FLORIDA FRESHWATER 2017–2018 FISHING REGULATIONS

See page 4

General Statewide Freshwater Fishing Regulations pages 12–14

Valid from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018

Search MyFWC on Social Media Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Please visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Freshwater for the most current regulations YOUR VACATION IN THE M ddleS ToAfR TES VHEeRrEywhere

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CONTENTS FLRules.org For the latest rules, always visit FLRules.org. FWC rules are in chapter 68.

Fish and Wildlife Alert Reward Program Report fishing, boating or hunting law violations by calling toll-free 1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC depending on service carrier; report viola- tions online at MyFWC.com/Law or text: [email protected].

FREE Florida Wildlife Magazine — Online

Courtesy of Take Me Fishing Articles and tips for anglers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. Visit FloridaWildlifeMagazine.com to subscribe to the new electronic publication. Commissioners’ Message...... 2 Taking Mussels & Clams...... 13

TrophyCatch...... 4 Special Regulations for Triploid Grass Carp, Alligator Gar, Florida Freshwater Introduction & FWC Offices...... 6 Atlantic, Gulf and Shortnose Sturgeon....13 Angler Newsletter Fishing License Requirements & Fees...... 8 Statewide Bag & Length Limits...... 14 Subscribe to FWC's free quarterly fishing newsletter at bit.ly/FFASubscribe. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (SFR).....9 Special Bag & Length Limits...... 14

Freshwater Fishing Tips Fish Identification Chart...... 16–17 from the Pros...... 10–11 Stop the Spread of Freshwater Fisheries Non-native Species Freshwater License Exemptions...... 12 ...... 18 Conservation Highlights It is illegal to release any non-native fish Methods of Taking Freshwater Fish...... 12 How to Measure Your Catch...... 18 or any other non-native organism into the waters of the state. To find out more visit Game & Nongame Freshwater Fish...... 12 Fish Management Area Regulations...... 21 MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats. Prohibited Gear for Taking Summer Fishing Camps for Youth...... 24 Marine Fish in Fresh Water...... 13 Frequently Answered Questions...... 27 Methods of Taking Bait...... 13 Fish Consumption Advisory...... 28 Release and Movement of Fish...... 13

Use of Fish for Bait...... 13

Buy your license online!

When you buy your You can obtain a license 24 hours a day at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and begin On the cover license online, it’s fast, fishing immediately! convenient and saves Rosemary J. White caught this trophy large- Licenses are also available toll-free at mouth bass in Moccasin Lake, Clearwater. time and travel. 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (1-888-347-4356). Reward yourself for releasing your trophy Download the FWC Fish-Hunt-FL Processing fees apply to telephone and bass at TrophyCatch.com! Internet sales. app for your iPhone or Android for Photo by Daryn Andrew White. instant access. COMMISSIONERS’ MESSAGE

Brian Yablonski Florida Fish and Wildlife Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL Conservation Commission Chairman

The familiar whizzz of the line when you cast, the plop of your bait into the water, and the sigh of relaxation as you breathe in the balmy air and let your worries drift away. This is how great About This Guide memories start—fishing Florida’s vibrant freshwaters. These experiences unite us under the common goal of conserving Florida’s fisheries so that we can all fish another day. After all, the ultimate goal is always to get out there again. This high-quality guide is offered to you by Freshwater fishing is convenient and makes for a fantastic family outing. It gives us a chance the Florida Fish and WIldlife Conservation to recharge from our busy days while feeling the quick bump of a bite and the rush of excite- Commission's Division of Freshwater ment that comes from reeling in that hard-fighting fish. Conserving Florida’s iconic fisheries for Fisheries Management through its unique future generations will be possible only through a personal commitment from each of us to do partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. our part. Your purchase of a fishing license is a simple way to support conservation. This 2017- 2018 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Summary was created as a resource so that you can easily The revenue generated through ad sales find the regulation information you need for fishing throughout Florida, plus fishing tips from significantly lowers production costs and pro anglers, suggestions from biologists on the best places to fish, and information on fishing generates savings. These savings translate camps and angler recognition programs. into additional funds for other important One of those angler recognition programs is TrophyCatch, which offers great incentives agency programs. for the catch, document, and release of largemouth bass weighing eight pounds or heavier, in If you have any feedback or are inter- Florida. You can register free for the program at www.TrophyCatch.com and will automatically ested in advertising, please contact us at be entered to win a random drawing for a new Phoenix bass boat powered by Mercury and 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com anchored by PowerPole. Unprecedented data collected from the more than 5,000 bass submit- ted to TrophyCatch has assisted the FWC in making informed decisions for the conservation of Florida’s natural resources and pursuing new research opportunities to ensure that Florida Graphic Design: remains the Fishing Capital of the World. Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, If you’re new to fishing Florida’s freshwaters—welcome! If you’ve fished here before, we hope Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski to see you out there one day. We invite each of you to explore and enjoy all that Florida’s fresh- J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the water habitats have to offer from the bright sun glimmering off your official Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations favorite lake, gliding your canoe or kayak down a crystal clear river, summary on post-consumer recycled paper. to feeling the tug of a trophy bass while fishing from the bank of your neighborhood pond. More information about freshwater fishing can be found at www.MyFWC.com/fishing/fresh- water and you can contact a biologist at one of our regional offices, listed on page 6. With more than three million acres of lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals, finding a great spot to fish in Florida isn’t far away. So, get out there and enjoy Florida’s excellent fishing! Place Cover, etc.

Freshwater Rule Changes

• Lake Jackson (Walton County): The length limit has been removed for crappie (speckled perch). This guide is also available online at For additional information: Check Special Regulations on page 14 and specific Fish Management Area rules on pages 21–26 for additional details.

2 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FISHING REGULATIONS GUIDE - GA TRIM: ...... 8˝ X 10-1/2˝ (AND VARIOUS OTHER STATES) BLEED: ...... 8-1/4˝ X 10-3/4˝

SAFETY: ...... 7˝ X 10˝ TRIM TRIM SAFETY TRIM BLEED BLEED SAFETY

BLEED BLEED TRIM TRIM

SAFETY SAFETY

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Client: Progressive Job No: 16D00890 Created by: Dalon Wolford Applications: InDesign CC, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator CC Job Description: Full Page, 4 Color Ad Document Name: Bass ad / Fishing Regulations Guide - GA and various other states Final Trim Size: 7-7/8˝ X 10-1/2˝ Final Bleed: 8-1/8˝ X 10-13/16˝ Safety: 7˝ X 10˝ Date Created: 11/7/16 ANGLER RECOGNITION PROGRAMS

TrophyCatch angler data has assisted with the FWC’s recent the top spot for the biggest bag weight so far Catching a trophy bass in Florida is a thrill not freshwater black bass regulation change and this season? Visit TrophyCatch.com to sign up easily forgotten. The great thing about fishing will continue to play a key role in manage- for program email updates and be sure to “Like” is that whether you’re an avid fisherman or ment decisions for Florida’s fresh waterbod- us on Facebook.com/TrophyCatchFlorida and just a novice angler, you have an equal chance ies. TrophyCatch citizen-scientist data also follow us at YouTube.com/TrophyCatchFlorida at reeling in the catch of a lifetime! When influences FWC research projects such as for the latest catches and information. you do, be sure that you catch, document, genetics studies on trophy bass, lake and river The TrophyCatch program would not be and release your largemouth bass and share studies to determine the ecological health of possible without you and TrophyCatch part- your data at TrophyCatch.com to receive great Florida’s fresh waterbodies, research on the ners! So, please keep the following partners in incentives from program partners like Bass waterbodies where the most trophy-sized bass mind when you need to refill your tackle box Pro Shops! The TrophyCatch program rewards are caught, and a research partnership with the or outfit your boat or vehicle: Bass Pro Shops, its citizen-scientist anglers for documenting University of Florida to determine the proper Mercury Marine, Phoenix Boats, Shimano, and releasing their way to hold a trophy-sized bass for minimal Rapala, SpiderWire, Bartow Ford, and others. Florida largemouth stress and improved recovery times, among Many thanks to you and to our TrophyCatch bass weighing eight other studies. Details can be found at bit.ly/ partners for the support and investment in the pounds or heavier. All TrophyResearch. TrophyCatch data enhances conservation of Florida’s trophy bass. that you need to par- the FWC’s understanding of bass population ticipate is your fish- dynamics, helps inform public policy and the ing gear, scale and a development of environmental regulations, camera to capture the as well as fosters the public will to protect, required weight photo enhance, and restore Florida’s freshwaters—so or video of the entire keep submitting those catches! fish (head to tail) on a scale with the weight Stay in the Know clearly legible. Want to know which lakes are hot or who holds Big Catch and TrophyCatch Research State Records TrophyCatch citizen-scientist anglers provide unprecedented and extremely valuable data Let the Big Catch angler recognition program about trophy-sized bass to the FWC. This help you celebrate memorable-sized catches of 33 freshwater species! Turn to pages 16–17 to view the Big Catch species and their quali- fying sizes, as well as state record catches. If you catch a possible state record, obtain an application at bit.ly/FL-RecordFish and call your nearest regional office (see page 6).

TrophyCatch Season 4 Champion Paul Desrosier with a replica mount of his 14 lbs 10 oz bass from Jessamine Lake in Pasco County. Registering at TrophyCatch.com automatically enters you in a FREE random drawing to win a Phoenix bass boat powered by Mercury and anchored by Power-Pole! Shown is Season 4 winner Andrew Bowen in his Phoenix 619 Pro.

Look for the FREE "TrophyCatch Florida app" in the App Store for Apple phones or the Play Store for Android devices.

