New Regulations for Spotted Seatrout Page 8 & Red Drum Page 18

FLORIDA Saltwater Recreational 2012

Valid from January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012

New Regulations for Spotted Seatrout page 8 & Red Drum page 18

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission MyFWC.com/Fishing NEVER CAST WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPMENT

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1. BASED ON EPA EST 14 CITY/20 HWY MPG 4x2 MODEL. 2. WHEN PROPERLY EQUIPPED. 3. SEE DEALER FOR A COPY OF LIMITED WARRANTY AND DETAILS. RAM, HEMI AND RAMBOX ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF CHRYSLER GROUP LLC.

UNIVERSAL MCCANN CLIENT: Chrysler Group LLC LIVE: 15.5 x 10 AD: -- PROOFREADING SIGNOFF PRODUCT: RAM TRIM: 16 x 10.5 AB: -- JOB: 141272 SEBC INITIALS: ______DATE: ______JOB #: 141272 r1 TITLE: DRIVING ANY OTHER TRUCK BLEED: 16.25 x 10.75 AC: -- DATE: 11/30/11 3:20 PM CHANGES: OPERATOR: DD SPECS: 4/C Swop 300 PUB: J.F. Gri n Publishing PP: K. Caruso

ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 3% A 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 30 100 40 40 100 40 100 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 3 10 25 50 75 90 100

B 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40 0 0 0 0 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100 NEVER CAST WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPMENT

ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 3% A 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 30 100 40 40 100 40 100 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 3 10 25 50 75 90 100

Contact us Go to MyFWC.com for up-to-date information on recreational saltwater fishing regulations, news and events as well as resources, publications and videos.

Visit the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute online at MyFWC.com/Research

For federal fishing regulations, please contact:

■■ Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 888-833-1844 www.gulfcouncil.org 2012 Commission meeting dates and locations...... 4 ■■ South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Shows and events...... 4 866-SAFMC-10 www.safmc.net Regional offices...... 6

■■ National Marine Fisheries Service New spotted seatrout regulations...... 8 (NOAA Fisheries) 727-824-5301 Recreational gear and spearing...... 11 www.nmfs.noaa.gov Basic recreational saltwater fishing regulations...... 12–13

You do not need a license if you are...... 14 On the cover Costs for licenses...... 14 Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) Photographer: Captain Willy Le Other saltwater fishing fees...... 14 (www.NativeFlyCharters.com) Marine life regulations...... 16 For additional information Increased protection for coastal sharks...... 17 please contact: Red drum bag limit increase...... 18 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Know your Florida fish...... 18 MyFWC.com Artificial reef locations...... 20 Division of Marine Fisheries Management Buy your license online! 2590 Executive Center Circle East State records and slams...... 20 Berkeley Building When you buy your license online, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 it’s fast, convenient and saves time Women's Fishing Clinics...... 21 850.487.0554 and travel. Gag and red grouper regulation changes...... 22 You can obtain a license 24 hours Wildlife Alert MyFWC.com/LICENSE Lionfish...... 22 a day at Reward Program and begin fishing immediately! Division of Law Enforcement (DLE)...... 23 Report fish and wildlife law Licenses are also available Latest News/Hot Sheet...... 24 violations by calling toll-free toll-free at 1-888-FISHFLORIDA 1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on (1-888-347-4356). Processing Blue crab regulations...... 24 cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC fees apply to telephone and depending on service carrier; or Internet sales. click MyFWC.com/Contact. For more information, see page 23.

2 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission $ off that first your purchase 10of $50 or more* Valid 11/28/11–11/27/12 cast is MORE EXCLUSIONS MAY APPLY. VISIT SPORTSAUTHORITY.COM/EXCLUSIONS OR SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. *No cash value. No cash back. No rain checks. Coupon not valid on prior, online or S.A. Elite Sports Authority purchases, gift cards, licenses or event tickets. Offer good on in-stock priceless merchandise only. Must present coupon at time of purchase to redeem. Cannot be combined with any other offer, Cash Card, coupon or Employee or Friends & Family discount. Coupon may not be reproduced. One coupon per customer, per purchase. Excludes clearance items marked with 7¢ price endings; all Nintendo’s Wii and Wii Fit hardware systems and software/game products, Microsoft Xbox 360, Kinect and Kinect games, UGG, all Titleist products, Penn Reels, firearms and ammunition.

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GSI Code: NONE Salt water regul ations

Introduction 2012 FLORIDA SALTWATER RECREATIONAL This publication is provided as a guide to

Florida fishing laws and regulations. The Valid from January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Administrative Code is the final au- NEW thority on fishing laws. The Florida Fish and REGULATIONS Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for Spotted Seatrout page 8 & Red Drum page 18 strives to ensure information in this booklet is accurate, but assumes no liability for any errors that occur in this publication. Contact the FWC if you have any questions on issues not covered in this booklet. This Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission publication is valid only from January 1, 2012, MyFWC.com/Fishing through June 30, 2012.

How your license fee helps The money collected from saltwater fishing About this Guide licenses is used to improve and restore fish This high-quality regulation guide is offered to habitat and for marine fisheries research, you by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation law enforcement and public education on Commission’s Division of Marine Fisheries marine resources. Management through its unique partnership with An additional $.50 fee will be charged for J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. any license or permit not purchased directly from the county tax collector. J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house Obtain immediate license privileges, 24 hours a day, at MyFWC.com/License or by calling toll- that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Processing fees will apply to telephone and Internet sales. regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the FWC staff in the design, layout and editing of the 2012 Commission meeting dates and locations guides. They also manage the marketing and Subject to change regarding availability of appropriate facilities to hold the meeting. sales of advertising to appropriate businesses within the book. ■ February 8–9, 2012 — Tallahassee The revenue generated through ad sales ■ April 25–26, 2012 — Crystal River significantly lowers production costs and ■ June 27–28, 2012 — West Palm generates savings. These savings translate into For more information about Commission meeting dates, times, locations and agendas, visit additional funds for other important fisheries and our website at MyFWC.com and click on “About Commission Meetings” on the top of the page. habitat programs! If you have any feedback or are interested in advertising, please contact us at (413).884.1001 Shows and Events or online at www.JFGriffin.com Visit the FWC booth at these upcoming events to pick up your copy of the Designer: Evelyn Haddad Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations and Fishing Lines: Angler’s Guide to Florida’s Marine Resources. For more information call 850-487-0554 or visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/saltwater/outreach-and-education.

Kids’ Fishing Clinic Kids’ Fishing Clinic Tampa Tribune 430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 February 25th, Crystal River May 19th, Panama City Outdoor Expo nd th Fort Island Trail Park Panama City Marina March 2 –4 , Tampa J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the official Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations Kids’ Fishing Clinic Kids’ Fishing Clinic Ladies, Let's Go Fishing! on post-consumer recycled paper. March 24th June 30th, Cape Canaveral March 16th–18th Fernandina Beach Port Canaveral Cruise SW Florida/Naples Fort Clinch State Park Terminal Number 3 ladiesletsgofishing.com Kids’ Fishing Clinic FL Sportsman Ladies, Let's Go Fishing! March 31st, Daytona Fishing & Boat Show April 20th–22nd available online Sunglow Fishing Pier February 4th–5th, Ft. Myers Ft. Lauderdale, Dania Beach floridasportsman.com/shows ladiesletsgofishing.com in a new Digital Edition! Kids’ Fishing Clinic April 14th, Pensacola FL Sportsman Ladies, Let's Go Fishing! Fully searchable Email pages th th Plaza De Luna Fishing & Boat Show May 18 –20 Live hyperlinks to One-click printing February 25th–26th Treasure Coast/Stuart expanded content Kids’ Fishing Clinic ladiesletsgofishing.com st Ft. Walton Beach April 21 , Panacea floridasportsman.com/shows Woolley Park eRegulations.com/FL/fishing/saltwater Florida State Fair Kids’ Fishing Clinic th th th February 9 –20 April 28 , Naples Tampa State Fairgrounds Naples City Pier floridastatefair.com

4 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission VISIT YOUR LOCAL DICK’S SPORTING GOODS FOR ALL OF YOUR HUNTING AND FISHING SERVICES

Valid through 6/22/12 $ OFFYOUR HUNTING, FISHING AND CAMPING PURCHASE TAKE10 OF $50 OR MORE Limit one coupon per customer. Minimum purchase of $50 before sales tax. Total amount of coupon must be redeemed at one time. Cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons, team discounts or Guaranteed In-Stock markdown, or used for licenses or previously purchased merchandise. Coupon valid on in-store purchases only. Not redeemable for cash, gift cards or store credit. No reproductions or rain checks accepted. Returns or exchanges where a ScoreCard Rewards Certificate or other discount was applied may result in an adjusted refund amount. Excludes Shimano, St. Croix, G. Loomis, fishing electronics, trolling motors, outboard motors, Diamondback, Jansport, Under Armour, Polar, The North Face, Columbia, Merrell and boots. Some additional exclusions may apply. See store for details. Valid 12/22/11 through 6/22/12.

P00004880 Salt water regul ations

Recreational fishing fun for everyone WIN $10,000 With more than 1,000 miles of coastline and great just by posting & showing weather, Florida truly is a year-round sportsman’s the world your ﬁ sh pic! paradise for recreational saltwater fishing. The state’s vast recreational resources provide the challenging catches serious anglers stay out on the water all day for, yet Florida’s shoreline also offers fishing opportunities for every type of angler, from beach-going families to solitary kayakers. Budget-conscious anglers looking for a bite that won’t take a chunk out of their wallet can take advantage of Florida’s free shoreline fishing license, while those looking for a day on the water can take advantage of one of our many recreational charter options across the state.

Children under 16 years of age and Florida residents 65 or older are not required to have Heads up Fishing Club Members a recreational saltwater fishing license, a money saver for families seeking shoreline fun. — FREE, powerful and simple website For those between 16 and 65, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers several license options from non-resident three-day to life-long. for your club just 3 clicks away! We estimate recreational saltwater fishing brought more than 5.69 billion dollars to Florida Look Guides, Charters, Tackle Shops in 2011. In addition, Florida’s boating industry provided a 16.8 billion dollar economic impact — a FREE place to have your online in 2008 and more than 200,000 jobs. business in the fastest growing Inside this Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations guide you will find important ﬁ shing community on the net! information about recreational fishing including updates on rule changes, information on upcoming events, artificial reef locations and a handy regulation guide, perfect for keeping in the boat or the car you plan on taking to the shore. Fishnfools.com Kathy Barco Finally! A new “Facebook” type site designed Chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission entirely for the ﬁ shing community — free to all.

Florida Fish and Wildlife NORTHWEST Conservation Commission 620 South Meridian Street Farris Bryant Building Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 488-4676

(800) 955-8771 TDD Gil- NORTHEAST christ Commissioners FWC regional offices* Kathy Barco Northwest Region NORTH CENTRAL Jacksonville Chairman, 3911 Highway 2321 Richard A. Corbett Panama City, FL 32409-1658 Vice Chairman, Tampa (850) 265-3676 Charles W. Roberts III Lt. Col. Louie Roberson, Regional Director Tallahassee North Central Region Ronald M. Bergeron 3377 East U.S. Highway 90 Ft. Lauderdale Lake City, FL 32055-8795 Dwight Stephenson (386) 758-0525 Delray Beach Roland Garcia, Regional Director Kenneth W. Wright Northeast Region Winter Park 1239 Southwest 10th Street SOUTHWEST Brian S. Yablonski Ocala, FL 34471-0323 Tallahassee (352) 732-1225 Dennis David, Regional Director Staff Southwest Region * These are not fishery Nick Wiley 3900 Drane Field Road Executive Director closure regions. Lakeland, FL 33811-1299 Please see pages 12-13 Gregory L. Holder (863) 648-3200 for information on SOUTH Assistant Executive Director Chris Wynn, Regional Director fishery closures. Karen Ventimiglia South Region Deputy Chief of Staff 8535 Northlake Boulevard Jessica McCawley West Palm Beach, FL 33412-3303 Director, Marine (561) 625-5122 Fisheries Management Charles E. Collins, Regional Director

6 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hooked_NJ_10-11-saltwater:Layout 1 10/19/11 3:40 PM Page 1

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Lookout fishermen! Florida’s favorite speckled fish is  Since 1996, recreational fishing for spotted seatrout has been closed to anglers about to be on the recreational fishing radar year-round. in the north parts of Florida in February On February 1, 2012, recreational fishing for spotted and in the south parts of Florida in Novem- ber and December. These closed months seatrout will no longer close during certain months. were part of a batch of regulations established in the early 1990’s to improve the

Spotted Seatrout Regions ■■ "Northwest Region" means all state waters north and west of a line running due west from the westernmost point of Fred Howard Park Causeway (28E9.350’N 82E48.398’W), which is approximately 1.17 nautical miles south of the Pasco-Pinellas County line to the Florida-Alabama border, and adjacent federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters. ■■ "Southwest Region" means all state waters lying south and west of the Miami-Dade- Monroe County Line at Card Sound and south of the southern boundary of the Northwest Region on the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County, and adjacent federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters. ■■ "Southeast Region" means all state waters lying south of the Flagler-Volusia County Line and north of the Miami-Dade-Monroe County Line at Card Sound, and adjacent federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters. ■■ "Northeast Region" means all state waters lying north of the Flagler-Volusia County line to the Florida-Georgia border, and adjacent federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters.

8 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish... on the Quiet Side of Florida

spotted seatrout population in Florida, which had been damaged by overfishing and loss of habitat.

Because of the strict Nestled on Florida’s regulations in place for Northeast Coast the last several decades, the spotted seatrout There are plenty of fish in the sea and plenty population in Florida is of ways to catch them here. Enjoy a variety healthy and stable. of waterways, miles of untouched beaches and natural surroundings. For more Opening the closed months for recreational information on Flagler County open fishermen should increase economic and your qr-reader on your smartphone fishing opportunities for spotted seatrout 1.800.670.2120 to scan around Florida.

In addition, because the spotted seatrout population in the Northeast region of Flor- ida is thriving and exceeding management Visit us online at www.visitflagler.org goals, the bag limit will be raised from five to six fish starting February 1, 2012.

In Florida, spotted seatrout can be found in seagrass flats, shell and rocky bottoms, or even muddy waters. In colder months, they gather Big Catch? Trophy Buck? in deeper water, such as rivers and channels. We welcome your digital photo submissions!Big Catch? Popular for recreational anglers around Your hunting & fishing photos could be includedTrophy in future Buck? regulation Florida, spotted seatrout are fun to catch, magazines or online! are attracted to a variety of gears and lures, and are also good quality seafood. The fish Please upload high-resolution images for considerationJ.F. Grifﬁ n Publishingat: has many nicknames, including speckled www.eregulations.com/photos trout, spotted weakfish, and speck, but any welcomes your digital angler skilled enough to catch a six pounder photo submissions for knows all too well how they got the name possible publication in “gator trout.” January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 9 our hunting and ﬁ shing regulation guides.

Please upload high-resolution images for consideration at: www.eregulations.com/photos

™

Ge ar & Spe aring

Recreational gear Explosives, etc. Additional regional gear restrictions may apply in your county. The use of powerheads, explosives, chemicals or the discharge of For further clarification, contact the local regional offices listed firearms into the water to kill or harvest marine life is prohibited on page 6. in state waters.

Reef fish gear rules(applies to species marked with ● on Spearing pages 12 and 13) Spearing is defined as “the catching or taking of a fish by bowhunt- ■■ Gulf of Mexico: These regulations require the use of a venting ing, gigging, spearfishing, or any device used to capture a fish by tool and dehooking device when recreationally or commercially piercing its body.” Spearing does not include the catching or taking fishing for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. All persons aboard a of a fish by a hook with hook-and-line gear or by snagging (snatch vessel harvesting reef fish must possess and use non-stainless hooking). Spearfishing is defined as “the catching or taking of a fish steel circle hooks when using natural baits. through the instrumentality of a hand or mechanically propelled, ■■ Atlantic Ocean: Recreational and commercial fishers are single or multi-pronged spear or lance, barbed or barbless, operated required to use dehooking devices as needed while fishing for reef by a person swimming at or below the surface of the water.” The fish. use of powerheads, bangsticks, and rebreathers remains prohibited. The following is a list of species which are prohibited for harvest These rules apply to the following species. For a complete species by spearing. Any other species not listed which are managed by list, please visit MyFWC.com. the Commission, and those not managed by the Commission are allowed to be harvested by spearing. • Greater amberjack • Lesser amberjack • Banded rudderfish • Gag grouper • Billfish (all species) • Spotted eagle ray • Sturgeon • Black grouper • Red grouper • Manta ray • Sharks • Bonefish • Snowy grouper • Yellowfin grouper • Tarpon • Goliath grouper • Snook • Yellowmouth grouper • Scamp grouper • Blue crab • Nassau grouper • Spotted seatrout • Warsaw grouper • Speckled hind • Red drum • Weakfish • Stone crab • Grouper, all others • Hogfish • Florida Pompano • African pompano • Permit • Red porgy • Black sea bass • Tripletail • Lobster • Black snapper • Wenchman snapper • Families of ornamental reef fish (surgeonfish, trumpetfish, • Cubera snapper • Gray snapper angelfish, butterflyfish, porcupinefish, cornetfish, squirrelfish, • Lane snapper • Mutton snapper trunkfish, damselfish, parrotfish, pipefish, seahorse, puffers, • Red snapper • Schoolmaster snapper triggerfish except gray and ocean) • Vermilion snapper • Snapper, all other • Golden tilefish • Gray triggerfish You may NOT spearfish (excluding bowfishing and gigging): Hook-and-line gear ■■ Spearfishing of marine and freshwater species in freshwater is Hook-and-line anglers must tend their gear at all times to prevent prohibited. Possession of a spear gun in or on freshwater is also people, marine life and shore life from becoming entangled in the prohibited. line or injured by the hook. Also, it is against the law to intention- ■■ Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial ally discard any monofilament netting or line into or onto state or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public waters. Monofilament line can entangle birds, marine mammals, fishing is allowed. marine turtles and fish, often injuring or killing them. ■■ Within 100 feet of any part of a jetty that is above the surface of the sea—except for the last 500 yards of a jetty that extends more Nets than 1,500 yards from the shoreline. The following types of nets may be used for recreational purposes ■■ In Collier County and in Monroe County from Long Key north to in Florida waters: the Dade County line. ■■ Bully nets (for lobster only) no greater than 3 feet in diameter. ■■ For any fish for which spearing is expressly prohibited by law. ■■ Frame nets and push nets (for shrimp only) no greater than 16 ■■ In any body of water under the jurisdiction of the Department of feet in perimeter. Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks. ■■ Hand held landing or dip nets no greater than 96 inches in pe- (Possession of spearfishing equipment is prohibited in these ar- rimeter. eas, unless it is unloaded and properly stored.) Fishermen who ■■ Cast nets measuring 14 feet or less stretched length (stretched catch and/or sell fish harvested by spearing are subject to the length is defined as the distance from the horn at the center of same rules and limitations that other anglers in the state are the net with the net gathered and pulled taut, to the lead line). required to follow. Cast nets may be used as harvesting gear for the following species ■■ In Monroe County there are additional regulations for only: black drum, bluefish, cobia, flounder, mullet, Florida pom- spearfishing. For more information call 305-289-2320 or visit pano, red drum, sheepshead, shrimp, Spanish mackerel, spotted www.floridakeys.noaa.gov. seatrout, weakfish and unregulated species. ■■ Beach or haul seines measuring no larger than 500 square feet of You may NOT spear, bowfish or gig: mesh area, no larger than 2 inches stretched mesh size, not con- ■■ In Volusia County inland waters with the exception of flounder structed of monofilament, and legibly marked at both ends with and sheepshead using a spear with three or fewer prongs. the harvester’s name and address if a Florida resident. Non-residents using beach or haul seines for recreational purposes are Permit, Florida Pompano and African Pompano required to have a commercial saltwater products license and leg- ■■ Permit and African Pompano: Hook and line only in state waters; ibly mark the seine at both ends with the harvester’s saltwater hook and line or spearing only in federal waters. products license number. Beach or haul seines may be used as ■■ Florida Pompano: Hook and line, cast net and beach or haul seine harvesting gear for the following species only: black drum, bluefish, only in state and federal waters cobia, flounder, mullet, Florida pompano, red drum, sheepshead, shrimp, Spanish mackerel, weakfish and unregulated species.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 11 Basic recreational saltwater fishing regulations This brief summary of regulations governs the taking of saltwater species in Florida state waters for personal use. It is not applicable to the commercial harvesting of these species. The absence of complete laws, rules and regulations in this summary does not relieve persons from compliance with those laws, rules or regulations. State waters extend to 3 nautical miles on the Atlantic and 9 nautical miles on the Gulf. Federal rules apply beyond state waters unless expressly stated otherwise. For species that do not have an established bag limit, more than 100 pounds or two fish per harvester per day (whichever is greater), is considered commercial quantities. A saltwater products license and commercial vessel registration are required to harvest commercial quantities of unregulated species. It is illegal to sell recreationally harvested fish without compliance with commercial license requirements. Issue Forty, Jan. 2012.Highlights indicate recent regulation changes.

Species Minimum Size Limits Closed Season Daily Rec. Bag Limit Remarks 28" fork Atlantic; June 1– July 31  ● 1 per harvester per day Amberjack, Greater 30" fork Gulf Gulf of Mexico Amberjack, Lesser & Not less than 14" or more 5 aggregate of lesser amberjack Banded Rudderfish  ● than 22" fork and banded rudderfish Sailfish 63"; Measured tip of lower jaw to fork. All landed fish must be reported to NOAA 1 per harvester per day  Blue Marlin 99"; within 24 hours 800-894-5528 or hmspermits.noaa.gov. Billfish aggregate bag limit White Marlin 66" HMS permit required in federal waters. Not less than 14" or more   ■ 5 per harvester per day May possess one over 24". Snatching prohibited. Black Drum T than 24" Bluefish  12" fork 10 per harvester per day Bonefish ■ 0 per harvester per day Catch and release only. Hook and line gear only. May not harvest half hour One 5 gal. bucket per harvester after official sunset until Illegal to harvest from closed areas. Clams (Hard) 1" thick across hinge or 2 per vessel, whichever is less half hour before official per day (whole in shell) Go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for allowable harvesting areas. sunrise 1 per harvester or 6 per vessel  33" fork To sell or exceed the daily bag limit follow commercial regulations. Cobia (Ling) per day, whichever is less Sept. 20–Oct. 4 Gulf state waters beyond 3 miles closed to traps; federal 10 gallons whole 5 traps maximum. Trap requirements apply. Harvest of egg-bearing crabs Crab, Blue waters closed to traps; per harvester per day prohibited. See page 24 for more information. Regional closures (see map on page 24) Trapping prohibited, harvest of egg-bearing females prohibited, harvest Crab, Blue Land July 1– Oct. 31 20 per harvester per day prohibited in state parks and from the right-of-way of federal, state or county maintained roads. 1 gal. Stone Crab claws per harvester 5 traps maximum. Trap requirements apply. Illegal to possess whole crab. ■ 2 ¾" claw May 16 – Oct. 14 Crab, Stone or 2 gal. per vessel, whichever is less Harvest of egg-bearing crabs prohibited. April 1–Aug. 5 Recreational trapping prohibited. Spiny Lobster permit required when Crawfish Carapace must be greater Exception: Sport Season Regular season: license required. Harvest of egg-bearing females prohibited. Special (Spiny Lobster)  than 3" measured in the water (last consecutive Wed & 6 per harvester per day bag limit for 2-day Sport Season. Contact FWC regional office for Thurs of July each year) current information on Sport Season. 10 per harvester per day, not to  20" fork Atlantic To sell or exceed the daily bag limit follow commercial regulations. Dolphin exceed 60 per vessel per day Flounder   T 12" 10 per harvester per day May be harvested by spearing. Snatching prohibited.

Jan. 1– March 31 Gulf 24" Atlantic & Monroe County 1 per harvester per day (excluding Monroe County) Atlantic & Monroe County; No more than 1 fish may be Gag or Black Grouper, either individually or in Gag   ● 22" Gulf (excluding Monroe Closed Atlantic & Monroe 2 per harvester per day Gulf combination in Atlantic & Monroe County. County) County Jan. 1– April 30 (excluding Monroe County) Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County) and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper aggregate bag limit. Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain & crew on for-hire vessels. 24" Atlantic & Monroe County 1 per harvester per day   ● Closed in Gulf (excluding Atlantic & Monroe County; Grouper, Black 22" Gulf (excluding Monroe 4 per harvester per day Gulf County) Monroe County) Feb. 1–March 31 (excluding Monroe County) Closed Atlantic & 3 per harvester per day Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County) Monroe County Atlantic & Monroe County; and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper   ● 20" Grouper, Red Jan. 1–April 30 4 per harvester per day Gulf aggregate bag limit. (excluding Monroe County) Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain & crew on for-hire vessels. Grouper, Snowy  ● 1 per harvester per day Atlantic Grouper, Yellowfin Closed in Gulf (excluding 20" & Yellowmouth   ● Monroe County) Feb. 1–March 31 Atlantic & Monroe 20" Closed Atlantic &   ● County Gulf Grouper, Scamp ; 16" (excluding Monroe County Monroe County) Jan. 1–April 30 Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County)

Grouper, Warsaw & 1 per vessel per day of each species and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper Speckled Hind  ● aggregate bag limit. Closed in Gulf (excluding Atlantic & Monroe County: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain Monroe County) and crew on for-hire vessels Feb. 1–March 31 for Rock Hind and Red Hind Grouper, all others  ● Closed Atlantic & Monroe County Jan. 1–April 30 for Tiger, Rock Hind, Red Hind, Coney, Graysby Hogfish  ● 12" fork 5 per harvester per day Bag limit reduced to 1 in some state waters when federal waters are Mackerel, King  24" fork 2 per harvester per day closed to all harvest. Check www.MyFWC.com/Fishing for most current regulations prior to fishing. Mackerel, Spanish  12" fork 15 per harvester per day Transfer of Spanish Mackerel to other vessels at sea is prohibited. 50 aggregate per harvester per day; Mullet, Striped (Black) Aggregate vessel limits Mullet aggregate bag limit includes Striped and Silver. Call DMFM for ad- & Silver Feb. 1–Aug. 31: 100 per vessel; ditional restrictions in Pinellas and Charlotte counties. Sept. 1–Jan. 31: 50 per vessel June, July, Aug. in Dixie, 2 bags per harvester or vessel, Apalachicola Bay has summer & winter seasons/areas. Wakulla, Levy counties. whichever is less per day. Oysters 3" Harvest from approved shellfish areas only. July, Aug., Sept. in 1 Bag = 60 lbs. Go to www.floridaaquaculture.com for allowable harvesting areas. all other areas. or two 5 gal. buckets (whole in shell) 1 per harvester per day, not to 22" fork SPZ; Not less than May 1–July 31 exceed 2 per vessel per day SPZ; May possess 1 over 22" fork length in all other areas, not to exceed 2 over Permit  T ■ 11" or more than 22" fork all other areas SPZ 2 per harvester per day 22" fork per vessel per day. See page 11 for gear restrictions. all other state waters Pompano, Florida  T ■ 11" fork 6 per harvester per day Hook and line, cast net, and beach or haul seine ONLY.

12 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Species Minimum Size Limits Closed Season Daily Rec. Bag Limit Remarks 2 per harvester per day, not to  T ■ 24" fork Pompano, African exceed 2 per vessel per day. Red Drum Not less than 18" or more 2 per harvester per day N.E./N.W. Region Gigging, spearing, snatching prohibited. Harvest in Federal waters prohibited. (Redfish)   T than 27" 1 per harvester per day South Region See Red Drum article page 18. New regulations effective February 1, 2012. Red Porgy   ● 14" Atlantic 3 per harvester per day Atlantic 2 gallons whole or 1 pint meat Harvest allowed only in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico from the Pasco- per harvester per day; no more than Scallops, Bay Sept. 11–June 30 Hernando county line, to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay 10 gallons whole, or ½ gallon meat County. per vessel anytime Sea Bass, Black   ● 12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf 15 per harvester per day Atlantic American, Alabama & Hickory are part of aggregate limit. Hook & line Shad 10 aggregate per harvester per day gear only. 54" fork for all sharks except Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, 1 per harvester or 2 per vessel Hook and line gear only. Shark  T blacktip, bonnethead, per day, whichever is less See list below for prohibited species. finetooth and smooth dogfish Sheepshead   T 12" 15 per harvester per day Snatching prohibited. April & May closed to Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, 5 gallons heads on per harvester or  Contact FWC Regional Office for closed areas. Shrimp Putnam, Flagler & Clay vessel per day, whichever is less counties Snapper, Black & Included within 10 per harvester Wenchman  ● per day Snapper aggregate bag limit Included within 10 per harvester May possess no more than 2 Cubera Snapper over 30" per harvester or Snapper, Cubera   ● 12" (see remarks) per day Snapper aggregate vessel per day, whichever is less. 30" or larger not included within the bag limit if under 30" Snapper aggregate bag limit. Snapper, Gray 10" 5 per harvester per day Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit. (Mangrove)   ● Included within 10 per harvester Snapper, Lane   ● 8" per day Snapper aggregate Gulf not included within the Snapper aggregate bag limit. bag limit Atlantic Included within 10 per harvester   ● 16" Snapper, Mutton per day Snapper aggregate bag limit Included within 10 per harvester per day Snapper aggregate bag limit. Note: Check www.MyFWC.com/Fishing for most current regulations prior Snapper, Red   ● 20" Atlantic; 16" Gulf July 19–May 31 Gulf 2 per harvester per day to fishing. Gulf: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels. Snapper, Included within 10 per harvester 10" Schoolmaster   ● per day Snapper aggregate bag limit Vermilion Snapper not included within the Snapper aggregate bag limit. 5 per harvester per day Atlantic;   ● 12" Atlantic; 10" Gulf Nov. 1–March 31 Atlantic Snapper, Vermilion 10 per harvester per day Gulf Atlantic: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels. Included within 10 per harvester   ● 12" Includes: Blackfin, Dog, Mahogany, Queen, Silk & Yellowtail. Snapper, all other per day Snapper aggregate bag limit Not less than 28" or more than Dec. 15–Jan. 31; 32" Atlantic June 1–Aug. 31 Atlantic Snook Closed through Aug. 31, Snook permit required for harvest when saltwater license required. Illegal 1 per harvester per day (all species)   T ■ Not less than 28" or more than 2012 Gulf of Mexico, to buy or sell snook. Snatch hooks and spearing prohibited. 33" Gulf of Mexico, Monroe Monroe County, County, Everglades Nat. Park Everglades National Park Greater than 5" in greatest Includes: Sheepswool, Yellow, Grass, Glove, Finger, Wire, Reef & Velvet ■ dimension measured across 10 per harvester per day Sponge, Commercial sponge. the top of the sponge Not less than 15" or 5 per harvester per day N.W. Region May possess no more than 1 over 20"; included in the regional bag limit. more than 20" (statewide) 4 per harvester per day S.W. Region   T ■ See regional definitions map on page 8. Spotted Seatrout except one fish over 20" 4 per harvester per day S.E. Region per person 6 per harvester per day N.E. Region New regulations effective February 1, 2012. 47" lower jaw fork length with 1 per harvester per day, All landed fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours 800-894-5528. head attached or not to exceed a maximum of Swordfish HMS permit required in federal waters. Zero daily bag and possession limit 29" cleithrum to keel length if 4 per recreational (not for-hire) vessel for captain and crew of for-hire vessels. head removed. or 15 per for-hire vessel per day Requires $50 tarpon tag to possess or harvest. Snatching and spearing Tarpon 2 fish possession limit prohibited. Boca Grande Pass has seasonal regulations. Contact DMFM for current information. Included within the 3 per harvester per day (Atlantic & Monroe County) and 4 per harvester per day (Gulf excluding Monroe County) Grouper Tilefish, Golden  ● 1 per harvester per day Atlantic aggregate bag limit. Atlantic: Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels 12" fork Atlantic;  ● Triggerfish except Gray and Ocean have live landing & live well requirements. Triggerfish (Gray) 14" fork Gulf Tripletail   T 15" 2 per harvester per day Hook & line gear only. No snatch hooks. Wahoo  2 per harvester per day To sell or exceed the daily bag limit, follow commercial regulations. Weakfish   12" 1 per harvester per day Regulations apply in parts of Nassau County only. See MyFWC.com for map.

 PROHIBITED SPECIES Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads, fins & tails intact). It is unlawful to harvest, possess, land, purchase, sell, or exchange the following species:  Measured as total length. Total length is the straight line distance from the most forward part of Goliath Grouper (Jewfish), Nassau Grouper, Sawfish, Atlantic Angel Shark, Basking Shark, Bigeye the head with the Sand Tiger Shark, Bigeye Sixgill Shark, Bigeye Thresher Shark, Bignose Shark, Caribbean Reef mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed together while Shark, Caribbean Sharpnose Shark, Dusky Shark, Galapagos Shark, Lemon Shark, Longfin Mako the fish is lying on its side. 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, ■ State regulations apply in federal waters. Great Hammerhead Shark, Scalloped and Smooth Hammerhead Shark, Spotted Eagle Ray, ● Additional gear rules apply. See Reef Fish Gear Rules page 11. Longbill Spearfish, Mediterranean Spearfish, Roundscale Spearfish, Sturgeon, Florida Queen T Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead Conch, Stony, Hard and Fire Corals, Sea Fans, Bahama Starfish, and Longspine Urchin. Harvest natural bait. of live rock in state waters is prohibited. Puffer fish harvest is prohibited in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.

Harvester: Regardless of what species you are fishing for, bag limits are only for properly licensed individuals and those people exempt from licensing requirements who are actively harvesting. People harvesting may not exceed the individual bag limit and take someone else’s bag limit. That is, people (including children) who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits. FWC REGIONAL OFFICES Northwest Region Panama City 850-265-3676; North Central Region Lake City 386-758-0525; For saltwater fish identification, request a copy of FWC’s Northeast Region Ocala 352-732-1225; Southwest Region Lakeland 863-648-3200; Fishing Lines magazine or visit: MyFWC.com. South Region West Palm Beach 561-625-5122; Wildlife Alert 888-404-FWCC (3922)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 13 Licenses and Permits

Saltwater fishing in Florida… Costs for licenses What you must know before you go In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents may charge an Saltwater fishing licenses are sold online issuance fee for selling licenses or permits. Note: All sales are final. at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com, at all county Florida resident licenses tax collectors’ offices and at many license One-Year Shoreline Only License...... $0.00 agents. Licenses may also be obtained Covers shoreline fishingonly , not fishing from a watercraft or from shore reached by watercraft. over the telephone by dialing toll-free, One-Year License...... $17.00 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). An addi- both tional fee is charged for telephone and Inter- Covers watercraft and shoreline fishing. net services. For any recreational licensing Five-Year License...... $79.00 information not contained in this publication, Combination licenses (Florida residents only) please go to MyFWC.com/License. Fishing-Saltwater/Freshwater...... $32.50 Fishing-Saltwater/Freshwater & Hunting...... $48.00 Florida residents One-Year Gold Sportsman’s License...... $100.00 When applying for a saltwater recreational One-Year Military Gold Sportsman’s License...... $20.00 fishing license, you are considered to be a (Offers the same privileges as the Gold Sportsman’s License. Available only to Florida residents who Florida resident if you are: are active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, ■■ Any person who has resided in Florida for the National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, upon submission of a six continuous months prior to applying for current military identification card and proof of Florida residency. Purchase at county tax collector’s a resident license and who claims Florida offices only.) as their primary residence. Lifetime saltwater fishing license (Florida residents only; includes Snook and Lobster Permits) ■■ Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who Age: 0–4...... $126.50 is stationed in this state and any family members residing with them. Age: 5–12...... $226.50 Age: 13 or older...... $301.50 Gold sportsman’s license Lifetime sportsman license (Florida residents only) ■■ $100 (valid for one year). Includes: Age: 0–4...... $401.50 — Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Age: 5–12...... $701.50 Freshwater Fishing licenses Age: 13 or older...... $1,001.50 — Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Non-resident licenses Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Deer, Three-day License...... $17.00 Snook, and Spiny Lobster permits Seven-day License...... $30.00 ■■ Florida residents may buy a lifetime salt- One-Year License...... $47.00 water fishing license or a lifetime sports- Permits man license. Holders of lifetime saltwater Snook Permit...... $10.00 fishing licenses may fish in saltwater for Five-Year Snook Permit (Florida residents only)...... $50.00 life and will pay no additional fees. The Spiny Lobster Permit...... $5.00 lifetime license fee includes the taking of Five-Year Spiny Lobster Permit (Florida residents only)...... $25.00 snook or spiny lobster, which would other- Tarpon Tag (available only at tax collector offices)...... $51.50 wise require a separate fee. A lifetime sportsman license allows holders to fish in If you are required to have a license, even the $0.00 shoreline license, you are required to purchase freshwater or saltwater and to hunt in permits to harvest Snook and Spiny Lobster. Florida. Both of the licenses require holders to obey fishing or hunting laws in effect and you possess proof of age and residency, from the United States Armed Forces, at any given time. such as a Florida driver’s license or ID, or Railroad Retirement Board, Florida Work- an optional no-cost Resident Senior Citizen er’s Compensation or the United States You do not need a license if you are: Hunting and Fishing Certificate. Veterans Administration. Alternatively, ■■ A resident who is saltwater fishing from ■■ A Florida resident who is a member of the current documentation from the Social land or a structure fixed to land who has U.S. Armed Forces, who is not stationed in Security Administration for Supplemental been determined eligible for the food stamp, this state, while on leave for 30 days or less, Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid upon submission of orders. This does not Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits Program by the Department of Children include family members. also will be accepted. and Family Services (DCFS). Proof of iden- ■■ Any person who has been accepted as a client tification and a benefit issuance or program for developmental services by the Depart- Other saltwater fishing fees identification card issued by DCFS or the ment of Children and Family Services, pro- Licenses (Charter Boat or Charter Captain) Agency for Health Care Administration vided the department furnishes proof thereof. are required for all vessels that charge a fee must be on your person when fishing. ■■ Fishing for recreational purposes from a pier (for-hire vessels) to take passengers out to ■■ A child under 16 years of age. that has a valid pier saltwater fishing license. catch marine fish. ■■ Any resident fishing for recreational pur- ■■ Fishing from a boat that has a valid rec- Eleven or more customers...... $801.50 poses only, within her or his county of reational vessel fishing license. Five to ten customers...... $401.50 residence with live or natural bait, using ■■ A Florida resident who is fishing for mullet poles or lines not equipped with a fishing in freshwater with a valid Florida fresh- Four or fewer customers...... $201.50 line retrieval mechanism. water fishing license. Optional fees include the annual Recre- ■■ Fishing from a for-hire vessel—guide, char- ■■ A Florida resident who possesses a no-cost ational Vessel fee ($2,001.50) for not-for-hire ter, party boat—that has a valid charter Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting pleasure craft and the annual Pier license boat license or charter captain license. and Fishing Certificate. In order to quali- ($501.50). For charter licensing information, ■■ A holder of a valid saltwater products license. fy for this, applicants must provide a cer- contact your local county tax collector’s office ■■ A Florida resident 65 years of age or older tification of total and permanent disability or visit MyFWC.com.

14 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Salt water regul ations

Marine life regulations Marine Life — Fish Size Limits Species Remarks 1 Requirements for ■ (total length unless otherwise noted) Recreational Marine Life Harvest: No more than 5 per Gray, French Angelfish: 1½–8" slot limit Angelfish person per day in any Blue, Queen Angelfish: 1¾–8" slot limit ■■ Recreational saltwater fishing license combination Rock Beauty: 2–5" slot limit ■■ Organisms must be landed and kept alive Butterflyfish 1–4" slot limit ■■ A continuously circulating live well, aera- Except Gray tion, or oxygenation system of adequate Filefish/Triggerfish and Ocean Triggerfish size to maintain these organisms in a Gobies Maximum size limit: 2" healthy condition Except Hamlets/ reef fish2 and ■■ Allowable Gear: hand held net, drop net, Seabasses rod, barrier net, slurp gun (use of quinal- Longtail Bass dine is prohibited)* Jawfish Maximum size limit: 4" Parrotfish Maximum size limit: 12" ■■ Bag Limit: 20 organisms per person per Porkfish Minimum size limit: 1½" day; only 5 of any one species allowed Includes Sharpnose Pufferfish, Pufferfish, Striped within the 20-organism bag limit Burrfish, Burrfish, Spotted ■■ Possession Limit: 2-day possession Balloonfish, Burrfish, Balloonfish, Porcupinefish limit, 40 total organisms, no more than 10 Porcupinefish of any one species allowed Tangs and ThinkOutLoudProductions.com Maximum size limit (fork length): 9" ■■ Allowable substrate: see species speci- Surgeonfish Except Hogfish Spanish Hogfish: 2–8" slot limit fications in table Wrasse/Hogfish/Razorfish ■■ Closed areas: Some closed areas exist** Snapper Cuban Hogfish: 3–8" slot limit Other Marine Life fish include1: ■ Sale of recreationally caught marine life Basslets, Batfish, Blackbar Soldierfish, Blennies, Brotulas (Black and Key), ■ Cardinalfish, Clingfish, Cornetfish, Damselfish, Eels (Moray and Snake), Frogfish, Hawkfish, High-hat/Jackknife- organisms is prohibited fish/Spotted Drum/Cubbyu, Pipefish, Reef Croakers, Seahorses, Sleepers, Yellow Stingray, Sweepers, Toadfish, ■■ Regulations apply in federal waters Trumpetfish, and Trunkfish/Cowfish. * Some organisms have additional gear Marine Life — Invertebrates limitations, see chart. Species Remarks 1 ** Various closed areas exist. See regulations Corallimorphs and Zoanthids: No more than 5 polyps of each may be landed for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctu- Anemones per person per day, must be harvested with a flexible blade no wider than 2". ary, Everglades National Park, Biscayne Corallimorphs must be harvested as single polyps only. Conch, Queen Harvest prohibited National Park, and Florida’s State Parks Corals, Hard (Stony) Harvest prohibited before collecting in these areas. No more than 6 octocoral colonies per person per day in any combination; harvest of Corals, Soft (Octocorals) attached substrate within 1" of base is permitted; harvest closes when quota met. Additional rules apply to the collection of Crab, Hermit Except Land Hermit Crabs shells containing live organisms in Lee or Crab, Horseshoe Harvest prohibited Manatee counties. Live Rock Harvest prohibited Octopods3 Except Common Octopus Sea Fans Harvest of Venus Sea Fan and Common (Purple) Sea Fan prohibited See MyFWC.com for FAQs about marine Siphonophores/Hydroids Harvest of Fire Coral prohibited life harvest and information about collect- 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 ing shells with live organisms. Sponges within 1" of base permitted north and west of the southernmost point of Egmont Key, no substrate allowed south of Egmont Key Starfish3 Harvest of Bahama Starfish (Cushion Sea Star) prohibited Urchins3 Except Sand Dollars & Sea Biscuits; harvest of Longspine Urchin prohibited 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 Porcelain Crab, Yellowline Arrow Crab, Fileclams3, Upside-down Jellyfish, Nudibranchs/Sea Slugs3, Sea Cucumbers3, Sea Lilies, Cleaner/Peppermint Shrimp, Coral Shrimp, Snapping Shrimp, Nassarius Snails3, Starsnails3, Featherduster Worms, and Calcareous Tube Worms. Marine Life — Plants Species Limits Algae, Coralline Red Caulerpa One gallon of tropical ornamental marine plants per day in any combi- Halimeda/Mermaid's Fan/Mermaid's nation; 2 gallon maximum possession limit Shaving Brush

1 Unless otherwise noted, combined bag limit of 20 marine life fish and invertebrates per person per day, only 5 of any one species allowed. A 2-day possession limit also applies (40 total organisms, only 10 of any one species). 2 Such as groupers, snappers, seabass, and amberjacks. Must abide by regulations for these species on pages 12–13. 3 Bag limit of 2 live shells of any single species per harvester per day in Manatee County. Harvest prohibited in Lee County.

Nancy Sheridan

16 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission MARINE TECHNICIAN TRAINING Call 1.800.641.7740

UTI.edu/marine

ThinkOutLoudProductions.com MSC: 800/887

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In 2011, NOAA Fisheries determined the Anglers are still allowed to catch and release northwest Atlantic stock of scalloped all species of sharks and to harvest hammer- Catch More Fish! hammerheads was overfished and undergoing heads and tiger sharks from federal waters. Printed & Digital Fishing overfishing. Other species, including the However, any tiger shark or great, scalloped Maps for Florida great and smooth hammerhead and the tiger or smooth hammerhead harvested from fed- www.fishinghotspots.com/fl shark, have also suffered a greater than 50% eral waters must be brought directly back to to order or find a retailer near you decline in population numbers. land, without stopping in state waters.

The fact that large pregnant females The FWC is also urging anglers to exercise predictably show up in Florida waters at caution when handling and releasing sharks. known times and locations, coupled with the Shark fishing is becoming increasingly popu- regular use of shallow nearshore waters by lar, making the survival of released sharks juveniles make these sharks especially vul- even more important. The FWC strongly nerable when they are in state waters. encourages anglers to use non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks when fishing for sharks and urges anglers to cut the line or Low Cost Insurance—Boat & Equipment In order to aid in the recovery of leader as close to the hook as possible (leav- •Agreed Value coverage •Tournament coverage ing the hook in place) if the hook cannot be these sharks and ensure they are •Fishing equipment coverage •Broad cruising area easily removed without endangering the protected for future generations, the •Optional fishing guide coverage angler or the shark. Both shore and vessel FWC is prohibiting the harvest and For a free quote call 866-532-1829 based anglers who plan to release a large mention priority code 4878 possession of tiger sharks and great, shark are encouraged to keep the shark or at BoatUSAngler.com smooth and scalloped hammerheads in the water at all times and to release it Policies subject to limits and exclusions. caught in state waters beginning unharmed as quickly as possible. January 1, 2012. January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 17 Fishing Regulations_FL_Saltwater_4c_2.25x2.indd 1 4/29/11 10:50 AM Salt water regul ations Red Drum Bag limit increase in Northern Florida After 20 years of strict red drum management rules, recreational are monitored regularly by scientists at the Commission’s Fish and anglers along Florida’s northern coast will soon reap the reward. Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg. The red drum population in Florida has been increasing since the early 1990s, when In November 2011, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation strict regulations were established in an Commission amended the rule for red drum by increasing the bag effort to reverse its declining population. limit in northern parts of Florida from Escambia through Pasco Counties and Nassau through Flagler Counties, a move that will Fishermen in Florida can be proud of the increase fishing opportunities for recreational anglers in Florida. red drum fishery. The bag limit increase will allow anglers to enjoy the fish that Harvesters in the northern counties listed can harvest two red was managed for 20 years to grow to drum per day starting February 1, 2012. Before the rule change, what it is today. recreational harvesters could only take one fish. In southern Florida counties, the bag limit remains at one red drum.

The bag limit was increased for the northern parts of Florida because the red drum population in these areas is healthy and thriving. As a popular species to catch and eat, the red drum stocks Know your Florida Fish Florida Fish: Drum Species Description Identification

Most often bronze or reddish with white belly; Narrow body occasionally silvery all over Red Drum Generally one or more spots at base of tail, Sciaenops ocellatus but occasionally have none

May reach 60 lbs. Rounded pectoral fins

Blackish on sides with lighter belly Deep body Pointed pectoral fins

Black Drum Juveniles have vertical black bars on sides Pogonias cromis No spots May exceed 100 lbs. Barbels on chin All fins are blackish

Silvery gray sides fading to whitish belly Gulf Kingfish Edge of tail is black Menticirrhus littoralis One barbel on chin

Southern Kingfish Average 1–2 lbs. Dark markings on sides Menticirrhus americanus *Note: both are commonly referred to as whiting

18 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission THE #1 SOURCE FOR TRUCK ACCESSORIES

www.RANCHHAND.com Salt water regul ations

New Artificial Reef Locations* COUNTY DEPLOY DATE REEF NAME MATERIAL TONS LATITUDE LONGITUDE DEPTH RELIEF Dade 7/20/11 Key Biscayne Connectivity Project Pile A Rock Limestone Boulders (133 Tons) 173.00 25° 41.808' N 80° 05.275' W 60 9 Dade 7/18/11 Key Biscayne Connectivity Project Pile B Rock Limestone Boulders (132 Tons) 177.00 25° 41.812' N 80° 05.255' W 64 5 Dade 7/13/11 Mercy Connectivity Project Pile B Rock Limestone Boulders (120 Tons) 175.00 25° 44.328' N 80° 12.599' W 12 6 Dade 7/11/11 Mercy Connectivity Project Pile A Rock Limestone Boulders (120 Tons) 175.00 25° 44.339' N 80° 12.610' W 12 6 Dade 7/11/11 Golden Beach Eternal Reefballs Site #12 Modules Concrete Reefballs (6) 1.40 25° 57.771' N 80° 05.874' W 43 4 Duval 7/28/11 Floyds Folly-2011 Concrete Culverts (200) 700.00 30° 10.299' N 81° 09.050' W 75 10 Flagler 7/21/11 Grady Prather Reef Concrete Bridge Materials (150) 510.00 29° 40.419' N 80° 58.330' W 68 7 Franklin 5/11/11 Robby Redding Memorial Reef-5 Steel Sculpture 5.00 29° 39.613' N 84° 30.016' W 50 10 Franklin 5/11/11 Robby Redding Memorial Reef-4 Concrete Culverts (15) 27.00 29° 39.613' N 84° 30.000' W 50 4 Martin 5/11/11 Lee Harris Reef South Concrete Culverts, Slabs and Cylinders (109) 441.00 27° 12.228' N 80° 06.146' W 60 13 Okaloosa 7/28/11 Conch Reef Sw#4 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2) 7.00 30° 09.172' N 86° 22.396' W 117 8 Okaloosa 7/28/11 Conch Reef Se#4 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2) 7.00 30° 09.173' N 86° 21.966' W 117 8 Okaloosa 7/28/11 Conch Reef Sw#3 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2) 7.00 30° 09.209' N 86° 22.325' W 117 8 Okaloosa 7/28/11 Conch Reef Se#3 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2) 7.00 30° 09.224' N 86° 22.011' W 117 8 Okaloosa 7/28/11 Conch Reef Sw#2 Modules Concrete Walters Limestone Units (2) 7.00 30° 09.265' N 86° 22.287' W 117 8 * Chart represents a small sample of more than 2,000 artificial reef sites in Florida; for additional reef locations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing.

Do you have a photo of your prize catch Grand Slams and State Records and want to show it off? The Florida Saltwater Grand Slam program is managed by If so, the FWC invites you to participate in the Ethical Angler the FWC in partnership with the International Game Fish Photo Recognition Program! Association (IGFA). Grand Slams challenge anglers to catch three specific fish species in a single day and were created to Send in your photo, along with a signed photo release form increase the variety of species targeted by anglers. There are to [email protected] and your photo may appear on currently four Grand Slam challenges: Panhandle, West Coast, the next cover of the regulations! For additional information, South Florida, and East Coast. Successful applicants receive please visit www.MyFWC.com/Fishing. a certificate signed by both the President of the IGFA and the Executive Director of the FWC to recognize their achievement. Another challenge hosted by the FWC is the Florida State Records program. There are currently 76 species eligible for state records in both conventional tackle and fly fishing categories. Almaco jack and vermilion snapper were both recently added to the list of eligibility and several other species are now being considered. In addition to the programs mentioned, there are several exciting new programs currently being developed by the FWC. The intention of the new programs is to cultivate a saltwater fishing interest in new anglers as well as expand the activities of those already “hooked” on fishing. Send us your feedback on new grand slams and state records by taking a short survey on our website. Your opinions could lead to the development of an exciting new fishing challenge! Take the survey at MyFWC.com/Surveys. Grand slam certificates West Coast Grand Slam State Record Daniel Atkinson Rebecca Bursten caught a Kevin Muench 2 lb. 2 oz. vermilion snapper David Atkinson (Rhomboplites aurorubens) Stanley McJunkin on 7/2/11 near Panama City. East Coast Grand Slam Kevin Muench Regional grand slam fishes North Florida South Florida red drum, cobia, spotted seatrout bonefish, tarpon, permit East Coast West Coast red drum, tarpon, spotted seatrout red drum, snook, tarpon For more information or to apply for a state record or grand slam, contact the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management by calling 850-487-0554, or visit our website at MyFWC.com. Click on “Fishing.” Entries are free!

20 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Women's Fishing Clinics By Jennifer Saranzak, Division of Marine Fisheries Management

Each year the Florida Fish and Wildlife These clinics strive toward many goals, to use to catch the fish found there. Conservation Commission (FWC) holds several but one main goal of the program is to FWC staff provide information and Women’s Fishing Clinics (WFC) throughout the educate women to become stewards for demonstrations about catch and release state of Florida. These free, one-day clinics Florida’s marine fisheries resources. techniques, the importance of marine provide women the opportunity to learn the Local fishing guides volunteer to share habitats and other ways anglers can basics of fishing and fisheries conservation their knowledge and expertise about conserve and protect marine resources. information in a fun, relaxed environment. fishing area waters and what tackle All clinics are located at public facilities with access to water via pier or dock. At the close of each clinic, participants have an opportunity to practice new skills, including baiting their hook, de-hooking fish and fish handling. The participants leave with a workbook summarizing the clinic, a deeper appreciation of the marine environment and a lifelong hobby of angling.

The women’s fishing clinics are available through funds from the Sport Fish Res- toration Program. This federal program utilizes excise taxes on fishing tackle and small engine fuels for states to conduct beneficial fisheries related programs.

Take the Initiative: Enjoy and Protect Our Reefs. Your way of life may depend on it. O : K A R E N L P H O T Salt water regul ations Gu lf of Mexico Management Changes include Harvest Closure for Gag and Increased Bag Limit for Red Grouper

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Gulf gag are overfished and undergoing over- Commission approved new management fishing, which means that the gag population measures for gag and red grouper in Gulf of is low and harvest rates are too high. Mexico state waters at the November 2011 FWC Commission meeting in Key Largo. The Unlike gag, red grouper is not overfished or new rules, which keep harvest of gag closed undergoing overfishing. In fact, federal fish- into 2012 while increasing the number of red ery managers increased the number of red grouper an angler can take, are consistent grouper fishermen can harvest. The recre- with newly-approved regulations for Gulf ational bag limit for red grouper in state and federal waters. federal waters of the Gulf (excluding Monroe County state waters) increased from two to Gag season in Gulf of Mexico state waters four fish per person, per day at the end of (excluding Monroe County) will be closed 2011. Remember, anglers cannot take more through March 31, 2012. Gag is also closed than four grouper in the Gulf, no matter the in Gulf federal waters (beyond nine miles species, a day. This can mean taking four red from shore) through at least June 2, 2012. grouper, or taking two black and two red or some other combination of grouper that is Federal fishery managers recently proposed in season. a July 1 through October 31 recreational harvest season for gag in federal waters. If this harvest season is approved by the Be sure to visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater US Secretary of Commerce, the FWC will for the latest updates on grouper regulations, consider approving a similar harvest season for Gulf gag in state waters sometime including the dates for the 2012 recreational in 2012. These season changes are intended Gulf gag harvest season. to help rebuild the Gulf gag population.

L earning about Lionfish Florida has many fascinating saltwater fish allowed lionfish to increase in numbers, care should be taken when handling these species available in a multitude of shapes, expand their range, and negatively alter the fish; stings are rarely fatal. If you are stung sizes and colors. One fish that anglers and natural systems where they are found. by a lionfish, it’s recommended to soak the divers may encounter is the lionfish. These sting in very hot water, and seek medical fish are intriguing in their own right but are Divers and anglers are encouraged to remove attention if necessary. not native to Florida and originate from the lionfish they encounter to help control the Indo-Pacific region. These fish are predatory numbers of these invasive fish. In Florida, A saltwater fishing license is required to reef fish that use their large spines, which lionfish have been documented in every harvest lionfish and be sure to check gear, possess venom, to protect themselves while coastal habitat from the shore around docks bag limit and other general regulations they lay in wait to engulf small reef fish. to ledges at 1,000 feet so look for these fish for their harvest at MyFWC.com/Fishing. and be ready act as you are able. Lionfish A collection datasheet is also available Since lionfish were first reported off Florida’s can be speared, caught with a hand net or at MyFWC.com/reportlionfish; divers and Atlantic Coast in 1985, their life history has you may even catch one while fishing with anglers are encouraged to report any lionfish enabled them to build populations in Florida a rod and reel. Take care that your gear captured in the Gulf of Mexico. Removing and other places along the Atlantic Ocean, does not come into contact with reefs, as lionfish can help Florida’s native marine fish Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Their it can result in damage to delicate corals. and habitats and provide a tasty meal at the lack of major predators in these waters has Remember, lionfish have venomous spines so same time.

More information about lionfish may be found using the resources below.

■■ Lionfish Discovery Story: oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/stories/lionfish ■■ USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: nas.er.usgs.gov ■■ Poison Help Hotline: 800-222-1222 ■■ NOAA Guidelines for Lionfish Consumption: ccfhr.noaa.gov/docs/EatLionfishPullCard.pdf ■■ Reef Environmental Education Foundation: reef.org/programs/exotic/lionfish

Keith Mille, FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission L AW ENFORCEMENT

Resource information Join the nation’s largest conservation law enforcement agency—become an FWC law enforcement officer. For more information contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-866-FWC-HIRE (392-4473) or visit MyFWC.com/Law ■■ To purchase fishing licenses: ■■ To report Sawfish sightings: 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356) 941-255-7403 MyFWC.com/License [email protected] ■■ FWC Division of Law Enforcement ■■ Bird Entanglement The FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement 888-404-FWCC (3922) 888-404-3922 patrols Florida’s coastal waters to provide 727-391-6211 for Tampa area assistance to boaters and anglers as well as ■■ For up-to-date information on the to enforce Florida’s saltwater fishing and Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill please ■■ To request Tarpon DNA Sampling Kits: boating laws. FWC officers assist boaters who visit MyFWC.com/OilSpill 800-367-4461 [email protected] are in distress, provide advice and direction ■■ To report fish and wildlife law viola- to those who are traveling Florida’s coastline tions, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline: ■■ Red Tide Information Hotline and waterways, and may issue citations 888-404-FWCC (3922) 866-300-9399 toll free in Florida for violations of state and federal fishing, 727-552-2488 nationwide ■ wildlife, and boating laws. ■ FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute ■■ Aquatic Toxins Hotline In emergencies or if state fisheries, wildlife, 727-896-8626 888-232-8635 or boating laws are being violated, call MyFWC.com/Research 888-404-FWCC (3922) or for cell phone users ■■ Shellfish Harvesting Questions throughout the state, dial *FWC (*392) depending ■■ To report fish kills: FDACS, 850-488-5471 on your location, hail on VHF Channel 16 or report 800-636-0511 www.floridaaquaculture.com violations via text message. Most cell phones ■■ To report fish tags: ■■ To report Lionfish sightings, allow users to send text messages directly to an 800-367-4461 please visit MyFWC.com/Reportlionfish email address. You can text [email protected]; [email protected] or call 1-877-786-7267 standard usage fees may apply.

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 23 Salt water regul ations

B lue crab Regulations for recreational harvest Requirements for Recreational Blue Crab Harvest Closures Occurring ■■ Recreational saltwater fishing license. Get Involved! ■■ No more than 10 gallons of blue crab per Volunteer groups may remove traps and in Even Years (2012) day can be harvested or possessed. trap debris from state waters during trap ■ Egg-bearing blue crabs must be released. ■ closures when they host an organized Allowable Gear cleanup event and obtain authorization Dip or landing net; dropnet; fold-up trap; from the FWC. hook-and-line gear; push scrape; trotline; More information about how you can The dates of trap less than 1 cubic ft. in volume fished from help organize or participate in a cleanup the closures are: a vessel, dock, or shore; and commercial-style event in your area is available online at or standard traps. MyFWC.com/Get-involved. January 16–25 1 Blue Crab Traps You can also email ■■ If you are using commercial style traps you are [email protected] August 20–29 2 allowed to use no more than 5 traps per person. with questions or comments ■ Each trap must have a mesh size of 1.5 inches. ■ about volunteer cleanup events. 3 ■■ Throats may only be located on vertical sur- August 10–19 faces and may reach into the trap no more than 6 inches. ■■ Maximum dimension is 2 ft. x 2 ft. x 2 ft. or ■■ Each trap must have the harvester’s name the traps are attached to private have a volume of 8 cubic ft. or less. and address permanently affixed. property, such as a dock. ■■ Traps must have a buoy that is made of Sty- ■■ Traps may only be worked from 1 hour be- ■■ Closures will extend from the rofoam, cork, PVC, or polystyrene and be a fore sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. shoreline out to 3 nautical miles and bright color that can be easily distinguished, include all inland waters in these regions.2 seen, and located. The buoy must be spher- Closures to the Use of Traps ■■ Florida Statutes prohibit tampering with, ical in shape and be no less than 6 inches in Used to Harvest Blue Crabs collecting from or moving traps that are diameter or some other shape that is no ■■ There are six regional closed seasons to the not yours, even during the above closures shorter than 10 inches in the longest dimen- harvest of blue crabs with traps to help (F.S. 379.366(4)(b)). sion and the width at some point must ex- clean up Florida’s waters. Traps that re- ceed 5 inches, each buoy must have a legible main in the water will be removed and 1 All waters of the St. Johns River, its “R” written on it (stands for recreational) at disposed of by FWC. associated lakes and tributaries from west least 2 inches in height, and no more than ■■ The closures apply only to standard recre- of the St. Johns River’s intersection with 5 ft. of line can float on the surface of the ational and commercial blue crab traps. the Intracoastal Canal through and includ- water. Buoy requirements do not apply to ■■ During the closures, these traps must be ing Lake Hellen Blazes. traps tied to private property, such as a dock. removed from the water. 2 All other coastal waters from the ■■ Each trap must have at least three unob- ■■ The harvest of blue crabs by other gears, Georgia/Florida line south through Volusia structed escape rings with an inside diam- such as dip nets and fold-up traps, is al- 3 County. eter of 2 /8 inches and at least one ring must lowed during the closures. 3 be placed adjacent to each crab retaining ■■ The closures apply to recreational harvest- All waters of Brevard through Palm Beach chamber on a vertical surface. ers who use standard blue crab traps unless counties. The {Hot} Sheet Why wade through tons of information in search of your favorite both state and federal updates as well as upcoming workshops, recreational fishing regulations, when we all know you’d rather annual Commission meetings and FWC sponsored events such be wading through the water with your fishing gear. as free fishing weekends - who doesn’t love those?

Thanks to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s The “Hot Sheet” is released once a month and created by “Hot Sheet,” current and upcoming seasonal recreational fishing staff at the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management. information is quick and easy to find. This short and helpful Readers can find the “Hot Sheet” on the FWC website at information sheet will keep you up-to-date on openings, closings MyFWC.com/Fishing/saltwater/hot-topics or by visiting MyFWC.com, and regulations from mackerel to mullet. navigating to the saltwater fishing page and clicking on “Hot Topics.”

Too busy fishing to keep track of the latest regulation changes? The Looking for information about past regulation changes? “Hot Sheet” “Hot Sheet” will be your go-to guide for quick information on issues are archived online through January 2008.

24 January 1, 2012 – June 30, 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission