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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Share your bay scallop input with the FWC; workshops scheduled for October

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This summer, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) implemented staggered season start and end dates for bay scallop harvest. The FWC needs your feedback on this staggered season structure before determining how to manage the season in the future.
The FWC will be hosting five public workshops including areas of the state where scallop harvest is allowed as well as in Pasco County, where harvest currently is not allowed. The goal of these workshops will be to gather input on the bay scallop fishery, including whether this year’s staggered season made for a more enjoyable time on the water and whether it had any economic impact on the coastal communities that depend upon this fishery. Input from these workshops will be discussed at a future Commission meeting and will help the FWC determine what the bay scallop season structure should be in future years.
Upcoming in-person workshops are scheduled as follows (scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. local time except for Port St. Joe):

  • Oct. 12: Port St. Joe, Gulf County Board of County Commissioners, Robert M. Moore Administration Building, 1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd. (this meeting only is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET).
  • Oct. 16: Steinhatchee, Steinhatchee Landing Resort, 219 NE Highway 51.
  • Oct. 17: Land O’ Lakes, Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, Meeting Rooms 3 & 4, 3032 Collier Parkway.
  • Oct. 18: Crystal River, City Council Chambers, 123 NW Highway 19.
  • Oct. 26: Carrabelle, Franklin County Senior Center, 201 NW Ave. F.

For updates and to learn more about these workshops, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Public Comments/Workshops” and “Workshops.”
Can’t make a meeting? Written comments may be submitted online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

Goliath grouper in-person workshops scheduled for October; online workshops also available

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will continue gathering public input on the management of goliath grouper this month at several in-person workshops scheduled across the state. The FWC is seeking input on goliath grouper management, including the possibility of a limited harvest in Florida state waters.
A total of 16 in-person workshops will be held altogether, including workshops held previously in July and August.
For those who missed a workshop in their area or cannot make an in-person workshop, an on-demand virtual workshop is available. This newly-added online feature can be found on the public workshops webpage at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Public Comments/Workshops” and “Workshops.” Once you’ve viewed the workshop, you can take a workshop survey, which is identical to a survey given at the in-person workshops. Additional written comments may be submitted online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.
Upcoming in-person workshops are scheduled as follows (scheduled 5 to 8 p.m. local time, except for Tallahassee):

  • Oct. 9: Jacksonville, Pablo Creek Regional Library, 13295 Beach Blvd.
  • Oct. 10: Titusville, American Police Hall of Fame & Museum, 6350 Horizon Drive.
  • Oct. 11: Stuart, Flagler Place, 201 SW Flagler Ave.
  • Oct. 12: Davie, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road.
  • Oct. 16: Pinellas Park, Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, 9501 U.S. Highway 19 N.
  • Oct. 17: Port Charlotte, The Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St.
  • Oct. 18: Naples, Collier County Public Library – South Regional, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway.
  • Oct. 25: Tallahassee, FWC Bryant Building, Room 272 (enter on the east/Cascades Park side of the building), 620 S. Meridian St. (6-9 p.m. ET).

Workshops were held in July and August in Lake Worth, Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Crystal River, Carrabelle, Pensacola and Panama City.

Florida’s recreational and commercial saltwater fishing industries are open for business

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Looking for a fun time out on the water, or a nice locally caught fish dinner? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding residents and visitors that, despite the effects of Hurricane Irma, recreational and commercial saltwater fishing operations are reopening for business.
While charter for-hire and commercial fishing operators were hit hard by the storm, many in these industries are back up and running and ready to show residents and visitors why Florida remains the Fishing Capital of the World.
“Keep those fishing trips and vacations on the books if you can. These fishermen and women are ready to work, and need your business now more than ever,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. “We are going to come back stronger than ever, but we need your help.”
Visit Florida CEO Ken Lawson said, “As the No. 1 industry in our state, tourism is critical to Florida’s economy, employing over 1.4 million Floridians. Fishermen, fishing captains and fishing charters are an integral part of our industry’s success as they showcase the beauties of Florida’s waters and outdoors to visitors all across the world. There is no better time than now to book a fishing trip in Florida and reel in some fun.”
FWC staff will continue to explore options on how to support our anglers and fishermen.
Book your south Florida fishing trip today. Visit the Lower Keys Guides Association at LKGA.org/Members; The Florida Keys & Key West website at Fla-Keys.com, or Visit Florida at VisitFlorida.com for ideas.

Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day by pledging to create a new conservationist

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For many residents of Florida, time spent hunting and fishing are treasured moments. Hunting and fishing bring friends and family together and provide one of the most immersive outdoor experiences you can have. To encourage people to share their love of the outdoors, the focus of this year’s National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated Saturday, Sept. 23, is to challenge every hunter and angler to take someone with them on their next outdoor adventure.
“Not only do hunting and fishing allow you to connect with nature on a profound level, those who take part in these activities also contribute to conservation,” said Nick Wiley, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Executive Director. “Every time someone buys a firearm, ammunition, archery equipment or fishing tackle, they are contributing to science-based fish and wildlife management through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. This program brings funding from the sporting arms, archery and fishing industries and from sportsmen and women back to state wildlife management agencies like the FWC. This support, in addition to hunting and fishing license fees, is critical for conserving fish and wildlife.”
Involve others in the outdoors between now and Sept. 23 by pledging to take someone hunting, fishing or target shooting. By taking the pledge at NHFDay.org, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a Richard Childress Racing VIP race weekend package for two or the Ultimate Outdoor Experience at the famous Big Cedar Lodge and Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
“If you are a sportsman, sportswoman or an angler, you can make a difference and support National Hunting and Fishing Day by becoming a mentor,” said Richard Childress, NASCAR legend and honorary chair for NHF Day. “Mentoring is critical to ensure our outdoor tradition lives on through future generations. Make the commitment to take someone outdoors and show them why you value hunting, fishing and target shooting.”
This is a great time of year to introduce a friend, family member or co-worker to the outdoors, and FWC offers several resources on MyFWC.com and GoOutdoorsFlorida.com to help you get started:

If you’d like to take someone hunting or fishing but don’t know where to go, consider Florida’s wildlife management area system. At nearly 6 million acres, Florida’s WMA system is one of the largest in the country and offers a variety of #WMAzing destinations. Hurricane Irma impacted some WMAs resulting in area closures. However, the FWC and its land management partners are working hard to address storm impacts so these public lands are available for recreation while balancing the need for public safety. Information about the open/closed status of WMAs can be found at MyFWC.com. This list is updated as new information is received, so check back regularly.
This year, Florida’s WMA system is celebrating 75 years of conservation success. For more information, go to MyFWC.com/WMA75. Learn more about our great natural treasures and download WMA regulations brochures at MyFWC.com by clicking on “Hunting” then “WMA Brochures.”

FWC releases new videos to help Florida residents avoid conflicts with bears

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As part of ongoing efforts to reduce conflicts with bears, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is releasing two new videos in the “Living with Florida Black Bears” series. These videos are designed to help educate the public about how to safely coexist with bears in Florida.
The “Bear Behavior” video describes how a person should react if they encounter a bear in the wild, such as speaking in an assertive voice and backing away slowly. Bears are generally not aggressive toward people, but an encounter may become dangerous if a bear feels concerned or threatened. Knowing how to interpret bear behavior can help people react appropriately when they have a close encounter with a bear.
The “Scare the Bear” video illustrates how residents can reduce conflicts with bears that may come onto their property. Bears are driven by their need for food and powerful sense of smell, which often leads them into neighborhoods and areas with readily accessible food sources. While properly securing garbage and other attractants is critical, scaring bears away from neighborhoods is also important because it can reinforce their natural fear of people. A bear that has been frightened by people is less likely to stay in areas where people are present, which reduces the risk to public safety.
“The No. 1 cause of conflict with bears is unsecured trash and other attractants, such as pet food, barbecue grills and birdseed,” said Dave Telesco, who leads the FWC’s Bear Management Program. “As bears spend more time in neighborhoods, they begin to lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to dangerous encounters. These videos highlight steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of both bears and humans.”
The new videos are being added to the existing “Living with Florida Black Bears” series, which already includes the following videos:

  • How to Make Your Wildlife Feeders Bear-Resistant
  • How FWC Conducts Bear Population Estimates
  • A Day in the Life of a Florida Black Bear
  • How to Protect Livestock and Pets from Bears
  • Cause for a Call
  • BearWise Communities

The FWC plans to release more bear-related videos in the coming months. These videos help educate the public about black bears in a quick and convenient format.
The entire “Living with Florida Black Bears” video series can be viewed at MyFWC.com/Bear in the “Brochures & Other Materials” section.
In addition to educational efforts, the FWC is inviting local governments to apply for BearWise funding for their communities. The FWC will focus on providing financial assistance to local governments with BearWise ordinances in place, which require residents and businesses to keep their garbage secure from bears. A total of $515,000 will be available to offset the costs for communities to use bear-resistant equipment to secure their garbage and help reduce conflicts with bears.
To learn how to become BearWise, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and click on “BearWise Communities” on the left side of the page.

FWC Officers Rescue More Than 200 Texans

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers are continuing to actively assist with disaster response efforts in the Houston area today. FWC officers have rescued more than 200 Texans since arriving in the area after being deployed by Governor Scott in response to Texas’ request for emergency assistance. Nearly 125 FWC officers, more than 40 boats, 17 high water vehicles, two Mobile Command Centers, and eight shallow draft vessels are currently in Texas to support ongoing search and rescue and disaster response efforts.

Snook season starts Sept. 1

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The recreational harvest season for snook starts Sept. 1 statewide. Unique to the region, snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home. When releasing a snook, proper handling methods can help ensure your fish’s survival and the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about catch-and-release and the best way to handle a fish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”
During the open season, the daily bag limit is one fish per person. In the Atlantic, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. In the Gulf, they must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 33 inches total length.
A snook permit, as well as a recreational saltwater license, is required unless the angler is exempt from the recreational license requirements. Snook may be targeted or harvested with hook-and-line gear only. Snagging is prohibited.
Snook are closed to harvest Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park. In Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, snook are closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31.
Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. For the county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” then “Snook” (under “Saltwater Fish”) and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”
These carcasses provide biological data, including the size, age, maturity and sex of the catch. This information is important to the FWC in completing stock assessments. If you see a snook fishery violation, call the Wildlife Alert Program at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Anglers can report their catch on the Snook & Gamefish Foundation’s website at SnookFoundation.org by clicking on the “Angler Action Program” link in the bar at the top of the page.
Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations” for more information on snook.