4 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission JOB: 115747_SEBC_Ram_FiShing_8x10.5 SPECS: 4C – CmYK DATE: 05/04/2017 TRIM: 8 in x 10.5 in LIVE: 7.5 in x 10 in BLEED: 8.25 in x 10.75 in INTRODUCTION

This free booklet is your guide to Florida’s and living in a healthy environment to be taxes from the sale of outdoor recreation sup- freshwater fishing laws and regulations. The extremely important to Floridians and visi- plies enhancing and promoting the resource. Florida Wildlife Code is the final authority on tors and are also striving to make Florida the Fifteen percent of Florida's SFR funds went fishing laws (www.FLrules.org). The publisher undisputed “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” to boating access — building and repairing strives to ensure this information is accurate The FWC uses the best scientific manage- ramps and courtesy docks. The remainder went but assumes no liability for errors that may ment possible to help fulfill its mission of “Man- to fresh and saltwater fisheries conservation occur. In addition, rules can change between aging fish and wildlife resources for their long- projects such as habitat restoration, fish stock- publications. Contact the Florida Fish and term well-being and the benefit of people.” To ing, artificial reefs construction and youth fish- Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) if fund those efforts, the Legislature sets fishing ing clinics. you have questions not adequately covered in license fees and exemptions, as well as penal- The FWC encourages all anglers to buy a this booklet. This publication is valid from ties for violating fish and wildlife conservation license (GoOutdoorsFlorida.com). Even if you July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018. laws. State law guarantees money from the are legally exempt, you can contribute to the Florida remains the “Fishing Capital of the sale of fishing licenses goes to the FWC and future of our fisheries resources by buying a World,” due to great resources and responsible cannot be diverted. license and helping the FWC keep your fed- management. We consider the quality of life In 1950, Congressmen Dingell and Johnson, eral tax dollars in Florida to support sportfish that is associated with recreational activities at the request of anglers and the fishing indus- restoration. try, created the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Resto- Recreational fishing is an enjoyable, whole- ration (SFR) program, wherein fishing tackle some experience that reflects a happy and was assessed an excise fee and the monies healthy lifestyle. Moreover, it is the No. 1 gate- returned to the states for fish restoration way activity to get youth connected to nature projects. The “Wallop-Breaux” amend- in active outdoor recreation, which can reduce ment in 1984 added import duties on obesity, improve grades and, most of all, add sport fishing equipment, pleasure enjoyment to their lives. boats and yachts as well as taxes on The FWC is working hard to ensure safe and motorboat fuels. The result is one of sustainable recreational fishing for all of our the most successful “user-pays, public- citizens and guests and depends on your license benefits” programs in the world, with fees to make sure there are fish for tomorrow.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

620 South Meridian Street NORTHWEST Farris Bryant Building Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 850-488-4676 800-955-8771 TDD

Gil- Commissioners FWC regional offices christ Brian Yablonski Northwest Region NORTH CENTRAL Chairman, Tallahassee 3911 Highway 2321 Panama City, FL 32409-1658 Liesa Priddy NORTHEAST 850-265-3676 Vice Chairman, Immokalee North Central Region Ronald M. Bergeron 3377 East U.S. Highway 90 Ft. Lauderdale Lake City, FL 32055-8795 Richard Hanas 386-758-0525 Oviedo Northeast Region Bo Rivard 1239 Southwest 10th Street Panama City Ocala, FL 34471-0323 SOUTHWEST 352-732-1225 Charles "Chuck" W. Roberts III Tallahassee Southwest Region 3900 Drane Field Road Robert A. Spottswood Lakeland, FL 33811-1207 Key West 863-648-3200 Staff South Region SOUTH Nick Wiley 8535 Northlake Blvd. Executive Director West Palm Beach, FL 33412-3303 561-625-5122 Eric Sutton Assistant Executive Director

6 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission In Panama City, Florida, we fish year-round.

Home to the Florida Pro Redfish Series Emerald Coast Division, Panama City offers the ideal environment for anglers.

Whether you prefer inner coastal, deep water or shore fishing, you’ll find it here in Panama City, along with affordable hotels, 2 full-service marinas, some of the world’s best fishing charters, and waterfront dining. PANAMA CITY FLORIDA Learn more and register to win a free trip at Where Life Sets Sail DestinationPanamaCity.com. LICENSES

Fishing license requirements and fees License, permit, and issuance fees and exemptions are established by the Legislature. In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents currently charge a 50-cent issuance fee for selling licenses or permits. Licensing requirements follow the species of fish you are fishing for, regardless of where you are fishing. For example, anglers fishing for and possessing largemouth bass in brackish water need a freshwater license; anglers fishing for saltwater species in fresh water (e.g., spotted sea trout, red drum, snook, or American shad) need a saltwater license to possess these species. An exception is that when fishing in fresh water with a freshwater license (or legal exemption) you may take mullet without a saltwater license (seasons and sizes follow the saltwater fishing rules). See page 12 for fishing license exemptions, but remember, anyone can buy a license to contribute to conservation. Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses For purposes of fishing in Florida, a “resident” is defined as any person who has declared Florida as his or her only state of residence as evidenced by a valid Florida driver license or identification card with both a Florida address and a Florida residency verified by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV). If the person does not have a Florida driver license or identification card on record with HSMV, a Florida voter information card, declaration of domicile, or homestead exemption may be used as proof of Florida residency. Active military personnel stationed in Florida, including their spouses and dependent children residing in the household, are considered residents when purchasing fishing licenses. Freshwater Fishing (valid 12 months from specified start date) $17.00 Youth Freshwater Fishing (optional for children under the age of 16 and valid until 17th birthday—a fishing license is not required until age 16) $17.00

5-Year Freshwater Fishing BEST $79.00 BUY (valid 5 years from specified start date)

Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date) $32.50 Freshwater Fishing/Hunting Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date) $32.50 Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing/Hunting Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date) $48.00 Resident 64+ Silver Sportsman's License includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits $13.50 (valid 12 months from specified start date) Sportsman's License includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits $80.50 (valid 12 months from specified start date) Gold Sportsman's License includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits $100.00 (valid 12 months from specified start date) Youth Gold Sportsman’s License (optional for children under the age of 16 and valid until 17th birthday—a fishing license is not required until age 16—hunter safety certificate required— $100.00 includes same licenses and permits as Gold Sportsman’s License) Military Gold Sportsman's License (sold only at tax collector's office—includes same licenses and permits as Gold Sportsman’s License) $20.00 (valid 12 months from specified start date) 5-Year Gold Sportsman’s License (includes Freshwater Fishing, Hunting and Saltwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, $494.00 Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits)

Nonresident Freshwater Fishing Licenses Freshwater Fishing (valid 12 months from specified start date) $47.00 3-Day Freshwater Fishing (valid 3 consecutive days from specified start date) $17.00 7-Day Freshwater Fishing (valid 7 consecutive days from specified start date) $30.00

Lifetime Licenses (For Florida Residents Only) Lifetime licenses are available to Florida residents only. Funds generated from sales of these licenses are invested, creating an endowment to support long-term conservation of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. Costs of lifetime licenses are less than what would be spent on annual licenses, permits and fees, and are valid in Florida even if you move out of state. LIFETIME SPORTSMAN'S LICENSE (includes Hunting, Freshwater Fishing and Saltwater Fishing licenses; Deer, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Turkey, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits) 4 years or younger $401.50 5-12 years $701.50 13 years and older $1,001.50 LIFETIME FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE 4 years or younger $126.50 5-12 years $226.50 13 years or older $301.50

8 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration — A legacy of success

How often do you see has been the best thing for anglers since to saltwater fisheries. In freshwater, fishing reels were invented. the FWC uses this money to improve people or businesses fisheries habitat, stock fish, conduct Today, SFR uses a small excise tax on research and manage fish populations. wanting to be taxed fishing reels and other fishing tackle, as We also conduct aquatic education and happy about it? well as a motor boat fuel tax, to fund programs and provide valuable fishing sport fish restoration and boating access In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and conservation tips to anglers. signed the Federal Aid in Wildlife programs. It is working. There are now Restoration Act. This Act has been key at least 77 percent more anglers than to implementing the North American in 1950. Purchases of tax-related items Model of Wildlife Conservation (see by anglers have increased by nearly MyFWC.com). Between 1941 and 1950, 200 percent in dollars (adjusted for the sport-fishing businesses paid a federal consumer-price index) since 1955. excise tax that was deposited in the Anglers and fishing businesses want to general treasury of the United States but know the benefits they receive in return. did not directly benefit manufacturers To help answer this, Andrew Loftus or anglers. In 1950, sportsmen and Consulting and Southwick Associates businesses teamed with conservation- analyzed data on excise taxes invested, minded policy makers to redirect these fishing participation, and angler existing federal excise taxes to the purchases of excise-tax related products Restoration Program (aka: SFR, Dingell- for a 2011 report to the Association of Johnson or Wallop-Breaux). Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The report The concept was to restore sportfish found that excise-tax related return-on- populations and improve public access, investment ranged from 1,585 percent so more people can enjoy fishing and so in 1970 to 2,643 percent in 1980. fishing sales would increase. SFR came In Florida alone, SFR provided about as a result of anglers wanting to $11 million in 2014, of which 15 percent see more money directed toward restoring ($1.8 million) went to boating access. the nation’s recreational fisheries, and Freshwater fisheries conservation Your purchase of fishing equipment and motor ensuring better fishing opportunities for received $4.5 million (down from boat fuels supports Sport Fish Restoration and themselves and future generations. It $5 million in recent years). The rest went boating access facilities. FRESHWATER FISHING TIPS FROM THE PROS Tips from the Pros Tips for Fishing Florida’s Crowded Bass Waters Jesse Tacoronte, pro angler and Enigmafishing.com.

Earlier this year, I found myself fishing against can flip and punch their lures down into the over 100 of the best bass anglers in the world lair of the bass. Oftentimes, these areas attract in the Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake more than one boat at a time, and you can play Okeechobee. These guys are experts at find- off of other fishermen to help yourself catch fish. ing bass. They have the best equipment, the I like to fish the inside edges of grass with a fastest boats and—with $100,000 on the line jig or a flipping stick. I use a 7'11" HPT Series for the winner—plenty of motivation to win. Enigma rod for flipping, with 40-65 lb braided The lake was fishing small that week, which line and the fastest reel I can find. Because these meant fishing in crowded areas full of other bass aren’t migratory, if they move they move to anglers. That part of the equation, at least, was adjust to their surroundings. And that means if just another Florida day on the water. It’s no they aren’t on the inside edge, they’re on the out- secret that the Sunshine State, where I’ve lived side edge. Sometimes, I’ve found that the noise for two decades now, is home to an army of from another boat’s trolling motor will even anglers fishing the area’s blue water, estuaries push bass towards me. If flipping and punching and freshwater fisheries from the panhandle to isn’t working, you can switch to a lighter setup, Key West. Lakes and rivers are often crowded, something like a 7'3" Medium/Heavy Enigma but when it comes to bass fishing, there are Aaron’s Edge Rod with 12-15 lb fluorocarbon a few tricks you can use to catch fish in the and another fast reel. This will allow you to work middle of the pack. the edges of the grass with a finesse bait like a The first thing you have to remind yourself Tightlines UVenko or a trick worm. about Florida bass is that they are almost always Search for irregularities in the grass: stuff grass-related fish: they spend their lives in the like sharp edges and holes. Don’t overcompli- grass, and they aren’t migratory like saltwater cate it. And remember—if you find yourself in species. Because of this, anglers often congre- crowded waters, don’t be discouraged. Fish are gate in grassy areas like hydrilla flats, where they everywhere in this state.

Letting the Fish Tell You to Stop JT Kenney, Bassmaster winner and four-time FLW winner.

I've been fishing my whole life. I've seen a of them. What I mean by that is rarely are the lot of mistakes made on the water. The most fish scattered throughout an entire grass bed. common mistake I see anglers making is not Typically there will be two or three areas where stopping or slowing down once they get a bite. most of the fish are congregated. I like to use This is a must in Florida. The fish really school a spinnerbait or a lipless crankbait to cover up in our lush grass beds. And we have a lot water, zig-zagging back and forth across the grass bed until I get a bite. As you are fishing along and get that bite you need to stop right there. Chances are there are more fish there than just that one. Use your Power-Poles to stop you on that spot and fan cast all around. I'll continue to cast the spinnerbait or lipless crank until the fish stop biting it. Then I will pick up a stick worm, slow down and really work the area slowly through the grass. Sometimes you may over. Fan cast the have to move the boat a few yards one way or stick worm in the another to relocate the fish again. If you follow same way you did this simple tip, I know you will catch more fish the faster lures as you enjoy the wonderful fishing opportuni- but work it very ties Florida has to offer.

10 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Cool-Weather Fishing Gary Clouse, pro angler and owner of Phoenix Bass Boats.

I love to come to Lake Okeechobee in Decem- vegetation type bottom on your rod guides, I ber leaving the cold in Tennessee behind to usually move on. In the case of a cold front I catch those big Florida largemouth. The go to hyacinth mats. It can be slow going and December weather is usually stable and the you may not get a lot of bites, but can pay off fish are in a pre-spawn stage. I look for hard with bigger fish. bottom areas and flip or pitch soft plastic at Power-Poles are a huge advantage in Florida. round reeds. When I pull into an area I put my There is no question that they can help you rod in the water and check the bottom. If you catch more bass by being able to stop your feel solid sandy bottom, that’s good. You can boat and fish quietly and slowly. Find a hard usually actually feel and hear your rod tip in the bottom area, stick your Power-Poles, and flip sand. If it feels soft, with your rod tip sinking in your favorite soft plastic and good luck! several inches and you pull up a soft decaying

Locating Prespawn Largemouth Bass Tim Frederick, LakeBigBass.com and FLW Tour Professional.

From mid-November through February one of Try different retrieves until the fish let you the most effective methods to find prespawn know what they like. One of the most common TrophyCatch bass is a lipless crankbait. Focus mistakes new anglers make is using a fishing on areas close to spawning areas with changes rod that is too long and heavy an action. Ideally in depth along with some type of structure. you will want a rod in the 6'6" to 6'9" range with Types of structure to target include timber, a medium-fast action. hydrilla, eelgrass, shell beds and bridge pilings. The other bait I will have tied on this time Water temperature is a major factor this time of year is a Carolina Rig. Normally I will set of year. You should be looking for temperatures up my Carolina Rig with a ¾ ounce weight from 45-60 degrees. With colder water tem- and a trick worm or a Senko type bait. When peratures you will want a silent lure with a tight you slow down and drag the Carolina Rig it wobbling action. When the water temperature can catch you large numbers of bass and the reaches 55 degrees you will want to switch to a TrophyCatch you are looking for. All of these loud, rattling lipless crankbait. One of the most baits I am throwing on fluorocarbon line. I important techniques for this type of fishing is believe that fluorocarbon line is critical to a to reel your lure as slowly as possible. successful trip this time of year. These tips This time of year another effective lure is a will help you land your TrophyCatch across suspending jerk bait. The key to fishing a sus- the Sunshine State. pending jerk bait is the cadence of the retrieve.

Note: Neither the FWC nor the State of Florida endorse any individual company or product.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2017–2018 11 METHODS OF TAKING FISH

Game and nongame size not greater than 1 inch, a length not more spillway of the Jim Woodruff Dam on the freshwater fish than 20 feet and a depth not more than 4 feet; Apalachicola River or in Miami-Dade and minnow traps not more than 24 inches in County canals south of the C-4 and east of Game Fish: black bass, crappie, bluegill, redear length and 12 inches in diameter, with a fun- the L-31N and L-31W canals inclusively. sunfish, warmouth, redbreast sunfish, spotted nel entrance not more than 1 inch in spread. ■■ By the use of cast nets in the South and sunfish, flier, mud sunfish, longear sunfish, *NOTE: Statutory provisions (790.052(3), Northeast regions, in Citrus County, and in shadow bass, peacock bass, white bass, striped F.S.) made it lawful for persons to own, possess, the Southwest Region, except that posses- bass and sunshine bass. and lawfully use firearms and other weapons, sion or use of cast nets in waters adjoining ammunition, and supplies for lawful purposes Saddle Creek Fish Management Area, Polk Nongame Fish: all freshwater fish are defined including fishing, camping, or lawful hunt- County, confined by Morgan Combee Road, as nongame fish, except grass carp and fish ing or going to or returning from a fishing, U.S. Highway 92 and Fish Hatchery Road defined as freshwater game fish.Note: Alliga- camping, or lawful hunting expedition. Conse- are prohibited. tor gar require a scientific collector’s permit quently, although firearms may not be used to ■■ Using a bow and light at night. Night bow- to take. take fish, they can be in possession of someone fishing tournaments do not require a permit with legally taken fish. in the Northwest Region. Methods of taking freshwater fish ■■ By netting and impounding at night from Game fish may only be taken with pole-and- Nongame fish may be taken: Sept. 1 to May 1 in specified waters of line or rod-and-reel. There is no limit on the ■■ With pole-and-line, or rod-and-reel, and by Northwest Florida. Nets used to take non- number of rods an angler may use. bush hook, setline or trotline baited with game fish (typically suckers) in these speci- Freshwater fish may not be taken by use of cut bait or other substance; but not includ- fied waters must be less than 100 feet in any free-floating, unattached device, or by tak- ing live game fish or any part of any game length, have a minimum 3-inch stretched ing of fish or wildlife with firearms, explosives, fish; bush hooks, setlines or trotlines (lim- mesh and shall be continuously attended to electricity, spear gun, poison or other chemi- ited to 25 hooks total) are permitted for ensure immediate release of any trapped cals. The taking of fish by underwater swim- taking nongame fish for personal use, but game fish. Contact the Northwest Regional ming or diving is prohibited. It is unlawful to only in those areas where trotlines may be office for details (page 6). sell, offer for sale or transport out of the state lawfully used in accordance with the Wild- ■■ For personal use by any person possessing any freshwater game fish unless specifically life Code of the State of Florida. Refer to the a valid freshwater fishing license by the use permitted by the FWC, except that licensed “Commercial Freshwater Fisheries Rules and of not more than one slat basket or one wire anglers may transport two days’ bag limit of Regulations Summary.” Bush hooks, setlines trap, made as specified in Rule 68A-23.003, legally harvested game fish. and trotlines must be clearly and legibly FAC, and used only in those waters where It is illegal to possess any freshwater fish marked with the harvester’s name and use of wire traps or slat baskets is permitted along with gear that cannot legally be used address while being used or possessed in or for commercial purposes. Refer to the “Com- to take freshwater fish, including gear types upon the waters of the state. mercial Freshwater Fisheries Rules and listed above and below for taking nongame ■■ At night by bow and arrow, and gigs. Regulation Summary.” Passive fishing gear fish or bait. An exception is game fish may ■■ During daylight hours by manually operated such as slat baskets or wire baskets must be be possessed together with cast nets having spears, gigs, snatch hooks, crossbow or bow clearly and legibly marked with the har- a stretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch; and arrow from a boat or from shore except vester’s name and address while being used minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in diam- at the spillways of the Eureka and Rodman or possessed in or upon waters of the state. eter; minnow seines having a stretched mesh dams on the Oklawaha River or on the

License Exemptions: You do not need a freshwater fishing license if...

• You are a child under 16 years of age. • You freshwater fish in your county • You possess a Resident Freshwater of residence on your homestead or Commercial Fishing License. • You are a Florida resident 65 years of the homestead of your spouse or age or older and you possess proof of • You are freshwater fishing on minor child, or if you are a minor child age and residency, such as a Florida License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days: hunting or freshwater fishing on the driver’s license or ID, or an optional first weekend in April (April 7–8, 2018) homestead of your parent. no-cost Resident Senior Citizen and the second weekend in June Hunting and Fishing Certificate. • You are a Florida resident (June 9–10, 2018). certified as totally and • You are a resident who is fishing with permanently disabled and you possess A fish pond is a man-made pond live or natural bait, using poles or lines a Florida Resident Disabled Person constructed for the primary purpose that are not equipped with a fishing- Hunting and Fishing Certificate. of fishing, entirely within the property line-retrieval mechanism, and you are lines of the owner and with no surface fishing for noncommercial purposes in • You are a resident who is a member of water connection to public waters. your home county. However, you must the Armed Forces of the United States, have a valid fishing license to fish by you are not stationed in this state, and • You are fishing in a fish pond of 20 any method in a fish management you are home on leave for 30 days or acres or less that is located entirely area. This is often referred to as the less, upon submission of orders. within the private property of its owner. cane-pole exemption. • You have been accepted as a client • You are fishing in a fish pond of 20 • You are fishing in the St. Mary’s River for developmental disabilities services acres or more, whose owner has or Lake Seminole (but not including by the Agency for Persons with purchased a fish pond license at a fee tributary creeks in Florida) and have a Disabilities. The agency must furnish of $3 per surface acre. valid Georgia fishing license. proof to such clients.

