January - myFWC - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

FLORIDA Saltwater Recreational
Valid from January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
New
Regulations
for Spotted Seatrout
& Red Drum
page 18
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
MyFWC.com/Fishing
page 8
2012
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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
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
2012 Commission meeting
dates and locations........................................... 4
Shows and events.................................................. 4
Regional offices..................................................... 6
New spotted seatrout regulations..................... 8
Recreational gear and spearing.......................11
Basic recreational saltwater
fishing regulations....................................12–13
You do not need a license
if you are.............................................................14
Costs for licenses................................................14
Other saltwater fishing fees..............................14
On the cover
Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)
Photographer: Captain Willy Le
(www.NativeFlyCharters.com)
Marine life regulations.......................................16
Increased protection for coastal sharks.........17
Red drum bag limit increase.............................18
Know your Florida fish........................................18
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.
2
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Artificial reef locations.......................................20
State records and slams....................................20
Women's Fishing Clinics....................................21
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
850.487.0554
Gag and red grouper regulation changes.......22
Lionfish..................................................................22
Division of Law Enforcement (DLE).................23
Latest News/Hot Sheet......................................24
Blue crab regulations..........................................24
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 23.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
that first
cast is
priceless
$
10
off
your purchase
of $50 or more*
Valid 11/28/11–11/27/12
MORE EXCLUSIONS MAY APPLY.
VISIT SPORTSAUTHORITY.COM/EXCLUSIONS
OR SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.
*No cash value. No cash back. No rain checks. Coupon not
valid on prior, online or S.A. Elite Sports Authority purchases,
gift cards, licenses or event tickets. Offer good on in-stock
merchandise only. Must present coupon at time of purchase
to redeem. Cannot be combined with any other offer, Cash
Card, coupon or Employee or Friends & Family discount.
Coupon may not be reproduced. One coupon per customer,
per purchase. Excludes clearance items marked with 7¢
price endings; all Nintendo’s Wii and Wii Fit hardware
systems and software/game products, Microsoft Xbox 360,
Kinect and Kinect games, UGG, all Titleist products, Penn
Reels, firearms and ammunition.
1414 9253 1128 1111 2712
Name:
Offer:
Valid Dates:
Requestor:
Stores:
Disclaimer:
5
FL Saltwater Fish Regula
$10 OFF COUPON
11/28/2011 to 11/27/2012
Kira White
ALL
TBD by Copy
S a lt wat e r r e g u l at i o n s
Introduction
EATIO NAL
FLORI DA SALTWATER RECR
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, 2012,
through June 30, 2012.
Valid from January 1,
for Spotted Seatrout
& Red Drum
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
MyFWC.com/Fishing
2012 Commission meeting dates and locations
Subject to change regarding availability of appropriate facilities to hold the meeting.
■ February 8–9, 2012 ­— Tallahassee
■ April 25–26, 2012 ­— Crystal River
■ June 27–28, 2012 ­— West Palm
For more information about Commission meeting dates, times, locations and agendas, visit
our website at MyFWC.com and click on “About Commission Meetings” on the top of the page.
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. For more information call 850-487-0554 or visit
MyFWC.com/Fishing/saltwater/outreach-and-education.
May 19th, Panama City
Panama City Marina
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
June 30th, Cape Canaveral
Port Canaveral Cruise
Terminal Number 3
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
FL Sportsman
Fishing & Boat Show
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
April 14th, Pensacola
Plaza De Luna
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
April 21 , Panacea
Woolley Park
st
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
April 28th, Naples
Naples City Pier
4
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
March 24th
Fernandina Beach
Fort Clinch State Park
March 31st, Daytona
Sunglow Fishing Pier
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
Shows and Events
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
page 8
page 18
How your license fee helps
February 25th, Crystal River
Fort Island Trail Park
2012 – June 30, 2012
NEW
REGULATIONS
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 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 tollfree 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Processing fees will apply to telephone and Internet sales.
