The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has outlined five key points to ensure a successful day of reef fishing.
1. **Get your fishing license and State Reef Fish Angler designation**
Before heading out, verify the need for a fishing license and its validity at MyFWC.com/License under “Frequently Asked Questions.” Those targeting reef fish such as mutton snapper or gag grouper from private recreational vessels in Florida must obtain the free State Reef Fish Angler designation. This requirement applies even to anglers aged 65 and older. The survey data aids in managing fisheries better. The 13 species requiring this designation include mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, hogfish, red snapper, vermillion snapper, gag grouper, red grouper, black grouper, greater amberjack, lesser amberjack, banded rudderfish, almaco jack, and gray triggerfish. Additional details can be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing under “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations,” and “State Reef Fish Survey.”
Licenses and designations can be obtained online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office, by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), or through the Fish|Hunt FL App available on Apple and Android devices.
2. **Know the regulations for the species you are targeting**
It is essential to be aware of regulations for targeted species before fishing. Current regulations can be checked at MyFWC.com/Fishing under “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations,” via the Fish|Hunt FL App on Apple and Android devices or the Fish Rules App. Specific gear rules include using non-stainless steel circle hooks, dehooking devices, descending devices or venting tools. Federal waters start beyond nine miles from shore in the Gulf of Mexico and three miles from shore on the Atlantic coast.
3. **Use best handling practices**
To maximize survival rates when catching fish, use knotless rubber-coated nets for retrieval and handle fish with wet hands using a dehooking tool to remove hooks swiftly. Avoid towels or gloves which can harm fish by removing their protective slime coat. Hold fish horizontally supporting their belly without touching gills or eyes; take quick photos if desired before releasing them back into water promptly.
4. **Have the right release gear onboard and know how to use it correctly**
Barotrauma occurs due to pressure changes when fish are brought up rapidly from deep waters causing injuries like stomach protrusion out of mouth among others. Quick usage of descending devices or venting tools helps mitigate these effects improving survival chances significantly.Descending devices assist fish overcoming buoyancy challenges while venting tools release expanded gases safely; knives ice picks etc., aren’t legal alternatives often causing more harm.To learn more visit MyFWC.com/Barotrauma Return ‘Em Right’s Best Release Practices Manual available online offers additional insights & possibly free descending device gear upon registration
5 . **Have fun!**
Enjoyment remains paramount during reef-fishing trips; FWC's Catch-a-Florida-Memory program recognizes rewarding participants submitting qualifying catch photos across categories like Life List Reel Big Fish Grand Slams Prizes range from fishing gear T-shirts drinkware artwork & more.Monthly drawings sponsored by Catch-a-Florida-Memory Premier Partners offer raffle entries based on milestone achievements within past eighteen months.Catch-a-Florida-Memory also hosts Triple Threat Throwdown Mar-Sept annually awarding new fully loaded kayaks.Sign-up today enhancing family fun experiences!