12 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Prohibited gear for taking be taken for bait by the following methods, ■■ Taking of bait for the purpose of sale requires marine species in freshwater unless specifically prohibited: a commercial fishing license. ■■ Spearfishing: Use of any hand or mechani- ■■ Cast nets having a stretched mesh size not cally propelled, single or multi-pronged greater than 1 inch in fresh waters of the Use of fish for bait spear or lance, barbed or barbless, to harvest state, unless specifically prohibited. ■■ Black bass, peacock bass or any part thereof or attempt to harvest any marine species ■■ Minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in may not be used as bait. while diving in freshwater is prohibited. diameter. ■■ Live non-native fishes (including goldfish ■■ Spearfishing for mullet in fresh water is ■■ Minnow seines having a stretched mesh size and carp) may not be used as bait, except for prohibited; however, gigging from above not greater than 1 inch, a length not more than variable platys and fathead minnows. water is permitted. 20 feet, and a depth not more than 4 feet. ■■ Whole pickerel or panfish (e.g., bluegill, ■■ Minnow traps not more than 24 inches in redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted Methods of taking bait length and 12 inches in diameter, with a funnel sunfish, flier, warmouth) or parts thereof may Freshwater shrimp and golden shiners of any entrance not more than 1 inch in spread. be used as bait for sportfishing by the angler size, or other freshwater nongame fish, includ- ■■ Any game fish taken by these methods must who caught them. Whole pickerel or bream ing catfish, less than 8-inches total length may be released immediately. or parts thereof may not be used as bait for trotlines or bush hooks or any method other than by rod and reel or pole and line. ■■ Panfish less than 4 inches in total length Taking and possession of freshwater mussels raised by a licensed aquaculture facility may be purchased and used for bait. Certain families of freshwater mussels may be Sizes indicated are average collected for personal use. The bag limit for adult dimensions for Release/Movement of fish freshwater mussels from these families is 10 per identification purposes only. Possession and transport of nonnative fishes person (or 20 half shells). The possession limit is is prohibited. two days bag limit (see images to right and FAQ, Northern black bass (Micropterus salmoides page 27). salmoides) are on the conditional non-native Mussels shall be taken by hand-picking only. Use species list. Stocking of northern black bass of brailles, crowfoot bars, or other mechanical 3 inches 3½ inches south and east of the Suwannee River is prohib- methods is prohibited. Freshwater mussels, live Florida Paper ited. Pure Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides or dead, may not be taken for later sale. Shiny Spike Pondshell floridanus) may only be purchased from per- mitted hatcheries with pure Florida bass stocks authenticated by the FWC. (See MyFWC.com/ Other clams Fishing, select "Freshwater Fishing," then select Species of freshwater mussels from other families, such 1½ inches "Pond Management" and "Commercial Sources as the Asian clam, have no bag or possession limits. of Fish." For details see Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. at www.FLrules.org.)

Protected Sturgeons

The species of sturgeon found in Florida—Atlantic (Acipenser oxyrinchus), Gulf (A. o. desotoi), and shortnose sturgeons (Acipenser brevirostrum)—are protected both federally and in the state of Florida. No person shall take, possess or sell any sturgeon or parts thereof, or their nests or eggs, except as allowed by specific federal or state permit or authorization. People who inadvertently catch one must immediately release it alive back to the water.

It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar without a permit.

Triploid grass carp are used for Alligator gar are found only in the aquatic vegetation control and may not panhandle rivers and grow to more than be stocked or harvested without a 120 pounds. Their gator–like snout is permit. They grow to over 40 pounds. distinct. Due to their limited numbers, harvest is restricted to individuals with a valid scientific collector’s permit.

Bass • Crappie • Blue Gill • Stripe In Your Local Stores or Contact Us 800-762-4701; www.sliderfishing.com Grass carp illustration by Ted Walke; Alligator gar by Duane Raver, Jr. “Finessee Fishing Began Here” ***Free Catalog***

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2017–2018 13 BAG & LENGTH LIMITS

Statewide bag ■■ It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator Hammock creeks lying between Lake and length limits gar without a permit; these fish must be Talquin and State Road 267, those por- released immediately (see page 13). tions of Blount's, Freeman [Stoutamire], Special bag and length limits apply to some ■■ Anglers participating in TrophyCatch, who and Harvey and Polk creeks lying between lakes, rivers (this page) and Fish Management are in compliance with TrophyCatch rules Lake Talquin and State Road 20): Crappie Areas (pages 21–26). Other fishes considered and fish handling guidelines, may be in tem- less than 10 inches in total length must be to be nongame fishes have no bag or posses- porary possession of one bass 13 pounds or released immediately. sion limits, except as noted in individual Fish greater over the legal length limit and bag ■■ Silver Glen Springs in Lake and Marion Management Area regulations. limit while waiting for FWC staff certifica- counties and Salt Springs in Marion No person shall take in any one day more tion. The fish must then be live-released in County: Fishing is prohibited in and within than the following bag limits of freshwater the water body where it was caught. 50 yards of the springs. game fish: ■■ Keep game fish intact: black bass, striped ■■ Rainbow Springs, Marion County: Fishing ■■ 5 Black bass (including largemouth, Suwan- bass and white bass or their hybrids, peacock is prohibited from the headwaters of Rain- nee, spotted, Choctaw and shoal bass, indi- bass, or black crappie and panfish (for black bow Springs to a point one mile downstream vidually or in total), only one of which may be crappie and panfish, only in waters where on Rainbow River within Marion County. 16 inches or longer in total length. There is no minimum-length or slot-size limits for these ■■ Wildcat Lake, Marion County (Ocala minimum length limit for largemouth bass. fish apply) may not be filleted, nor their head National Forest): Black bass must be »» No person shall kill or possess any Suwan- or tail fin removed, until the angler has com- released immediately. nee, shoal, spotted, or Choctaw bass that pleted fishing for the day. ■■ St. Johns River Water Management Area is less than 12 inches in total length. (Farm 13, including the Stick Marsh), »» Chipola River: No person shall kill or Indian River and Brevard counties: Black possess any shoal bass in the section Special bag bass must be released immediately. between Peacock Bridge (Peacock Bridge and length limits ■■ S.N. Knight Tract, Indian River County Road; County Road 278, Jackson County) (locally known as Kenansville Lake): Black and Johnny Boy Landing (Johnny Boy See Fish Management Area regulations for bag bass must be released immediately. Landing Road, Calhoun County). and length limits for lakes in the Fish Manage- ■■ Lake Okeechobee: Crappie (speckled perch) ■■ 50 Panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish ment Area system (Pages 21–26). less than 10 inches in total length must be (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud ■■ Jim Woodruff Reservoir, Lake Seminole. released immediately. Lake Okeechobee, for sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish In the waters of and on the banks of the purposes of these rules, is defined as any (stumpknocker), warmouth and redbreast waters of Lake Seminole — bounded on point lakeward of a boundary line delineated sunfish, individually or in total. the west by Florida State Road No. 271, by the following points: ■■ 25 Crappie (speckled perch). on the south by the Jim Woodruff Dam, »» Intersection of St. Rd. 78 and U.S. 441 ■■ 20 Striped bass, white bass, and sunshine on the east by a line immediately east of »» U.S. 441 SE to St. Rd. 5 (“80”) bass (individually or in total), of which only the Chattahoochee Marina, also known »» St. Rd. 5 (“80”) to St. Rd. 25 (U.S. 27) 6 may be 24 inches or longer in total length. as the Booster Club, running northwest »» St. Rd. 25 (U.S. 27) to St. Rd. 78 »» In the Suwannee River, areas north and across the lake to the tip of land at the »» St. Rd. 78 to U.S. 441 west of the Suwannee River, and in any junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee Including: tributary, creek or stream of the Suwannee Rivers, west of Spring Creek; and on the »» Harney Pond Canal (C-41) north of St. River: the bag limit for striped bass is 3, north by the Herman Talmadge Bridge Rd. 78 to South Florida Water Mgmnt. each of which must be at least 18 inches across the Chattahoochee River: 10 black District (SFWMD) structure S-71 in total length (20 fish combined bag limit) bass, each must be 12 inches or greater in »» C-41-A Canal, southeast of S-84 (See map page 20). total length; 15 striped bass, white bass and »» Indian Prairie Canal (C-40) north of St. ■■ 2 Butterfly peacock bass, only one of which sunshine bass (individually or in total), of Rd. 78 to SFWMD structure S-72 may be 17 inches or longer in total length. which no more than two may be 22 inches »» All of Taylor Creek and Nubbin Slough ■■ 25 American eels, must be nine inches or or longer in total length; 30 crappie (speck- in Okeechobee County greater in total length. The recreational bag led perch); 50 panfish (does not include crap- »» C-38/Kissimmee River south of SFWMD limit for American eels is 25 per angler per pie); 15 pickerel (chain, grass and redfin). structure S-65E to St. Rd. 78 day. Wholesale/Retail purchase exemption. Possession limit is 50 fish total, regardless »» All of L-50 Canal in Glades County Recreational anglers purchasing American of species. »» Fisheating Creek to U. S. 27 eel as bait may possess more than the legal ■■ St. Marys River and its tributaries: 10 »» All of Sportsman’s Canal (LD-3) in Glades bag limit provided that the eels were pur- black bass, each must be 12 inches or greater County chased from a licensed dealer. in total length; two striped bass, sunshine ■■ Perdido River: 10 black bass; 15 striped bass or white bass, both of which must be bass, white bass and sunshine bass (only 5 Notes: at least 22 inches in total length; 30 crappie of which may be 22 inches or longer in total ■■ No person shall have in his possession more (speckled perch); 50 panfish (does not length); 30 crappie (speckled perch, all of than two days’ bag limit of freshwater game include crappie); 15 pickerel (chain, grass which must by 9 inches or longer); 50 panfish fish (see Rule 68A-23.005 for details). and redfin). (does not include crappie, possession limit ■■ Each angler is responsible for his or her own ■■ Lake Talquin, Leon and Gadsden counties is 50 fish total, regardless of species). bag limit. It is illegal to transport or possess (including that portion of the Ochlock- ■■ Lake Jackson (Walton County): 5 black more than two days’ bag limit of fish per onee River lying between Lake Talquin bass (all of which must be 12 inches or licensed angler without a commercial license. and the railroad trestle that is located greater in total length, only one of which Exceptions are fish legally acquired from immediately below U.S. Highway 90, that may be longer than 22 inches in total length); aquaculturists (fish farmers) for use in portion of the Little River lying between 15 striped bass, white bass and sunshine aquaria, for brood stock, pond stocking, or Lake Talquin and County Road 268, that bass (only 5 of which may be 22 inches or properly marked for the market. portion of the Rocky Comfort Creek lying longer in total length); 30 crappie (speckled ■■ No native freshwater fish or their eggs may between Lake Talquin and County Road perch); 50 panfish (does not include crappie, be taken or possessed except as permitted by 65-B, and that portion of Bear Creek lying possession limit is 50 fish total, regardless these rules nor shall anyone wantonly or will- between Lake Talquin and Bear Creek of species). fully waste the same. Road, those portions of Ocklawaha and 14 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission SAVE TODAY ADVENTURE TOMORROW

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Florida freshwater fishes are divided into game fish that have specific bag and length limits and may only be taken with pole-and-line or rod- and-reel, and nongame fish, which are all others. A license is required to take nongame fish, but additional gear types are allowed (see Page 12). Non-native fish are those that do not occur in Florida naturally; most should be harvested and never released. Exceptions are peacock bass, which is a game fish, and triploid grass carp, which are stocked for vegetation control (see Page 13). Where applicable, state record SR( ) weights and the Big Catch (BC) qualifying length or weight for adults are provided. See Page 4 or MyFWC.com/BigCatch for more details including youth qualifying sizes, slams, specialist, master, elite angler and the TrophyCatch citizen-science rewards program.

