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FRESHWATER 2018–2019 REGULATIONS General Statewide Freshwater Fishing Regulations pages 12–14

See page 4

Valid from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019

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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 permits feature year! tolets With automatically you easy set andyour YOUR VACATION IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE STARTS HERE.

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

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

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

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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 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 , 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 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 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 gear, scale and a development of environmental regulations, camera to capture the as well as fosters the public will to protect, required weight photo enhance, and restore Florida’s freshwaters—so or video of the entire keep submitting those catches! fish (head to tail) on a scale with the weight clearly legible. TrophyCatch Research Big Catch and TrophyCatch anglers are citizen-scientists that State Records provide unprecedented and extremely valu- able data about trophy-sized bass to the FWC. Let the Big Catch angler recognition program help you celebrate memorable-sized catches of 33 freshwater species! Turn to pages 16–17 to view the Big Catch species and their quali- fying sizes, as well as state record catches. If you catch a possible state record, obtain an application at bit.ly/FL-RecordFish and call your nearest regional office (see page 6). TrophyCatch Season 5 Champion Dominic Montalto with a replica mount of his 16 lbs. 12 oz. bass caught in an Estero, Florida pond.

Registering at TrophyCatch.com automatically enters you in a FREE random drawing to win a Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat powered by Mercury and anchored by Power-Pole!

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

4 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission GATOR™ XUV590E UTILITY VEHICLE EQUIPPED for ANYTHING.

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This free booklet is your guide to Florida’s and living in a healthy environment to be taxes from the sale of outdoor recreation sup- freshwater fishing laws and regulations. The extremely important to Floridians and visi- plies enhancing and promoting the resource. Florida Wildlife Code is the final authority on tors and are also striving to make Florida the Fifteen percent of Florida's SFR funds went fishing laws (www.FLrules.org). The publisher undisputed “Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” to boating access — building and repairing strives to ensure this information is accurate The FWC uses the best scientific manage- ramps and courtesy docks. The remainder went but assumes no liability for errors that may ment possible to help fulfill its mission of “Man- to fresh and saltwater fisheries conservation occur. In addition, rules can change between aging fish and wildlife resources for their long- projects such as habitat restoration, fish stock- publications. Contact the Florida Fish and term well-being and the benefit of people.” To ing, artificial reefs construction and youth fish- Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) if fund those efforts, the Legislature sets fishing ing clinics. you have questions not adequately covered in license fees and exemptions, as well as penal- The FWC encourages all anglers to buy a this booklet. This publication is valid from ties for violating fish and wildlife conservation license (GoOutdoorsFlorida.com). Even if you July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. laws. State law guarantees money from the are legally exempt, you can contribute to the Florida remains the “Fishing Capital of the sale of fishing licenses goes to the FWC and future of our fisheries resources by buying a World,” due to great resources and responsible cannot be diverted. license and helping the FWC keep your fed- management. We consider the quality of life In 1950, Congressmen Dingell and Johnson, eral tax dollars in Florida to support sportfish that is associated with recreational activities at the request of anglers and the fishing indus- restoration. try, created the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Resto- is an enjoyable, whole- ration (SFR) program, wherein some experience that reflects a happy and was assessed an excise fee and the monies healthy lifestyle. Moreover, it is the No. 1 gate- returned to the states for fish restoration way activity to get youth connected to nature projects. The “Wallop-Breaux” amend- in active outdoor recreation, which can reduce ment in 1984 added import duties on obesity, improve grades and, most of all, add sport fishing equipment, pleasure enjoyment to their lives. boats and yachts as well as taxes on The FWC is working hard to ensure safe and motorboat fuels. The result is one of sustainable recreational fishing for all of our the most successful “user-pays, public- citizens and guests and depends on your license benefits” programs in the world, with fees to make sure there are fish for tomorrow.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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

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

Gil- Commissioners FWC regional offices christ Bo Rivard Northwest Region Chairman, Panama City NORTH CENTRAL 3911 Highway 2321 Panama City, FL 32409 Robert A. Spottswood NORTHEAST Vice Chairman, Key West 850-265-3676 Joshua Kellam North Central Region Palm Beach Gardens 3377 East U.S. Highway 90 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 Michael W. Sole 3900 Drane Field Road Tequesta Lakeland, FL 33811 863-648-3200 Staff South Region SOUTH Eric Sutton 8535 Northlake Blvd. Executive Director West Palm Beach, FL 33412 Dr. Thomas H. Eason 561-625-5122 Assistant Executive Director

6 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission GG_FloridaFIshingGuideCover_PNW_KayakFishing_Jason_8-25x1-75_2018_OL_Final.indd 1 5/1/18 12:15 PM LICENSES

Fishing license requirements and fees License, permit, and issuance fees and exemptions are established by the Legislature. In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents charge issuance fees for selling licenses and permits. For up-to-date license information, visit MyFWC.com/License. Anglers may use credit cards to purchase licenses and permits 24 hours a day at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by calling toll-free 888-FISH- FLORIDA (347-4356). This enables anglers to obtain and use licenses immediately. Handling fees will apply on all Internet and telephone sales. License sales are nonrefundable. Licensing requirements follow the species of fish you are fishing for, regardless of where you are fishing. Please see the “Frequently answered questions” on page 27 for more information. For fishing license exemptions, please see page 12, but remember anyone can buy a license to contribute to conservation. Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses For purposes of fishing in Florida, a “resident” is defined as any person who has declared Florida as his or her only state of residence as evidenced by a valid Florida driver license or identification card with both a Florida address and a Florida residency verified by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV). If the person does not have a Florida driver license or identification card on record with HSMV, a Florida voter information card, declaration of domicile, or homestead exemption may be used as proof of Florida residency. Active military personnel stationed in Florida, including their spouses and dependent children residing in the household, are considered residents when purchasing fishing licenses. Freshwater Fishing (valid 12 months from specified start date) $17.00 Youth Freshwater Fishing (optional for children under the age of 16 and valid until 17th birthday—a fishing license is not required until age 16) $17.00 5-Year Freshwater Fishing BEST $79.00 BUY (valid 5 years from specified start date) Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date) $32.50 Freshwater Fishing/Hunting Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date) $32.50 Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing/Hunting Combo (valid 12 months from specified start date) $48.00 Resident 64+ Silver Sportsman's License includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits $13.50 (valid 12 months from specified start date) Resident 64+ Silver Sportsman's License includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits $67.50 (valid five years from specified start date) Sportsman's License includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits $80.50 (valid 12 months from specified start date) Gold Sportsman's License includes Hunting, Saltwater Fishing and Freshwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits $100.00 (valid 12 months from specified start date) Youth Gold Sportsman’s License (optional for children under the age of 16 and valid until 17th birthday—a fishing license is not required until age 16—hunter safety certificate required— $100.00 includes same licenses and permits as Gold Sportsman’s License) Military Gold Sportsman's License includes same licenses and permits as Gold Sportsman’s License Available at county tax collectors’ offices with current military identification card for Florida residents who are active duty or fully retired members of the U.S. $20.00 Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve. Fully retired veterans may renew online. (valid 12 months from specified start date) 5-Year Gold Sportsman’s License (includes Freshwater Fishing, Hunting and Saltwater Fishing licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Deer, Turkey, $494.00 Florida Waterfowl, Snook and Lobster permits)

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

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

8 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration — A legacy of success

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

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BTI AD_JFPublishing_SixthPg_BB_FLFreshwaterIssue_April2018.indd4/20/2018 10:47:42 1 AM FRESHWATER FISHING TIPS FROM THE PROS Fishing Basics and Fishing Cover for Bass Kenzie Harrelson, Osceola Anglers High School Fishing Club

Fishing freshwater lakes in Florida is so excit- but don’t let that discourage you. Be open to ing whether you are catching TrophyCatch fish anything and everything. Different types of or just hanging out with friends and family! fishing work best different times of year and When I first started fishing, I quickly learned being aware of the ever-changing eating habits that structure and vegetation are key points of Florida largemouths will help you target fish when targeting fish. From lily pads, Kissim- year-round. When fishing, keep in mind that mee grass and pencil reeds to thick mud mats, even the spots that are not exactly perfect may hydrilla, brush piles and eel-grass there are be some of the best spots to fish. Try working endless places for fish to be caught. When the lure in different ways and be confident with starting out fishing, don’t let others intimidate the types of bait you are throwing. You never you. Even the pros started out as beginners know what may get that giant TrophyCatch to and not every day of fishing will be your best, smash your bait!

High School Fishing

The FWC, along with partners Foundation and The Bass Federation’s Student Angler Federation, support the creation and success of high school fishing clubs in Florida. For more information about this exciting program visit www.HighSchoolFishing.org.

Spring Fishing Cole Thompson, Osceola Anglers High School Fishing Club

When the winter cold fronts start to fade and Another effective technique can be throw- Florida begins to heat up, it really is one of ing a vibrating jig. I prefer a ⅜ ounce black- the best times to be fishing in Florida. This and-blue chatterbait, rigged with a 3 ½-inch means that fish will begin feeding more and for the trailer. This noisy little bait get a lot more active. There are many ways to can help you cover a lot of water and attract catch Florida bass during this time. The tech- a lot of attention from roaming fish ready to niques I like best involve moving baits and feed. The rod I prefer to handle each of these covering a lot of water to find those active fish techniques is the 7'3" medium-heavy Enigma looking for a quick meal. A bait of choice is a High Performance Titanium Series matched weightless swimbait in a color that resembles with a 7:1 gear ratio reel. The next time you’re a bluegill or shiner. A fast retrieve, usually on on a Florida lake try this out. Good luck and top of the water, can be very effective when tight lines! fishing a big area of sparse vegetation such as lily pads, hydrilla, and Kissimmee grass.

