Florida’s anglers should be proud of their conservation efforts, which have helped restore or sustain several valuable fisheries. As the number of anglers continues to grow, it becomes more important than ever to be a marine resource steward. By respecting the marine environment and all of its components, we can help ensure good fishing for generations to come.
Anglers can be marine resource stewards in a variety of ways from how they handle fish to supporting the Sport Fish Restoration Program every time they purchase fishing equipment or motorboat fuel.
Just as there are tools anglers can use to be successful marine resource stewards, managers of fisheries have a variety of tools they can use to help manage fisheries.
Regulations are set by managers of fisheries based on scientific data and public input to help maintain fish populations for the future. Without law-abiding anglers with a conservation mindset, highly valued species, such as red drum and spotted seatrout, could not maintain sustainable populations.
Below are common types of fishing regulations and how they benefit Florida’s fisheries:
- Bag Limit – This sets a limit on the number of fish harvested at one time.
- Size Limit – Regulating the size protects fish so that enough can reach a size that allows them to spawn.
- Slot Limit – Including a lower size limit and an upper size limit allows fish to reach maturity before being harvested and protects large fish that produce massive numbers of higher quality sperm and eggs.
- Seasons – Having designated seasons protects fish during times when they are vulnerable, such as spawning, or limits the number of fish taken in heavily fished waters.
- Gear Restrictions – These are put in place to make sure harvest is safe and to increase the likelihood that non-legal fish will survive release.
- Management Zones – Determining zones allows different fish populations to have varying regulation according to fishing pressure and the health of the population.
To learn more about what regulations are currently in place for the species you plan to target, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations.” You can also download the Fish Rules app on your smart device for up-to-date regulations information.
Don’t forget your license before you go. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has various types of recreational fishing licenses, and some species also require special licenses. For example, if you are fishing for certain reef fish species, like red snapper, from a private recreational vessel, you are required to have the no-cost State Reef Fish Angler designation on your license. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS. Get your license today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or download it using the Fish Hunt Florida app. 
Amanda Nalley
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
