General Statewide Freshwater Fishing Regulations Pages 12–14
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FLORIDA FRESHWATER 2018–2019 FISHING REGULATIONS General Statewide Freshwater Fishing Regulations pages 12–14 See page 4 Valid from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 Search MyFWC on Social Media Please visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Freshwater for the most current regulations securealways settings,your be nextready you trip! canfor FWC’slicenses Auto-Renewrenew and each permitsfeature year! tolets With automatically you easy set andyour YOUR VACATION IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE STARTS HERE. Angling for a Field and Stream dream vacation the whole family can enjoy? Chart a course for Central Florida’s Polk County. Famed as the Largemouth Bass Capital of the World, this year-round paradise boasts 554 lunker-loaded lakes, a boatload of outdoor opportunities and easy access to world-famous attractions like LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Reel in your itinerary today at VisitCentralFlorida.com 800-828-7655 @VisitCentralFL @VisitCentralFlorida FISHING REGULATIONS MyFWC.com Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing for up-to-date information on fishing, boating and how to help ensure safe, sustainable fisheries for the future. CONTENTS FLRules.org For the latest rules, always visit FLRules.org. FWC rules are in chapter 68. Fish and Wildlife Alert Reward Program Report fishing, boating or hunting law violations by calling toll-free 1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC depending on service carrier; report viola- tions online at MyFWC.com/Law or text: [email protected]. Stop the Spread of Nonnative Species It is illegal to introduce any nonnative fish Photo courtesy of TakeMeFishing.org or any other nonnative organism into the waters of the state. To find out more visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats. Commissioners’ Message ........................ 2 Use of Fish for Bait ................................13 TrophyCatch ............................................. 4 Taking Mussels & Clams ........................13 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis- Introduction & FWC Offices .....................6 Special Regulations for sion does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, Triploid Grass Carp, Alligator Gar, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability. If Fishing License Requirements & Fees ......8 Atlantic, Gulf and Shortnose Sturgeon....13 you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility of this agency which receives Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) ....9 Statewide Bag & Length Limits .............. 14 Federal financial assistance, you should contact/write to: Freshwater Fishing Tips Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Special Bag & Length Limits .................. 14 Office of Human Resources, 620 South Meridian Street, from the Pros ....................................10–11 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600; Telephone 850-488-6411 Fish Identification Chart ...................16–17 Freshwater License Exemptions ............. 12 or contact/write to: Civil Rights Accessibility Coordinator Freshwater Fisheries for Public Access, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Methods of Taking Freshwater Fish ........ 12 and Sport Fish Restoration Program, 5275 Leesburg Conservation Highlights .........................18 Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041; Telephone 703-358-2349 or 703-358-2131. Game & Nongame Freshwater Fish ......... 12 Fish Management Area Regulations ....... 21 Prohibited Gear for Taking Summer Fishing Camps for Youth ........... 24 Marine Fish in Fresh Water .................... 12 Frequently Answered Questions ............. 27 Methods of Taking Bait ..........................13 Fish Consumption Advisory ....................28 Restricted Species ................................13 Buy your license online! When you buy your You can obtain a license 24 hours a day at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and begin license online, it’s fast, fishing immediately! convenient and saves Licenses are also available toll-free at time and travel. 