Protection for Permit - myFWC - Florida Fish and Wildlife

Transcription

Protection for Permit - myFWC - Florida Fish and Wildlife
FLORIDA Saltwater Recreational
2011
Valid from July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
Protection
for Permit
and Pompano
page 14
Florida’s
Grey Ghosts
page 19
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
MyFWC.com/Fishing
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
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
Photo courtesy of TakeMeFishing.org
2011 Commission meeting
dates and locations........................................... 2
Shows and events.................................................. 2
Regional offices..................................................... 4
You do not need a license
if you are............................................................... 6
Costs for licenses.................................................. 6
Other saltwater fishing fees................................ 6
Marine life regulations......................................... 8
Basic recreational saltwater
fishing regulations....................................10–11
On the cover
Recreational gear and spearing.......................12
Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus)
Photographer: Jerry McBride, DOA Lures
Increased protection for permit.......................14
Know your Florida fish........................................15
Artificial reef locations.......................................16
State records and slams....................................16
Buy your license online!
When you buy your license online,
it’s fast, convenient and saves time
and travel.
You can obtain a license 24 hours
a day at MyFWC.com/LICENSE
and begin fishing immediately!
Licenses are also available
toll-free at 1-888-FISHFLORIDA
(1-888-347-4356). Processing
fees apply to telephone and
Internet sales.
SFR..........................................................................17
Management of Florida’s marine fishes.........18
Gulf Coast Snook.................................................18
For additional information
please contact:
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
MyFWC.com
Division of Marine Fisheries Management
2590 Executive Center Circle East
Berkeley Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
850-488-6058
Florida’s Grey Ghosts..........................................19
Spotted seatrout regions...................................20
Lionfish..................................................................20
Division of Law Enforcement (DLE).................21
Resource hotlines................................................21
Blue crab regulations..........................................24
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Wildlife Alert
Reward Program
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 21.
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
1
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 July 1, 2011
through December 31, 2011.
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,
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.
2011 Commission meeting dates and locations
Subject to change regarding availability of appropriate facilities to hold the meeting.
■ September 7–9 —
­ Naples
■ November 16–17 —
­ Key Largo
For more information about Commission meeting dates, times, locations and agendas, visit
our Web site at MyFWC.com and click on “About Commission Meetings” on the top of the page.
About this Guide
This high-quality regulation guide is offered to
you by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission’s Division of Marine Fisheries
Management through its unique partnership with
J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC.
J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house
that specializes in producing state fish & 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
within the book.
The revenue generated through ad sales
significantly lowers production costs and
generates savings. These savings translate into
additional funds for other important fisheries and
habitat programs!
If you have any feedback or are interested in
advertising, please contact us at (413).884.1001
or online at www.JFGriffin.com
Lead Designer: Evelyn Haddad
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.
430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
July 16
Flagler County/Palm Coast
Bings Landing County Park
850-488-6058
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
September 10
Martin County
Indian Riverside Park
850-488-6058
FL Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show
September 24–25
Tampa
floridasportsman.com/shows
2
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
FL Sportsman Fishing & Boat Show
October 8–9
West Palm Beach
floridasportsman.com/shows
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
November 11–13
Islamorada
ladiesletsgofishing.com
J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the
official Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations
on post-consumer recycled paper.
available online
in a new Digital Edition!
Fully searchable
Live hyperlinks to
expanded content
Email pages
One-click printing
eRegulations.com/FL/fishing/saltwater
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
that
first
cast is
priceless
Bring in this ticket Between
7/1/11–6/30/12 to get a
10
cash
carD
$
when you spend
$50 or more*
Cash Card is redeemable during valid dates listed on Cash Card.
Cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount offer. Excludes
clearance items marked with 7¢ price endings. See store for details.
*Ticket expires 6/30/12. No rain checks. Ticket not valid on prior, online or S.A.
