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SALTWATER RECREATIONAL 2021 REGULATIONS

 Lionfish  Tarpon  New Snook, Red Drum, Page 4 Handling Tips and Seatrout Short-Term Page 6 Management Page 20-21 Page 9

Applies to Florida State Waters of the Gulf and Atlantic | Issued: June 2021

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feature! Please visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater/Recreational for the most regulations Always be permitsready for to a renew day on with the water — setFWC’s your Auto-Renewlicenses and Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on boat insurance. Simply visit geico.com/boat to get started.

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO. 21_660726485 FISHING REGULATIONS Contact us Go to MyFWC.com for up-to-date infor- mation on recreational saltwater fishing regulations, news and events as well as resources, publications and videos. Visit the FWC’s and Wildlife Research Institute online at CONTENTS MyFWC.com/Research For federal fishing regulations, please contact: ■ Gulf of Mexico Management Council 888-833-1844 www.gulfcouncil.org ■ South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 866-SAFMC-10 www.safmc.net ■ National Marine Service (NOAA Fisheries) 727-824-5301 www.nmfs.noaa.gov For additional information please contact: Florida Fish and Wildlife Alton Azcona, Jayden Azcona and Aiden Paul Florin with a barracuda. Conservation Commission MyFWC.com Division of Marine 1875 Orange Ave. East Tallahassee, Florida 32311 2021 FWC Commission Sport Fish Restoration...... 15 850-487-0554 Meeting Dates and Locations...... 2 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis- Florida Friendly Fishing Guide...... 16 sion does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, Commissioner’s Message ...... 3 color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability. If Recreational Gear & Spearing...... 18-19 you believe you have been discriminated against in any Lionfish...... 4 program, activity or facility of this agency which receives Angler Recognition Programs...... 20-21 Federal financial assistance, you should contact/write to: Tarpon Handling Tips...... 6 Licenses and Permits...... 22 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Office of Human Resources, 620 South Meridian Street, Hooked a Bird? Don't Cut the Line!...... 8 FWC Offices...... 24 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600; Telephone 850-488-6411 Know Your Management Zones...... 8 or contact/write to: Civil Rights Accessibility Coordinator FWC Division of Law Enforcement...... 24 for Public Access, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife New Snook, Red Drum and and Sport Fish Restoration Program, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041; Telephone 703-358-2349 Seatrout Short-Term Management...... 9 or 703-358-2131. Basic Regulations: Wildlife alert Fish and Pelagics...... 10-11 reward program Coastal and Report fish and wildlife law violations Unregulated Species...... 12 by calling toll-free 1-888-404-FWCC and Mollusks...... 13 (3922); on cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC depending on service carrier; or and Prohibited Species...... 13 click MyFWC.com/Contact. Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on boat insurance. Marine Life Regulations...... 14 Simply visit geico.com/boat to get started. Fish Handling...... 15 On the cover Art by Divya Patel won third place in the Kindergarten through 3rd grade catego- ry of the 2021 Wildlife Forever Fish Art™ Buy your license online! Contest. Thanks to our sponsors Bass Pro Shops, the USDA Forest Service and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. You can obtain a license 24 hours a day geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office When you buy your Learn more at http://www.fishart.org. at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or through license online, it’s fast, the Fish|Hunt Florida mobile app, and Have a picture for the cover? convenient and saves begin fishing immediately! Please send your photographs to: Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered [email protected]. service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO. 21_660726485 time and travel. Licenses are also available toll-free at 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (1-888-347-4356). Processing fees apply to telephone and Internet sales. GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction Thank you for contributing Through this federal “user-pay, public-benefit” This publication is provided as a guide to Flor- to conservation system of conservation, millions of dollars in ida fishing laws and regulations. The Florida Your purchases of fishing equipment, motor- funding each year go toward fisheries research, Administrative Code is the final authority on boat fuel and fishing licenses help improve habitat management, stock enhancement, arti- fishing laws. The Florida Fish and Wildlife fishing and boating opportunities in Florida ficial reefs, boating access improvements, Conservation Commission (FWC) strives to through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restora- angler outreach and aquatic education. To ensure information in this booklet is accurate, tion program (SFR). SFR is a successful cycle learn more about how everyone benefits from but assumes no liability for any errors that of federal funding that includes anglers, the enhanced fishing opportunities provided occur in this publication. Contact the FWC if fishing and boating industry, and conservation through the program, visit MyFWC.com/SFR. you have any questions on issues not covered agencies with the goal to restore and better in this booklet. A continuously updated elec- manage America’s recreational fisheries. Fund- 2021 Commission meeting tronic version of this publication is available ing is derived through an excise tax on fishing dates and locations at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on "Salt- gear and motorboat fuel, paid by anglers Subject to change due to availability of appro- water" and "Recreational Regulations." through fishing and boating manufacturers. priate facilities to hold the meeting.

About licenses and permits ■ August 4-5 The money collected from saltwater fishing ■ October 6-7 licenses and permits is used to improve and ■ December 15-16 restore fish habitat and for marine fisheries research, law enforcement and public educa- *Dates subject to change tion on marine resources. Recreational licenses and permits, including reprints, are available For more information about Commission at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, Fish|Hunt Fl app, meeting dates, times, locations and agendas, tax collectors’ offices, license agents, or by call- visit MyFWC.com and click on “About Us" and ing toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). "Commission Meetings” on the top of the page. Handling fees apply to telephone and internet sales. See more information on page 22.

Make reel memories. Stuart, located in Martin County, is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is home to 100 systems and over 800 species of fish. Its climate, waterways, natural environment and opportunity for diverse catches make it a mecca for fishermen and nautical explorers year-round. An array of unique shops, fine restaurants, great golf courses and quiet beaches make a day ashore fun, too. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories. Plan your trip at myfloridafishingtrip.com

2 COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE

Message from the FWC by Chairman Rodney Barreto

As more and more Floridians venture outside to enjoy the Boating and Fishing Capital of the World, I realize just how lucky we are to live in a state that affords us the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors most months of the year. As the recently elected Chairman of the Commission that oversees the waterways and protects fishing resources for this generation and the next, I am proud to lead the charge toward providing access and opportunities for all. The summer and fall are some of the most exciting months of the year to be on the water. As seasons for bay scallops, red snapper, and spiny open to harvest, anglers can try Drew Rohan added this red snapper caught off Jacksonville to his Catch a Florida Memory Saltwater Life List. their hand at an abundance of saltwater fishing opportunities from inshore fishing for species Trying to figure out where to go? Check out As always, we welcome your feedback on like spotted seatrout and to offshore our new Where to Fish page at MyFWC.com/ ways to improve our process. Please let us fishing for species like amberjack and . Marine. Or use our website to search for an hear from you. Take advantage of our Com- Looking for inspiration? Visit CatchaFlori- artificial reef, wildlife management area, boat mission meeting public daMemory.com, where anglers can get recog- ramp, or fishing pier near you. comment section and par- nized and rewarded for their fishing efforts. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also send out a thank ticipate in our stakeholder We also offer tons of resources on MyFWC. you to FWC’s Law Enforcement officers and workshops on key issues. com/Marine including information on current our dedicated biologists who work to protect For more information, regulations, how to fish, saltwater fishing tips, Florida’s natural resources and to serve the please go to MyFWC.com/ where to fish, ethical techniques, boat- people of Florida. SaltwaterComments. ing etiquette and more.