10 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Tips from the Pros Topwater Tips Bernie Schultz, Bassmaster Elite Series, , and FLW Championship pro angler So much in fishing depends on knowing when balsa topwaters come through grass that’s just and how much to move your lure. This is espe- beginning to top out on the surface. cially true when it comes to topwaters. Bass will Tandem-prop models like an X-Rap Prop are oftentimes study a before ever decid- a different story. I work them much slower. I'll ing to strike it, especially in the Sunshine State. cast to or slightly past the target area, then let the Florida-strain largemouth are notoriously slow lure sit for a few seconds. Once the splash rings to react, especially under extreme heat or cold. dissipate, I'll give the lure two short pulls—just So how do you know when or how much to enough to get the props turning and no more move a topwater lure? The answer, of course, than 6 or 8 inches per pull—then I let it sit again. starts with the type of topwater—whether it’s At that point, I feel I've alerted any fish in the a popper, chugger, prop bait, etc. Some are area to the lure’s presence. Then it’s a matter of designed more for perpetual movement, while patience, allowing the fish a chance to approach others work better using a stop-and-go type of the lure and waiting for a reaction. retrieve. If I’m throwing a popper (like a Rapala The first fish or two will tell you a lot. Did they SkitterPop or Storm Cover Pop) at schooling bass, crash the bait? Did they approach and refuse it? I’ll work the lure aggressively—making it spit It’s the pause and subsequent movement of the and slide across the surface. That usually gets a lure that will dictate the outcome. So experiment. good response. If I’m trying to draw bass from If the fish are slow to react, try a slower presen- grass, lily pads, cypress trees or some other type tation with longer pauses between pulls. There of dense cover, I’ll chug the lure more and give will be exceptions, but this is a good starting it longer pauses. point. And remember, sometimes just letting it Prop baits are similar. Some work well when lie still is the best approach. fished quickly and aggressively—usually the tail- Again, patience and confidence are key. Apply spinner variety, like the Rapala SkitterProp. For them with the right surface lure and you could a treble-hook lure, it’s amazing how well these easily fool the biggest fish in the lake. Fish Vegetation for Big Florida Bass John Cox, 2016 FLW Forrest Wood Cup Winner

Growing up in Debary, Florida, the St. Johns second go by before you set the hook, that can River and were, and still are, increase your chances. my favorite places to catch big bass. Due to The second way I like to fish vegetation in Florida’s warm weather, the lakes and rivers Florida is to pitch a creature bait with some can sustain vegetation like cattails, hydrilla, weight ranging from ½ to 2 ounces depending and lily pads virtually year-round, where big on if I am flipping or punching. For this I prefer bass love to hide and ambush bait. Although to use a 7'9" rod that has a mod/fast action there are many ways to fish this vegetation, with extra heavy power. Use a typical flipping there are two ways that often lead to landing technique, but you want to make sure you have a true bucket mouth. a soft lure placement (no water ripples) and The first way is to work a frog on top of the you want to take your time and really hit every pads and grass. I prefer a powerful rod for this, pad, stump, and lane you see. Once you catch a like a 7'4" mod/fast action, heavy power rod. fish or two, remember the type of pad or grass For pads I start working the frog over the cover, they were holding on, and use that knowledge pausing it when you get to pad openings and to prioritize the rest of your casting decisions. lanes. For grass I may burn it in a little faster, Once you feel the double tap, use that extra- but still pause it when I see a good ambush heavy power to set the hook and hold on! There point. The explosion of the top water strike is nothing like catching a big Florida bass! is so addicting! Just be sure to let that half a

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

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2018–2019 11 METHODS OF TAKING FISH

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

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

• You are a child under 16 years of age. • You freshwater fish in your county • You possess a Resident Freshwater of residence on your homestead or License. • You are a Florida resident 65 years of the homestead of your spouse or age or older and you possess proof of • You are freshwater fishing on minor child, or if you are a minor child age and residency, such as a Florida License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days: hunting or freshwater fishing on the driver’s license or ID, or an optional first weekend in April (April 6-7, 2019) homestead of your parent. no-cost Resident 65+ Hunting and and the second weekend in June Fishing Certificate. • You are a Florida resident (June 8-9, 2019). certified as totally and • You are a resident who is fishing with permanently disabled and you possess A is a man-made pond live or natural bait, using poles or lines a Florida Resident Disabled Person constructed for the primary purpose that are not equipped with a fishing- Hunting and Fishing Certificate. of fishing, entirely within the property line-retrieval mechanism, and you are lines of the owner and with no surface fishing for noncommercial purposes in • You are a resident who is a member of water connection to public waters. your home county. However, you must the Armed Forces of the United States, have a valid fishing license to fish by you are not stationed in this state, and • You are fishing in a fish pond of 20 any method in a fish management you are home on leave for 30 days or acres or less that is located entirely area. This is often referred to as the less, upon submission of orders. within the private property of its owner. cane-pole exemption. • You have been accepted as a client • You are fishing in a fish pond of 20 • You are fishing in the St. Mary’s River for developmental disabilities services acres or more, whose owner has or (but not including by the Agency for Persons with purchased a fish pond license at a fee tributary creeks in Florida) and have a Disabilities. The agency must furnish of $3 per surface acre. valid Georgia fishing license. proof to such clients.