Elite Sports Authority purchases. Gift card, license and event ticket purchases
are not eligible toward the minimum spending requirement. Excludes clearance
items marked with 7¢ price endings. Ticket good on in-stock merchandise only
and cannot be combined with any other Cash Card, offer, coupon, Employee or
Friends & Family discount. Must surrender Ticket at time of purchase to receive
Cash Card. Cash Card is redeemable on a future purchase during valid dates
listed on Cash Card. Limit one Cash Card per customer, per transaction. Cash
Card must be surrendered if qualifying goods returned; otherwise, Cash Card
amount will be deducted from the return. Ticket may not be reproduced.
iSSuANCE CodE
sign up and save 10% @ sportsauthority.com/savenow
2 7 8 7 7 7 0 8
S a lt wat e r r e g u l at i o n s
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
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
Staff
Nick Wiley
Executive Director
Gregory L. Holder
Assistant Executive Director
Karen Ventimiglia
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mark Robson
Director, Marine
Fisheries Management
4
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
NORTHEAST
Gilchrist
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
Chris Wynn, Regional Director
SOUTHWEST
* These are not fishery
closure regions.
Please see pages 10-11
and 20 for information
on fishery closures.
SOUTH
South Region
8535 Northlake Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33412-3303
(561) 625-5122
Charles E. Collins, Regional Director
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Saltwater boats built
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mako-boats.com
Call 888.434.7487
Legendary
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When you’re preparing for fishing,
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headquarters.
Shop online at
basspro.com
For a FREE catalog
1-800-BASS PRO
1-800-227-7776
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Visit Our Stores Nationwide
200 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL
(954) 929-7710
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 10am–7pm
1551 N.W. 12th Street, Miami, FL
(305) 341-4200
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–7pm
5156 International Drive, Orlando, FL
(407) 563-5200
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm
10040 Gulf Center Drive, Ft. Myers, FL
(239) 461-7800
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm
4301 Legendary Drive, Destin, FL
(850) 269-6200
Hours: Mon–Thu 9am–9pm, Fri–Sat 9am–10pm
Sun 10am–8pm
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(305) 664-4615
Hours: Mon–Thu 9am–8:30pm, Fri–Sat 9am–9pm
Sun 9am–8:30pm
BP111038
L ic e n s e s a n d P e r mi t s
Saltwater fishing in Florida…
What you must know before you go
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.
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 and any family
members residing with them.
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, 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.
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 charter
boat license or charter captain license.
■■ A holder of a valid saltwater products license.
■■ A Florida resident 65 years of age or older
6
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
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. Note: all sales are final.
Florida resident licenses
One-Year Shoreline Only License.......................................................................................................$0.00
Covers shoreline fishing only, not fishing from a watercraft or from shore reached by 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 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 collector’s
offices only.)
Lifetime saltwater fishing license (Florida residents only; includes Snook and Lobster Permits)
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...................................................................................................................................... $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.
and you possess proof of age and residency,
such as a Florida driver’s 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 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 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
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.
Don DeMaria
Nancy Sheridan
Marine Life — Fish
Species
Remarks 1
Angelfish
No more than 5 per
person per day in any
combination
Butterflyfish
Filefish/Triggerfish
Gobies
Hamlets/
Seabasses
Jawfish
Parrotfish
Porkfish
Pufferfish,
Burrfish,
Balloonfish,
Porcupinefish
Tangs and
Surgeonfish
Except Gray
and Ocean
Triggerfish
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: 2"
Except
reef fish2 and
Longtail Bass
Includes Sharpnose
Pufferfish, Striped
Burrfish, Spotted
Burrfish, Balloonfish,
Porcupinefish
Maximum size limit: 4"
Maximum size limit: 12"
Minimum size limit: 1½ "
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/Jackknifefish/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; harvest
Corals, Soft (Octocorals)
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
3
Except Common Octopus
Octopods
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 Sponges; no
more than 5 sponges per harvester per day in any combination; harvest of substrate
Sponges
within 1" of base permitted north and west of the southernmost point of Egmont
Key, no substrate allowed south of Egmont Key
3
Starfish
Harvest of Bahama Starfish (Cushion Sea Star) prohibited
Except Sand Dollars & Sea Biscuits; harvest of Longspine Urchin prohibited
Urchins3
Other Marine Life invertebrates include 1: Brittlestars3, 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, Fileclams3, Upside-down Jellyfish, Nudibranchs/Sea Slugs3, Sea Cucumbers3, Sea Lilies,
Cleaner/Peppermint Shrimp, Coral Shrimp, Snapping Shrimp, Nassarius Snails3, Starsnails3, Featherduster Worms,
and Calcareous Tube Worms.