BLACK BASS

Largemouth bass: Spotted/Choctaw bass: Shoal bass: Suwannee Bass: SR 17.27 lbs; BC 24"/8.0 lbs SR 3.75 lbs; BC 16"/2.0 lbs SR 5.20 lbs; BC 16"/2.0 lbs SR 3.89 lbs; BC 14"/1.5 lbs

PANFISH Fish art by Duane and Diane Jr.; Raver, R. Peebles.

Black crappie: Bluegill: Redear sunfish: SR 3.83 lbs; BC 14"/2.0 lbs SR 2.95 lbs; BC 10"/1.0 lb SR 4.86 lbs; BC 11"/1.25 lbs GAME FISH GAME

Flier: Redbreast sunfish: Warmouth: Spotted sunfish: SR 1.35 lbs; BC 8"/0.5 lb SR 2.08 lbs; BC 9"/0.5 lb SR 2.44 lbs; BC 9"/0.5 lb SR 0.83 lbs; BC 7"/0.5 lb

TEMPERATE BASS CICHLID

Striped bass: White bass: Sunshine bass: Butterfly peacock bass: SR 42.25 lbs; BC 30"/12.0 lbs SR 4.69 lbs; BC 15"/2.5 lbs SR 16.31 lbs; BC 20"/5.0 lbs SR 9.08 lbs; BC 18"/4.0 lbs

CATFISH

Channel catfish: White catfish: Yellow bullhead: Brown bullhead: SR 44.50 lbs; BC 25"/12.0 lbs SR 18.88 lbs; BC 22"/5.0 lbs SR 5.05 lbs; BC 14"/1.5 lbs SR 7.02 lbs; BC 16"/2.0 lbs

BOWFIN, SHAD, PICKEREL & GAR

Longnose gar: NONGAME FISH NONGAME American shad: SR 41.00 lbs; BC 40"/15.0 lbs SR 5.19 lbs; BC 18"/3.0 lbs Bowfin: Chain pickerel: Florida/Spotted gar: SR 19.00 lbs; BC 28"/8.0 lbs SR 6.96 lbs; BC 22"/3.0 lbs SR 9.44 lbs; BC 28"/4.0 lbs

For details on state records and angler recognition programs visit: MyFWC.com/BigCatch

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The Division of Freshwater Fisheries Man- Regulations Summary on page 14 or visit www. Florida’s black bass species and our anglers. agement ensures the best freshwater fishing myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/ for The BBMP included management strategies for opportunities in Florida’s lakes and rivers an electronic copy. habitat, public access, new fishing opportuni- through stocking desirable sportfish, effec- ties, stocking, genetics, harvest management tively managing fishing effort and harvest, and outreach and education. The BBMP can be enhancing habitats and maintaining our 80 viewed at http://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/ fish management areas. Throughout the past black-bass/. year, FWC staff have forged new partnerships, The future of fishing relies on introducing engaged anglers and communities, completed people to the sport. You can help by taking many innovative aquatic habitat enhancement someone out fishing with you! Inviting someone projects, and stocked a total of five million fish you care about to explore, enjoy, and conserve into Florida’s freshwaters. your local resources will help ignite a love for The FWC operates two freshwater hatcher- the sport of fishing and an appreciation for its ies that produce seven freshwater fish species conservation. Check out fishing camps and clin- which are stocked into lakes, rivers, and ponds ics with the Florida Youth Conservation Center to provide anglers with more chances to create Network at www.fyccn.org/ and Becoming an great fishing memories. The Florida Bass Con- Outdoors Woman classes at www.myfwc.com/ servation Center at the Richloam Fish Hatchery education/outdoor-skills/outdoors-woman/. features a visitor center and observation area, The mission of FWC’s Division of Freshwater and produces the majority of freshwater fish Fisheries Management is “To manage, enhance that are stocked in public freshwaters through- and conserve Florida’s freshwater aquatic life for out peninsular Florida. The Blackwater Fish For largemouth bass only one may be 16 inches public benefit” and the staff in this Division are Hatchery is located in Santa Rosa County and or longer in total length per angler per day, with no continually striving to find new ways to make is primarily responsible for stocking waters in minimum length limit. that mission a reality. Please reach out to FWC the panhandle, and the production of striped staff that you may see while enjoying the out- bass and sunshine bass. New bass regulations and other innovative doors! We want to help make your fishing expe- One of the most innovative conservation programs resulted from the adoption of the riences as wonderful and memorable as possible. projects that is currently underway is the his- Black Bass Management Plan (BBMP), which Please visit the inside cover of this Regulations toric stocking of one million Florida largemouth included extensive stakeholder input and out- Summary to find a list of our regional offices bass into Lake Apopka—which was the first lined strategies for the long-term benefit of to plan a visit or contact your local FWC staff. experimental endeavor of its kind for the lake. Lake Apopka is Florida’s fourth largest lake and was once a renowned fishery. This unprec- edented two-year stocking effort required a How to measure your catch unique method of spawning bass that will pro- duce 1 million largemouth bass to be stocked into the lake in an effort to restore the fishery. Total Length is the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head The Division of Freshwater Fisheries Manage- with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail squeezed or ment also introduced a new set of black bass compressed. Girth is the circumference around the fattest part of the fish. For a regulations in July 2016 that simplifies state- bass weight calculator based on length and girth visit MyFWC.com/Bass-Formula. wide bass regulations and provides the greatest potential for high quality bass fishing and tro- phy bass abundance. The new black bass regula- Measure Girth around the fattest part of the fish tions allow the daily possession of only one bass over 16 inches and organizers of bass tourna- ments can apply for exemptions at www.myfwc. com/license/freshwater/bass-tournament/. The new black bass regulations can be found in this

Measure Total Length with mouth closed and tail squeezed together

18 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Top Spots to Fish for Popular Freshwater Species:

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STORE HOURS Mon-Tue: 8:00-5:00 Wed: 8:00-1:00 Thu-Sat: 8:00-5:00 Closed Sundays Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FISHING REGULATIONS

Striped bass map

In the Suwannee River, areas north and west of the Suwannee River, and in any tributary, creek or stream of the Suwannee River: the bag limit for striped bass is 3, each of which must be at least 18 inches in total length (20 fish combined bag limit).

Entanglement is a "REEL" issue

If you hook a bird, DON'T CUT THE LINE! Reel in slowly. Remove the hook. Release the bird. For more information on bird entanglement, visit www.MyFWC.com/unhook.

Help Protect Report fishing, boating or hunting law violations.

Call 888-404-FWCC (3922); on cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC; or at MyFWC.com/Law.

20 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FMA REGULATIONS

Regulations for Northwest Region ■■ Redear sunfish (shellcracker) bag limit: 10 Fish Management Areas (see map on Page 6 for regions) ■■ Redear sunfish less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately. 1. A fishing license is required for residents Juniper Bay Lake, Walton County: open to ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. from 16 to 64 years of age, and for nonresi- fishing. dents 16 or more years of age, to fish by any ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Hurricane Lake, Okaloosa County: open to method, including cane poles, on a Fish fishing. Management Area. Refer to Fishing License Lake Piney Z, Leon County: open to fishing. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Fees for exemptions (Pages 8 and 12). ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 2. The possession of fishing tackle is prohibited ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and on any Fish Management Area that is closed ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife fishing fingers. to fishing. with firearms or possession of alcoholic 3. Bag limits and methods of taking freshwater beverages are prohibited. Karick Lake, Okaloosa County: open to fishing. fish apply except as provided for a particular ■■ Watercraft shall be allowed only as autho- ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Fish Management Area. rized by the City of Tallahassee. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 4. The possession of nets (other than legal min- ■■ Access is prohibited from sunset until sunrise. ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and now seines, cast nets or dip nets), fish traps, ■■ Use or possession of cast nets or minnow fishing fingers. trotlines or setlines is prohibited unless seines is prohibited. specifically authorized by rules established ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and Lake Stone, Escambia County: open to fishing. for a particular Fish Management Area. fishing fingers. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. 5. Persons entering or leaving Fish Management ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Areas that have designated entry points shall Lake Victor, Holmes County: open to fishing. ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and enter or leave only at such designated points. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. fishing fingers. 6. Any vehicle, boat or other transportation ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 device may be searched while in, entering ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and Bear Lake, Santa Rosa County: open to fishing. or leaving a Fish Management Area. fishing fingers. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. 7. Fish Management Areas may be temporarily ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 closed to accommodate management proj- Merritt’s Mill Pond, Jackson County: open to ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and ects (e.g., drawdowns), or if unsafe condi- fishing. fishing fingers. tions exist, or as otherwise specified in a ■■ The taking of fish and wildlife with rifles is specific Fish Management Area rule. prohibited. 8. Intentional release of wildlife or freshwater fish ■■ Gigs are prohibited. on Fish Management Areas is prohibited. ■■ Trotlines may be used. (Continued on Page 22)

One Visit to West Volusia County AND YOU’LL BE HOOKED, TOO.

With an opportunity to catch a 10-pounder, surrounded by tranquility, wildlife, and pristine natural beauty on the legendary St. Johns River, you’ll want to enjoy way more than one day of it.