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Lionfish are an invasive species introduced Tournament Assistance Program to Florida in the 1980s. Since their introduc- Since localized removal efforts, such as tour- tion, lionfish populations have quickly spread naments, have been shown to be effective throughout the western Atlantic, the Carib- in reducing lionfish populations, the FWC bean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish can created a Tournament Assistance Program, reproduce quickly, have no natural predators, which provides funding to encourage lionfish and feed on a wide variety of native species. harvesting through organized tournaments. Because of this, lionfish have the potential to negatively impact our native ecosystems. Lionfish Challenge The FWC Lionfish Control Team is dedicated The Lionfish Challenge is a summer-long tourna- to controlling lionfish populations and has many ment that rewards divers for their lionfish har- different incentive programs to encourage the vests. The tournament is open to everyone and Classroom Invasion harvesting of lionfish and to educate the public is completely free to enter. Divers receive prizes Teachers and students can prepare for an on the impact of invasive lionfish. Whether you’re as they make their way up through the tiers and invasion of information about lionfish. The a diver or not, you can help us in our mission to compete for the title of the Lionfish King/Queen FWC has a library full of educational materials control lionfish populations in Florida! or Commercial Champion. This year’s Challenge online for teachers and educators to conduct runs from May 21 to Sept. 6 (Labor Day). lessons on lionfish and their invasion in Florida Lionfish Harvest Programs waters. In addition, the Lionfish Control Team The Lionfish Harvest Programs are open to Lionfish Educational Exhibit Program staff visit classrooms and conduct lionfish dis- both commercial and recreational divers and In an effort to provide consistent and accurate sections as part of their Classroom Invasion involve direct monetary reimbursements for information about the lionfish invasion, FWC program. lionfish harvest. The Recreational Lionfish -Har created the lionfish Educational Exhibit Program, vest Program aims to encourage recreational also known as LEEP. Facilities who are commit- More Information divers to harvest lionfish in an effort to increase ted to encouraging public awareness of coastal For more information about FWC’s lionfish the number removed from Florida waters. The issues in Florida can apply for the Lionfish Educa- programs, visit MyFWC.com/Lionfish or Commercial Lionfish Harvest Program works tional Exhibit Program to receive funds to create FWCReefRangers.com. in a similar manner, providing incentive for a lionfish exhibit or upgrade an existing one. You can also keep up with the Lionfish Control commercial divers to harvest lionfish and sell FWC provides graphics and educational infor- Team on their Facebook page, Facebook.com/ their fish to licensed wholesale dealers. mation to be displayed along with the exhibit. FWCReefRangers.

Photo courtesy of David Connerth — 2020 Lionfish Challenge Participant

Lionfish exhibit at the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab

4 June 2021 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

TARPON HANDLING TIPS Practice Proper Fish Handling to Help Released Tarpon Survive

Tarpon are an iconic saltwater ■ Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the Other tips fish and are more likely to water (unless in pursuit of a state or world ■ Keep fingers out of and gills. record using a tarpon tag). ■ Do not drag tarpon over the gunnel of a boat, survive and evade predators ■ Keep the head and gills of tarpon submerged or over rocks or a pier. when handled properly. Follow in as much water as safely possible. ■ Do not fish for tarpon when large predatory these guidelines to ensure ■ Tarpon smaller than 40 inches should be sharks are in the area. If sharks show up, supported horizontally when removed from move to another fishing location. tarpon remains the strong and the water. ■ The fish is not needed to make a taxidermy viable fishery it is today. ■ Do not tow a tarpon unless it is necessary mount; measurements and photos will suffice. to revive it. If you must tow, go as slow as possible while moving water over the gills. Do not target from bridges or piers ■ Releasing tarpon from bridges or piers requires Use proper tackle specialized lifting gear or cutting the line ■ Use non-stainless, non-offset, barbless circle (which leaves long amounts of line trailing hooks with natural bait behind the fish, leading to entanglement). ■ Use single hook rigs and do not use treble hooks. For tarpon regulations, visit MyFWC.com/ ■ Use tackle heavy enough to land the tarpon Marine and click on “Recreational” and “Tarpon.” quickly, which minimizes exhaustion and To learn more about catch-and-release tech- helps the fish avoid predators after release. niques, visit MyFWC.com/FishHandling. ■ Use a dehooking tool to quickly and easily remove hooks from tarpon.

Photo courtesy of Don DeMaria Your purchase of fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and a fishing license supports outreach and education efforts such as this article.

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Missed the printed edition? Photo by Bonish Photography Ask about year-round digital opportunities. 7 MANAGEMENT ZONES

Spotted Seatrout Red Drum Management Zones Management Zones

Spotted seatrout has five management zones and For red drum, there are three management zones. The the recreational bag limit is three fish in the western daily bag limit is one fish in the northwest and south zones panhandle region, five fish in the big bend region, three and two fish in the northeast zone. fish in the the south region, two fish in the central east region and five fish in the northeast region.

HOOKED A BIRD Hooked a Bird? Don’t Cut the Line!

Even if you take precautionary steps to avoid it, sometimes you might hook a bird by accident. That’s when it’s important to remember—don’t cut the line and let the bird fly away with it attached. This can lead to entanglement and death of birds (and an inconvenient loss of line). Instead, follow these simple steps to unhook the bird: Reel. Remove. Release.

1. Wear safety glasses and enlist a partner How else can you keep the seabirds away for help. from your fish and reduce entanglement? 2. Reel the bird in slowly and lift it from the 1. Don’t feed the birds, which teaches them to water using a hoop net. approach where they are more likely to inter- 3. Grasp the bird by the head just behind the fere with fishing. eyes and fold the wings against the body. For 2. Dispose of filleted bones where birds can’t pelicans, hold the beak, keeping the mouth get them — in a trash can with lid or at home. slightly open so it can breathe. Cover the 3. Cover bait buckets and take unused bait home. bird’s head with a cloth to keep it calm. 4. Dispose of in a monofilament 4. Remove the barb and hook from the bird recycling bin or cut into small pieces and using pliers or clippers. If the bird is entan- place in the trash. gled, remove all line. 5. Don’t leave your line unattended. 5. Release the bird (if healthy) by placing it on 6. Cast carefully to avoid being snared on trees, the ground near the water and allowing it bridge piles, power lines or obstacles. to take off. 7. Help others learn what to do when they acci- 6. If the bird has swallowed the hook or is dentally hook a bird. It’s pretty easy, once severely injured, contact a local seabird reha- you know how. bilitator. For help finding one, use the link to the locator app at MyFWC.com/Unhook.

8 June 2021 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission New Snook, Red Drum, and Seatrout Short-Term Management

Starting June 1, 2021, the following changes will take place:

Pasco County and : • Normal regulations will resume for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in all state waters in Pasco County, Pinellas County and Tampa Bay. • These regulations are for all state waters north of State Road 64 in Manatee County plus the but not including Palma Sola Bay. Sarasota Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County: • Snook and redfish will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022. • Spotted seatrout harvest will resume with a six-fish recreational vessel limit. Commercial harvesters will also be held to the recreational three-fish bag and six-fish vessel limits. • These regulations are for all state waters south of State Road 64 in Manatee County including Palma Sola Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County but not including the Braden River or any tributaries of the .

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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 9 Florida Recreational Issued: June 2021 New regulations are highlighted in red Saltwater Fishing Regulations (please visit: MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater/Recreational Regulations apply to state waters of the Gulf and Atlantic for the most current regulations) All art: © Diane Rome Peebles, except (Duane Raver) Reef Fish Snapper

General Snapper Regulations: • Snapper Aggregate Bag Limit – Within state waters sul of the Atlantic and Gulf, Snapper, Cubera s u l Snapper, Red s u l X Snapper, Vermilion X Snapper, Lane s u l all species of snapper are Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: included in a 10 fish per • Atlantic and Gulf - 12" (see below) • Atlantic - 20" • Atlantic - 12" • Atlantic and Gulf - 8" harvester per day aggregate • Gulf - 16" • Gulf - 10" bag limit in any combination Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: of snapper species, unless • Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester Season: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic - 10 per harvester stated otherwise. under 30", included within snapper • Atlantic - Open year-round • Atlantic - 5 per harvester not included • Gulf - 100 pounds per harvester, not • Seasons – If no seasonal aggregate bag limit • Gulf - Open June 4 - July 28 within snapper aggregate bag limit included within snapper aggregate • May additionally harvest up to 2 over • Gulf - 10 per harvester not included bag limit information is provided, the Daily Recreational Bag Limit: species is open year-round. 30" per harvester or vessel, whichever within snapper aggregate bag limit is less, and these 2 fish over 30" are • Atlantic and Gulf - 2 per harvester not included within snapper aggregate • Gulf - Zero daily bag and possession limit bag limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels.