Marine Life — Plants
Low Cost Insurance—Boat & Equipment
•Agreed Value coverage •Tournament coverage
•Fishing equipment coverage •Broad cruising area
•Optional fishing guide coverage
For a free quote call 866-532-1829
mention priority code 4878
or at BoatUSAngler.com
Policies subject to limits and exclusions.
8
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
Fishing Regulations_FL_Saltwater_4c_2.25x2.indd 1
Species
Algae, Coralline Red
Caulerpa
Halimeda/Mermaid's Fan/Mermaid's
Shaving Brush
Limits
One gallon of tropical ornamental marine plants per day in any combination; 2 gallon maximum possession limit
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).
2Such as groupers, snappers, seabass, and amberjacks. Must abide by regulations for these species on pages 10–11.
3 Bag limit of 2 live shells of any single species per harvester per day in Manatee County. Harvest prohibited in Lee County.
1
4/29/11 10:50 AM
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
™
™
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 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) 
Minimum Size Limits
Closed Season
Daily Rec. Bag Limit
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
June 1– July 31
Gulf of Mexico
1 per harvester per day
1" thick across hinge
5 aggregate of lesser amberjack
and banded rudderfish
May not harvest half hour
after official sunset until
half hour before official
sunrise
33" fork
Sept. 20 –Oct. 4 Gulf state
waters beyond 3 miles
closed to traps; federal
waters closed to traps;
Regional closures (see map
on page 24)
Crab, Blue
Crab, Blue Land
Crab, Stone
Crawfish
(Spiny Lobster) 
July 1– Oct 31
2 ¾" claw
May 16– Oct 14
Carapace must be greater
than 3" measured in the water
April 1–Aug. 5
Exception: Sport Season
(last consecutive Wed &
Thurs of July each year)
20" fork Atlantic
Dolphin 
Flounder   T
12"
Gag   ●
24" Atlantic & Monroe County
22" Gulf (excluding Monroe
County)
Grouper, Black   ●
24” Atlantic & Monroe County
22” Gulf (excluding Monroe
County)
Grouper, Red   ●
Grouper, Snowy  ●
Grouper, Yellowfin
& Yellowmouth   ●
Grouper, Scamp   ●
20"
June 1– Sept. 15 &
Nov. 16– Dec. 31, 2011
Gulf (excluding Monroe
County)
Closed Atlantic & Monroe
County Jan. 1–April 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. 1–April 30
20" Atlantic & Monroe
County; 16" Gulf (excluding
Monroe County)
Hogfish  ●
12" fork
Mackerel, King 
24" fork
Mackerel, Spanish 
12" fork
10
5 per harvester per day
May possess one over 24". Snatching prohibited.
10 per harvester per day
0 per harvester per day
Catch and release only. Hook and line gear only.
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. See page 24 for more information.
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
1 per harvester per day
Atlantic & Monroe County;
2 per harvester per day Gulf
(excluding Monroe County)
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.
1 per harvester per day
Atlantic & Monroe County;
4 per harvester per day Gulf
(excluding 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.
3 per harvester per day
Atlantic & Monroe County;
2 per harvester per day Gulf
(excluding Monroe County)
Closed in Gulf (excluding
Monroe County)
Feb. 1– March 31
Closed Atlantic &
Monroe County
Jan. 1–April 30
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
3"
June, July, Aug. in Dixie,
Wakulla, Levy counties.
July, Aug., Sept. in
all other areas.
22" fork SPZ; Not less than
11" or more than 22" fork
all other areas
May 1–July 31
SPZ
11" fork
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
5 per harvester per day
2 per harvester per day
Mullet, Striped (Black)
& Silver
Pompano, Florida  T ■
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.
1 per vessel per day of each species
Grouper, all others  ●
Permit  T ■
1 per harvester per day
aggregate bag limit
1 per harvester per day Atlantic
20"
Grouper, Warsaw &
Speckled Hind  ●
Oysters
Remarks
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.
15 per harvester per day
50 aggregate per harvester per day;
Mullet aggregate bag limit includes Striped and Silver. Call DMFM for adAggregate vessel limits
ditional restrictions in Pinellas and Charlotte counties.
Feb. 1–Aug. 31: 100 per vessel;
Sept. 1–Jan. 31: 50 per vessel
2 bags per harvester or vessel,
Apalachicola Bay has summer & winter seasons/areas.
whichever is less per day.