Conveniently located between Daytona Beach & Orlando.

VisitWestVolusia.com FMA REGULATIONS

(Continued from Page 21) Hanna Park ponds, Duval County: open to Openings may be changed at discretion of Post fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until Commander to accommodate military train- Joe Budd Pond, Gadsden County: Closed 30 minutes after sunset. ing. All anglers will be required to check into to fishing, except as authorized by permit ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. and out of area at a manned check station. for Commission-sanctioned events (see ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or ■■ Guns are prohibited for taking of fish or MyFWC.com/Fishing for details). Open to possession of alcoholic beverages, and use wildlife except during designated hunting fishing during daylight hours on Saturdays and of cast nets are prohibited. seasons for Camp Blanding Wildlife Man- Sundays during July, August and September or ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 agement Area. as specified by order of the Executive Director. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Boat launching permitted only at designated ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and areas. fishing fingers. Pope Duval East and West ponds, Duval ■■ Camping is prohibited. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before ■■ During periods closed to hunting, vehicles ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. may be operated only on roads to designated ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. access areas. ■■ Sunshine bass bag limit: 10 ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited. ■■ Black bass bag limit: 1 firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- ■■ All watercraft shall be operated at idle speed ■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total length ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. only. must be released immediately. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 North Central Region Alligator Lake, Columbia County: open to (see map on Page 6 for regions) Bethesda Pond, Duval County: open to fish- fishing. ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 ■■ Fishing is prohibited in Ponderosa Pond except St. Augustine Road ponds (North and South), minutes after sunset. for authorized groups permitted by FWC. Duval County: open to fishing from 30 minutes ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- Eagle Lake, Hamilton County: open to fish- ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 minutes after sunset. ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Huguenot Pond, Duval County: open to fish- firearms are prohibited. ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Baymeadows, Duval County: open to fishing minutes after sunset. from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 min- ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Ronnie Vanzant Park, Clay County: open to utes after sunset. ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- 30 minutes after sunset. ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Boats or any floating vessel apparatus are firearms, possession of alcoholic beverages ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 prohibited. or use of cast nets is prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ No swimming or camping. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ No person 16 years of age or older shall fish ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Crystal Springs Park, Duval County: open to unless accompanied by an angler less than fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 16 years of age. Oceanway Pond, Duval County: open to 30 minutes after sunset. ■■ Fishing permitted only with hook and line fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 ■■ No person between the ages of 16 years and or rod and reel. minutes after sunset. 64 years shall fish unless accompanied by an ■■ Nets are prohibited, except for dip nets. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. angler less than 16 years of age; by an angler ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with 65 years of age or older; by angler who has ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- been certified by the U.S. Veterans Adminis- ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. tration, U.S. Social Security Administration, Lake Lochloosa, Orange Lake, Alachua and ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 by any branch of the U.S. Armed Services, or Marion counties: open to fishing. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 by a licensed physician in this State to be ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. totally and permanently disabled and has ■■ Trotlines having a gallon-sized plastic float obtained a permanent license issued pursuant at each end may be used, provided that such to Section 379.352(5), F.S.; or by an angler with lines are sunk to the bottom or to a mini- proof of acceptance as a client for develop- mum depth of 4 feet. mental services by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Newnans Lake, Alachua County: open to fishing. ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Trotlines having a gallon-sized plastic float firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- at each end may be used, provided that such ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. lines are sunk to the bottom or to a mini- ■■ Boats are prohibited. mum depth of 4 feet. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Suwannee Lake, Suwannee County: open to Camp Blanding area, Clay County: Open fishing. to fishing. Magnolia and Lowry Lakes will ■■ No camping. be open to fishing on days and times deter- ■■ No motor vehicles on dam and fishing fingers. mined by Camp Blanding Post Commander. ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or pos- session of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. 22 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ■■ Access to the area from 30 minutes after Lakes Tohopekaliga (West Lake Tohopeka- Hal-Scott Lake, Orange County: open to sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise for liga), Cypress, Hatchineha, and Kissimmee, fishing. any use other than fishing and launching Osceola and Polk counties: open to fishing. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife and loading of boats is prohibited. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by castnets, dip beverages are prohibited. must be released immediately. nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks, ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. and traps as specified in Rules 68A-23.002, ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. 68A-23.003 and 68A-23.004, F.A.C. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Koon Lake, Lafayette County: open to fishing. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is Lake Panasoffkee, Sumter County: open to ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. prohibited. fishing. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Trotlines may be used. Bear Creek Park, Orange County: open to ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. fishing. Montgomery Lake, Columbia County: open ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife to fishing. Clermont Chain of Lakes, Lake County (Cook, with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Boats are restricted to idle speed—no wake. Winona, Palatlakaha, Crescent, Louisa, Min- beverages are prohibited. ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 nehaha, Hiawatha, Minneola, Wilson, Susan ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length and Cherry): open to fishing. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 must be released immediately. ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■ ■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 (Continued on Page 24) Lake Griffin, Lake County: open to fishing. Watertown Lake, Columbia County: open ■■ Trotlines are prohibited from 9 a.m. Friday to fishing. until one hour before sunset on Sunday. ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is ■■ Trotlines are also prohibited from 9 a.m. until prohibited. one hour before sunset Monday through ■■ Watercraft shall be operated only at idle Thursday from May 1 through Oct. 31. Floral City Bait & Tackle speed before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. daily. ■■ No trotline may be secured to or fished 7737 S. Old Floral City Rd ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 within 50 yards of a private pier or dock. floralcitybaitandtackle.com ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. 352.423.1507 must be released immediately. ■■ Black crappie less than 10 inches in total ■ LIVE BAIT ~ Minnows • Shiners • Worms • Crickets ■ Panfish bag limit: 20 length must be released immediately. TACKLE ~ Rods • Baits • Outdoor Supplies • Apparel ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Pellicer Pond, Flagler County: open to fishing. Lang Lake, Hamilton County: open to fish- ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 Need to Know minutes after sunset. Lake Dias, Volusia County: open to fishing. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. On the Go? ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Florida Fishing Regulations ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Fox Lake, Brevard County: open to fishing. are now available online through ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ No airboats for fishing or frogging. your mobile devices! must be released immediately. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is prohibited, except by written permission of South Lake, Brevard County: open to fishing. the landowner. ■■ No airboats for fishing or frogging. ■■ Trotlines may be used. Northeast Region ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. (see map on Page 6 for regions) Lake Ivanhoe, Orange County: open to fishing. East Lake Tohopekaliga, Osceola County: ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife open to fishing. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. beverages are prohibited. ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by castnets, dip ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks, ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 and traps as specified in Rules 68A-23.002, ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. 68A-23.003 and 68A-23.004, F.A.C. Lake Santiago in Demetree Park, Orange Lake Jackson, Osceola County: open to fishing. County: open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets, minnow lift nets and minnow ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife seines are prohibited. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. beverages are prohibited. ■■ Crappie less than 12 inches in total length ■■ Boats are prohibited. must be released immediately. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. Lake Marian, Osceola County: open to fishing. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. Powered by ■■ Minnow lift nets, fish traps and trotlines may be used. eRegulations.com Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FMA REGULATIONS

(Continued from Page 23) Lake Underhill, Orange County: open to ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Shadow Bay Park, Orange County: open to fishing. ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 fishing. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic must be released immediately. with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 beverages are prohibited. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Bluegill bag limit: 5 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Gadsden Park Pond, Hillsborough County: ■■ Bluegill less than 12 inches in total length ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. open to fishing. must be released immediately. ■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 1 Secret Lake, Seminole County: open to prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish less than 30 inches in total fishing. ■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife length must be released immediately. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms are prohibited. ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. beverages are prohibited. ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 Clear Lake, Orange County: open to fishing. ■■ Personal watercraft are prohibited. ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. must be released immediately. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 beverages are prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Lake Blue Cypress, Indian River County: Lake Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County: open to fishing. open to fishing. Lake Lawne, Orange County: open to fishing. ■■ Trotlines may be used. ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. a.m. Sunday through Thursday. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. beverages are prohibited. Southwest Region ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. (see map on Page 6 for regions) Lake Parker, Polk County: open to fishing. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Wire traps may be used for nongame fish. Lake Tarpon, Pinellas County: open to fishing. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. Starke Lake, Orange County: open to fishing. ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until ■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. 9 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Saddle Creek Park, Polk County: open to ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. fishing. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. Turkey Lake, Orange County: open to fishing. Lake Seminole, Pinellas County: open to fishing. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 with firearms or possession of alcoholic a.m. Lakes Hatchineha and Kissimmee, Polk beverages are prohibited. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. County: open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Bobby Hicks Park Pond, Hillsborough County: ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by castnets, dip ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 open to fishing. nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks, ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. ■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. and traps as specified in Rules 68A-23.002, ■■ Except for sanctioned events, gasoline ■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife 68A-23.003 and 68A-23.004, F.A.C. motors may not be used on boats. with firearms are prohibited.