Other Snapper s u l Minimum Size Limits: • Dog and Mahogany: Atlantic and Gulf - 12” • No minimum size limit for other snappers Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester Snapper, Gray Snapper, Snapper, (Mangrove) s u l Snapper, Mutton s u l X Schoolmaster s u l Yellowtail s u l X See page 18 for gear rules Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: pertaining to reef fish. • Atlantic and Gulf - 10" • Atlantic and Gulf - 18" • Atlantic and Gulf - 10" • Atlantic and Gulf - 12" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester • Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester • Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester • Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester Grouper

Atlantic Grouper General Regulations: • Atlantic grouper regulations apply to all state waters of the Atlantic and all state waters Grouper, Warsaw off Monroe County (Gulf and Grouper, Black s u l X Grouper, Snowy s l Grouper, Red s u l X & Speckled Hind s l Atlantic sides). Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limit: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: • Atlantic Grouper/Tilefish • Atlantic - 24" • Atlantic and Gulf - None • Atlantic and Gulf - 20" • Atlantic and Gulf - None Aggregate Bag Limit – • Gulf - 24" includes all species of grou- Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Season: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: per plus golden tilefish and Season: • Atlantic - 1 per harvester • Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 • Atlantic and Gulf - 1 per vessel per day blueline tilefish included in • Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 • Gulf - 4 per harvester • Gulf - Open year-round of each species a 3 fish per harvester per • Gulf - Open year-round Daily Recreational Bag Limit: day aggregate bag limit in Daily Recreational Bag Limit: any combination of species. • Atlantic - 3 per harvester • Atlantic - 1 per harvester. Only 1 fish • Seasons – If no seasonal • Gulf - 2 per harvester* can be gag or black information is provided, the • Gulf - 4 per harvester* species is open year-round.

Gulf Grouper General Regulations: • Gulf grouper regulations apply Grouper, Yellowfin to all state waters of the Gulf Grouper, Scamp s u l Gag Grouper s u l X & Yellowmouth s u l Other s l except off Monroe County Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Other Grouper includes: (where Atlantic rules apply). • Atlantic - 20" • Atlantic - 24" • Atlantic and Gulf - 20" • Rock Hind, Red Hind, Coney, Graysby, • Gulf Grouper Aggregate • Gulf - 16" • Gulf - 24" Misty, and Yellowedge Bag Limit – all species of Season: grouper in the Gulf are Season: Season: • Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 Season: included in a 4 fish per har- • Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 • Atlantic - Closed: Jan. 1–April 30 • Gulf - Open year-round • Atlantic – Rock hind, Red hind, Coney, • Gulf - Open year-round • Gulf - State waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Graysby: Closed Jan. 1–April 30 vester per day aggregate Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Jefferson and Taylor counties: Open April 1 • Atlantic - All others open year-round bag limit in any combina- Daily Recreational Bag Limit: –June 30, & Sept 1–Dec. 31. • Atlantic - 3 per harvester • Gulf - Open year-round tion of grouper species. • Atlantic - 3 per harvester • Gulf - State waters off all other • Gulf - 4 per harvester • Seasons – If no seasonal • Gulf - 4 per harvester Daily Recreational Bag Limit: counties: Open June 1–Dec. 31 information is provided, the • Atlantic - 3 per harvester species is open year-round. Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Gulf - 4 per harvester * Zero bag limit for captain and • Atlantic - 1 per harvester. Only 1 fish crew of for-hire vessels applies to can be gag or black gag, black, and red grouper only. • Gulf - 2 per harvester* All art: © Diane Rome Peebles, except blueline tilefish and golden tilefish (Duane Raver); lionfish (FWC) Reef Fish

Other Reef Fish (If no season information is provided, the species is open year-round)

Amberjack, Greater s l X Tilefish, Blueline s l Great Barracuda n Hogfish s l X Triggerfish (Gray) s l X Minimum Size Limits: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Regulations only apply in Collier, Monroe, Atlantic regulations apply to Monroe county Minimum Size Limits: • Atlantic - 28" fork length • Atlantic - 3 per harvester Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and • Atlantic – 12" fork length Minimum Size Limits: • Gulf - 34" fork length • Gulf - 100 lbs. or 2 per harvester, Martin counties. • Gulf - 15" fork length which ever is greater • Atlantic - 16" fork length Season: Minimum Size Limits: • Gulf - 14" fork length Season: • Atlantic - Open year-round Season: • Not less than 15" or more than 36" • Atlantic - Open year-round Season: • Gulf - Open May 1–May 31, Aug. 1– • Atlantic - Open May 1–Aug. 31 • Gulf - Open March 1–May 31, Aug. 1– Daily Recreational Bag Limit: tlantic - Open May 1–Oct. 31 Oct. 31 • Gulf - Open year-round • A Dec. 31, see MyFWC.com for updates • 2 per person or 6 per vessel • Gulf - Open year round Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Remarks • May possess one over 36" per vessel. Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic and Gulf - 1 per harvester • Blueline tilefish included within Atlantic • Unregulated in all other areas. • Atlantic - 10 per harvester antic - 1 per harvester per day grouper aggregate . • Atl • Gulf - 1 per harvester • Gulf - 5 per harvester

Amberjack, Lesser & Red Porgy s u l Tilefish, Golden s l Banded Rudderfish s l X Black Sea Bass s u l Minimum Size Limits: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: • Atlantic - 14" • Atlantic - 1 per harvester • Atlantic and Gulf - Cannot be less than • Atlantic - 13" • Gulf - None • Gulf - 100 pounds or 2 per person, 14" or greater than 22" fork length • Gulf - 10" whichever is greater Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic - 3 per harvester Remarks • Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per person ag- • Atlantic - 7 per harvester • Gulf - 100 pounds • Golden tilefish included within Atlantic gregate of the two species • Gulf - 100 pounds per harvester Grouper aggregate bag limits

Pelagics

Billfish s H Blackfin Tuna s n Mackerel, King s Mackerel, Spanish s Swordfish H Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: • Sailfish 63"; • No minimum size limit • 24" fork length • 12" fork length • 47" lower jaw fork length with head at- • Blue Marlin 99"; tached or 25" cleithrum to keel length Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • White Marlin 66"; if head removed • Roundscale Spearfish 66" • 2 fish per person or 10 fish per vessel • Atlantic (excluding Monroe) - 2 per • 15 per harvester per day, whichever is greater. harvester Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Gulf (including Monroe) - 3 per • 1 per harvester per day, not to exceed a • 1 per harvester aggregate bag limit harvester maximum of 4 per recreational (not for- hire) vessel or 15 per for-hire vessel Remarks Remarks • Measured tip of lower jaw to fork. All • Bag limit reduced to 1 in some state Remarks landed fish must be reported to NOAA waters if federal waters are closed to • All landed fish must be reported to within 24 hours 800-894-5528 or recreational harvest. NOAA within 24 hours 800-894-5528. hmspermits.noaa.gov. • HMS required in federal waters. • HMS permit required in federal waters. • Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew of for-hire vessels.

Wahoo s Cobia (Ling) s Tripletail s H u T n Dolphinfish s Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: • None • 33" fork length • 18" • Atlantic - 20" fork length • Gulf - None Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • 2 per harvester • Atlantic - 1 per harvester not to • 2 per harvester Daily Recreational Bag Limit: exceed 6 per vessel • 10 per harvester per day, not to Remarks • Gulf - 1 per harvester, not to exceed exceed 60 per vessel per day. Vessel • Hook and line only. No snatch hooks. 2 per vessel limit does not apply to for-hire vessels.

Scan this code with your Buy your license online at Report fish and wildlife mobile device to view the GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or law violations toll free at: regulations online. toll free at: 1-888-347-4356 1-888-404-3922 11 or at Fish|Hunt FL app Coastal Species

Pompano, Bluefish s n s u T n Bonefish H n African l H s T n Sheepshead l s u T n Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: • 12" fork length • 14" • 0 per harvester • 24" fork length • 12" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Remarks Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic - 3 per harvester • 5 per harvester • only • 2 per harvester per day, not to exceed • 8 per harvester • Gulf - 10 per harvester (includes • Hook and line only 2 per vessel Closed Season: Remarks Monroe County) • Oct. 15–Nov. 30 • Snatching prohibited • Vessel limit of 50 fish during March Remarks and April • May be harvested by spearing. Snatching prohibited.

