FWC Rule For Recreational Crab Traps March 1 2013

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

5 Favorite Florida Keys Fish

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

Florida Keys Free Shoreline Fishing

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

Recreational – Commercial Spiny Lobster Season Opens August 6 

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

FWC Return ‘Em Right Conserve Our Fisheries

Return ‘Em Right

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

FWC Approves Redfish Rule Changes in State Waters 

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

FWC Approves Cobia Rule Changes in State Waters 

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

Stone crab season ends May 2 Florida Keys

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

New Dolphinfish Recreational Regs May 1 in Atlantic State Waters

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

Permit Season Closure Starts April 1 

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

Pharmaceuticals Discovered in South Florida Bonefish

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

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial
fb-share-icon