Summer Fishing Camps for Youth Instructors help many youth catch their The FWC is combating the tendency for This unique program utilizes partners to first fish. today’s youth to disconnect from nature expand the reach and cost-effectiveness and the outdoors, through the Florida of the camps. Plans are to establish at Youth Conservation Centers Network least one Fish Camp in each county. (FYCCN). This initiative is providing There are currently about 20 camps; two “Fishing and Basic Boating Skills Camps” of the best established are the Ocala and (Fish Camps) throughout the state. Everglades camps. To locate a camp, or to help start a camp at a new location, email Fish Camps, for youth ages 9–15, [email protected]. combine teaching and practical application of angling and boating FWC staff developed and tested the Fish environmental awareness, fishing skills, skills. An instructor provides a fish Camp model using Federal Aid in Sport and long-term participation. identification and anatomy lesson, and Fish Restoration funds. Expanding the Fish Camps are fun and exciting for a law enforcement officer conducts a program relies on anglers, who voluntarily kids and what they learn will help them boating safety demonstration. The goal of donate when buying a fishing license. FWC to live happier and healthier lives and Fish Camp is to establish individuals as assists cooperators with startup costs for become advocates for sustaining our life-long anglers and stewards of aquatic new camps and trains non-FWC trainers environmental resources. and fisheries resources, so they can to ensure quality experiences. FWC staff benefit from a healthy, active connection also assists with evaluating camps to with nature. ensure positive impacts on campers’

24 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Manatee Lake, Manatee County: open to construction projects, road repair, unsafe Administration, by a branch of the U.S. fishing. access or special recreational events. Armed Services, or by a licensed Florida ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until ■■ Discharge of firearms is limited to the FWC physician to be totally and permanently 9 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. firing range or at FWC sponsored events. disabled and has obtained a permanent ■■ Outboard motors more than 20 h.p. may not ■■ All dogs must be leashed, except as autho- license issued pursuant to 373.561 (5) be used. rized by FWC. (b), F.S. or unless that person presents ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Unless otherwise specified, Tenoroc FMA proof of acceptance as a client for devel- harvest restrictions are: opmental disabilities services by the Edward Medard Park Reservoir, Hillsbor- »» Crappie bag limit: 10 Agency for Persons with Disabilities. ough County: open to fishing. »» Crappie less than 10 inches in total length One properly licensed person may fish ■■ No person shall use any gear other than hook must be released immediately. if accompanying or assisting a permit- and line or rod and reel to take and possess »» Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 ted individual as described above. game fish and nongame fish species. »» Channel catfish bag limit: 6 • Other than anglers described above, ■■ Persons possessing a valid freshwater com- »» Black bass must be released immediately. no one 16 years or older shall fish on mercial fishing license may use cast nets to »» Fish may not be filleted, nor their head or Pine or Derby lakes unless accompa- catch nongame fish other than channel catfish tail fins removed, until the angler has nied by a child under 16 years of age. from 12:01 AM Tuesday to 12:01 AM Friday. checked out at the area headquarters. • Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Days and hours of operation, park entrance »» Cast nets and minnow seines are • Anglers may keep no more than 5 blue- and other user fees shall be designated by prohibited. gill and redear sunfish 8 inches or lon- Hillsborough County and posted at the park »» No person shall have any gun under his/ ger in total length per day. main entrance. her control while under the influence of • Derby Lake: Daily bag limit for black alcohol or drugs. bass shall be five per day, only one of Webb Lake, Charlotte County: open to fish- »» Public access is prohibited in areas posted which may be 16 inches or greater in ing during posted hours. as “Restricted” for protection of threat- total length. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ened or endangered species, or environ- ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 mentally sensitive areas. »» Cemetery Lake: ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 »» Motor vehicles may be operated only on • Boats may not be used. ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches named roads, designated parking areas, • Panfish bag limit: 20 in total length must be released immediately. and fishing ramps as designated in the • Anglers may keep no more than 5 blue- ■■ Vehicles may be used only on designated roads. area use brochure. gill and redear sunfish 8 inches or lon- »» Vehicles may not obstruct designated ger in total length per day. Marl Pits 1 and 3, Charlotte County: open to roads, boat ramps, gates or fire lanes. fishing. »» Swimming and float tubes are prohibited. Lake Crago, Polk County: ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Regulations for Tenoroc lakes are as ■■ Largemouth bass, crappie and sunshine ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches follows: bass: statewide size and bag limits apply. in total length must be released immediately. »» Lakes A, Butterfly, C, F, Fish Hook, G, ■■ Wire traps may be used for nongame fish. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Half-Moon, Horseshoe, Hydrilla, Legs ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. Lost, Lake East, Lost Lake West, Tern, ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. Marl Pit 2, Charlotte County: open to fishing. 2, 3, and 4 (primitive launch only on But- ■■ Boats are restricted to idle speed—no wake. ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 10 terfly, F, Fish Hook, G, Half-Moon, Lost inches must be released immediately. Lake East, Lost Lake West, and Tern): Freedom Lake Park, Pinellas County: open ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish combined bag • Gasoline motors may not be used on to fishing. limit: 10 boats. ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 »» Lakes B and 5: Check online regulations ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Tenoroc Fish Management Area, Polk County: at bit.ly/FLFWRegs for possible changes. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Fishing, hunting or trapping is allowed only • Boats are restricted to idle speed—no with firearms or possession of alcoholic by FWC permit. All anglers and hunters wake. beverages are prohibited. must check in and out at the Tenoroc Fish • Black bass 15 inches in total length or Management Area headquarters and deposit longer must be released immediately. Dover District Park Lake, Hillsborough their valid fishing or hunting license with • Black bass bag limit: 2 County: open to fishing. the custodian unless otherwise instructed. ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. Permitted alligator hunt participants are »» Picnic Lake: Check online regulations at ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 exempt from the requirement to enter at bit.ly/FLFWRegs for possible changes. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 designated points. • Gasoline motors may not be used on ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas boats. with firearms or possession of alcoholic shall be as designated by the FWC and • Black bass bag limit: 2 beverages are prohibited. posted at area headquarters (currently Fri- • Black bass 15 inches in total length or day through Monday only). Quotas will be longer must be released immediately. (Continued on Page 26) established for each lake, and fishing is per- mitted in designated lakes only. Lakes may »» Pine (formerly East and West Pasture be closed to public access for management Lakes) and Derby Lakes: purposes or if access to the lake exposes the • Boats may not be used. public to danger, by posting notice at the • Closed to fishing unless authorized by Tenoroc check station office. Quotas for FWC permit for agency-sanctioned open lakes may be temporarily increased to events except for anglers who have been accommodate anglers during times when certified by the U.S. Veterans Admin- other lakes are closed due to management istration, U.S. Social Security PledgeToPitchIt.org

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2017–2018 25 FMA REGULATIONS

(Continued from Page 25) Mosaic Fish Management Area (formerly ■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas for Cargill Fort Meade Mine), Polk and Hardee freshwater fishing are posted at the Park main Steven J. Wortham Park Lake, Hillsborough counties: open to fishing. entrance. Fishing is permitted in designated County: open to fishing. ■■ Fishing is allowed only by daily permit lakes only. Any lake may be closed to public ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. issued by the FWC. access by Hardee County for management ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ All anglers must check in and out at the purposes, or in the event that access to the ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Mosaic creel station, the designated entry lake exposes the public to danger, by posting ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife point, unless otherwise instructed. notice at the Park main entrance. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas shall ■■ Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 beverages are prohibited. be as designated by the FWC and posted at ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 the Mosaic creel station (typically Mosaic is ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 Al Lopez Park Lake, Hillsborough County: open Friday through Monday). Fishing is ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length open to fishing. permitted in designated lakes only. All other must be released immediately. ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. lakes and restricted areas, so posted, are ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 closed to public fishing. Any lake may be ■■ Fish may not be filleted, nor their head or ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 temporarily closed to public access for man- tail fin removed, until the angler has left the ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with agement purposes, or in the event that access Park. Disposal of fish remains within Hardee firearms are prohibited. to the lake exposes the public to danger, by County Park is prohibited. posting notice at the creel station. ■■ Taking of fish and wildlife with guns is Largo Central Park Nature Preserve, Pinellas ■■ Unless otherwise specified, Mosaic FMA prohibited. County: check entrance for open or closed status. harvest restrictions are: ■■ Motor vehicles may be operated only on des- ■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. »» Black bass must be released immediately. ignated roads, parking areas, and boat ramps. ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with »» Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 ■■ Vehicles may not obstruct designated roads, firearms and possession of alcoholic bever- »» Crappie bag limit: 10 boat ramps and fire lanes. ages are prohibited. »» Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Swimming and float tubes are prohibited. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. must be released immediately. ■■ Watercraft are restricted to idle speed—no ■■ Crappie daily bag limit: 10 »» Channel catfish bag limit: 6 wake. ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length »» Fish may not be filleted, nor their heads must be released immediately. or tail fins removed, until the angler has South Region ■■ Panfish daily bag limit: 20 checked out at the Mosaic creel station. (see map on Page 6 for regions) ■■ Channel catfish daily bag limit: 6. Disposal of fish remains within Mosaic property is prohibited. Palm Lake, St. Lucie County: open to fishing. Walsingham Park Lake, Pinellas County: »» Taking of fish and wildlife with guns is ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. open to fishing. prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. »» Motor vehicles may be operated only on ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife designated roads, parking areas and boat Caloosa Park Lake, Palm Beach County: open with firearms or possession of alcoholic ramps. to fishing. beverages are prohibited. »» Vehicles may not obstruct designated ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. roads, boat ramps, gates or fire lanes. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Bluegill and redear aggregate bag limit: 20 »» Swimming and float tubes are prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 »» Rough fish may be removed from desig- ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length nated lakes by cast nets and minnow in total length must be released immediately. must be released immediately. seines by permission of the landowner. ■■ Sunshine bass bag limit: 4 »» Outboard motors more than 10 h.p. may Lake Okeeheelee, Palm Beach County: open ■■ Sunshine bass less than 10 inches in total not be used. to fishing. length must be released immediately. ■■ Regulations for individual Mosaic FMA ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 lakes are as follows: ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Middle Lake, Pasco County: open to fishing. »» Haul Road Pit: Check online regulations ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches ■■ Watercraft shall be operated at idle speed only. at bit.ly/FLFWRegs for possible changes. in total length must be released immediately. ■■ The following are prohibited within 150 feet • Black bass 15 inches in total length or of the boat launch site; swimming, taking longer must be released immediately. The northern-most Tropical Park Lake, of fish or wildlife with firearms, camping, • Black bass bag limit: 2 Miami-Dade County: open to fishing. or open fires. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Bluegill and redear aggregate bag limit: 20 »» Long Pond (LP2 West): ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches • No boats permitted. ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches in total length must be released immediately. in total length must be released immediately. ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 Hardee County Park, Hardee County: open ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length to fishing. Plantation Heritage Park Lake, Broward must be released immediately. ■■ All anglers shall enter at the Park main County: open to fishing. entrance, the designated entry point, unless ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Lake Istokpoga, Highlands County: open to otherwise instructed. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 fishing. ■■ Angling from a boat is allowed by entry pass ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. issued by Hardee County. in total length must be released immediately. ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by cast nets, dip ■■ Angling from shore does not require an nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks entry pass unless otherwise posted at the and wire traps. Refer to the Florida Com- Park main entrance. mercial Freshwater Fisheries brochure.

26 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission F.A.Q.

