Saltwater Fishing Reopenings in the Gulf
Gray triggerfish reopened in Gulf state and federal waters to recreational harvest on March 1. If you plan to fish for gray triggerfish in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “State Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Spotted seatrout reopened in the Western Panhandle Management Region, which includes all state and federal waters from Escambia County through the portion of Gulf County west of 85 degrees, 13.76 minutes west longitude but NOT including Indian Pass/Indian Lagoon.
Snook reopened in some Gulf waters, including Escambia County through State Road 64 in Manatee County, and waters south of Gordon Pass in Collier County through Monroe County (also includes Everglades National Park).
Snook remains catch-and-release only in state waters from State Road 64 in Manatee County south through Gordon Pass in Collier County through Aug. 31, 2022.
Learn more about recreational fishing regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”
FWC Commission Approves Rules to Allow the Production and Sale of Largemouth Bass
At its March meeting, Commissioners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rules to allow for the production and sale of Florida largemouth bass as a food product.
Statutory changes made during the 2021 legislative session sanctioned the sale of Florida largemouth bass produced in aquaculture facilities for food. Staff worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to ensure continued genetic conservation of Florida’s iconic freshwater game fish. “We appreciate the ongoing collaboration with FDACS, and we are confident in the established protocols in place to protect Florida’s iconic gamefish,” said Commissioner Gary Lester.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”
Take a Boater Education Class
Spring has arrived and that means many locals and visitors will be flocking to our beautiful beaches and waterways. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends boaters “Spring Aboard” and get educated prior to the kick-off of the boating season to make the most of their time on the water. Spring is the perfect time to take a boating safety course before the summer boating season begins.
In 2021, Florida boating accident statistics indicated that 83% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction. Education is the key to having a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
While not currently required, owners of human-powered watercraft, such as paddleboards and kayaks, are encouraged to take a boating education class as well so they are aware of critical boating knowledge that anyone who plans to get out on the water should have and be better prepared for the risks they might face while boating.
“In Florida, boaters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, are required to complete and pass a boater safety education course. But everyone interested in boating should take a course,” said Maj. Rob Beaton, FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “Taking a boating education course is one of the best things you can do to prevent accidents on the water.”
Boaters have many ways to get educated, from classroom courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons to online offerings available any time day or night. Learn more about boater safety education by visiting MyFWC.com/boating and clicking on “Boating Safety and Education.”
FWC Approves Limited Recreational Harvest of Goliath Grouper in State Waters
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved a limited, highly regulated recreational harvest of goliath grouper in state waters beginning Spring 2023. This unique recreational opportunity is possible through conservation efforts by state and federal agencies that aided in the goliath grouper population rebuilding over the course of three decades, following years of overfishing. This limited harvest will allow access to a fishery that has been closed since 1990 by issuing up to 200 harvest permit tags via random-draw lottery.
This approved recreational harvest of goliath grouper includes:
• A recreational harvest of up to 200 goliath per year, with a maximum of 50 from Everglades National Park.
• A required recreational goliath harvest permit and tag, issued via a random-draw lottery, to legally harvest a goliath ($150 for residents, $500 for non-residents).
• Limiting harvest to one fish per person per open season with permit and tag, non-transferable.
• A March 1 through May 31 season.
• Allowable gear will be hook-and-line only.
• A slot limit of 24 to 36 inches total length.
• Harvest would be permitted in all state waters except those of Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park.
• Post-harvest requirements, such as proper utilization of the harvest tag, reporting harvest data and submitting a fin clip for genetic analysis.
• Harvest will continue to be prohibited in federal waters.
Celebrate Trophycatch’s 10th Season With 10 Tags and Thousands Of Dollars In Prizes!
Florida’s freshwater trophy bass are special – and right now there are some extra special bass swimming in the Sunshine State! To celebrate Season 10 of the TrophyCatch program, biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) tagged and released 10 largemouth bass with bright pink tags in 10 different locations across the state. If caught, one tag could be worth thousands of dollars in prizes!
Bass Pro Shops, a proud partner of TrophyCatch since the program’s inception in 2012, is providing up to $50,000 in gift cards in honor of the company’s 50th anniversary celebration this year. Winners of the pink-tagged bass can also receive gift cards for AFTCO merchandise and cash award money.
The freshwater locations of these high-value fish will be revealed with hints. The answers to the mystery waterbodies will be revealed the following Tuesdays after each hint, until all 10 locations are announced. All waterbody hints and announcements will be made on the TrophyCatch website, trophycatchflorida.com, and Facebook page.
“Thanks to successfully working with Florida’s fishing community, TrophyCatch is kicking off its 10th season with this unique 10-TAG Celebration,” said Tom Graef, Director of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “We are honored to host this program and connect anglers with our industry partners, such as Bass Pro Shops. It will be fun to see anglers figure out the 10 mystery waterbodies where these tagged fish are swimming, waiting to be caught!”
To claim their prize, lucky anglers landing a bass with a pink tag must follow the submission instructions on the TrophyCatch 10-TAG webpage. Bookmark the 10-TAG webpage to stay updated on this special promotion and to plan your fishing adventure!
The TrophyCatch program rewards anglers who provide documentation of their catch and release of largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds or heavier in Florida. To be eligible for prizes, anglers are required to submit photos or videos of their catch to TrophyCatch.com, showing the entire fish and its weight on a scale, before releasing it back into the water. FWC biologists use TrophyCatch data for bass research to make informed decisions about the management of Florida bass fisheries and to promote the catch and release of trophy bass. The associated TrophyCare program promotes best handling practices for trophy bass to ensure that each TrophyCatch bass is released alive.
For the latest news about the TrophyCatch 10-TAG Celebration subscribe to the program’s Topic Email (select “TrophyCatch” under “Freshwater Fishing”). For more information about the TrophyCatch program or the 10-TAG Celebration, email KP Clements at Kp.Clements@MyFWC.com.
