Starting in March 2013, recreational crab traps in Florida will be required to have rigid funnel openings no larger than 2 x 6 inches at the narrowest point or 2 x 6-inch bycatch reduction devices installed to reduce accidental trapping of diamondback terrapins, which has been a significant threat to the species. The rule was approved by … Read more
Are you looking for some fun and affordable things to do with your family in the Florida Keys? Look no further! Here are some great ideas for your next family vacation: Visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. This museum is filled with interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the unique ecosystems of the Florida Keys. … Read more
Located at the southernmost tip of the state, the Florida Keys are a true paradise for anglers of all skill levels. With its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, the Keys offer some of the best fishing in the world. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking to target your Favorite Florida Keys Fish species … Read more
I am always looking for ways to save money while still being able to enjoy all the activities and experiences that a place has to offer. That’s why I was excited to discover that the Florida Keys have plenty of opportunities for free shoreline fishing. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, the … Read more
The Florida Keys are a popular vacation destination year-round, but there are plenty of special events and activities to enjoy in December. Here are a few ideas for things to do in the Florida Keys this month: Celebrate the holiday season at the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Key West. This annual event takes place … Read more
The recreational and commercial spiny lobster season starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31. Learn more about bag limits, size limits, where to harvest, and other regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster,” which is under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab. If you plan to lobster in the Keys, another great … Read more
Lobstering in the Florida Keys is a great way to get fresh seafood. The Florida Keys are home to some of the best Spiny Crawfish or lobster in the world. The lobster here are caught in the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and Gulf of Mexico. They are known for their sweet taste and tenderness. Recreational Lobstering … Read more
If you’re fishing for reef fish this season, be sure to look for signs of barotrauma and be prepared to act. Barotrauma, or injuries caused by pressure changes, occur when fish are rapidly brought to the surface from depths 50 feet or greater. Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated … Read more
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is celebrating the launch of Return ‘Em Right, a multi-entity effort in the Gulf of Mexico led by Florida Sea Grant, University of Florida, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, NOAA Fisheries, and a coalition of anglers, industry groups, universities, government and non-government organizations committed to maintaining healthy fish stocks and fishing … Read more
At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved proposed management regions and regulation changes for redfish in state waters. The proposed rule changes would: Modify the redfish management regions. (See figure 1) Prohibit captain and crew from retaining a bag limit when on a for-hire trip. Reduce the off-the-water transport … Read more
At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved regulation changes for cobia in state waters. Changes effective July 1, 2022, include: Increasing the minimum size limit from 33 inches to 36 inches fork length for all state waters. Reducing the commercial bag limit from two to one fish per harvester … Read more
At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a temporary modification to the 2022 recreational blueline tilefish season in Atlantic state waters. The 2022 recreational season for blueline tilefish will be open May 1 – July 25 in state waters, closing July 26. Typically, the blueline tilefish season is open May 1 … Read more
The following species of Grouper Hogfish and Blueline Tilefish seasons reopen May 1 in Atlantic waters. will reopen to recreational harvest May 1 in Florida state and federal waters of the Atlantic: hogfish; blueline tilefish; gag, black, red, yellowmouth and yellowfin grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby. Hogfish will remain open through … Read more
Florida’s recreational and commercial stone crab season in state and federal waters will end on May 2, with the last day of harvest being May 1. Commercially harvested stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season but only if they have been placed in inventory prior to May 2 by a licensed … Read more
Starting May 1, the following regulations will go into effect for recreational harvest of dolphinfish in Atlantic state waters. Five fish per person daily recreational bag limit. 30 fish per vessel private recreational daily vessel limit. These new regulations are a proactive conservation measure intended to help address stakeholder concerns regarding declines in the dolphinfish … Read more
The spawning Permit season closure inside the Special Permit Zone in south Florida starts April 1. This closure includes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable on the Gulf coast, and south of Cape Florida on the Atlantic coast including all of the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay south of Rickenbacker Causeway. Permit will … Read more
A three-year study by FIU and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has discovered pharmaceutical contaminants in the blood and other tissues of bonefish in Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. “Coastal fisheries face increasing threats associated with human-based contaminants,” said Jim McDuffie, BTT President and CEO. “Pharmaceuticals are an often overlooked dimension of water quality … Read more
The Florida Keys are a coral island (key) archipelago located off the southern coast of Florida, forming the southernmost part of the continental United States. They begin at the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula, about 15 miles (24 km) south of Miami, and extend in a gentle arc south-southwest and then westward to Key … Read more
Share your input on the future management of goliath grouper The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants your input on a final rule proposal that, if approved at the March 2022 Commission meeting, would allow a limited, highly regulated harvest of goliath grouper in Florida state waters. This proposal includes a special opportunity … Read more
The recreational harvest Snook season closes Dec. 1 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park, and will remain closed through Feb. 28, reopening to harvest March 1. Anglers may continue to catch and release snook during the closed season. This and other regular Snook season closures are designed to … Read more