Kids’ Fishing Clinic
2012
February 4 –5 , Ft. Myers
floridasportsman.com/shows
th
th
FL Sportsman
Fishing & Boat Show
February 25th–26th
Ft. Walton Beach
floridasportsman.com/shows
Florida State Fair
Designer: Evelyn Haddad
Tampa Tribune
Outdoor Expo
430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267
March 2nd–4th, Tampa
Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!
J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the
official Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations
on post-consumer recycled paper.
March 16th–18th
SW Florida/Naples
ladiesletsgofishing.com
Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!
April 20th–22nd
Ft. Lauderdale, Dania Beach
ladiesletsgofishing.com
Ladies, Let's Go Fishing!
May 18th–20th
Treasure Coast/Stuart
ladiesletsgofishing.com
available online
in a new Digital Edition!
Fully searchable
Live hyperlinks to
expanded content
Email pages
One-click printing
eRegulations.com/FL/fishing/saltwater
February 9th–20th
Tampa State Fairgrounds
floridastatefair.com
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
VISIT YOUR LOCAL
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
FOR ALL OF YOUR HUNTING
AND FISHING SERVICES
Valid through 6/22/12
10
$
TAKE
OFF
YOUR HUNTING, FISHING
AND CAMPING PURCHASE
OF $50 OR MORE
Limit one coupon per customer. Minimum purchase of $50 before sales tax. Total amount
of coupon must be redeemed at one time. Cannot be combined with any other offers,
coupons, team discounts or Guaranteed In-Stock markdown, or used for licenses or
previously purchased merchandise. Coupon valid on in-store purchases only. Not
redeemable for cash, gift cards or store credit. No reproductions or rain checks accepted.
Returns or exchanges where a ScoreCard Rewards Certificate or other discount was applied
may result in an adjusted refund amount. Excludes Shimano, St. Croix, G. Loomis, fishing
electronics, trolling motors, outboard motors, Diamondback, Jansport, Under Armour,
Polar, The North Face, Columbia, Merrell and boots. Some additional exclusions may apply.
See store for details. Valid 12/22/11 through 6/22/12.
P00004880
S a lt wat e r r e g u l at i o n s
WIN $10,000
Recreational fishing fun for everyone
just by posting & showing
the world your fish pic!
With more than 1,000 miles of coastline and great
weather, Florida truly is a year-round sportsman’s
paradise for recreational saltwater fishing.
The state’s vast recreational resources provide the
challenging catches serious anglers stay out on the
water all day for, yet Florida’s shoreline also offers
fishing opportunities for every type of angler, from
beach-going families to solitary kayakers.
Budget-conscious anglers looking for a bite that won’t
take a chunk out of their wallet can take advantage
of Florida’s free shoreline fishing license, while those
looking for a day on the water can take advantage of
one of our many recreational charter options across
the state.
Children under 16 years of age and Florida residents 65 or older are not required to have
a recreational saltwater fishing license, a money saver for families seeking shoreline fun.
For those between 16 and 65, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers
several license options from non-resident three-day to life-long.
Heads up Fishing Club Members
— FREE, powerful and simple website
for your club just 3 clicks away!
We estimate recreational saltwater fishing brought more than 5.69 billion dollars to Florida
in 2011. In addition, Florida’s boating industry provided a 16.8 billion dollar economic impact
in 2008 and more than 200,000 jobs.
Look Guides, Charters, Tackle Shops
— a FREE place to have your online
business in the fastest growing
fishing community on the net!
Inside this Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations guide you will find important
information about recreational fishing including updates on rule changes, information on
upcoming events, artificial reef locations and a handy regulation guide, perfect for keeping
in the boat or the car you plan on taking to the shore.
Fishnfools.com
Kathy Barco
Chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
Finally! A new “Facebook” type site designed
entirely for the fishing community — free to all.
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
Charles W. Roberts III
Tallahassee
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
Jessica McCawley
Director, Marine
Fisheries Management
6
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 12-13
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
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
N A U T I C A L
T E R M
# 3 5 0
hooked:
How you feel
about fishing.
