It is illegal to possess alligator guys without a license. Non-wild fish – All freshwater fish are defined as non-wild fish, with the exception of grass carp and fish, which are defined as freshwater fish. Note: Alligators require a scientific collector`s permit. Freshwater and saltwater fishers are encouraged to practice catch-and-release to preserve our freshwater populations. For more information, please visit our Catch & Release page. Freshwater shrimp and shiny golden fish of any size or other non-wild freshwater fish, including catfish, with a total length of less than 8 inches may be taken as bait, unless expressly prohibited, by the following methods: Some families of freshwater mussels can be harvested for personal use. The catch limit for freshwater mussels from these families is 10 per person (or 20 half-shells). The possession limit is two days (see photos on the right and F.A.Q.). Chumming in Florida is more common than in most states. We have little structure for the fish to gather, so bringing you the fish with fish companions is a must.
Although the use of fish buddy, burley or bottom bait is legal in Florida, there are certain rules for the road. We have an entire section on chumming fish in Florida, visit it for rules, tips and advice. It is illegal to own alligator guys without the permission of a scientific collector. Alligator garches are an endemic top predator found only in the Panhandle Rivers, reaching over 120 pounds. Due to limited quantities, harvesting is limited. Their gator-shaped muzzle is markedly different from the spotted guy and the long-nosed guy, the other two types of guys found in the stem of the pan. Freshwater fish should not be caught with floating, untethered gear or by taking fish or wildlife with firearms, explosives, electricity, harpoons, poison or other chemicals. It is forbidden to take fish with you when swimming underwater or diving.
It is illegal to sell, offer for sale, or transport wild freshwater fish out of state unless specifically authorized by the FWC, except that anglers are allowed to transport legally caught wild fish for two days. It is prohibited to possess live specimens of conditional (68-5.004(1), F.C.A.) and prohibited (68-5.006(1), F.C.A.) species. Northern black bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides) is conditionally listed as a non-native species. The storage of black bass is prohibited. Pure Florida yellow perch (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) can only be purchased from licensed hatcheries with genetically authenticated Florida perch stocks. The importation or transport into the State of live perches, with the exception of authenticated Florida megamellidae, is prohibited (68A-23.009, F.C.A.). For more information, please contact your nearest regional office (Introduction). See Chapters 68-5 and 68A, F.A.C. in www.FLrules.org for details. Freshwater mussel species from other families, such as the Asian mussel have no hold or ownership restrictions.
It is illegal to possess freshwater fish as well as fishing gear that cannot be legally used to catch freshwater fish, including the types of fishing gear listed above and below to catch non-wild fish or bait.* An exception is that wild fish may be possessed with casting nets with a stretched mesh size not exceeding 1 inch; Diving nets for minnows up to 4 feet in diameter; minnow calves of an elongated mesh size not exceeding 1 inch, not exceeding 20 feet in length and not more than 4 feet deep; and Minnow traps do not exceed 24 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter, with a funnel inlet not more than 1 inch apart. *NOTE: The legal requirements of (790.025(3)h), F.S. stipulate that it is lawful for all persons to lawfully possess, possess and use firearms and other weapons, ammunition and supplies for lawful purposes when they are legally fishing, camping, hunting, or participating in or returning to a lawful fishery, camping or hunting trip. Although firearms cannot be used for fishing, they can belong to someone who has lawfully caught fish. Fisheries in southwest Florida, Collier County, and Naples take place in state and federal waters. Our waters are managed by multiple agencies to keep our waters healthy and safe: always be aware of local fishing rules and regulations for the area where you will be fishing. The rules change frequently, and so do your duties. We point out the rules of this website that are unlikely to change in the near future. We don`t have restrictions on cash bags as they often change several times a year, so check the rules before dropping a line in the water in Florida.
When fishing, always carry your fishing licence or proof of exemption (a valid driver`s licence or photo ID showing your age and place of residence). Florida guides are free and can be purchased on-site at most bait shops or marinas. These guides change semi-annually and contain a wealth of information, including local fish identification, size and catch restrictions, fishing gear rules, etc. The My FWC website also contains the most up-to-date information on fishing and boating in Florida. Please log in to leave a comment. Optional registration below. Reef fishing has special regulations for state waters and varies by area. There are exceptions to this licensing requirement, including children under the age of 16 and residents over the age of 65.
There are other exceptions, check out the exceptions page at Florida Fish & Wildlife. Be sure to read FWC`s rules, which you can myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/bahamas find here. You can find the regulations of the Bahamas on Bahamas.com The following types of fillets can be used recreationally in Florida waters: Lobster in Florida has its own special rules, many of which vary by region and county. Always consult applicable laws before using the Hummer Lobster Brochure Monroe County Full text of Florida laws Lobster prohibited Biscayne Bay and map Table of sound rules Biscayne Bay and Card Sound Prohibited Area Shows Equipment prohibited for taking marine animals to fresh water The use of electric heads, Explosives, chemicals, or dropping firearms into the water to kill or harvest marine life, is prohibited in state waters. Harpooning is defined as “catching or catching a fish by bow hunting, spearfishing, or any other device used to catch a fish by piercing its body.” Spearfishing is defined as “the capture or capture of a fish using a one-handed or mechanical spear or spear, with one or more branches, with barbs or thorns, operated by a person swimming on or below the surface of the water.” The use of electric heads, sticks and rebreathers remains prohibited. Shark fishing has its own special rules. Read federal regulations and learn more about shark species and permits by reading this document Shark Identification and Federal Rules. Get Florida Sportsman`s top stories straight to your inbox.
The Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP) is a national effort to educate the public about the problems caused by monofilament pipes in the environment, promote recycling through a network of recycling bins and drop-off points, and organize voluntary monofilament line cleaning events. For more information and to find a place near you, visit marinecleanupinitiativeinc.org/ mussels are picked only by hand. The use of Braille displays, crow`s foot bars or other mechanical methods is prohibited. Freshwater mussels, live or dead, may not be accepted for future sale. Diving flags are required by law for divers, divers and scuba fishermen diving from a boat or land. There are areas off the coast around Florida that are protected by many different government organizations. We list these areas on our GPS coordinate pages for easy reference. Visit our Fishing Reefs & Wrecks page for more details on specific marine areas and the rules they contain. It is illegal to intentionally cast nets or monofilament lines into or on state waters.
Monofilament cords can entangle birds, marine mammals, sea turtles and fish, and often injure or kill them. In most public fishing areas you will find disposal containers for fishing lines, please use them.