Spotted Snook Permit l s H T n Seatrout l H s u T n Weakfish s H u (All species) s H u T n Tarpon l H T n Size Limits: Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Size Limits: Recreational Bag Limit: • 22" fork Special Permit Zone (SPZ); • Not less than 15" or more than 19" • Weakfish Management Area (WMA) in • Not less than 28" or more than 32" • 1 per harvester per year. $50 harvest Not less than 11" or more than 22" • May not possess more than 1 over 19" Nassau County - 12" Atlantic excluding Monroe tag required. Vessel limit of one fish. fork length all other areas per vessel • All other areas - no minimum • Not less than 28" or more than 33" Harvest tag can only be used when fish Gulf and Monroe County is retained for potential IGFA record. Closed Season: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • April 1–July 31 SPZ Only • 3 per harvester per day W.P. Zone • WMA - 1 per harvester Closed Season: Remarks • 5 per harvester per day B.B. Zone • All other areas - 100 pounds per • Atlantic (excluding Monroe) closed • Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • 3 per harvester per day S. Zone harvester Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and June 1–Aug. 31. the water during release. Spearing and • 1 per harvester, not to exceed 2 per • 2 per harvester per day C.E. Zone • Gulf including Monroe County, Dec. 1– snatch hooking prohibited. Bottom vessel SPZ; Remarks • 5 per harvester per day N.E. Zone end of February, and May 1–Aug. 31. weighted jigs prohibited in Boca Grande • 2 per harvester all other state waters • Regulations apply in parts of Nassau Pass. See: MyFWC.com/Fishing/ Closed Season: County only. Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Remarks Saltwater/Recreational/Tarpon for • Feb. W.P. Zone • See map at: MyFWC.com/Fishing/ • 1 per harvester additional information. • May possess 1 over 22" fork length • Nov. - Dec. C.E. Zone Saltwater/Recreational/Weakfish outside the SPZ, not to exceed 2 over Remarks 22" fork per vessel per day. For map of Remarks • Remains Catch-and-release only south SPZ, please see: MyFWC.com. • 6 fish vessel limit south of state road 64 of state road 64 (Manatee County) to • Zero daily bag and possession limit for (Manatee County) through Gordon Pass Gordon Pass (Collier County) captain and crew on for-hire vessels (Collier County) See map on pg. 9. • See management zone map on pg. 9 • See management zone map on pg. 8. • Snook permit required for harvest Red Drum • Zero bag limit for captain and crew of when saltwater license required. See (Redfish) s H u T for-hire vessels statewide MyFWC.com for snook permit details. Snatch hooks and spearing prohibited. Size Limits: • Zero daily bag and possession limit for • Not less than 18" or more than 27" captain and crew on for-hire vessels Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • 2 per harvester per day in the NE zone, Mullet, Striped and 1 per harvester in the NW and S Black Drum s u T n Pompano, Florida s H T n (Black) & Silver zone. See map on p. 6 • Off the water possession limit of 6 fish Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: • Not less than 14" or more than 24" • 11" fork length • No minimum size Blue Runner n Remarks • Remains Catch-and-release only south Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Minimum Size Limits: of state road 64 (Manatee County) to • 5 per harvester • 6 per harvester • 50 aggregate per harvester; • No minimum Gordon Pass (Collier County) • Aggregate vessel limits Remarks Remarks • See management zone map on pg. 9 Feb. 1–Aug. 31: 100 per vessel; Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • May possess one over 24". Snatching • Hook and line, and beach or • , spearing, snatching prohibited. Sept. 1–Jan. 31: 50 per vessel • 100 fish per harvester prohibited. haul seine ONLY. Harvest in Federal waters prohibited.

Can't find your fish in the regulations? Florida’s coastal waters are home to thousands of marine species, and the majority of these species have no specific regulations with regard to bag limits, Gulf Kingfish Jack Crevalle Lionfish Hardhead Catfish size limits, gear restrictions or closed seasons. These species are often referred Examples of "unregulated species" include: to as “unregulated species,” although the name can be a bit misleading. State Ladyfish, bonito, menhaden, white grunt, southern stingray, gulf kingfish (whiting), law provides that for any marine species that does not have specific regulations, pinfish, Atlantic croaker, jack crevalle, cero mackerel, hardhead catfish, gafftopsail harvesting more than 100 pounds or two fish (whichever is the greater amount) catfish, lionfish. constitutes a commercial quantity and requires a commercial license. This means the recreational harvest limit for any unregulated species is 100 pounds or two * No license is required to harvest lionfish by dipnet, pole spear or and lionfish bag organisms if the combined of the two organisms exceeds 100 pounds. limit is unlimited for both Gulf and Atlantic state waters .

H Spearing Prohibited l Additional gear rules apply, please see: MyFWC.com  Must remain in whole condition (removal of gills and guts allowed). T Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook (any hook with two or u Measured as total length. Total length is the straight line distance from the most more points and a common shaft) in conjunction with live or dead natural bait. forward part of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with X State Reef Fish Angler designation required when fishing for select reef fish spe- the tail compressed or squeezed together while the fish is lying on its side. cies from a private vessel in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. n State regulations apply in federal waters. 12 June 2021 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Crustaceans and Mollusks

Bay Scallops l Spiny Lobster H s , Stone H n Oysters Season: Minimum Size Limit: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limit: • Gulf County: Aug. 16–Sept. 24 • Carapace must be greater than 3" measured in • 2 7/8" claw • 3" • Franklin-NW Taylor County: July 1–Sept. 24 the water Closed Season: Closed Season: • Dixie and remaining Taylor County: June 15–Labor Day Seasons: • June, July, Aug. in Dixie, Wakulla, Levy counties. • Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties: July 1–Sept. 24 • May 2–Oct. 14 • Sport Season open July 28–29, 2021 • July, Aug., Sept. in all other areas except Apala- • Pasco County: 10 days starting on 3rd Friday in July Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Regular Season opens Aug. 6 through March 31 chicola Bay which has open areas year-round. Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • 1 gal. claws per harvester or 2 gal. per vessel, • Apalachicola Bay: Closed Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • 2 gallons whole or 1 pint meat per harvester; no whichever is less • Sport Season: 6 per harvester per day in Monroe Daily Recreational Bag Limit: more than 10 gallons whole, or ½ gallon meat per Remarks County and , 12 in all other • 2 bags per harvester or vessel except vessel anytime harvest areas. • 5 traps maximum. Visit MyFWC.com for statewide Apalachicola Bay • Dixie and remaining Taylor County: From June 15–30, • Regular Season: 6 per harvester in all areas trap construction requirements and specific require- one gallon whole/one cup meat per person or five gal- ments that apply in Miami-Dade, Monroe and Collier. Remarks lons whole/two pints meat per vessel, whichever is less Remarks Illegal to possess whole crab. Harvest of egg-bearing • Harvest from approved shellfish areas during Remarks • Recreational trapping prohibited. Spiny lobster prohibited. See how to properly de-claw on our daylight hours only. permit required when license required. Harvest of • Go to FloridaAquaculture.com to determine the • Harvest allowed only in state waters of the Gulf of website. New trap registration requirements, visit egg-bearing females prohibited. Open or Closed status of shellfish harvesting areas. Mexico from the Pinellas - Pasco county line, to the GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to register. • May not harvest half hour after official sunset until west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County. half hour before official sunrise. Direct transit through closed areas permitted. • 1 Bag = 60 lbs. or two 5 gal. buckets (whole in shell) s Clams (Hard) l Crab, Blue H • Harvest prohibited in any harvest area that is in the Closed status as determined by the Florida Depart- Closed Season: Minimum Size Limits: Closed Season: ment of Agriculture and Consumer Services. • April & May closed in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, • 1" thick across hinge • Regional trap closures apply. Visit MyFWC.com for • Bay County: Harvest and possession prohibited in Putnam, Flagler & Clay counties 2021 trap closure dates and locations. West Bay Estuarine Habitat Restoration Project Zone Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • One 5 gal. bucket per harvester or 2 per vessel Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • 5 gallons heads on per harvester or vessel, (whole in shell) • 10 gallons whole per harvester whichever is less Remarks Remarks Remarks • Illegal to harvest from closed areas. • 5 traps maximum. Trap requirements apply. • Visit: MyFWC.com/Fishing and select "Saltwater", • Go to www.FloridaAquaculture.com for allowable Harvest of egg-bearing crabs prohibited. New trap "Regulations" and "Shrimp" for additional regula- harvesting areas. registration requirements, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida. tions specific to Dade, Nassau and Duval • May not harvest half hour after official sunset until com to register. • See 68B-31 F.A.C for more information on areas half hour before official sunrise. closed to shrimping