12 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or attempt to harvest any marine species ■■ Minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in Use of fish for bait while diving in freshwater is prohibited. diameter. ■■ Black bass, peacock bass or any part thereof ■■ Spearfishing for mullet in fresh water is ■■ Minnow seines having a stretched mesh size may not be used as bait. prohibited; however, from above not greater than 1 inch, a length not more than ■■ No live nonnative fish, except variable platys water is permitted. 20 feet, and a depth not more than 4 feet. and fathead minnows, may be transported ■■ Minnow traps not more than 24 inches in to or between waters for use as bait. Live Methods of taking bait length and 12 inches in diameter, with a funnel goldfish and carp may not be used as bait. Freshwater shrimp and golden shiners of any entrance not more than 1 inch in spread. ■■ Whole pickerel or panfish (e.g., bluegill, size, or other freshwater nongame fish, includ- ■■ Any game fish taken by these methods must redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted ing catfish, less than 8-inches total length may be released immediately. sunfish, flier, warmouth) or parts thereof may be taken for bait by the following methods, ■■ Taking of bait for the purpose of sale requires be used as bait for sportfishing by the angler unless specifically prohibited: a commercial fishing license. who caught them. Whole pickerel or bream ■■ Cast nets having a stretched mesh size not or parts thereof may not be used as bait for greater than 1 inch in fresh waters of the trotlines or bush hooks or any method other state, unless specifically prohibited. than by rod and reel or pole and line. ■■ Panfish less than 4 inches in total length raised by a licensed facility may Taking and possession of freshwater mussels be purchased and used for bait. Restricted species Certain families of freshwater mussels may be Sizes indicated are average Live specimens of Conditional (68-5.002(1), collected for personal use. The bag limit for adult dimensions for F.A.C.) and Prohibited (68-5.003(1), F.A.C.) freshwater mussels from these families is 10 per identification purposes only. nonnative species may not be possessed. person (or 20 half shells). The possession limit is Northern black bass (Micropterus salmoides two days bag limit (see images to right and FAQ, salmoides) are on the conditional nonnative page 27). species list. Stocking northern black bass is Mussels shall be taken by hand-picking only. Use prohibited. Pure Florida bass (Micropterus of brailles, crowfoot bars, or other mechanical 3 inches 3½ inches salmoides floridanus) may only be purchased methods is prohibited. Freshwater mussels, live Florida Paper from permitted hatcheries with pure Florida or dead, may not be taken for later sale. Shiny Spike Pondshell bass stocks authenticated by the FWC. (See MyFWC.com/Fishing, select "Freshwater Fishing," then select "Pond Management" and Other clams "Commercial Sources of Fish." For details see Species of freshwater mussels from other families, such 1½ inches Chapter 68-5, F.A.C. at www.FLrules.org.) as the Asian clam, have no bag or possession limits.

Protected Sturgeons

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

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

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

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2018–2019 13 BAG & LENGTH LIMITS

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

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

BLACK BASS

Largemouth bass: Spotted/Choctaw bass: Shoal bass: Suwannee Bass: SR 17.27 lbs; BC 24"/8.0 lbs SR 3.75 lbs; BC 16"/2.0 lbs SR 5.95 lbs; BC 16"/2.0 lbs SR 3.89 lbs; BC 14"/1.5 lbs

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

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

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

TEMPERATE BASS CICHLID

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

CATFISH

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

BOWFIN, SHAD, PICKEREL & GAR

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

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

16 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission NONNATIVE-NONGAME FISH SR 1.47SR 12"/0.75 BC lbs; lb SR 2.78SR 13"/1.5 BC lbs; lbs

Lake Eustis Lake Griffin Johns Lake Lake Dora St. Johns River Jaguar guapote: Yellow perch: SR 57.50SR 36"/25.0 BC lbs; lbs Flathead catfish: SR 40.56 lbs; BC 30"/20.0 BC 40.56 lbs; SR lbs SR 2.37SR 11"/1.0 BC lbs; lb Common carp:Common Mayan cichlid:

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I know I have the opportunity to catch a 10-pounder on every cast. SR 69.50 lbs; BC 36"/25.0 69.50 BC SR lbs; lbs Blue catfish: SR 2.34 lbs; BC 11"/1.25 BC lbs; 2.34 SR lbs SR 9.57SR 18"/5.0 BC lbs; lbs

“

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” CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

“I taught my two Women in Conservation: boys to fish and we do so frequently,” said White. “I am The Future is Female most proud that the 2017 regula- tions cover image was taken by my By Amber Nabors son when we were fishing together. A recent resounding theme in mainstream Foundation, “Almost 42 percent of first-time To have that mem- media is that “the future is female” and that has fishing participants are female” and “Fresh- ory memorialized certainly been the case for the FWC’s Division water fishing has the highest rate of female forever means a of Freshwater Fisheries Management (DFFM) and youth participation compared to other lot to me as an and fishing participation in Florida. types of fishing.” individual, as a DFFM has always strived for a diverse work- Women compete in fishing tournaments as woman, and as a mother,” White concluded. place and has been proud to see an increase in pro anglers and co-anglers, in college tourna- The FWC’s TrophyCatch program was the number of women joining the workforce ments, and high school tournaments. Those thrilled to award membership into the pro- as biologists and in management positions. numbers are growing as more female anglers gram’s coveted Hall of Fame club to kayak In 2008, women represented 28% of DFFM’s start fishing recreationally and competitively angler, Jean Wilson, during Season 5. Wilson workforce. In 2016, women represented 35% of at the high school level. In 2016, the FWC part- caught a 15-pound largemouth bass on the DFFM’s workforce—and these ladies certainly nered with RBFF, Fishing League Worldwide , along with many other tro- aren’t just here to schedule meetings and push (FLW), and the Student Angler Federation to phy bass catches! Wilson is one of few female papers around. offer a grant program supporting new and anglers who have qualified for the TrophyCatch Out of the 19 women currently employed in existing high school fishing clubs in Florida. Hall of Fame club, which awards anglers for DFFM, six of them work as biologists with a That program more than doubled the number largemouth bass catches weighing 13 pounds Bachelor’s degree or higher and three of them of students participating in high school fishing or heavier. Visit TrophyCatch.com to see all work in upper-level management with a Bach- statewide with a rate of 32 percent female stu- of Wilson’s (and others’) trophy bass catches! elor’s degree or higher. Nine of DFFM’s female dent anglers participating. A similar program “As a female kayak angler, I strive to show employees serve as administrative staff and one will be offered in 2018. women that fishing knowledge, skills, and serves as a program manager with a Bachelor’s “FLW heartily encourages women to par- accomplishments can be attained by anyone,” degree or higher. These ladies are leading scien- ticipate in our tournaments,” said Dave Wash- said Wilson. “I love sharing my passion for fish- tific studies, conducting field work, managing burn, Vice President of Operations at FLW. ing and encouraging other women to pursue large-scale programs and operations, and ensur- “The fish don’t care who catches them, and this incredible way of connecting with nature ing that the Division runs smoothly and Florida’s men and women compete at the same level, and enjoying a sense of adventure.” natural resources are managed appropriately. on equal footing in FLW fishing tournaments.” The FWC is proud of its many female staff Recreational fishing, much like scientific Rosemary White, an avid female angler, con- members and encourages anyone who is inter- jobs and conservation work, has historically servationist, and mother of two whose image ested in conservation or scientific careers to been “a boy’s club.” But, that is also changing was on the cover of FWC’s 2017 Freshwater pursue those interests. The future of Florida’s as females continue to participate in recre- Fishing Regulations stated that she strives natural resources depends on the continued ational and competitive at increasing every day to “break the stigma that only men passion for conservation work, regardless of rates. According to the 2014 Special Report are anglers and that women have to look a cer- gender, race, or age. If you’re considering a career on Fishing by the Recreational Boating & tain way to participate in the realm of fisheries with the FWC, please check out MyFWC.com/ Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and The Outdoor and conservation.” get-involved/employment/careers/.

Jean Wilson with a 12 lbs. 12 oz. Wacissa River bass.

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2018–2019 19 FISHING REGULATIONS

Striped bass map

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

Help Protect Report fishing, boating or hunting law violations.

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

20 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FMA REGULATIONS

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

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

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

Conveniently located between Daytona Beach & Orlando.

VisitWestVolusia.com FMA REGULATIONS

(Continued from Page 21) Ronnie Vanzant Park, Clay County: open to 65 years of age or older; by an angler who has fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until been certified by the U.S. Veterans Admin- Karick Lake, Okaloosa County: Renovations 30 minutes after sunset. istration, U.S. Social Security Administra- are ongoing at Karick Lake. Contact the North- ■■ Boats or any floating vessel apparatus are tion, by any branch of the U.S. Armed Ser- west Regional Office for current status. prohibited. vices, or by a licensed physician in this State ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ No swimming or camping. to be totally and permanently disabled and ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ No person 16 years of age or older shall fish has obtained a permanent license issued ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and unless accompanied by an angler less than pursuant to Section 379.352(5), F.S.; or by an fishing fingers. 16 years of age. angler with proof of acceptance as a client ■■ Fishing permitted only with hook and line for developmental services by the Agency for Bear Lake, Santa Rosa County: open to fishing. or rod and reel. Persons with Disabilities. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Nets are prohibited, except for dip nets. ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- ■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. fishing fingers. ■■ Boats are prohibited. Alligator Lake, Columbia County: open to ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Juniper Bay Lake, Walton County: open to fishing. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 fishing. ■■ Fishing is prohibited in Ponderosa Pond except ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 for authorized groups permitted by FWC. Hanna Park ponds, Duval County: open to ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until North Central Region 30 minutes after sunset. (see map on Page 6 for regions) Montgomery Lake, Columbia County: open ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. to fishing. ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or Lakes Lochloosa, Orange and Newnans, Ala- ■■ Boats are restricted to idle speed—no wake. possession of alcoholic beverages, and use chua County: open to fishing. ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 of cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Trotlines having a gallon-sized plastic float ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 at each end may be used, provided that such must be released immediately. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 lines are sunk to the bottom or to a mini- ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 mum depth of 4 feet. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Huguenot Pond, Duval County: open to fish- ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 Watertown Lake, Columbia County: open minutes after sunset. Camp Blanding area, Clay County: Open to fishing. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. to fishing. Magnolia and Lowry Lakes will be ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with open to fishing on days and times determined prohibited. firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- by Camp Blanding Post Commander. Open- ■■ Watercraft shall be operated only at idle ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. ings may be changed at discretion of Post Com- speed before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. daily. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 mander to accommodate military training. All ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 anglers will be required to check into and out ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length of area at a manned check station. must be released immediately. Oceanway Pond, Duval County: open to ■■ Guns are prohibited for taking of fish or ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 wildlife except during designated hunting ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 minutes after sunset. seasons for Camp Blanding Wildlife Man- ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. agement Area. Baymeadows, Duval County: open to fishing ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Boat launching permitted only at designated from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 min- firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- areas. utes after sunset. ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Camping is prohibited. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ During periods closed to hunting, vehicles ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 may be operated only on roads to designated firearms, possession of alcoholic beverages access areas. or use of cast nets is prohibited. Pope Duval East and West ponds, Duval ■■ Use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before ■■ All watercraft shall be operated at idle speed ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. only. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Bethesda Pond, Duval County: open to fish- ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- minutes after sunset. ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. St. Augustine Road ponds (North and South), ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Duval County: open to fishing from 30 minutes ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Crystal Springs Park, Duval County: open to ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until firearms or possession of alcoholic bever- 30 minutes after sunset. ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited. ■■ No person between the ages of 16 years and ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 64 years shall fish unless accompanied by an ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 angler less than 16 years of age; by an angler

22 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Eagle Lake, Hamilton County: open to fish- Lake Griffin, Lake County: open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 ■■ Trotlines are prohibited from 9 a.m. Friday ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 minutes after sunset. until one hour before sunset on Sunday. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Trotlines are also prohibited from 9 a.m. until ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. ■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with one hour before sunset Monday through firearms are prohibited. Thursday from May 1 through Oct. 31. Shadow Bay Park, Orange County: open to ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ No trotline may be secured to or fished fishing. within 50 yards of a private pier or dock. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife Lang Lake, Hamilton County: open to fish- ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 ■■ Black crappie less than 10 inches in total beverages are prohibited. minutes after sunset. length must be released immediately. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Bluegill bag limit: 5 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Bear Creek Park, Orange County: open to ■■ Bluegill less than 12 inches in total length ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 fishing. must be released immediately. ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 1 must be released immediately. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Channel catfish less than 30 inches in total ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is beverages are prohibited. length must be released immediately. prohibited, except by written permission of ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. the landowner. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Starke Lake, Orange County: open to fishing. Koon Lake, Lafayette County: open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is Clear Lake, Orange County: open to fishing. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. prohibited. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■ ■ No bag limit for channel catfish. with firearms or possession of alcoholic (Continued on Page 24) beverages are prohibited. Suwannee Lake, Suwannee County: open to ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. fishing. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ No camping. ■■ No motor vehicles on dam and fishing fingers. Hal-Scott Lake, Orange County: open to ■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or pos- fishing. session of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Access to the area from 30 minutes after with firearms or possession of alcoholic sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise for beverages are prohibited. any use other than fishing and launching ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. and loading of boats is prohibited. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Need to Know must be released immediately. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. On the Go? Florida Fishing Regulations Northeast Region Lake Ivanhoe, Orange County: open to fishing. are now available online through (see map on Page 6 for regions) ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife your mobile devices! with firearms or possession of alcoholic Fox Lake, Brevard County: open to fishing. beverages are prohibited. ■■ No airboats for fishing or frogging. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. South Lake, Brevard County: open to fishing. ■■ No airboats for fishing or frogging. Lake Lawne, Orange County: open to fishing. ■■ Trotlines may be used. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Pellicer Pond, Flagler County: open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lake Blue Cypress, Indian River County: Lake Santiago in Demetree Park, Orange open to fishing. County: open to fishing. ■■ Trotlines may be used. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Clermont Chain of Lakes, Lake County (Cook, ■■ Boats are prohibited. Winona, Palatlakaha, Crescent, Louisa, Min- ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 nehaha, Hiawatha, Minneola, Wilson, Susan ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 and Cherry): open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. Lake Underhill, Orange County: open to fishing. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic Powered by beverages are prohibited.

eRegulations.com Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FMA REGULATIONS

(Continued from Page 23) Secret Lake, Seminole County: open to fishing. ■■ Vehicles may be used only on designated ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife roads. Turkey Lake, Orange County: open to fishing. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife beverages are prohibited. Hardee County Park, Hardee County: open with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Personal watercraft are prohibited. to fishing. beverages are prohibited. ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ All anglers shall enter at the Park main ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 entrance, the designated entry point, unless ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 otherwise instructed. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Angling from a boat is allowed by entry pass ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. Lake Panasoffkee, Sumter County: open to issued by Hardee County. ■■ Except for sanctioned events, gasoline fishing. ■■ Angling from shore does not require an motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Trotlines may be used. entry pass unless otherwise posted at the ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. Park main entrance. East , Osceola County: ■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas for open to fishing. Lake Dias, Volusia County: open to fishing. freshwater fishing are posted at the Park ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. main entrance. Fishing is permitted in des- ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by castnets, dip ignated lakes only. Any lake may be closed nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks, Southwest Region to public access by Hardee County for man- and traps as specified in Rules 68A-23.002, (see map on Page 6 for regions) agement purposes, or in the event that access 68A-23.003 and 68A-23.004, F.A.C. to the lake exposes the public to danger, by Marl Pits 1 and 3, Charlotte County: open to posting notice at the Park main entrance. Lake Jackson, Osceola County: open to fishing. fishing. ■■ Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 ■■ Cast nets, minnow lift nets and minnow ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 seines are prohibited. ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. 8 inches in total length must be released ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Crappie less than 12 inches in total length immediately. must be released immediately. must be released immediately. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Fish may not be filleted, nor their head or Marl Pit 2, Charlotte County: open to fishing. tail fin removed, until the angler has left the Lake Marian, Osceola County: open to fishing. ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 10 Park. Disposal of fish remains within ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. inches must be released immediately. Hardee County Park is prohibited. ■■ Minnow lift nets, fish traps and trotlines ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish combined bag ■■ Taking of fish and wildlife with guns is may be used. limit: 10 prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Motor vehicles may be operated only on Lakes Tohopekaliga (West Lake Tohopeka- designated roads, parking areas, and boat liga), Cypress, Hatchineha, and Kissimmee, Webb Lake, Charlotte County: open to fish- ramps. Osceola and Polk counties: open to fishing. ing during posted hours. ■■ Vehicles may not obstruct designated roads, ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. boat ramps and fire lanes. ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by castnets, dip ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Swimming and float tubes are prohibited. nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks, ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Watercraft are restricted to idle speed—no and traps as specified in Rules 68A-23.002, ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than wake. 68A-23.003 and 68A-23.004, F.A.C. 8 inches in total length must be released immediately.

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

24 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission , Highlands County: open to Steven J. Wortham Park Lake, Hillsborough ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. fishing. County: open to fishing. ■■ Bluegill and redear aggregate bag limit: 20 ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by cast nets, dip ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 must be released immediately. and wire traps. Refer to the Florida Com- ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Sunshine bass bag limit: 4 mercial Freshwater Fisheries brochure. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Sunshine bass less than 10 inches in total beverages are prohibited. length must be released immediately. Al Lopez Park Lake, Hillsborough County: ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 open to fishing. Manatee Lake, Manatee County: open to ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. fishing. Lake Crago, Polk County: open to fishing. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until ■■ Largemouth bass, crappie and sunshine ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 9 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. bass: statewide size and bag limits apply. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ Outboard motors more than 20 h.p. may not ■■ Wire traps may be used for nongame fish. firearms are prohibited. be used. ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. Bobby Hicks Park Pond, Hillsborough County: ■■ Boats are restricted to idle speed—no wake. open to fishing. Middle Lake, Pasco County: open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. ■■ Watercraft shall be operated at idle speed only. Lakes Hatchineha and Kissimmee, Polk ■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with ■■ The following are prohibited within 150 feet County: open to fishing. firearms are prohibited. of the boat launch site; swimming, taking ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. of fish or wildlife with firearms, camping, ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by castnets, dip ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 or open fires. nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks, ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Bluegill and redear aggregate bag limit: 20 and traps as specified in Rules 68A-23.002, must be released immediately. ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches 68A-23.003 and 68A-23.004, F.A.C. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 in total length must be released immediately. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Crappie bag limit: 10 Lake Parker, Polk County: open to fishing. ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Wire traps may be used for nongame fish. Dover District Park Lake, Hillsborough must be released immediately. ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. County: open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. Freedom Lake Park, Pinellas County: open Mosaic Fish Management Area, Polk and ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 to fishing. Hardee counties: open to fishing. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. ■■ Fishing is allowed only by daily permit ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 issued by the FWC. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ All anglers must check in and out at the beverages are prohibited. ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife Mosaic station, the designated entry with firearms or possession of alcoholic point, unless otherwise instructed. Edward Medard Park Reservoir, Hillsbor- beverages are prohibited. ■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas shall ough County: open to fishing. be as designated by the FWC and posted at ■■ No person shall use any gear other than hook Lake Seminole, Pinellas County: open to the Mosaic creel station (typically Mosaic is and line or rod and reel to take and possess fishing. open Friday through Monday). Fishing is game fish and nongame fish species. ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. permitted in designated lakes only. All other ■■ Persons possessing a valid freshwater com- ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. lakes and restricted areas, so posted, are mercial fishing license may use cast nets to closed to public fishing. Any lake may be catch nongame fish other than channel catfish Lake Tarpon, Pinellas County: open to fishing. temporarily closed to public access for man- from 12:01 AM Tuesday to 12:01 AM Friday. ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until agement purposes, or in the event that access ■■ Days and hours of operation, park entrance 9 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. to the lake exposes the public to danger, by and other user fees shall be designated by ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. posting notice at the creel station. Hillsborough County and posted at the park ■■ Unless otherwise specified, Mosaic FMA main entrance. Largo Central Park Nature Preserve, Pinellas harvest restrictions are: County: check entrance for open or closed status. »» Black bass must be released immediately. Gadsden Park Pond, Hillsborough County: ■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. »» Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 open to fishing. ■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with »» Crappie bag limit: 10 ■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. firearms and possession of alcoholic bever- »» Crappie less than 10 inches in total length ■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with ages are prohibited. must be released immediately. firearms are prohibited. ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. »» Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. ■■ Crappie daily bag limit: 10 ■ ■ ■ Crappie bag limit: 10 ■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length (Continued on Page 26) ■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately. must be released immediately. ■■ Panfish daily bag limit: 20 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Channel catfish daily bag limit: 6. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 Walsingham Park Lake, Pinellas County: Lake Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County: open to fishing. open to fishing. ■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. ■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 ■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife a.m. Sunday through Thursday. with firearms or possession of alcoholic ■■ No bag limit for channel catfish. beverages are prohibited. PledgeToPitchIt.org

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2018–2019 25 FMA REGULATIONS