Harvest from approved shellfish areas only.
1 Bag = 60 lbs.
or two 5 gal. buckets (whole in shell) Go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for allowable harvesting areas.
1 per harvester per day, not to
Effective August 31, 2011. May possess 1 over 22" fork length in
exceed 2 per vessel per day SPZ;
all other areas, not to exceed 2 over 22" fork per vessel per day. See page
2 per harvester per day all other
12 for gear restrictions, page 14 for SPZ definition and other information.
state waters
6 per harvester per day
Effective August 31, 2011. Hook and line, cast net, and beach or haul
seine ONLY. See page 14 for more information.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Species
Minimum Size Limits
Daily Rec. Bag Limit
Remarks
24" fork
2 per harvester per day, not to
exceed 2 per vessel per day.
Effective August 31, 2011. See page 12 for gear restrictions. See page 14 for
more information.
Not less than 18" or more
than 27"
1 per harvester per day
Pompano, African  T ■
Red Drum
(Redfish)   T
14" Atlantic
Red Porgy   ●
Sept. 26, 2011–
June 30, 2012
Scallops, Bay
Sea Bass, Black   ●
Closed Season
12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf
Shad
Shark  T
54" fork for all sharks except
Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose,
blacktip, bonnethead,
finetooth and smooth dogfish
Snapper, Black &
Wenchman  ●
10 aggregate per harvester per day
American, Alabama & Hickory are part of aggregate limit. Hook & line
gear only.
15 per harvester per day
12" (see remarks)
Snapper, Cubera   ●
Snapper, Gray
(Mangrove)   ●
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"
10"
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
8"
Snapper, Lane   ●
16"
Snapper, Mutton   ●
Snapper, Red   ●
20" Atlantic; 16" Gulf
Snapper,
Schoolmaster   ●
10"
Snapper, Vermilion   ●
12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf
Snapper, all other   ●
12"
Snook
(all species)   T ■
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
Sponge, Commercial
Greater than 5" in greatest
dimension measured across
the top of the sponge
Swordfish
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.
1 per harvester or 2 per vessel
per day, whichever is less
April & May closed to
Nassau, Duval, St. Johns,
Putnam, Flagler & Clay
counties
Shrimp 
Spotted Seatrout   T
3 per harvester per day Atlantic
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"
Sheepshead   T
Not less than 15" or
more than 20" (statewide)
except one fish over 20"
per person
July 19–May 31 Gulf
2 per harvester per day
Included within 10 per harvester
per day Snapper aggregate bag limit
Nov. 1–March 31 Atlantic
Dec. 15–Jan. 31;
June 1– Aug. 31 Atlantic
Closed through Aug. 31,
2012 Gulf of Mexico,
Monroe County,
Everglades National Park
5 per harvester per day Atlantic;
10 per harvester per day Gulf
Included within 10 per harvester
per day Snapper aggregate bag limit
Snatching prohibited.
Contact FWC Regional Office for closed areas.
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.
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.
1 per harvester per day
Snook permit required for harvest when saltwater license required. Illegal
to buy or sell snook. Snatch hooks and spearing prohibited. See page 18 for
more information.
10 per harvester per day
Includes: Sheepswool, Yellow, Grass, Glove, Finger, Wire, Reef & Velvet
sponge.
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
Tarpon
2 fish possession limit
1 per harvester per day Atlantic
Tilefish­, Golden  ●
Triggerfish (Gray)  ●
Hook and line gear only.
See list below for prohibited species.
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 20.
(see regional
N.E. and N.W. Regions
definitions page 20)
47" lower jaw fork length with
head attached or
29" cleithrum to keel length if
head removed.
Tripletail   T
Wahoo 
Weakfish  
Gigging, spearing, snatching prohibited.
Harvest in Federal waters prohibited.
12" fork Atlantic;
14" fork Gulf
15"
12"
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
 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.
■ State regulations apply in federal waters.
● 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.
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.
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)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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
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.
PROHIBITED SPECIES
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, 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 FWC’s Fishing Lines magazine or visit:
MyFWC.com.
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
11
G e a r & Sp e a r i n g
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.
•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
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
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
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)
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.
Permit, Florida Pompano and African Pompano
■■ 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
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Take the Initiative:
Enjoy and Protect
Our Reefs.
PHOTO: KAREN LANE
Your way of life may depend on it.
