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Saltwater fishing

Greater amberjack season set to reopen May 1 in Gulf state waters

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The greater amberjack recreational season in Gulf state waters will remain closed through April 30, and will reopen to harvest May 1-31 and Aug. 1-Oct. 31.

Greater amberjack is overfished and undergoing overfishing, and the season has closed increasingly early in recent years due to federal quotas being met or exceeded. This new season structure will optimize recreational fishing opportunities in both the spring and fall while minimizing harvest during the spawning season, helping to rebuild the stock.

For more information on greater amberjack, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Amberjack.”

Gulf gray triggerfish reopens March 1, 2018

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Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish will remain closed in Gulf state and federal waters through Feb. 28, 2018, reopening March 1. The season will also close June 1 through July 31.

When the season reopens, the daily recreational bag limit will be one fish per person (lowered from two fish earlier this year), and the minimum size limit will be 15 inches fork length (increased from 14 inches fork length earlier this year). Similar changes were approved for Gulf federal waters.

These changes should help maintain fishing opportunities for gray triggerfish in state and federal waters for 2018 and the future.

For more information on gray triggerfish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”

Gov. Scott Announces License-Free Saltwater Fishing Day This Thanksgiving Weekend

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Saturday, November 25th will be a license-free saltwater fishing day. This Saturday is part of eight total days offered each year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that allows residents and visitors to enjoy Florida’s many fishing opportunities without requiring a license.
Governor Scott said, “As Floridians gather with their loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, this license-free fishing day is a great opportunity for families and visitors to enjoy our state’s great outdoors together. We are grateful to live in such a beautiful state with unique natural treasures that help attract record numbers of visitors, and I encourage all families to take advantage of the license-free saltwater fishing day this weekend.”
FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski said, “Whether at the table or on the water, Thanksgiving weekend is a perfect time to gather with friends and family. I am thankful for the opportunity to incentivize fishing in Florida and allow anglers to show friends and family, especially youth, the joys it offers.”
Saltwater license-free fishing days allow anglers to fish for saltwater species without being required to have a saltwater recreational fishing license. All bag limits, seasons and size restrictions apply on license-free fishing days. To learn more about license-free fishing days, visit MyFWC.com/License. For fishing tips, locations and other information visit MyFWC.com/Fishing.

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.