How we feel about helping boaters.
ME MBE RSHIP BENEFITS:
PRIORITY SE RVICE
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FUE L DROPS
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COVE RE D UN GROUN DINGS
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AUT OMAT E D RADIO CHECKS
Sea Tow Services International, Inc. ©2011. All rights reserved.
SAVIN GS & MORE
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Sea Tow Captains spend even more time on the water than you do.
That’s because we’re passionate about helping our members. Not just
with all things towing related, but with the extra stuff — fuel discounts,
navigation, and most importantly, knowing where the fish are biting.
Visit seatow.com or call 800-4-SEATOW (800-473-2869).
Join today.
Spotted
Seatrout
Lookout fishermen! Florida’s favorite speckled fish is
about to be on the recreational fishing radar year-round.
On February 1, 2012, recreational fishing for spotted
seatrout will no longer close during certain months.
 Since 1996, recreational fishing for
spotted seatrout has been closed to anglers
in the north parts of Florida in February
and in the south parts of Florida in November and December. These closed months
were part of a batch of regulations established in the early 1990’s to improve the
Spotted Seatrout Regions
■■ "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 Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ) waters.
■■ "Southwest Region" means all state waters
lying south and west of the Miami-DadeMonroe County Line at Card Sound and
south of the southern boundary of the
Northwest Region on the Gulf of Mexico
in Pinellas County, and adjacent federal
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters.
■■ "Southeast Region" means all state waters
lying south of the Flagler-Volusia County Line
and north of the Miami-Dade-Monroe County
Line at Card Sound, and adjacent federal
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters.
■■ "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.
8
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Fish... on the Quiet Side of Florida
spotted seatrout population in Florida,
which had been damaged by overfishing
and loss of habitat.
Because of the strict
regulations in place for
the last several decades,
the spotted seatrout
population in Florida is
healthy and stable.
Opening the closed months for recreational
fishermen should increase economic and
fishing opportunities for spotted seatrout
around Florida.
In addition, because the spotted seatrout
population in the Northeast region of Florida is thriving and exceeding management
goals, the bag limit will be raised from five
to six fish starting February 1, 2012.
In Florida, spotted seatrout can be found in
seagrass flats, shell and rocky bottoms, or even
muddy waters. In colder months, they gather
in deeper water, such as rivers and channels.
Popular for recreational anglers around
Florida, spotted seatrout are fun to catch,
are attracted to a variety of gears and lures,
and are also good quality seafood. The fish
has many nicknames, including speckled
trout, spotted weakfish, and speck, but any
angler skilled enough to catch a six pounder
knows all too well how they got the name
“gator trout.”
Nestled on Florida’s
Northeast Coast
There are plenty of fish in the sea and plenty
of ways to catch them here. Enjoy a variety
of waterways, miles of untouched beaches
and natural surroundings.
1.800.670.2120
For more
information on
Flagler County open
your qr-reader
on your smartphone
to scan
Visit us online at www.visitflagler.org
Big Catch? Trophy Buck?
Big Catch?
Trophy
Your hunting & fishing photos could be included
in futureBuck?
regulation
We welcome your digital photo submissions!
magazines or online!
Please upload high-resolution images for consideration
at:
J.F. Griffin Publishing
www.eregulations.com/photos
welcomes your digital
photo submissions for
possible
publication in
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
our hunting and fishing
regulation guides.
9
™
™
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 6.
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 12 and 13)
■■ 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.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
11
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 Forty, Jan. 2012. 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"
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 or hmspermits.noaa.gov.
HMS permit required in federal waters.
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)
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.
Grouper, Black   ●
24" Atlantic & Monroe County
22" Gulf (excluding Monroe
County)
1 per harvester per day
Atlantic & Monroe County;
4 per harvester per day Gulf
(excluding Monroe County)
Grouper, Snowy  ●
Grouper, Yellowfin
& Yellowmouth   ●
Grouper, Scamp   ●
5 traps maximum. Trap requirements apply. Harvest of egg-bearing crabs
prohibited. See page 24 for more information.