Frequently answered questions

Do I need a freshwater or saltwater with rules provided below. Freshwater turtles (20 individuals, 40 half-shells) of any mussels of fishing license or both? can only be taken by hand, dip net, minnow these families. Any deviation requires a permit In general, you need a freshwater license to take seine or baited hook. from the Executive Director, in accordance freshwater fish and a saltwater license to take Freshwater turtles taken from the wild may with 68A-9.002 FAC (see illustrations, page 13). saltwater fish, unless one of the exemptions not be sold, but freshwater turtles raised on ■■ Freshwater mussels from families other than specified on page 12 applies. If you are fishing turtle aquaculture facilities or purchased from the two mentioned above, such as Asian in fresh water where no saltwater species live, licensed vendors as captive bred stock can be clams, may be taken for bait or personal use. you need a freshwater license and, likewise, if sold. Snapping turtles, cooters and map turtles No recreational license is needed. you are fishing in the ocean or Gulf you need may not be taken from the wild because of ■■ Mussels may only be taken by “hand-pick- a saltwater license. However, when you get similarity to alligator snapping turtles, Suwan- ing.” Use of brailles, crowfoot bars, or other into estuarine areas where salt and fresh water nee cooters, and Barbour’s map turtles, respec- mechanical methods is prohibited. mix and fish of both types can be found, the tively. Additionally, alligator snapping turtles, issue becomes less clear. The interpretation Suwannee cooters and Barbour’s map turtles What regulations apply to of the rule is: may not be taken from the wild or possessed harvesting fish for home aquaria? You need either a freshwater, saltwater or without a Scientific Collecting Permit. Striped Rules and regulations for recreational take and combination license, or appropriate exemp- mud turtles from the Lower Keys may not be possession apply. You cannot be in possession, tion, to take fish (take is legally defined as tak- taken from the wild. nor may your aquarium contain more than ing, attempting to take, pursuing, molesting, The following species have a possession limit these limits. Legal methods of collecting and capturing or killing any fish, or their nests or of two: loggerhead musk turtles, box turtles, license requirements also apply. You need a eggs by any means whether or not such actions Escambia map turtles and Diamondback ter- freshwater fishing license to take (defined as result in obtaining possession of such fish or rapins. For all other freshwater turtles, take is “taking, attempting to take, pursuing, hunting, their nests or eggs). If you are using species- limited to one turtle per person per day from the molesting, capturing, or killing any freshwater specific gear, your license should be appropri- wild for noncommercial use. Freshwater turtles fish, their nests or eggs, by any means, whether ate (e.g., freshwater or saltwater) to the spe- only can be taken by hand, dip net, minnow or not such actions result in obtaining pos- cies you are targeting. Otherwise you need an seine or baited hook. Many freshwater turtle session of such freshwater fish or their nests appropriate type license to keep your catch and species may be taken year round, but softshell or eggs”). Avoid taking Florida’s endangered must immediately release any species for which turtles may not be taken from the wild from species. A list of them can be found at MyFWC. you are not licensed. License requirements May 1 to July 31. In addition, collecting and com/WildlifeHabitats. follow the species of fish, regardless of where possession of freshwater turtle eggs is prohib- they are caught. For example, if you only have ited without a permit. You may transport no How do I use total length and a freshwater license and are primarily fish- more than one turtle at a time, unless you have girth to estimate bass weight? ing for largemouth bass or bream (freshwater proof that all turtles were purchased legally When you don’t have a scale, you can use total species) in a river, but happen to catch a red (receipt indicating the purchase date; quan- length and girth to get a rough estimate of a drum (a saltwater species), you must immedi- tity and species of turtles acquired; and the bass’ weight. See the figure on page 18 for how ately release the red drum. An exception is you name and address of supplier), an importa- to measure total length and girth, then use the may take mullet from fresh water with only a tion permit from the FWC for turtles being following formula: Total Length (in inches) freshwater fishing license, even though they brought into Florida, or a valid Aquaculture squared, times girth (in inches) divided by 1200. are normally considered a saltwater species. Certificate of Registration from the Florida For example, a 22" long bass with a girth of 15" Department of Agriculture and Consumer would weigh about 6.1 pounds (22 x 22 x 15 / What regulations apply to frogs? Services (FDACS: FloridaAquaculture.com). 1200 = 6.1). See MyFWC.com/Bass-Formula Pine Barrens treefrogs, Gopher frogs, and Red-eared sliders may be harvested without a for an online calculator. Florida bog frogs may not be taken from the permit but not possessed alive without a con- wild. For all other frogs and toads, there are no ditional species permit. Those in possession of What is the economic value of seasons, bag or size limits and a recreational a valid Aquaculture Certificate of Registration freshwater fishing in Florida? license is not needed. To sell frogs or take and restricted species authorization from the Although the value of recreational fisheries frogs to sell, a commercial fish dealers license FDACS (FloridaAquaculture.com) may culture extends far beyond its economic impact, it is is required. Frogs may be taken in accordance and sell red-eared sliders, but only to out-of- important to note that Florida’s famed fisher- with 68A-26.002, Florida Administrative Code state recipients or Floridians who have a valid ies continue to be a major job creator and to (FAC), including use of gigs—provided gigs are conditional species permit. However, certified attract millions of tourists. not specifically prohibited in the area. Florida turtle farmers that buy red-eared sliders for Southwick Associates published “Sportfish- Bog frogs may not be possessed without a Sci- direct retail sale must have a conditional species ing in America: An Economic Force for Con- entific Collecting Permit. permit. The application for a conditional spe- servation, 2013” for the American Sportfish- cies permit is at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Rules ing Association. This report documents that What regulations apply to subject to change; see FLrules.org for the latest. Florida ranked No. 1 with 3.1 million anglers. freshwater crayfish? Florida’s role as the fishing destination for trav- There are no seasons, gear, bag or size limits for What regulations apply to clams, elers was reaffirmed, with 2 million nonresi- freshwater crayfish, and neither a recreational mussels and other mollusks? dent anglers visiting the state. The ripple effect nor commercial license is needed. It is illegal Regulations governing taking and possession of of these dollars was an $8.7 billion economic to take Florida’s state-listed crayfish (Panama freshwater mussels are covered by 68A-23.015 impact from Florida’s recreational fisheries City, Sims Sink and Black Creek crayfishes) FAC. In summary, “Taking” live or dead fresh- that supported 80,211 jobs. and all cave-inhabiting crayfish. water mussels for the purpose of sale, as well as Specific to freshwater in 2011, Florida had “selling,” is prohibited. Bag Limit: No person 1.2 million anglers. They enjoyed 25.7 million What regulations apply to shall take more than 10 freshwater mussels, days fishing, spending almost a billion dollars freshwater turtles? or 20 half-shells of the families Unionidae and and generating an economic impact of $1.7 bil- Licenses and permits are not required to take a Margaritiferidae per day. Additionally, no per- lion, which supported more than 14,000 jobs. recreational bag limit of turtles in accordance son may possess more than two days’ bag limit

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2017–2018 27 ADVISORIES

Florida’s freshwater fish—fun to catch, good to eat & healthy too!

Why eat fish? Eating fish may help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Fish high in omega 3 fatty acids—a type of fatty acid that supports fetal, infant and child brain and eye development—are good for mothers and children. How much should I eat? Adults should eat about 8 ounces of fish each week, and women who are pregnant, or breastfeeding, should eat 8 to 12 ounces (cooked weight) of fish per week. Eating a variety of fish has the most benefit. What about mercury exposure? For most people, the risk of eating mercury-exposed fish is not a health concern, but developing fetuses and young children are more sensitive to the effects mercury has on the brain. Women of childbearing age and young children should eat fish with low mercury levels. Mercury can’t be cut away, cleaned or cooked out of fish.

Basic Guidelines for Eating Freshwater Fish The following Basic Eating Guidelines provide general advice to anglers from all untested fresh waters in the state. For more detailed guidance for all untested fresh waters, consult the Florida Department of Health publication Basic Guidelines for Eating Freshwater Fish (bit.ly/FreshwaterAdvice) or call 850-245-4250. WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE & YOUNG CHILDREN

Eat 1 meal per week of these fish with very low mercury: Bluegill Redear sunfish Brown bullhead

• Black crappie • White catfish • Spotted sunfish • Mayan cichlid • Channel catfish • Redbreast sunfish • Warmouth • Chain pickerel

Black bass including largemouth bass: Bass smaller than 16 inches. Eat 1 meal per month of these fish with low mercury: If in one month you eat a meal of the fish listed above: Don’t eat anymore fish listed as eat 1 meal per month. Instead eat only other high omega-3, low-mercury fish for the remainder of the month, try: Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and striped mullet. Do NOT eat: Black bass including largemouth bass larger than 16 inches. Avoid eating bowfin and gar.

The recommendations above are for general statewide use. For specific information on tested waters follow advice at bit.ly/EatingFishFlorida.

WOMEN NOT PLANNING TO BE PREGNANT & MEN

Eat 2 meals per week of these fish with very low mercury:

Bluegill Redear sunfish Brown bullhead Redbreast sunfish

• Black crappie • White catfish • Warmouth • Chain pickerel Eat 1 meal per week of these fish with low mercury: • Channel catfish • Spotted sunfish • Mayan cichlid Black bass including largemouth bass: Bass smaller than 16 inches. Black bass including largemouth bass: Bass larger than 16 inches. Eat 1 meal per month of these fish with moderate mercury: If in one month you eat a meal of the fish listed above: Don’t eat any more fish listed as eat 1 meal per month. Instead eat only other high omega-3, low-mercury fish for the remainder of the month, try: Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, mullet and other wild-caught, oily fish.

The recommendations above are for general statewide use. For specific information on tested waters follow advice at bit.ly/EatingFishFlorida.

28 2017–2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FIS W ERE T E PROS FIS

As a professional bass fisherman, there is no“ better place to live and practice than in Lake County, Florida.

—TIM FREDERICK, ” FLW Tour Angler

Lake Eustis Lake Harris Lake Griffin TOP MUST-FISH LOCATIONS IN Johns Lake LAKE COUNTY Lake Dora St. Johns River www.LakeBigBass.com/Freshwater Client: Allstate Bleed: 9.25” W x 11.875” H Region: US Campaign: 2017 PWS Print Revision & Fulfi llment Trim: 7.625” W x 10.5” H Language: English Agency Job #: B1241-011224-00 Live: 6.75” W x 9.25” H Notes: None AD #/AD ID: AHPS0238000 Date Modifi ed: Keyline Scale: 1”=1” CR: Output at: AD Round: Page:

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