By Joshua Duvauchelle
Florida Salt Water Fishing Requirements
Florida's sunshine and white sand
beaches don't just attract tourists for sunbathing. Anglers from around the world, along with residents, enjoy fishing in Florida's coastal waters. Thanks to nutrient-rich currents, seatrout, mackerel, flounder and various other species of saltwater fish can be found teeming just off the coast of Florida. However, individuals that want to fish in Florida's oceans must follow specific requirements set forth by the state government.
Saltwater Fishing License
Anglers fishing in Florida's coastal waters must hold a recreational fishing license. Licenses can be purchased at any of Florida's county tax offices, as well as at most general retailers and sporting goods stores. The license must be on your person while fishing. You must be able to show it to a Florida wildlife conservation officer at any time. As of August 2009, a saltwater license costs $17 a year for residents, and $47 a year for non-residents. Anglers may also purchase a combination license that allow them to fish in both saltwater and freshwater. Such a combo license costs $32.50 a year for residents, and is not available for non-residents. For more information, or to find the closest location at which you may purchase a license, call Florida's licensing hot line toll-free at (888) 486-8356.
Specialty Tags
Anglers that plan to catch specialty aquatic species must obtain an additional permit or tag with their saltwater fishing license. This includes those that plan to catch snook, tarpon or lobster. As of August 2009, a tarpon license is $51.50 a year, while lobster and snook permits are just $2. Unlike general saltwater licenses, residents and non-residents pay the same fee.
Bag Limits
The state imposes strict limits on the amount of fish that anglers can catch and keep. This is an effort to conserve and protect Florida's fish populations so that future generations of anglers may enjoy Florida's bounty. For example, on a daily basis anglers may only catch and keep ten bluefish, two groupers and six pompano. Additional size limits are imposed on some species. For example, bluefish must be at least one foot in length. Fish that do not have a limit may only be caught in weights of up to a maximum of 100 pounds per species, or two fish per angler per day, whichever size is larger. Annual bag limits and species restrictions change depending on the current size of the fish population. Contact Florida's fishing commission for updated limits.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 S. Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
(850) 488-4676
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
Photo Credits:
Aurimas Cekanavicius