Spotted seatrout workshop can now be attended online/on-demand

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Missed the recent in-person spotted seatrout workshops? Attend online by participating in an on-demand virtual workshop. Learn more about the current stock assessment of this species and tell the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) how you’d like to see this fishery managed in the future.
This newly-added online feature can be found on the public workshops page at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Public Comments/Workshops” and “Workshops.” Once you’ve viewed the workshop, submit your comments online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.
FWC staff hosted a total of 12 in-person workshops throughout the state in July and August to gather public input.
Staff will be discussing input and potential future changes to the management of this species at the Sept. 28 Commission meeting in Okeechobee.
A goliath grouper virtual workshop and survey is also online on the public workshops page link above.

Gulf gray triggerfish fall season dates announced

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Gray triggerfish will open in Gulf of Mexico state waters Sept. 1 through 4, Sept. 9 and 10, Oct. 7 and 8, and Oct. 14 and 15 for recreational harvest. During this season opening, the Gulf state waters minimum size limit is 14 inches fork length and the daily bag limit is two per person, per day.
“The FWC has heard from many anglers who are seeing more and bigger gray triggerfish, and we have listened to their requests for additional and sustainable fishing opportunities,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Brian Yablonski.  “We are pleased to announce new triggerfish fishing days in state waters, especially the Sept. 1 through 4 season dates, which are also when the popular red snapper season is open in state and federal Gulf waters.”
At its July meeting in Orlando, the Commission directed staff to implement a limited fall season for 2017 via an executive order. 
Earlier this year, the Gulf recreational gray triggerfish season was closed in both state and federal waters for all of 2017 due to the 2016 federal quota being exceeded. The Commission decided to open Gulf state waters for a limited harvest opportunity this fall after considering public testimony on gray triggerfish.
The Commission also approved several other management changes at the July meeting that should go into effect sometime in 2018. These changes will not be in effect during the 2017 season opening. These changes are consistent with pending changes in federal waters and include:

  • Decreasing the recreational daily bag limit from two to one fish per person.
  • Increasing the recreational size limit from 14 to 15 inches fork length.
  • Creating a January through February annual recreational closure in addition to the current June through July annual spawning closure.

These federal consistency measures should help maintain fishing opportunities for gray triggerfish in state and federal waters for 2018 and beyond. 
More information about Gulf gray triggerfish regulations may be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”

FWC adds new category to Florida Saltwater Fishing Records program

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in collaboration with the International Game Fish Association, maintains state all-tackle records for the heaviest marine fishes caught in Florida waters, including 77 species in both conventional tackle and fly-fishing categories.
Recently, a new category for kingfish (whiting), which includes species in the Menticirrhus family, provides an additional challenge for anglers. Kingfish (whiting) caught after June 30, 2017, are eligible for state record submission. Also, three new Florida saltwater state records were approved in the past year, including a 33-pound, 8-ounce almaco jack caught by Thomas Milliren; a 6-pound, 3-ounce vermilion snapper caught by Dawn M. Delisle; and a 26-pound horse-eye jack caught by Sharon Kartrude Pryel (view current records at CatchaFloridaMemory.com by clicking on “Programs,” “Florida Saltwater Fishing Records” then “2016-2017.”)
Several new saltwater world records were caught in Florida in the past year, including a junior record for permit; all-tackle records for black grouper, mahogany snapper and yellowtail snapper; and line-class records for Florida pompano, spotted seatrout, gray snapper, black drum and red grouper. Visit IGFA.org for a complete list of saltwater world records.
To qualify for the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records program, catches must be made according to FWC and IGFA angling rules. The application must be accompanied by line or tippet samples and photographs as specified in the IGFA world record requirements. Species that pose a problem of identity require determination by an ichthyologist or qualified fishery biologist. Visit the International Game Fish Association website, IGFA.org, to learn more about requirements.
Currently, there are a number of fish in the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records program with records not yet claimed including two in the conventional tackle category and 26 vacancies in the fly-fishing tackle category. The IGFA verifies state records in Dania Beach. For more information on the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records program, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com and click on “Programs” and “Florida Saltwater Fishing Records” or contact [email protected].
Florida Saltwater Fishing Records are part of FWC’s Saltwater Angler Recognition Programs. Anglers can gain recognition for catching record-sized fish and by participating in other programs, including Saltwater Fish Life List, Saltwater Reel Big Fish and Saltwater Grand Slams. These programs recognize anglers for their fishing efforts while encouraging them to target a diversity of species and strengthening marine fisheries conservation ethics. Programs are free, available year-round, and open to all ages and experience levels. To learn more, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com