Sharks

Retainable Sharks with a 54" fork length minimum s H T Retainable Sharks with a 83" Blue, oceanic whitetip, porbeagle (not illustrated). fork length minimum s H T

Bull Common Thresher Shortfin Mako Nurse Spinner

Retainable Sharks with no minimum size limit s H T Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Finetooth, Smooth Dogfish, Florida and Gulf Smoothhounds (not illustrated). • 1 per harvester or 2 per vessel per day, whichever is less. Remarks • The retainable sharks are managed as a group for bag limit pur- poses. In other words, you can only harvest one per day and the shark that you harvest must be one of the retainable species. Atlantic Sharpnose Blacknose • Hook-and-line gear only. • Shore-based Shark Fishing educational course and permit required. • See list of prohibited species below. Bonnethead Blacktip

Prohibited Species

It is unlawful to harvest, possess, land, purchase, sell or exchange the following species: Goliath Grouper (Jewfish), Nassau Grouper, Sawfish, Atlantic Angel Shark, Basking Shark, Bigeye Sand Tiger Shark, Bigeye Sixgill Shark, Bigeye Thresher Shark, Bignose Shark, Caribbean Reef Shark, Caribbean Sharpnose Shark, Dusky Shark, Galapagos Shark, Lemon Shark, Longfin Mako Shark, Narrowtooth Shark, Night Shark, Silky Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Sandbar Shark, Sevengill Shark, Sixgill Shark, Smalltail Shark, Spiny Dogfish, Whale Shark, White Shark, Tiger Shark, Greater, Scalloped and Smooth , Manta Ray, Devil Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Longbill Spearfish, Mediterranean Spearfish, Sturgeon, Queen Conch, Calico Scallop, Stony, Hard, Black and Fire Corals, Sea Fans, Bahama Starfish, and Longspine Urchin. Harvest of live rock in state waters is prohibited. Puffer fish harvest is prohibited in Volusia, Brevard, , St. Lucie and Martin counties.

FWC – Division of Marine Fisheries Management, 1875 Orange Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-487-0554 This publication is provided as a guide to Florida fishing laws and regulations. The Florida Administrative Code is the final authority on fishing laws. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) strives to ensure information in this booklet is accurate, but assumes no liability for any errors that occur in this publication. MARINE LIFE

Marine life regulations Marine Life — Fish SIZE LIMITS SPECIES REMARKS1 Requirements for marine life (total length unless otherwise noted) Gray, French Angelfish: 1½–8" slot limit (aquarium species) harvest: No more than 5 per person per day in Angelfish Blue, Queen Angelfish: 1¾–8" slot limit ■ any combination Recreational saltwater fishing license Rock Beauty: 2–5" slot limit ■ Organisms must be landed and kept alive ■ Butterflyfish 1–4" slot limit A continuously circulating live well, aeration Except Unicorn Filefish, Filefish/Triggerfish or oxygenation system of adequate size to Gray Triggerfish and Ocean Triggerfish maintain these organisms in a healthy Gobies Maximum size limit: 2" condition Hamlets/Seabasses Except reef fish2 and Longtail Bass ■ Allowable Gear: hand-held net, drop net, Jawfish Maximum size limit: 4" rod, barrier net, slurp gun (use of quinaldine Parrotfish Maximum size limit: 12" is prohibited)* Porkfish Minimum size limit: 1½" ■ Bag Limit: 20 organisms per person per day; Pufferfish, Includes Sharpnose Pufferfish, Striped only 5 of any one species allowed within the Burrfish, Burrfish, Spotted Burrfish, Balloonfish, 20-organism bag limit Balloonfish, Porcupinefish ■ Possession Limit: 2-day possession limit, Porcupinefish 40 total organisms, no more than 10 of any Tangs and Surgeonfish Maximum size limit (fork length): 9" Spanish Hogfish: 2–8" slot limit one species allowed Wrasse/Hogfish/Razorfish Except Hogfish Snapper ■ Allowable substrate: see species specifica- Cuban Hogfish: 3–8" slot limit tions in table Other Marine Life fish include1: Basslets, Batfish, Blackbar Soldierfish, Blennies, Brotulas (Black and Key), ■ Closed areas: Some closed areas exist** Cardinalfish, Clingfish, Cornetfish, Damselfish, Eels (Moray and Snake), Frogfish, Hawkfish, High-hat/Jackknife- ■ Sale of recreationally caught marine life fish/Spotted Drum/Cubbyu, Pipefish, Reef Croakers, Seahorses, Sleepers, Yellow Stingray, Sweepers, Toadfish, Trumpetfish and Trunkfish/Cowfish. organisms is prohibited ■ Regulations also apply in federal waters

* Some organisms have additional gear limita- Marine Life — Invertebrates 1 tions, see chart. SPECIES REMARKS Corallimorphs and Zoanthids: No more than 5 polyps of each may be landed per person per day, must be harvested with a flexible blade no wider than 2". Coral- Anemones ** Various closed areas exist. See regulations limorphs must be harvested as single polyps only. Zero bag limit on Giant Anemone for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctu- (Condylactis gigantea). ary, National Park, Biscayne Conch, Queen Harvest prohibited National Park and Florida’s State Parks Corals: Hard ,stony, fire Harvest prohibited before collecting in these areas. & black No more than 6 octocoral colonies per person per day in any combination; harvest Octocorals Additional rules apply to the collection of of attached substrate within 1" of base is permitted; harvest closes when quota met. shells containing live organisms in Lee or Crab, Hermit Except Land Hermit Crabs Manatee counties. Crab, Horseshoe Harvest prohibited Live Rock Harvest prohibited Octopods3 Except Common Octopus Sea Fans Harvest of Venus Sea Fan and Common (Purple) Sea Fan prohibited Siphonophores/Hydroids Harvest of Fire Coral prohibited Except Sheepswool, Yellow, Grass, Glove, Finger, Wire, Reef and Velvet Sponges; no more than 5 sponges per harvester per day in any combination; harvest of substrate Sponges On the Little Manatee River within 1" of base permitted north and west of the southernmost point of Egmont Key, no substrate allowed south of Egmont Key tampasouthrvresort.com Starfish3 Harvest of Bahama Starfish (Cushion Sea Star) prohibited 2900 S US Hwy 41 Urchins3 Except Sand Dollars & Sea Biscuits; harvest of Longspine Urchin prohibited Ruskin, FL 33570 Other Marine Life invertebrates include1: Brittlestars3, Decorator (Furcate Spider) Crab, False Arrow Crab, Green Clinging (Emerald) Crab, Nimble Spray (Urchin) Crab, Red Mithrax Crab, Red-Ridged Clinging Crab, Spotted Por- 813-645-1202 celain Crab, Yellowline Arrow Crab, Fileclams3, Upside-down , Nudibranchs/Sea Slugs3, Sea Cucumbers3, Sea Lilies, Cleaner/Peppermint Shrimp, Coral Shrimp, Snapping Shrimp, Nassarius Snails3, Starsnails3, Feather- duster Worms and Calcareous Tube Worms.

Make Hunting & Fishing Marine Life — Plants Dreams Come True! SPECIES LIMITS Algae, Coralline Red Hunt of a Lifetime is a Caulerpa One gallon of tropical ornamental marine plants per day in any nonprofi t organization combination; 2 gallon maximum possession limit that grants hunting and Halimeda/Mermaid's Fan/ fi shing dreams to children, Mermaid's Shaving Brush age 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with 1–Unless otherwise noted, combined bag limit of 20 marine life fish and invertebrates per person per day, life threatening illnesses. only 5 of any one species allowed. A 2-day possession limit also applies (40 total organisms, only 10 of any one species). If you are interested in helping a child live their 2–Such as groupers, snappers, seabass and amberjacks. Must abide by regulations for these species on dream, please contact us for more information. pages 10. Toll Free 866.345.4455 HuntofaLifetime.org 3–Bag limit of 2 live shell fish of any single species per harvester per day in Manatee County. Harvest prohib- ited in Lee County.