20 per harvester per day
1 per harvester per day
Atlantic & Monroe County;
2 per harvester per day Gulf
(excluding Monroe County)
20"
To sell or exceed the daily bag limit follow commercial regulations.
10 gallons whole
per harvester per day
Jan. 1– March 31 Gulf
24" Atlantic & Monroe County
(excluding Monroe County)
22" Gulf (excluding Monroe
Closed Atlantic & Monroe
County)
County Jan. 1– April 30
Closed in Gulf (excluding
Monroe County)
Feb. 1– March 31
Closed Atlantic &
Monroe County
Jan. 1–April 30
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
Gag   ●
Grouper, Red   ●
Remarks
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.
3 per harvester per day
Atlantic & Monroe County;
4 per harvester per day Gulf
(excluding Monroe County)
1 per harvester per day Atlantic
20"
20" Atlantic & Monroe
County; 16" Gulf (excluding
Monroe County)
Grouper, Warsaw &
Speckled Hind  ●
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
Grouper, all others  ●
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
Hogfish  ●
12" fork
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
2 bags per harvester or vessel,
whichever is less per day.
1 Bag = 60 lbs.
or two 5 gal. buckets (whole in shell)
Mullet, Striped (Black)
& Silver
Oysters
Permit  T ■
Pompano, Florida  T ■
12
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
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
5 per harvester per day
1 per harvester per day, not to
exceed 2 per vessel per day SPZ;
2 per harvester per day
all other state waters
6 per harvester per day
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.
Apalachicola Bay has summer & winter seasons/areas.
Harvest from approved shellfish areas only.
Go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for allowable harvesting areas.
May possess 1 over 22" fork length in all other areas, not to exceed 2 over
22" fork per vessel per day. See page 11 for gear restrictions.
Hook and line, cast net, and beach or haul seine ONLY.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Species
Minimum Size Limits
Red Drum
(Redfish)   T
Red Porgy   ●
Not less than 18" or more
than 27"
14" Atlantic
Scallops, Bay
Sea Bass, Black   ●
Closed Season
24" fork
Pompano, African  T ■
Sept. 11–June 30
12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf
Shad
Shark  T
10 aggregate per harvester per day
54" fork for all sharks except
Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose,
blacktip, bonnethead,
finetooth and smooth dogfish
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)   ●
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 ■
Swordfish
1 per harvester or 2 per vessel
per day, whichever is less
12"
Sheepshead   T
Spotted Seatrout   T ■
Daily Rec. Bag Limit
2 per harvester per day, not to
exceed 2 per vessel per day.
2 per harvester per day N.E./N.W. Region
1 per harvester per day South Region
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
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
Remarks
Gigging, spearing, snatching prohibited. Harvest in Federal waters prohibited.
See Red Drum article page 18. New regulations effective February 1, 2012.
Harvest allowed only in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico from the PascoHernando county line, to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay
County.
American, Alabama & Hickory are part of aggregate limit. Hook & line
gear only.
Hook and line gear only.
See list below for prohibited species.
Snatching prohibited.
Contact FWC Regional Office for closed areas.
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.
Greater than 5" in greatest
dimension measured across
the top of the sponge
10 per harvester per day
Includes: Sheepswool, Yellow, Grass, Glove, Finger, Wire, Reef & Velvet
sponge.
Not less than 15" or
more than 20" (statewide)
except one fish over 20"
per person
5 per harvester per day N.W. Region
4 per harvester per day S.W. Region
4 per harvester per day S.E. Region
6 per harvester per day N.E. Region
47" lower jaw fork length with
head attached or
29" cleithrum to keel length if
head removed.
Tarpon
Tilefish­, Golden  ●
Triggerfish (Gray)  ●
Tripletail   T
Wahoo 
Weakfish  
12" fork Atlantic;
14" fork Gulf
15"
May possess no more than 1 over 20"; included in the regional bag limit.