(Continued from Page 25) »» Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 • Other than anglers described above, »» Channel catfish bag limit: 6 no one 16 years or older shall fish on »» Fish may not be filleted, nor their heads »» Black bass must be released immediately. Pine or Derby lakes unless accompa- or tail fins removed, until the angler has »» Fish may not be filleted, nor their head or nied by a child under 16 years of age. checked out at the Mosaic creel station. tail fins removed, until the angler has • Panfish bag limit: 20 Disposal of fish remains within Mosaic checked out at the area headquarters. • Anglers may keep no more than 5 blue- property is prohibited. »» Cast nets and minnow seines are gill and redear sunfish 8 inches or lon- »» Taking of fish and wildlife with guns is prohibited. ger in total length per day. prohibited. »» No person shall have any gun under his/ • Derby Lake: Daily bag limit for black »» Motor vehicles may be operated only on her control while under the influence of bass shall be five per day, only one of designated roads, parking areas and boat alcohol or drugs. which may be 16 inches or greater in ramps. »» Public access is prohibited in areas posted total length. »» Vehicles may not obstruct designated as “Restricted” for protection of threat- roads, boat ramps, gates or fire lanes. ened or endangered species, or environ- »» Cemetery Lake: »» Swimming and float tubes are prohibited. mentally sensitive areas. • Boats may not be used. »» Rough fish may be removed from desig- »» Motor vehicles may be operated only on • Panfish bag limit: 20 nated lakes by cast nets and minnow named roads, designated parking areas, • Anglers may keep no more than 5 blue- seines by permission of the landowner. and fishing ramps as designated in the gill and redear sunfish 8 inches or lon- »» Outboard motors more than 10 h.p. may area use brochure. ger in total length per day. not be used. »» Vehicles may not obstruct designated ■■ Regulations for individual Mosaic FMA roads, boat ramps, gates or fire lanes. »» Long Lake: lakes are as follows: »» Swimming and float tubes are prohibited. • Crappie bag limit: 25 ■■ Regulations for Tenoroc lakes are as • No size limit for crappie. »» Haul Road Pit: follows: • Largemouth bass and sunshine bass: • Black bass 16 inches in total length or »» Lakes 10, A, Butterfly, C, Coronet, F, statewide size and bag limits apply. longer must be released immediately. , G, Half-Moon, Horseshoe, • No bag limit for channel catfish. • Black bass bag limit: 2 Hydrilla, Legs Lost, Lake East, Lost Lake West, Tern, 2, 3, and 4 (primitive launch South Region »» LP2 West: only on Lakes 10, Butterfly, F, Fish Hook, (see map on Page 6 for regions) • No boats permitted. G, Half-Moon, Lost Lake East, Lost Lake West, and Tern): Plantation Heritage Park Lake, Broward Saddle Creek Park, Polk County: open to • Gasoline motors may not be used on County: open to fishing. fishing. boats. ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 ■■ Cast nets are prohibited. ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 »» Lakes B and 5: ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches • Boats are restricted to idle speed—no in total length must be released immediately. Tenoroc Fish Management Area, Polk County: wake. ■■ Fishing, hunting or trapping is allowed only • Black bass 16 inches in total length or The northern-most Tropical Park Lake, by FWC permit. All anglers and hunters longer must be released immediately. Miami-Dade County: open to fishing. must check in and out at the Tenoroc Fish • Black bass bag limit: 2 ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 Management Area headquarters and deposit ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 their valid fishing or hunting license with »» Picnic Lake: ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches the custodian unless otherwise instructed. • Gasoline motors may not be used on in total length must be released immediately. On water bodies where special-opportunity boats. alligator hunts are permitted, participants • Black bass bag limit: 2 Caloosa Park Lake, Palm Beach County: open may use guns and baits as specified in Rule • Black bass 16 inches in total length or to fishing. 68A-25.042, F.A.C., when taking alligators. longer must be released immediately. ■■ Black bass must be released immediately. Permitted alligator hunt participants are ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 exempt from the requirement to enter at »» Pine (formerly East and West Pasture ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 designated points. Lakes) and Derby Lakes: ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches ■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas • Boats may not be used. in total length must be released immediately. shall be as designated by the FWC and • Closed to fishing unless authorized by posted at area headquarters (currently Fri- FWC permit for agency-sanctioned Lake Okeeheelee, Palm Beach County: open day through Monday only). Fishing is per- events except for anglers who have been to fishing. mitted in designated lakes only. Lakes may certified by the U.S. Veterans Admin- ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. be closed to public access for management istration, U.S. Social Security Admin- ■■ Panfish bag limit: 20 purposes or if access to the lake exposes the istration, by a branch of the U.S. Armed ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 public to danger, by posting notice at the Services, or by a licensed Florida physi- ■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches Tenoroc check station office. cian to be totally and permanently dis- in total length must be released immediately. ■■ of firearms is limited to the FWC abled and has obtained a permanent firing range or at FWC sponsored events. license issued pursuant to 373.561 (5) Palm Lake, St. Lucie County: open to fishing. ■■ All dogs must be leashed, except as autho- (b), F.S. or unless that person presents ■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. rized by FWC. proof of acceptance as a client for devel- ■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6 ■■ Unless otherwise specified, Tenoroc FMA opmental disabilities services by the harvest restrictions are: Agency for Persons with Disabilities. »» Crappie bag limit: 10 One properly licensed person may fish »» Crappie less than 10 inches in total length if accompanying or assisting a permit- must be released immediately. ted individual as described above.

26 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission F.A.Q.

Frequently answered questions

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

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2018–2019 27 ADVISORIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOMEN NOT PLANNING TO BE PREGNANT & MEN

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

Bluegill Redear sunfish Brown bullhead Redbreast sunfish

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

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

28 2018–2019 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for your boat

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JOB: 130838_SEBC FloridaFiShing layoutS SPECS: 4C – CMyK DATE: 04/24/2018 TRIM: 8.25 in X 10.75 in LIVE: 7.5 in X 10 in BLEED: 8.5 in X 11 in