14 June 2021 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FISH HANDLING Help Released Fish Survive

Whether you’re fishing for harvest or just for sport, chances are you’re going to need to release a fish. Give fish a fighting chance and help maintain and improve your Florida fish populations by following these proper fish handling tips:

■ Handle fish as little as possible and get them back in the water quickly. ■ Keep fingers out of eyes and gills. ■ Support fish horizontally using wet hands. ■ Use a dehooking tool to remove hooks. ■ Never use towels to handle fish, which will remove a fish’s ■ Use a knotless, rubber-coated net and only gaff fish you intend protective slime layer. to keep. ■ Use non-stainless-steel, non- ■ Do not remove large fish or prohibited species from the water. offset, barbless circle hooks when ■ Match your tackle to your targeted fish; using light tackle when using natural bait. catching large fish can cause them to become exhausted and ■ Use barbless hooks since they are decrease their chance of survival upon release. easier and faster to remove than ■ Use a descending device or venting tool to help fish suffering barbed hooks. from . ■ Use a pair of pliers or small hand crimper to flatten a circle ■ Teach others about these proper fish handling techniques and hook’s barb; for larger hooks, a bench crimper can be used. learn more at MyFWC.com/FishHandling.

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Established by UF/IFAS, Florida Sea Grant, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the online certification course covers fisheries management, best practices for catch and release fishing, sustainable waste management and fueling, and other topics. Salt and freshwater fishing guides that have completed the voluntary course show that they adhere to the highest environmental standards. Come wet a hook along Florida’s Forgotten Fishing Forgotten Coast where the fishing is is Spot On! spot-on year-round! Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/salt for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information.

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17 RECREATIONAL GEAR

Recreational gear Hook-and-line gear distance from the horn at the center of the Additional regional gear restrictions may apply Hook-and-line anglers must tend their gear net with the net gathered and pulled taut, in your county. For further clarification, con- at all times to prevent people, marine life and to the lead line). tact the local regional offices listed on page 24. shore life from becoming entangled in the line ■ Beach or haul seines measuring no larger or injured by the hook. Also, it is against the than 500 square feet of mesh area, no larger Reef fish gear rules law to intentionally discard any monofilament than 2 inches stretched mesh size, not con- (applies to species marked with ● on pages netting or line into or onto state waters. Mono- structed of monofilament, and legibly marked 10-11) filament line can entangle birds, marine mam- at both ends with the harvester’s name and ■ Gulf of Mexico: These regulations require mals, marine turtles and fish, often injuring or address if a Florida resident. Non-residents the use of a dehooking device when recre- killing them. Trot lines with 10 or fewer hooks using beach or haul seines for recreational ationally fishing for reef fish in the Gulf of are considered hook-and-line gear and must purposes are required to have a commercial Mexico. All persons aboard a vessel harvest- be tended at all times while deployed. Species saltwater products license and legibly mark ing reef fish must possess and use non- identified with "T" on pages 10 through 13 the seine at both ends with the harvester’s stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when cannot be harvested with multi-hooks (single saltwater products license number. using natural baits. hook with two or more points) in conjunction ■ Cast nets and seines may be used as harvest- ■ Atlantic Ocean: Recreational and commer- with natural baits. ing gear for the following species only: black cial fishers are required to use dehooking drum, bluefish, cobia, flounder, mullet, Flor- devices as needed while fishing for reef fish. Nets ida pompano, red drum, sheepshead, shrimp, (New) When fishing for reef fish using hook- The following types of nets may be used for Spanish mackerel, weakfish and unregulated and-line with natural baits from a vessel, recreational purposes in Florida waters: species (see p. 12). non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks ■ Bully nets (for lobster only) no greater than ■ No more than two nets can be fished from are required N. of 28 degrees N. latitude and 3 feet in diameter and not made of any vessel and no more than one net can be non-stainless steel hooks are required S. of monofilament. fished by any person not on a vessel. 28 degrees N. latitude ■ Frame nets and push nets (for shrimp only) no greater than 16 feet in perimeter and not Explosives, etc. These rules apply to all members of the reef made of monofilament. Frame nets cannot The use of powerheads, explosives, chemicals fish complex including groupers, snappers, be used in state waters off Dade County. or the discharge of firearms to kill or harvest amberjacks, red porgy, gray triggerfish, black ■ Hand-held landing or dip nets no greater marine life is prohibited in state waters. sea bass, golden tilefish, banded rudderfish, than 96 inches in perimeter. speckled hind and others. For a complete spe- ■ Cast nets measuring 14 feet or less stretched cies list, please visit MyFWC.com. length (stretched length is defined as the Spearing Spearing is a general term that includes bow fishing, gigging, (underwater), or the use of any other device to capture a fish by piercing its body. Spearing does not include or snatch hooking by hook and line. Marine species harvested by spearing are sub- ject to the same recreational regulations (e.g., bag limits, size limits, and closed seasons) as those marine species that are harvested by any other of recreationally-allowed gear. The following is a list of species or groups of species that are prohibited from harvest by all forms of spearing in state waters: ■ All prohibited species (listed on p. 10-13) ■ Billfish (all species) ■ Bonefish ■ Crab (blue, stone) ■ Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) ■ Goliath grouper ■ Manta ray ■ Nassau grouper BUILDING YOUR IMAGINATION ■ Permit We specialize in creative wood and metal design ■ and construction, off ering custom when Pompano (Florida and African) off -the shelf products do not fi t the bill. Whether you ■ Red drum are seeking rustic craftsmanship or refi ned beauty, ■ Sharks (all species including dogfish) we can help you achieve your vision. ■ Snook ■ Spotted eagle ray IT ALL BEGINS WITH AN IDEA ■ Spotted seatrout • CABINETS & SHELVES • EMBELLISHMENTS ■ Sturgeon • CUSTOM DOORS • GATE LATCHES ■ Tarpon • RESTORATION WORK • ROLLING BOOKCASE ■ Tripletail • STEREO CONSOLES LADDERS ■ • RAILINGS • HINGES Weakfish • GARDEN GATES • AND MORE ■ Marine life species (listed on p. 14) • TRELLISES * Volusia County — You may not harvest by spearing in Volusia County inland waters with (919) 663-1107 the exception of flounder and sheepshead, and faganindustry.com 18 SPEARING

only by the use of a barbed spear with three ■ Within 100 feet of the unsubmerged portion or fewer prongs. of any jetty, except that spearing is allowed * Special Local Laws also prohibit harvest by along the last 500 yards of any jetty that extends spearing in specific areas (Visit MyFWC.com/ more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline. Fishing and select "Saltwater," "Recreational ■ In or on any body of water under the jurisdic- Regulations," "Full Text Rule by Species" and tion of the Division of Recreation and Parks "Local Laws.") of the Department of Environmental Protec- tion. Within these areas, the possession of Spearfishing spearfishing equipment is also prohibited Spearfishing is a specific form of “spearing” except when such equipment is un-loaded defined as “the catching or taking of a fish and is properly stored upon watercraft pass- through the instrumentality of a hand or ing nonstop through the area. mechanically propelled, single or multi-pronged ■ Within the no-take areas of the Florida spear or lance, barbed or barbless, operated by Keys National Marine Sanctuary (Visit: a person swimming at or below the surface www.floridakeys.noaa.gov.) of the water.” In addition to the harvest species ■ Within any area where spearfishing is pro- limitations above, you may not spearfish: hibited by a Special Local Law (Visit MyFWC. ■ For any species that cannot be harvested by com/Fishing and select "Saltwater," "Recre- spearing (see Spearing on pg. 18). ational Regulations," "Full Text Rule by Spe- ■ For any species (freshwater or marine) in cies" and "Local Laws.") freshwater. Possession of spearfishing equip- ment in or on freshwater is also prohibited. Powerheads, Bangsticks, ■ Within the upper Keys no-spearfishing Harvest with the use of powerheads, bang- zone, which includes all state waters from sticks or rebreathers is prohibited in state the Miami-Dade County line down to and waters, except that rebreathers are allowed including Long Key. for the harvest of lionfish. Within state waters, ■ Within 100 yards of any designated public powerheads and bangsticks can be used for bathing beaches, commercial or public fish- personal protection only, and cannot be used ing piers, or portions of bridges where fish- to harvest any species. ing is allowed.