See regional definitions map on page 8.
New regulations effective February 1, 2012.
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
Requires $50 tarpon tag to possess or harvest. Snatching and spearing
2 fish possession limit
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.
1 per harvester per day Atlantic
Atlantic: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on
for-hire vessels
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 11.
T Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead
natural bait.
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, Tiger Shark,
Great Hammerhead Shark, Scalloped and Smooth Hammerhead Shark, 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.
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
For saltwater fish identification, request a copy of FWC’s
Fishing Lines magazine or visit: MyFWC.com.
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
13
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
14
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
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
■■ Regulations apply in federal waters
* 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.
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
Other Marine Life fish include 1: 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 of
Corals, Soft (Octocorals)
attached substrate within 1" of base is permitted; harvest closes when quota met.
Crab, Hermit
Except Land Hermit Crabs
Crab, Horseshoe
Harvest prohibited
Live Rock
Harvest prohibited
Octopods3
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 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
3
Except Sand Dollars & Sea Biscuits; harvest of Longspine Urchin prohibited
Urchins
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
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 12–13.
3 Bag limit of 2 live shells of any single species per harvester per day in Manatee County. Harvest prohibited in Lee County.
1
Nancy Sheridan
16
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
MARINE
TECHNICIAN TRAINING
Call 1.800.641.7740
UTI.edu/marine
ThinkOutLoudProductions.com
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FWC Increases Protection for Vulnerable
Coastal Sharks
By Melissa Recks
Sharks are a critical part of the marine environment, helping keep both
the ecosystem and fisheries in balance. Many shark species also rely on
Florida’s shallow coastal waters as nursery and feeding grounds. But several
species have suffered severe declines in recent decades.
In 2011, NOAA Fisheries determined the
northwest Atlantic stock of scalloped
hammerheads was overfished and undergoing
overfishing. Other species, including the
great and smooth hammerhead and the tiger
shark, have also suffered a greater than 50%
decline in population numbers.
Anglers are still allowed to catch and release
all species of sharks and to harvest hammerheads and tiger sharks from federal waters.
However, any tiger shark or great, scalloped
or smooth hammerhead harvested from federal waters must be brought directly back to
land, without stopping in state waters.
The fact that large pregnant females
predictably show up in Florida waters at
known times and locations, coupled with the
regular use of shallow nearshore waters by
juveniles make these sharks especially vulnerable when they are in state waters.
The FWC is also urging anglers to exercise
caution when handling and releasing sharks.
Shark fishing is becoming increasingly popular, making the survival of released sharks
even more important. The FWC strongly
encourages anglers to use non-stainless
steel, non-offset circle hooks when fishing
for sharks and urges anglers to cut the line or
leader as close to the hook as possible (leaving the hook in place) if the hook cannot be
easily removed without endangering the
angler or the shark. Both shore and vessel
based anglers who plan to release a large
shark are encouraged to keep the shark
in the water at all times and to release it
unharmed as quickly as possible.
In order to aid in the recovery of
these sharks and ensure they are
protected for future generations, the
FWC is prohibiting the harvest and
possession of tiger sharks and great,
smooth and scalloped hammerheads
caught in state waters beginning
January 1, 2012.
• 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
Catch More Fish!
Printed & Digital Fishing
Maps for Florida
www.fishinghotspots.com/fl
to order or find a retailer near you
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.
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Fishing Regulations_FL_Saltwater_4c_2.25x2.indd 1
17
4/29/11 10:50 AM
S a lt wat e r r e g u l at i o n s
Red Drum
Bag limit increase in Northern Florida
After 20 years of strict red drum management rules, recreational
anglers along Florida’s northern coast will soon reap the reward.
In November 2011, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission amended the rule for red drum by increasing the bag
limit in northern parts of Florida from Escambia through Pasco
Counties and Nassau through Flagler Counties, a move that will
increase fishing opportunities for recreational anglers in Florida.
