General Statewide Freshwater Fishing Regulations Pages 12–14
Total Page:16
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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 Angling for a Field and Stream dream vacation the whole family can enjoy? Chart a course for Central Florida’s Polk County. Famed as the Largemouth Bass Capital of the World, this year-round paradise boasts 554 lunker-loaded lakes, a boatload of outdoor opportunities and easy access to world-famous attractions like LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Reel in your itinerary today at VisitCentralFlorida.com CHoose in 800-828-7655 twitter.com/VisitCentralFL EVery†hing facebook.com/VisitCentralFlorida FISHING REGULATIONS MyFWC.com Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing for up-to-date information on fishing, boating and how to help ensure safe, sustainable fisheries for the future. 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 SAFETY SAFETY TRIM TRIM BLEED BLEED TRIM TRIM TRIM BLEED BLEED SAFETY SAFETY 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.