Increased protection
for Permit, Florida Pompano, and African Pompano
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.
Bob Puccinelli
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.
Special
Permit Zone
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.
The new regulations take effect August 31, 2011.
The recreational regulations in the chart below apply in Florida state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic unless otherwise noted.
Species
Daily Bag Limit
Gear
1 per harvester per day
State waters: Hook and line only.
Federal waters: Hook and line
and spearing.
Vessel Restriction: no more than 2 permit.
Not less than 11" or more
than 22" fork length
2 per harvester per day
State waters: Hook and line only.
Federal waters: Hook and line
and spearing.
May possess 1 over 22" fork included in the per person bag
limit. Vessel Restriction: no more than 2 over 22" fork.
Florida Pompano
11" fork length
6 per harvester per day
Hook and line, cast net, and
beach or haul seine.
African Pompano
24" fork length
2 per harvester per day
State waters: Hook and line only.
Federal waters: Hook and line
and spearing.
Permit — inside SPZ
Permit — outside SPZ
Minimum Size Limits
Closed Season
22" fork length
May 1–July 31
Remarks
Vessel Restriction: no more than 2 African pompano.
Current recreational regulations for state waters through August 30, 2011.
Minimum Size Limits
Daily Bag Limit
Permit &
Florida Pompano
Species
Not less than 11" or more
than 20" fork length
6 per harvester per day aggregate
of permit and Florida pompano
African Pompano
Not less than
24" fork length
2 per harvester or per vessel per day,
whichever is less
Gear
Remarks
Permit: Hook and line only
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.
Hook and line only
For additional information visit MyFWC.com/Fishing.
14
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Know your Florida Fish: Permit, Florida Pompano, African Pompano and Palometa
Species
Description
Identification
Can reach up to 25" and weigh 8 lbs.
Florida Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Body is generally mostly silver with a
darker back.
Dorsal fin is short and upright
Forehead
slopes gently
backward
Tail fin is
more upright,
Wide fork
Yellow coloring on belly is common in
juveniles and adults.
Dorsal fin begins forward of anal fin.
Yellow coloration
on belly
Anal fin is short
Dorsal fin is long and sloped back
Can reach up to 45" and weigh 50 lbs.
Permit
Trachinotus falcatus
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.
Forehead
sharply rises to
a “hump” then
slopes back
Tail fin is
sloped back,
Narrow fork
Orange-yellow
coloration on belly
Anal fin is long and sloped back
Dorsal fin begins forward of anal fin
Can reach up to 42" and weigh 50 lbs.
African Pompano
Alectis ciliarus
Long, threadlike rays at front of dorsal
and anal fins (juveniles).
Hardened scutes
Front of head
is steep and
rounded
4–5 narrow bars on sides of juveniles
only.
Elongated dorsal fin
Can reach up to 20" and weigh up to 1 lb.
Palometa
Trachinotus goodei
Dorsal and anal fins are very elongated.
4 narrow bars on sides of both juveniles
and adults.
Bright, silvery sides.
Elongated anal fin
Your state fishing regulations guide is
available online!
Full-featured website
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smartphone accessible
Share with friends
on
and
View it online today at
www.eRegulations.com/FL/fishing/saltwater
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
15
S a lt wat e r r e g u l at i o n s
New Artificial Reef Locations*
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
29°47.187' N
29°55.222' N
29°55.063' N
29°54.549' N
29°54.250' N
29°55.253' N
29°54.385' N
29°55.253' N
29°55.438' N
29°54.567' N
29°54.720' N
29°54.578' N
29°54.577' N
30°19.738' N
30°17.467' N
LONGITUDE
85°41.758' W
85°32.558' W
85°32.577' W
85°32.638' W
85°32.690' W
85°32.362' W
85°32.405' W
85°32.362' W
85°32.542' W
85°32.360' W
85°32.602' W
85°32.339' W
85°32.376' W
87°10.871' W
87°13.773' 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.
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.
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 [email protected] and your photo may appear on
the next cover of the regulations! For additional information,
please visit www.MyFWC.com/Fishing
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
Tommy Barba
Konnor Williams
East Coast Grand Slam
Konnor Williams
Capt. George “Skip” Land
Capt. Barry Englehardt
State Record
White margate
(Haemulon album),
19 lbs. 8 oz., caught
near the Dry Tortugas
on Feb. 6, 2011
by Hector Vasallo
South Florida Grand Slam
Thomas A. Barba
Regional
grand slam fishes
North Florida
red drum, cobia,
spotted seatrout
West Coast
red drum, snook, tarpon
South Florida
bonefish, tarpon, permit
East Coast
red drum, tarpon,
spotted seatrout
16
Hector Vasallo
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Your Role
in Sport Fish Restoration
Did you know that every time you purchase fishing
equipment or fuel for your boat you’re contributing
to fisheries conservation?
Even better, the small contribution you make with each purchase
translates into millions of dollars toward sport fish restoration each
year. In fact, with your help, Florida receives around $13 million
every year to support both fresh and saltwater fisheries resources.
This cycle of money flow is all a part of the Sport Fish Restoration
program, which is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Angler contributions are made through a 10% excise tax on fishing tackle and boating fuels. This money goes to a general federal
fund and is later distributed to the states based on the number
of resident licensed anglers as well as the land area of the state,
including water territory. When the state receives the money it is
required to make a 25% matching contribution to the grants. In
Florida, the funds are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC), and the 25% matching contribution comes from recreational fishing license fees.
Of the total money received, 15% is specifically allotted to boating
access improvement projects. This includes new land acquisition
for construction of boat ramps as well as the maintenance of over
230 boat ramps statewide. About $6.5 million of the money goes towards saltwater projects, which supports programs such as fishing
clinics, fisheries research, fish stock enhancement, artificial reefs,
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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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
17

Extended Protection
for Gulf Coast Snook
FWC reminds anglers that the recreational harvest season for
snook in Florida’s Atlantic waters will reopen September 1, 2011.
Florida’s Gulf of Mexico waters will remain catch and release
through August 31, 2012.
Katie Purcell
and Jacob Fojtik
Prolonged cold weather during the winter of 2009–2010 adversely
impacted Florida’s 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 Florida’s Atlantic coastal and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, will return to the regular season opening September 1, 2011.
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
Florida’s 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.
Management of Florida Marine Fishes
in State and Federal Waters
Many of Florida’s important fisheries occur in both state and federal
waters and are managed by both the FWC and federal agencies.
When anglers travel beyond state water boundaries into federal waters (beyond three nautical miles on the Atlantic and nine nautical
miles in the Gulf of Mexico), they are often subject to regulations
set by federal managers. This is the case for species such as snappers, groupers, amberjack, and king mackerel. The South Atlantic
Fishery Management Council manages fisheries in federal waters
(beyond three nautical miles) off the Florida Atlantic coast and the
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council manages fisheries
in federal waters (beyond nine nautical miles) off the Gulf coast.
These Councils develop fishery management plans and recommend
regulations to the U.S. Department of Commerce based on stock
assessments conducted by the SouthEast Data, Assessment, and
Review (SEDAR) program, scientific data, and public comment
as required by the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act. NOAA Fisheries Service reviews Council recommendations and decides whether or not to approve the regulations
as an agency of the Department of Commerce.
The FWC manages fisheries in state waters, but has a strong interest in how fish are managed in federal waters and how that
management affects Floridians. FWC staff serves on both the South
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils and
coordinates fisheries management with the Councils. The Councils and the FWC often enact consistent regulations in state and
federal waters, but sometimes use different approaches to meet
management goals.
18
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
The FWC also manages some fish species in both state and federal
waters. The Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act allows states to extend their regulations for a particular
fishery into adjacent federal waters when there are no federal rules
for that fishery. For example, FWC rules for bonefish, blue crab
traps and snook apply in federal waters off Florida. FWC rules
apply in federal waters off Florida for all species marked with a ■
symbol on the regulations chart on pages 10–11.
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.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida’s Grey Ghosts:
Bonefish now a catch-and-release-only species
Effective July 1, 2011, bonefish is a catch-and-release-only species
and may not be harvested. Anglers can still temporarily possess
one bonefish at a time at the site of capture to take a photograph,
or to measure or weigh the fish. For weigh-in tournaments, a tournament exemption permit that allows tournament participants to
temporarily possess and transport bonefish to a weigh station for
tournament purposes is now required. These permits are granted
to the tournament director, but if you are participating in a weighin bonefish tournament, the tournament director will provide you
with a copy of the permit to keep with you while you fish in the
tournament.
Most anglers already release the bonefish they catch as a conservation measure. When you release bonefish, be sure to practice proper
fish handling techniques to ensure the fish survives to fight another
day. One of the most important ways to help released bonefish
survive is to minimize the time the fish is out of the water. Holding your breath while releasing the fish can be a good reminder
that your catch can’t breathe out of the water! Be sure to always
use wet hands when handling any fish to minimize damage to
their protective slime layer. Dehooking devices can also be used to
minimize handling and help reduce the chance of injuring the fish
during release. Also, quickly revive your catch by putting it head
first into the current to allow oxygenated water to flow over the gills.
Practicing these simple catch and release techniques is a great way
to take on an active role in bonefish conservation.
For more information about bonefish, visit www.MyFWC.com/fishing.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
19
S a lt wat e r r e g u l at i o n s
Learning about Lionfish
Florida has many fascinating saltwater fish species available in
a multitude of shapes, sizes and colors. One fish that anglers and
divers may encounter is the lionfish. These fish are intriguing in
their own right but are not native to Florida and originate from
the Indo-Pacific region. These fish are predatory reef fish that use
their large spines, which possess venom, to protect themselves while
they lay in wait to engulf small reef fish.
Since lionfish were first reported off Florida’s Atlantic Coast in
1985, their life history has enabled them to build populations in
Florida and other places along the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico
and the Caribbean. Their lack of major predators in these waters
has allowed lionfish to increase in numbers, expand their range,
and negatively alter the natural systems where they are found.
Recently, a lionfish derby in the Florida Keys harvested 531 lionfish.
Divers and anglers are encouraged to remove lionfish they encounter to help control the numbers of these invasive fish. In Florida,
lionfish have been documented in every coastal habitat from the
shore around docks to ledges at 1,000 feet so look for these fish
and be ready act as you are able. Lionfish can be speared, caught
with a hand net or you may even catch one while fishing with a
rod and reel. Take care that your gear does not come into contact
with reefs, as it can result in damage to delicate corals. Remember, lionfish have venomous spines so care should be taken when
handling these fish; stings are rarely fatal. If you are stung by a
lionfish, it’s recommended to soak the sting in very hot water, and
seek medical attention if necessary.
A saltwater fishing license is required to harvest lionfish and be
sure to check gear, bag limit and other general regulations for
their harvest at MyFWC.com/fishing. A collection datasheet is also
available at MyFWC.com/reportlionfish; divers and anglers are
encouraged to report any lionfish captured in the Gulf of Mexico.
Removing lionfish can help Florida’s native marine fish and habitats
and provide a tasty meal at the same time.
Keith Mille, FWC
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
Spotted Seatrout
Regions
■■ Northeast Region means all state
waters lying north of the FlaglerVolusia County line to the FloridaGeorgia 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 approximately 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.
20
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
L AW EN F OR C E M ENT
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.
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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
■■ 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 request Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits:
800-367-4461
[email protected]
FOR THE TOUGHEST JOBS ON PLANET EARTH®
■■ Red Tide Information Hotline
866-300-9399 toll free in Florida
727-552-2488 nationwide
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■■ Aquatic Toxins Hotline
888-232-8635
■■ To report fish kills:
800-636-0511
■■ Shellfish Harvesting Questions
FDACS, 850-488-5471
www.floridaaquaculture.com
■■ To report fish tags:
800-367-4461
[email protected]
■■ To report Lionfish sightings,
please visit MyFWC.com/reportlionfish
or call 1-877-786-7267
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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
Blue Crab Regulations for Recreational Harvest
Requirements for Recreational Blue Crab Harvest
■■ Recreational saltwater fishing license.
■■ No more than 10 gallons of blue crab per day can be harvested or
possessed.
■■ Egg-bearing blue crabs must be released.
Closures Occurring in Odd Years (2011)
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.
Commercial Style Traps
■■ 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 harvester’s name and address permanently affixed.
■■ Traps may only be worked from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour
after sunset.
Closures to Commercial Style Traps
The dates and locations
of the closures are:
■■ 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
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 [email protected]
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 Florida’s 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 River’s intersection with the Intracoastal Canal through and including Lake Hellen Blazes.
** Except all waters of the St. Johns River system.
24
July 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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