Harvesters in the northern counties listed can harvest two red
drum per day starting February 1, 2012. Before the rule change,
recreational harvesters could only take one fish. In southern Florida
counties, the bag limit remains at one red drum.
are monitored regularly by scientists at the Commission’s Fish and
Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg. The red drum population in Florida has been increasing since the early 1990s, when
strict regulations were established in an
effort to reverse its declining population.
Fishermen in Florida can be proud of the
red drum fishery. The bag limit increase
will allow anglers to enjoy the fish that
was managed for 20 years to grow to
what it is today.
The bag limit was increased for the northern parts of Florida
because the red drum population in these areas is healthy and
thriving. As a popular species to catch and eat, the red drum stocks
Know your Florida Fish
Florida Fish: Drum
Species
Description
Most often bronze or reddish with white belly;
occasionally silvery all over
Red Drum
Sciaenops ocellatus
Identification
Narrow body
Generally one or more spots at base of tail,
but occasionally have none
May reach 60 lbs.
Blackish on sides with lighter belly
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Gulf Kingfish
Southern Kingfish
Menticirrhus americanus
18
Deep body
Pointed pectoral fins
Juveniles have vertical black bars on sides
No spots
May exceed 100 lbs.
Menticirrhus littoralis
Rounded pectoral fins
Silvery gray sides fading to whitish belly
Barbels
on chin
All fins are blackish
Edge of tail is black
One barbel on chin
Average 1–2 lbs.
*Note: both are commonly referred to as whiting
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Dark markings on sides
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
THE #1 SOURCE FOR TRUCK ACCESSORIES
www.RANCHHAND.com
S a lt wat e r r e g u l at i o n s
New Artificial Reef Locations*
COUNTY DEPLOY DATE
Dade
7/20/11
Dade
7/18/11
Dade
7/13/11
Dade
7/11/11
Dade
7/11/11
Duval
7/28/11
Flagler
7/21/11
Franklin
5/11/11
Franklin
5/11/11
Martin
5/11/11
Okaloosa
7/28/11
Okaloosa
7/28/11
Okaloosa
7/28/11
Okaloosa
7/28/11
Okaloosa
7/28/11
REEF NAME
Key Biscayne Connectivity Project Pile A
Key Biscayne Connectivity Project Pile B
Mercy Connectivity Project Pile B
Mercy Connectivity Project Pile A
Golden Beach Eternal Reefballs Site #12
Floyds Folly-2011
Grady Prather Reef
Robby Redding Memorial Reef-5
Robby Redding Memorial Reef-4
Lee Harris Reef South
Conch Reef Sw#4
Conch Reef Se#4
Conch Reef Sw#3
Conch Reef Se#3
Conch Reef Sw#2
MATERIAL
Rock Limestone Boulders (133 Tons)
Rock Limestone Boulders (132 Tons)
Rock Limestone Boulders (120 Tons)
Rock Limestone Boulders (120 Tons)
Modules Concrete Reefballs (6)
Concrete Culverts (200)
Concrete Bridge Materials (150)
Steel Sculpture
Concrete Culverts (15)
Concrete Culverts, Slabs and Cylinders (109)
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2)
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2)
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2)
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2)
Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2)
TONS
173.00
177.00
175.00
175.00
1.40
700.00
510.00
5.00
27.00
441.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
DEPTH RELIEF
25° 41.808' N 80° 05.275' W
60
9
25° 41.812' N 80° 05.255' W
64
5
25° 44.328' N 80° 12.599' W
12
6
25° 44.339' N 80° 12.610' W
12
6
25° 57.771' N 80° 05.874' W
43
4
30° 10.299' N 81° 09.050' W
75
10
29° 40.419' N 80° 58.330' W
68
7
29° 39.613' N 84° 30.016' W
50
10
29° 39.613' N 84° 30.000' W
50
4
27° 12.228' N 80° 06.146' W
60
13
30° 09.172' N 86° 22.396' W
117
8
30° 09.173' N 86° 21.966' W
117
8
30° 09.209' N 86° 22.325' W
117
8
30° 09.224' N 86° 22.011' W
117
8
30° 09.265' N 86° 22.287' W
117
8
* Chart represents a small sample of more than 2,000 artificial reef sites in Florida; for additional reef locations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing.
