2009–2010 Valid from July 1, 2009 FLORIDA through June 30, 2010 Fishing Regulations Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FRESHWATER EDITION MyFWC.com/Fishing Tips from the Pros page 6 Contents Web Site: MyFWC.com Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing for up-to- date information on fishing, boating and how to help ensure safe, sus- tainable fisheries for the future. Fishing Capital North American Model of of the World—Welcome .........................2 Wildlife Conservation ........................... 17 Fish and wildlife alert reward program Florida Bass Conservation Center ............3 General regulations for fish management areas .............................18 Report fishing, boating or hunting Introduction .............................................4 law violations by calling toll-free FWC contact information & regional map Get Outdoors Florida! .............................19 1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC Freshwater fishing tips Specific fish management depending on service carrier; or from the pros..................................... 6–7 area regulations ............................18–24 report violations online at Northwest Region MyFWC.com/Law. Fishing license requirements & fees .........8 North Central Region Resident fishing licenses Northeast Region Nonresident fishing licenses Southwest Region Lifetime and 5-year licenses South Region Freshwater license exemptions Angler’s Code of Ethics ..........................24 Methods of taking freshwater fish ..........10 Instant “Big Catch” Angler Recognition ..............25 license privileges Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration .......10 Fish consumption advisory ............... 26–27 Obtain license privileges, 24 hours Game & nongame freshwater fish .....10–11 Florida safe eating guidelines a day, via MyFWC.com/License or by Grass carp and alligator gar restrictions calling toll-free 1-888-FISHFLORIDA Frequently answered questions ........27–28 (1-888-347-4356). Processing fees Prohibited gear for taking will apply on sales via telephone marine fish in fresh water ..............10–11 and Internet. A unique license number allows you to begin fishing Methods of taking bait ......................... 11 immediately after the transaction. Use of fish for bait ............................... 11 Taking mussels & clams .........................11 Statewide bag & length limits ................12 How to measure your catch Stop the spread of non-native species Special bag & length limits ....................12 It is illegal to release any non- native fish or any other non-native Fish identification chart .........................13 organism into the waters of Black bass fishing zones ........................14 the state. To find out more visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats. The Future of Freshwater Fishing ....... 16–17 On the cover Dealing with Population Growth, This Over/Under shot by Glen Climate Change and more Lau is world renowned as one of the first of its type highlighting This publication is developed by the the photographic expertise that FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries made the historic “Bigmouth” Management and designed and and “Bigmouth Forever” videos Florida Wildlife produced by J.F. Griffin Publishing LLC, possible. They are now available magazine 430 Main St., Suite 5, Williamstown, on DVD as a 35th Anniversary MA 01267. For inquiries regarding collectors item. You can purchase a Articles and tips for hunters, advertisement in this publication, call copy of the DVD, or the cover print, anglers and other outdoor (413) 884-1001. at Shop.WildlifeFlorida.org. enthusiasts. Order your subscription today online at J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is A portion of the sale automatically FloridaWildlifeMagazine.com or e proud to print the official Florida goes to support the Florida Bass call toll-free 1-866-967-5600. Freshwater Fishing Regulations sum- Conservation Center. mary on post-consumer recycled paper. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2009–2010 1 Welcome to Florida FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD Chairman Rodney Barreto (on the left) is a dedicated angler having grown up in South Florida. Among his passions is a zeal for ensuring the future of healthy fish populations and getting youth interested in the great outdoors. Dear Florida angler: As a life-long fisherman, I know my fellow anglers are strong advocates for fish and wildlife conservation in our great state. Your voices and actions, which include buying fishing licenses, following the rules, volunteering and mentoring youth all help protect our aquatic resources. You should know that all revenue from fishing license sales must go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for conservation uses. This revenue, along with matching dollars from the Sport Fish Restoration Program (see page 10), helps maintain sustainable freshwater fishing opportunities and contributes to making Florida the “Fishing Capital of the World.” Florida holds that designation partially because of Florida’s 7,700 lakes and 10,500 miles of rivers and streams, the diversity of species we have and the year- round fishing season. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts a nationwide survey every five years to compare fishing participation among the states. The last survey in 2006, indicated that more than 1.4 million U.S. anglers above the age of 16 spent an average of 17.5 days freshwater fishing in Florida for a total of 24.5 million days of fishing. In 2006, freshwater fishing alone added $2.4 billion in economic impact to Florida’s economy and supported 23,500 Florida jobs. Including saltwater fishing, Florida is the number one fishing destination in the country, with 1.1 million anglers visiting, and contributing $1.5 billion to the economy (second best in dollars is North Carolina with $716 million, and in numbers it’s Wisconsin with 471,000). I am glad you have chosen to fish in Florida’s fresh waters, and I encourage you to know the regulations, practice good aquatic stewardship and promote ethical fishing practices. We all want fishing to have a bright future in Florida so that people of all ages and backgrounds can continue to experience nature and the great outdoors. In that regard, I encourage those who can to support programs that introduce families and young people to the outdoors and to freshwater fishing. The FWC has a simple way for you to donate directly to youth hunting and fishing programs. Ask about it the next time you purchase your hunting or fishing license, or visit MyFWC.com. Enjoy Florida’s great outdoors by always fishing safely and ethically. Good Luck and Good Fishing, Rodney Barreto, Chairman Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2 2009–2010 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Bass Conservation Center MEMBERSHIP HAS The Florida Bass Conservation Center (FBCC) is a ITS ADVANTAGES modern freshwater fish research and production facility that opened in Spring 2007, tripling the Florida Fish and Join BASS Today Wildlife Conservation Commission’s stocking capability. your membership benefits include: New genetic, health and population management tech- niques will help ensure the future of Florida largemouth • 11 Issues of Bassmaster Magazine bass and other species. • Latest and greatest tips and techniques The FBCC is open to the public (visit MyFWC.com/Fishing • Free BASS Tackle Bag or call (352) 732-1225 for times) and features a self- • BASS Member guided tour and displays, as well as a catch-and-release Credential Kit fishing pond. • Plus much more! Renowned cinematographer Glen Lau is offering his prints and videos including “Bigmouth” and “Bigmouth Forever” at www.WildlifeFoundation.net with the pro- JOIN fOr ceeds going to support the center. It’s a spectacular opportunity to get yourself one of the most exciting ONly $15 and informative bass videos available, or a great wall Includes free hanging, while at the same time helping to Tackle Bag ensure a safe and sustainable future for bass fishing in Florida. PROMO CODE: JOIN BASS NOW! H95FLFW0 Visit Bassmaster.com/join or call toll free (877) BASS-USA introduction Introduction in Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program some experience that reflects a happy and This free publication is provided as a guide to wherein fishing tackle was assessed an excise healthy lifestyle. The FWC is working hard Florida’s freshwater fishing laws and regula- fee and the monies returned to the states for to ensure safe and sustainable recreational tions. The Florida Wildlife Code is the final fish restoration projects. The “Wallop-Breaux” fishing for all of our citizens and guests and authority on fishing laws (www.FLrules.org). amendment in 1984 expanded the act by add- depends on your license fees to make sure The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ing import duties on sport fishing equipment, there are fish for tomorrow. Commission (FWC) strives to ensure infor- pleasure boats and yachts as well as taxes mation in this booklet is accurate but as- on motorboat fuels. The result is one of the sumes no liability for typographical errors most successful “user-pays, user-benefits” that may occur. In addition, rules can change programs in the world, with taxes from sale of in between publications. Contact the FWC if outdoor recreation supplies directly enhanc- you have questions not adequately covered in ing and promoting the resource. this booklet; see contact list and map below. The amount of money Florida receives from This publication is valid from July 1, 2009 SFR is