand Slam
Douglas M. Childs
Zachary Ploch
Wayne A. Meland
Douglas M. Childs
Cliff Fox
Matthew D. Umphrey
Edward Wettach
David E. Kubert
F. Mitchell Howell
Wayne A. Meland
Larry Vaught
Skip Nielsen
Ted D’Esposito
North Florida Grand Slam
Ulysses Rodriguez
Capt. F.F. Scruggs, Jr.
Chuck Collins
East Coast Grand Slam
Jeff Trent
Zachary Ploch
Regional grand slam fishes
North Florida
red drum, spotted seatrout, cobia
West Coast
red drum, snook, tarpon
South Florida
bonefish, tarpon, permit
East Coast
red drum, tarpon, spotted seatrout
18
January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
State records
Larry Maier
Atlantic Sailfish,
126 lbs.
Big Pine Key,
June 13, 2009
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
A N g L E R S H OW P L AC E
Celebrating 25 years!
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Florida Fish & Wildlife
Marine
SculptureS
2010 Saltwater Fishing Regulations
January 1 - June 30
by Johnny Townsend
Now available online
in a new Digital Edition!
http://pub.jfgriffin.com/doc/jfgriffin/10FLSWJAN
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UPCOMING EVENTS 2010
January 2-3 Las Olas
January 23-24 Sarasota Masters
January 30-31 St.Armands
February 6-7 Mount Dora Art Festival
February 20-21 Sarasota Festival of the Arts
March 6-7 Naples Masters and Las Olas
March 13-14 Art Fest Juno Beach / Jupiter
March 20-21 Peace River
March 27-28 Boca Grande
April 10-11 Marco Island
April 17-18 Mainsail Art Festival St. Petersburg
April 24-25 Sieta Fiesta
May 1-2 Shrimp Festival Amelia Island
Will custom
design unique
works of
[email protected]
art, trophies,
770-778-8888
fountains and
monuments. 213 Sanora Blvd. • Sanford, FL • 32773
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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to Your Family’s Dinner Table
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January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010
19
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