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Grand Slam Tier 1 - Joseph Chen Family - Mackerel/Tuna: Jay J. Deraedt Josh Smith Connor Casey 3 different Grand Slams: David L. Free Robert Grundwald Alex Frey Philip E. Smith Olivia Clevenger S. Ali Anna Hellmuth Gregg E. Lewis Robert Gillespie Florence E. Struble Dylan Cress Adam J. Ball Joseph B. Ingold Jr Family - Snapper: Thomas Austin Gougherty Tobi A. Welborn Kaelyn A. Kinley Bay and Estuary: Angel L. Melendez Rivera Chris R. Craft II William J. Grimsley Fred Williamson III Madelynne B. Simpson Dale C. Melms Donavan Hampshire Adam J. Ball John Georgiades Kevin Wisham Maxwell Miller John G. Harmon Anthony Zito Joe McCarthy Jr Reefs and Rubble: Florence E. Struble Marvin B. Hatcher Joseph Zito Glenn Salts Glenn Salts III Fred M. Wammock Joseph B. Ingold Jr

Blue Water: Inshore: James W. Jarrett IV Shoreline: Family - Grouper: Travis Reed Anderson Jason Trudell John J. Jenkins Mir S. Ali Robert Horne Corey J. Blevins Family - Drum: Nickolas Kapoi Jaci L. Pustelnik Gregg E. Lewis Joseph Chen Jared S. Barber Jeremy D. Lee Jordan E. Tompkins Family - Grunt: Kenneth G. Clark Koby Booten Dale C. Melms Small Fry : Robby L. Hood Jr Hayden G. Crawford Richard A. Brundage William Roton Jaxson Calhoon John Tirado Joshua H. Daughtry

New Saltwater Fish Life List Club Members

10 - Fish Club: Debbie S. Casciato Erich Garvens William Lux Glenn Salts Parker Fish Michael S. Addis Connor Casey Sara Grant Brayden Madison Glenn Salts III Christopher L. Gorman Mario Alcantara Jesse Dayton Cheek Reid Greiner Adam T. Maxfield Glenn Shellahamer Ethan Gumble Roel J. Benitez Jr Gary C. Christensen Jay W. Grove Kendall McIntosh Jason Stuck Joseph B. Ingold Jr Kurtis A. Bishop Joshua Cohen John G. Harmon Lori J. McLarty Eric P. Sullivan Daniel James Jones Joel Blumenthal Richard P. Collette James M. Hasley Abram Miller Wayne Robert Thomann Abram Miller Brent Bott Susanna H. Cox Amanda Holly Garret L. Parker Jeffery Todd Thomas John R. Morin Jon T. Brooks Dylan Cress Joseph B. Ingold Jr Jim Peck Shawn H. Turner Alexandria J. Salts Ed Buccigross II Jessica Cress Jaxson B. Landwehr Clayton Pinera Craig D. Van Brocklin 50 - Fish Club: Kevin R. Burkhead Sr Paul Curto Michael F. Larkin Jaci L. Pustelnik 30 - Fish Club: JD Malone Jorge A. Cantu Wayne Dahlberg Gregg E. Lewis Kyle Rhodes Kevin Russell Burkhead Jr Sean T. Wilms Justin Carnes Logan T. Dorman Amy C. Lombardo Thomas W. Roskelly Jr

New Saltwater Reel Big Fish Club Members

Tier 1 - 5 Different Crevalle Jack: Ryan Nihill Jeffrey Jernigan Scamp: William R. Huff II Species: Travis Reed Anderson Kimberly Ritter Daniel James Jones Justin Carnes Joseph B. Ingold Jr Cooper Lane Goldring Florida Pompano: Mutton Snapper: Ryder Karppe Sheepshead: Ryder Karppe African Pompano: Liam Anderson Kurtis A. Bishop Brady Khan Rodney Agustin Kaelyn A. Kinley Cooper Lane Goldring Stuart S. Ding Kevin R. Burkhead Sr Kaelyn A. Kinley Mir S. Ali Clark L. Krazit Almaco Jack: Flounder: Robert Horne Gregg E. Lewis Angel L. Melendez Rivera Jonathan M. Malin Snook: Michael W. Plemmons Justin Carnes Sam Giroux Thomas Ruggles Paul Gargolinski Anthony J. McCue Mary Rogers Lynne A. Gokey Tommy Joe Mincey Michael Jay Woodie Eric W. Hill Zachary McLane Jordan D. Sanford Wade R. Tucker Red Drum: Maia Lowell Black Drum: Matthew Miller Mark Shelnutt Matthew Stephen Batchelor Tommy Joe Mincey Andres Valdivieso Gag: Tommy Joe Mincey Craig D. Van Brocklin Holden Bollenback Kyle Rhodes Thomas Jacoby Justin Carnes Kyle Rhodes Jonathan “Jono” Williams Preston Clark Thomas Waldrop Catfish: Gray (Mangrove) Snapper: Kimberly Ritter Timothy Cotton Travis Roy Williams Tripletail: Kevin Russell Burkhead Jr Ron J. Lewis Stephen Stubbs Hayden G. Crawford Cooper Lane Goldring Dominic J. Greco Craig D. Van Brocklin Spotted Seatrout: Jeff Malino Joshua E. Damon Brandon Jones Kaelyn A. Kinley Justin Wallheiser Mackenzie Ashburn King Mackerel: James Ryan Dodd Daniel H. McClarren Chris S. Miller William Whittle Rob Clendenin William T. Boaz Clifton Gagliano Sean T. Wilms William Lux Camden Williams Mike Cockman James K. Goodfellow Yellowtail Snapper: Joshua Mars Ladyfish: Kyle Williams Robert L. Coville Jr Elijah Booten Brent E. Harsch Brandon Jones Jessica E. Rehe Red Porgy: Lathaniel Lee Crews Kaelyn A. Kinley Eric W. Hill John Dougherty Cobia: Thomas Ruggles David Naumann Curtis Humphries Eddy P. Hebert Ethan Gumble Joseph B. Ingold Jr Dylan R. Sullivan

New Triple Threat Club Members New Florida Saltwater

Have attained a Grand Slam, Reel Big Fish AND Life List Club Recognition Fishing Record Kevin R. Burkhead Sr Robert Grundwald Kaelyn A. Kinley Thomas Ruggles Rob Clendenin Ethan Gumble Gregg E. Lewis Craig D. Van Brocklin Conventional Tackle - Whiting (kingfish) William Joseph Peckham Chris R. Craft II Joseph B. Ingold Jr Angel L. Melendez Rivera Fred M. Wammock Lathaniel Lee Crews Background graphics courtesy Ivory of Tony LICENSES AND PERMITS

Florida resident saltwater licenses Florida resident combination licenses Saltwater licenses cover both watercraft and shoreline fishing. Annual Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing $32.50 Annual Saltwater License $17.00 Annual Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing and Hunting $48.00 Youth Saltwater Fishing License — valid until 17th birthday $17.00 Gold Sportsman’s Licenses Five-Year Saltwater License $79.00 Includes Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses and Snook, Spiny Annual Saltwater Shoreline License $0.00 Lobster, Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading, Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl permits. Covers saltwater fishing only from shorelines and attached structures accessible by foot. Does not cover fishing from a watercraft, fishing from a shoreline reached by Annual Gold Sportsman’s License $100.00 watercraft, or fishing while swimming or diving. Five-Year Gold Sportsman’s License $494.00 Non-resident saltwater licenses Youth Gold Sportsman’s License — valid until 17th birthday $100.00 Three-day Saltwater License $17.00 Annual Military Gold Sportsman’s License $20.00 Seven-day License $30.00 Includes the same licenses and permits as the Gold Sportsman’s License. Available Annual License $47.00 for Florida residents who are active duty or retired military members of the U.S. Armed , Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, Coast Guard or Coast Saltwater permits – residents and non-residents Guard Reserve at county tax collectors’ offices with current military identification Annual Snook Permit $10.00 card or at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com through an online verification process. Five-Year Snook Permit (Florida residents only) $50.00 Florida Resident Lifetime Saltwater Fishing licenses Annual Spiny Lobster Permit $5.00 Includes Saltwater Fishing license and Snook and Spiny Lobster permits Five-Year Spiny Lobster Permit (Florida residents only) $25.00 Age: 0–4 $126.50 Tarpon Tag (available only at tax collector offices) $51.50 Age: 5–12 $226.50 Unless exempt from license requirements, permits are necessary for the take of Age: 13 or older $301.50 Snook and Spiny Lobster. Tarpon tags required to land tarpon. Florida Resident Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s licenses Information for additional saltwater permits and designations Includes Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses and Snook, Spiny State Reef Fish Angler Designation – those fishing for reef fish from a Lobster, Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading, Deer, Turkey and private vessel in Gulf and Atlantic waters. No exemptions except youth $0.00 Waterfowl permits. under age 16. Age: 0–4 $401.50 Annual Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit $0.00 Age: 5–12 $701.50 Annual Blue Registration $0.00 Age: 13 or older $1,001.50 Annual Stone Crab Trap Registration $0.00 These new no-cost permits are available online only at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Youth under age 16 are exempt. No other exemptions apply.