Do you have a photo of your prize catch
and want to show it off?
If so, the FWC invites you to participate in the Ethical Angler
Photo Recognition Program!
Send in your photo, along with a signed photo release form
to [email protected] and your photo may appear on
the next cover of the regulations! For additional information,
please visit www.MyFWC.com/Fishing.
Grand Slams and State Records
The Florida Saltwater Grand Slam program is managed by
the FWC in partnership with the International Game Fish
Association (IGFA). Grand Slams challenge anglers to catch
three specific fish species in a single day and were created to
increase the variety of species targeted by anglers. There are
currently four Grand Slam challenges: Panhandle, West Coast,
South Florida, and East Coast. Successful applicants receive
a certificate signed by both the President of the IGFA and the
Executive Director of the FWC to recognize their achievement.
Another challenge hosted by the FWC is the Florida State Records
program. There are currently 76 species eligible for state records
in both conventional tackle and fly fishing categories. Almaco jack
and vermilion snapper were both recently added to the list of
eligibility and several other species are now being considered.
In addition to the programs mentioned, there are several
exciting new programs currently being developed by the FWC.
The intention of the new programs is to cultivate a saltwater
fishing interest in new anglers as well as expand the activities
of those already “hooked” on fishing. Send us your feedback on
new grand slams and state records by taking a short survey on
our website. Your opinions could lead to the development of an
exciting new fishing challenge!
Take the survey at MyFWC.com/Surveys.
Grand slam certificates
West Coast Grand Slam
Daniel Atkinson
Kevin Muench
David Atkinson
Stanley McJunkin
East Coast Grand Slam
Kevin Muench
State Record
Rebecca Bursten caught a
2 lb. 2 oz. vermilion snapper
(Rhomboplites aurorubens)
on 7/2/11 near Panama City.
Regional grand slam fishes
North Florida
red drum, cobia, spotted seatrout
East Coast
red drum, tarpon, spotted seatrout
South Florida
bonefish, tarpon, permit
West Coast
red drum, snook, tarpon
For more information or to apply for a state record or grand slam,
contact the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management by
calling 850-487-0554, or visit our website at MyFWC.com.
Click on “Fishing.” Entries are free!
20
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Women's Fishing Clinics
By Jennifer Saranzak, Division of Marine Fisheries Management
Each year the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) holds several
Women’s Fishing Clinics (WFC) throughout the
state of Florida. These free, one-day clinics
provide women the opportunity to learn the
basics of fishing and fisheries conservation
information in a fun, relaxed environment.
These clinics strive toward many goals,
but one main goal of the program is to
educate women to become stewards for
Florida’s marine fisheries resources.
Local fishing guides volunteer to share
their knowledge and expertise about
fishing area waters and what tackle
to use to catch the fish found there.
FWC staff provide information and
demonstrations about catch and release
techniques, the importance of marine
habitats and other ways anglers can
conserve and protect marine resources.
All clinics are located at public facilities
with access to water via pier or dock. At
the close of each clinic, participants have
an opportunity to practice new skills,
including baiting their hook, de-hooking
fish and fish handling. The participants
leave with a workbook summarizing the
clinic, a deeper appreciation of the marine environment and a lifelong hobby
of angling.
The women’s fishing clinics are available
through funds from the Sport Fish Restoration Program. This federal program
utilizes excise taxes on fishing tackle and
small engine fuels for states to conduct
beneficial fisheries related programs. 