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (1-888-347-4356). On the cover Processing fees apply to telephone and Download the FWC Fish-Hunt-FL Photo courtesy of TakeMeFishing.org app for your iPhone or Android for Internet sales. instant access. COMMISSIONERS’ MESSAGE Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL New strategies and strong partnerships About This Guide keys to future of fishing Florida is world famous for our wonderful climate and diverse natural resources, which offer This high-quality guide is offered to you by residents and visitors abundant opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, such as fishing, the Florida Fish and WIldlife Conservation boating, hunting and shooting sports. Management of our valuable fisheries and wildlife Commission's Division of Freshwater depends on public participation in these activities as they help support the Wildlife and Fisheries Management through its unique Sport Fish Restoration program. Many state fish and wildlife conservation programs are partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. supported through the purchase of fishing and hunting licenses, as well as a federal excise tax on sport fishing equipment, pleasure boats, taxes on motorboat fuels, firearms, ammuni- The revenue generated through ad sales tion and archery equipment. significantly lowers production costs and Florida is part of a national effort to recruit new anglers, retain current participants, and generates savings. These savings translate reactivate those who have dropped out of the sport. By working with communities and the into additional funds for other important fishing industry, Florida will enhance programs to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers (“R3”) — agency programs. increasing support for fish and wildlife programs. The FWC has developed R3a Fisheries If you have any feedback or are inter- to guide the agency’s outreach, education and marketing efforts, as well as evalu- Action Plan ested in advertising, please contact us at ate its current programs and initiatives. 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com You can contribute to Florida’s R3 efforts by becoming an ambassador for fishing. Invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or family member who does not fish to accompany you on your next fishing trip! Share with family and friends how revenue from fishing licenses and equip- Graphic Design: ment purchases help fund wildlife and habitat management. Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, Another way you can plug into Florida’s R3 efforts is by volunteering for the FWC’s Kids Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski Fishing Derbies or High School Fishing Program. (To volunteer, visit MyFWC.com and click J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the on “Get Involved.”) Share your knowledge and skill with the next generation! We hope you’ll official Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations join us and our partners to help secure the future for fishing and conservation. summary on post-consumer recycled paper. Place Cover, etc. Freshwater Rule Changes • Mosaic Fish Management Area, Polk and Hardee counties: Change to Haul This guide is also Road Pit. available online at • Tenoroc Fish Management Area, Polk County: Changes to general regulations, Lakes B and 5, and Picnic Lake. Added Lake 10, Lake Coronet, and Long Lake. Check specific Fish Management Area rules on pages 21–26 for additional details. 2 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ANGLER RECOGNITION PROGRAMS TrophyCatch This angler-provided data has assisted with the Stay in the Know Catching a trophy bass in Florida is a thrill not FWC’s recent freshwater black bass regulation Want to know which lakes are hot or who holds easily forgotten. The great thing about fishing change and will continue to play a key role the top spot for the biggest bag weight so far is that whether you’re an avid fisherman or in management decisions for Florida’s fresh this season? Visit TrophyCatch.com to sign up just a novice angler, you have an equal chance waterbodies. TrophyCatch citizen-scientist for program email updates and be sure to “Like” at reeling in the catch of a lifetime! When data also influences FWC research projects us on Facebook.com/TrophyCatchFlorida and you do, be sure that you catch, document, such as genetic studies on trophy bass, lake and follow us at YouTube.com/TrophyCatchFlorida and release your largemouth bass and share river studies to determine the ecological health for the latest catches and information. your data at TrophyCatch.com to receive great of Florida’s fresh waterbodies, research on the The TrophyCatch program would not be incentives from program partners like Bass waterbodies where the most trophy-sized bass possible without you and TrophyCatch part- Pro Shops! The TrophyCatch program rewards are caught, and a research partnership with the ners! So, please keep the following partners in its citizen-scientist anglers for documenting University of Florida to determine the proper mind when you need to refill your tackle box and releasing their way to hold a trophy-sized bass for minimal or outfit your boat or vehicle: Bass Pro Shops, Florida largemouth stress and improved recovery times, among Mercury Marine, Phoenix Boats, Enigma Fish- bass weighing eight other studies. Details can be found at bit.ly/ ing, Rapala, SpiderWire, and others. Many pounds or heavier. All TrophyResearch. TrophyCatch data enhances thanks to you and to our TrophyCatch partners that you need to par- the FWC’s understanding of bass population for the support and investment in the conser- ticipate is your fish- dynamics, helps inform public policy and the vation of Florida’s trophy bass. ing