Saltwater fishing in Florida – Saltwater license exemptions: ■ Those recreationally fishing from a pier that what to know before you go: ■ Youth under 16 years of age. has a pier saltwater fishing license. Saltwater fishing licenses can be obtained ■ Florida resident age 65 or older with proof ■ Fishing from a for-hire vessel (including online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, at county of age and residency, such as a Florida driv- guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid tax collectors’ offices and license agents, or er’s license or identification card. charter boat or charter captain license. by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347- ■ Florida resident fishing within his or her ■ Fishing from a boat that has a recreational 4356). All sales are final. Handling fees apply county of residence with live or natural bait, vessel fishing license. for telephone and Internet sales. For more using poles or lines not equipped with a fish- ■ A Florida resident who is fishing for mullet information on recreational licensing infor- ing line retrieval mechanism. in freshwater with a valid Florida freshwater mation, visit MyFWC.com/License. ■ Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities fishing license. Hunting and Fishing License holder. Infor- For purposes of saltwater fishing in mation at MyFWC.com/ADA. More saltwater fishing licenses – Florida, a resident is defined as: ■ Florida resident accepted as a client for available at Tax Collectors’ office: ■ Any person who has declared Florida as his developmental disabilities services by the Charter Boat and Charter Captain licenses are or her only state of residence as evidenced Agency for Persons with Disabilities, with available and required to carry paying custom- by a valid Florida driver license or identifica- agency proof thereof. ers (where a fee is paid directly or indirectly) to tion card with both a Florida address and a ■ Florida resident saltwater fishing from land take, attempt to take, or possess saltwater fish Florida residency verified by the Department or a structure fixed to land who has been or organisms. Guides must comply with U.S. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles determined eligible for the food stamp, tem- Coast Guard (USCG) requirements. (HSMV). A Florida voter registration card, porary cash assistance, or Medicaid Pro- ■ Four or fewer customers ����������������� $201.50 declaration of domicile, or homestead gram by the Department of Children and ■ Five to ten customers ���������������������� $401.50 exemption may also be used as proof of Family Services. Must have proof of identi- ■ Eleven or more customers �������������� $801.50 Florida residency. fication and a benefit issuance or program ■ Active duty United States military personnel identification card issued by the Agency for Recreational Vessel licenses are available for stationed in Florida, including spouses and Persons with Disabilities or the Agency for not-for-hire pleasure crafts that are registered dependent children residing in the house- Health Care when fishing. recreationally for a fee of $2,001.50. hold, with military orders. ■ U.S. Armed Forces members who is a Florida resident not stationed in the state but home Pier licenses are available for $501.50 annually on leave with orders for 30 days or less. Does and exempt persons fishing from a pier fixed not include family members. to land from saltwater fishing requirements. ■ Individual commercial saltwater products license holders.

22 June 2021 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission THE SIMPLE ACT OF FISHING, PRESERVES FISHING. Every time you purchase a fi shing license or register your boat, a portion of the proceeds go toward preserving our nation’s coastlines, lakes, rivers and streams. Protecting our memories on the water for generations to come.

Learn more at TakeMeFishing.org/Conservation

46831_TMF_PSA_Pg_Ad.indd 1 2/4/11 9:53 AM FISHING REGULATIONS GUIDE - VA TRIM: ...... 8˝ X 10-1/2˝ (AND VARIOUS OTHER STATES) BLEED: ...... 8-1/4˝ X 10-3/4˝

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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 Shhhhh. No wake zone. (800) 955-8771 TDD

Gil- Commissioners FWC regional offices christ Rodney Barreto Northwest Region 3911 Highway 2321 NORTH CENTRAL Chairman, Coral Gables Panama City, FL 32409 NORTHEAST Michael W. Sole 850-265-3676 Vice Chairman, Tequesta North Central Region Steven Hudson 3377 East U.S. Highway 90 Ft. Lauderdale Lake City, FL 32055 Gary Lester 386-758-0525 Oxford Northeast Region Gary Nicklaus 1239 Southwest 10th Street Jupiter Ocala, FL 34471 SOUTHWEST 352-732-1225 Sonya Rood St. Augustine Southwest Region 3900 Drane Field Road Robert Spottswood Lakeland, FL 33811 Key West 863-648-3200 Staff South Region The regions presented on SOUTH Eric Sutton 8535 Northlake Blvd. this map are not fisheries Executive Director West Palm Beach, FL 33412 management zones. 561-625-5122 For management zones, Dr. Thomas H. Eason please see pages 8-9. Assistant Executive Director

The FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement are traveling Florida’s coastline and waterways, throughout the state, dial *FWC (*392) depending patrols Florida’s coastal waters to provide and may issue citations for violations of state on your location, hail on VHF Channel 16 or report assistance to boaters and anglers as well as to and federal fishing, wildlife and boating laws. violations via text message. Most cell phones enforce Florida’s saltwater fishing and boating In emergencies or if state fisheries, wild- allow users to send text messages directly to an laws. FWC officers assist boaters who are in dis- life or boating laws are being violated, call email address. You can text [email protected]; tress, provide advice and direction to those who 888-404-FWCC (3922) or for cell phone users standard usage fees may apply.

Resource Information At the FWC, it pays to love the outdoors! Join the nation’s largest conservation law enforcement agency—become an FWC law enforcement officer. For more information contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-866-FWC-HIRE (392-4473) or visit MyFWC.com/Law

• To purchase fishing licenses: • To report sawfish sightings: 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356) 941-255-7403 GoOutdoorsFlorida.com [email protected] • FWC Division of Law Enforcement • Bird entanglement 888-404-FWCC (3922) 888-404-3922 727-391-6211 for Tampa area • To report fish and wildlife law violations, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline: • Red information hotline 888-404-FWCC (3922) 866-300-9399 toll free in Florida 727-552-2488 nationwide • FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 727-896-8626 • Aquatic toxins hotline: 888-232-8635 MyFWC.com/Research • Shellfish harvesting questions • To report fish kills: FDACS, 850-617-7600 800-636-0511 https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for  shing gear and personal property too. • To report fish tags: • To report lionfish sightings: Visit MyFWC.com 1 - 800- PROGRESSIVE / PROGRESSIVE.COM 800-367-4461 1-877-786-7267 to learn how to become [email protected] MyFWC.com/Lionfish an FWC officer.

LE_RecruitingAd_SaltWaterReg9c.indd 1 5/13/15 8:23 AM 24 June 2021 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission SAFETY buy. you based on how Prices vary apply. may charge Additional liates. Co. & af Insurance Casualty Progressive SAFETY

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Client: Progressive Job No: 20S80235.NW Created by: Dalon Wolford Applications: InDesign CC, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator CC Job Description: Full Page, 4 Color Ad Document Name: No Wake ad / Fishing Regulations Guide - Various 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: 03/04/21 FISHING REGULATIONS GUIDE - VA TRIM: ...... 8˝ X 10-1/2˝ (AND VARIOUS OTHER STATES) BLEED: ...... 8-1/4˝ X 10-3/4˝

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Shhhhh. No wake zone.

Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for  shing gear and personal property too. 1 - 800- PROGRESSIVE / PROGRESSIVE.COM

SAFETY buy. you based on how Prices vary apply. may charge Additional liates. Co. & af Insurance Casualty Progressive SAFETY

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Client: Progressive Job No: 20S80235.NW Created by: Dalon Wolford Applications: InDesign CC, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator CC Job Description: Full Page, 4 Color Ad Document Name: No Wake ad / Fishing Regulations Guide - Various 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: 03/04/21 Stranded on the Water? You’re not Alone.

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