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
Gulf of Mexico Management Changes
include Harvest Closure for Gag and Increased Bag Limit for Red Grouper
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission approved new management
measures for gag and red grouper in Gulf of
Mexico state waters at the November 2011
FWC Commission meeting in Key Largo. The
new rules, which keep harvest of gag closed
into 2012 while increasing the number of red
grouper an angler can take, are consistent
with newly-approved regulations for Gulf
federal waters.
Gag season in Gulf of Mexico state waters
(excluding Monroe County) will be closed
through March 31, 2012. Gag is also closed
in Gulf federal waters (beyond nine miles
from shore) through at least June 2, 2012.
Federal fishery managers recently proposed
a July 1 through October 31 recreational
harvest season for gag in federal waters.
If this harvest season is approved by the
US Secretary of Commerce, the FWC will
consider approving a similar harvest season for Gulf gag in state waters sometime
in 2012. These season changes are intended
to help rebuild the Gulf gag population.
Gulf gag are overfished and undergoing overfishing, which means that the gag population
is low and harvest rates are too high.
Unlike gag, red grouper is not overfished or
undergoing overfishing. In fact, federal fishery managers increased the number of red
grouper fishermen can harvest. The recreational bag limit for red grouper in state and
federal waters of the Gulf (excluding Monroe
County state waters) increased from two to
four fish per person, per day at the end of
2011. Remember, anglers cannot take more
than four grouper in the Gulf, no matter the
species, a day. This can mean taking four red
grouper, or taking two black and two red or
some other combination of grouper that is
in season.
Be sure to visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater
for the latest updates on grouper regulations,
including the dates for the 2012 recreational
Gulf gag harvest season.
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.
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. 
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
Keith Mille, FWC
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
L AW EN F OR C E M ENT
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
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, hail on VHF Channel 16 or report
violations via text message. Most cell phones
allow users to send text messages directly to an
email address. You can text [email protected];
standard usage fees may apply.
■■ 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 request Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits:
800-367-4461
[email protected]
■■ To report fish and wildlife law violations, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline:
888-404-FWCC (3922)
■■ Red Tide Information Hotline
866-300-9399 toll free in Florida
727-552-2488 nationwide
■■ FWC Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute
727-896-8626
MyFWC.com/Research
■■ 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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Full-featured website
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View it online today at:
www.eRegulations.com/FL/fishing/saltwater
Ta x id e r my
SFM_HuntingFishingReg_2.25x3Ad.indd 1
10/5/10 9:37 PM
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
23
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.
Allowable Gear
Dip or landing net; dropnet; 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.
Blue Crab 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.
The
Closures Occurring
in Even Years (2012)
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.
The dates of
the closures are:
January 16–25
You can also email
[email protected]
with questions or comments
about volunteer cleanup events.
■■ 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 the Use of Traps
Used to Harvest Blue Crabs
■■ 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
August 20–29
2
August 10–19
3
1
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.2
■■ 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)).
1
A ll 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.
2
A ll other coastal waters from the
Georgia/Florida line south through Volusia
County.
3
ll waters of Brevard through Palm Beach
A
counties.
{ Hot } Sheet
Why wade through tons of information in search of your favorite
recreational fishing regulations, when we all know you’d rather
be wading through the water with your fishing gear.
both state and federal updates as well as upcoming workshops,
annual Commission meetings and FWC sponsored events such
as free fishing weekends - who doesn’t love those?
Thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s
“Hot Sheet,” current and upcoming seasonal recreational fishing
information is quick and easy to find. This short and helpful
information sheet will keep you up-to-date on openings, closings
and regulations from mackerel to mullet.
The “Hot Sheet” is released once a month and created by
staff at the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management.
Readers can find the “Hot Sheet” on the FWC website at
MyFWC.com/Fishing/saltwater/hot-topics or by visiting MyFWC.com,
navigating to the saltwater fishing page and clicking on “Hot Topics.”
Too busy fishing to keep track of the latest regulation changes? The
“Hot Sheet” will be your go-to guide for quick information on
Looking for information about past regulation changes? “Hot Sheet”
issues are archived online through January 2008.
24
January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission