Northeast Florida is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of freshwater and saltwater species. To ensure responsible and sustainable fishing practices, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has established a comprehensive set of regulations for the region. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key details of these regulations, covering both freshwater and saltwater fishing, as well as the unique rules surrounding the invasive lionfish.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations in Northeast Florida
Bag Limits and Size Limits
- Channel Catfish: No bag limit in most lakes and ponds, but specific limits apply in some areas (e.g., Pellicer Pond: 6, Bear Creek Park: 6).
- Crappie: No minimum length limit, 25-fish bag limit in most areas, but specific regulations apply in certain lakes and ponds (e.g., Lake Griffin: must be released immediately if less than 10 inches).
- Black Bass: Must be released immediately in some lakes and ponds (e.g., Hal-Scott Lake, Lake Underhill).
Trotlines
- Prohibited from 9 a.m. Friday until one hour before sunset on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until one hour before sunset Monday through Thursday from May 1 through October 31 in some lakes and ponds (e.g., Lake Griffin).
Other Regulations
- Airboats are prohibited for fishing or frogging in some lakes and ponds (e.g., Fox Lake, South Lake).
- Cast nets are prohibited in some lakes and ponds (e.g., Bear Creek Park, Clear Lake).
Saltwater Fishing Regulations in Northeast Florida
Bag Limits and Size Limits
- Snapper: 2 per harvester in the Atlantic and Gulf, with a minimum size limit of 28 inches and a maximum of 33 inches in the Gulf.
- Black Sea Bass: Minimum size limit of 10 inches, 7-fish bag limit per harvester.
- Red Drum: Minimum size limit of 18 inches, maximum of 27 inches, with a daily bag limit of 2 per harvester in the Northeast zone and 1 per harvester in the Northwest and South zones.
Closed Seasons
- Snook: Closed December 15 to January 31 and June 1 to August 31 in the Atlantic (excluding Monroe County), and December 1 to the end of February and May 1 to August 31 in the Gulf (including Monroe County).
- Tarpon: Catch-and-release only in Pasco-Gordon Pass/Collier counties.
Other Regulations
- Snook permit required for harvest when a saltwater license is required.
- Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water during release.
Lionfish Regulations in Northeast Florida
- No Bag Limit: There is no bag limit for lionfish, and they can be harvested year-round.
- No Size Limit: There is no minimum or maximum size limit for lionfish.
- Gear Restrictions: Lionfish can be harvested using hook and line, cast net, or spearfishing gear.
Additional Resources
To stay up-to-date with the latest fishing regulations in Northeast Florida, anglers can utilize the following resources:
- Fishbrain App: The Fishbrain App provides site-specific regulations and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android.
- Fish Rules App: The Fish Rules App also provides up-to-date saltwater and freshwater fishing regulations and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android.
- FWC Website: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website (MyFWC.com) offers detailed information on fishing regulations, licenses, and permits.
By familiarizing themselves with these regulations, anglers in Northeast Florida can ensure they are fishing responsibly and in compliance with the law. Remember, it’s essential to stay informed and follow the guidelines set forth by the FWC to protect the region’s valuable aquatic resources.
Reference:
- https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/
- https://www.sitd.us/files/234c1bada/Jan2021_FL-FWC-FishingRegulations.pdf
- https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation/Recreational-Activities/Fishing/Region-2-Fishing
- https://www.eregulations.com/florida/fishing/freshwater/northeast-region
- https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/