http://myfwc.com/fishing/

http://myfwc.com/fishing/

http://myfwc.com/law/

http://myfwc.com/law/

http://myfwc.com/license/

http://myfwc.com/license/

http://myfwc.com/nonnatives/

http://myfwc.com/nonnatives/

http://floridawildlifemagazine.com/

http://floridawildlifemagazine.com/

http://www.jfgriffin.com/

JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

Web Site: MyFWC.com
Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing for up-todate
information on fishing, boating
and how to help ensure safe,
sustainable fisheries for the future.
Fish and wildlife alert
reward program
Report fishing, boating or hunting
law violations by calling toll-free
1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on
cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC
depending on service carrier; or
report violations online at
MyFWC.com/Law.
Instant
license privileges
Obtain license privileges, 24 hours
a day, via MyFWC.com/License or by
calling toll-free 1-888-FISHFLORIDA
(1-888-347-4356). Processing fees
will apply on sales via telephone
and Internet. A unique license
number allows you to begin fishing
immediately after the transaction.
Stop the spread of
non-native species
It is illegal to release any nonnative
fish or any other non-native
organism into the waters of the
state. To find out more visit MyFWC.
com/Fishing/Fishes/non-native.html
Florida Wildlife
magazine
Articles and tips for hunters, anglers
and other outdoor enthusiasts. Order
your subscription today online at
FloridaWildlifeMagazine.com or call
toll-free 1-866-967-5600.
Fishing Capital of the World–
Welcome ......................................... 2
New regulations ............................... 4
Introduction
Major changes
FWC contact information
and regional map
Freshwater fishes &
bass tips from the pros ...................6-7
Fishing license
requirements and fees ...................... 8
Resident fishing licenses
Nonresident fishing licenses
Lifetime and 5-year licenses
Freshwater license exemptions
Methods of taking freshwater fish .... 10
Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration . 10
Game and nongame
freshwater fish ......................... 10-11
Grass carp and alligator gar restrictions
Prohibited gear for taking marine fish in
fresh water ................................... 11
Methods of taking bait ................... 11
Use of fish for bait .......................... 11
Taking mussels and clams ............... 11
Statewide bag and length limits ....... 12
How to measure your catch
This publication is developed by the FWC’s
Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management
and designed and produced by J.F. Griffin
Publishing LLC, 430 Main St., Suite 5,
Williamstown, MA 01267. For inquiries
regarding advertisement in this publication, call
(413) 884-1001.
J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud
e to print the official Florida Freshwater
Fishing Regulations summary on postconsumer
recycled paper.
CONTENTS
Special bag and length limits ........... 12
Fish identification chart ................... 13
Black bass fishing zones ................... 14
Florida Bass Conservation Center .... 15
Recreational fishing and licenses
— Why and what for? ................16-17
Angling ethics ................................. 17
General regulations for fish
management areas ........................ 20
Specific fish management area
regulations ................................20-25
Northwest Region
North Central Region
Northeast Region
Southwest Region
South Region
“Big Catch” Angler Recognition ....... 26
Butterfly Peacock — Breaking
with Tradition ................................ 27
Fish consumption advisory ...........28-29
Florida safe eating guidelines
Frequently answered questions ....29-30
On the cover
This lunker of a Florida largemouth bass was
caught on a soft plastic salamander before
being released for another lucky angler.
Photo Courtesy of: Dusan Smetana
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 1