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FLORIDA FReshwAteR 2

Valid from July 1, 2013to June 30, 2014

General StatewideFreshwater Fishing Regulationspages 1214

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C mmissi n rs M ssag ........................4

N w Rul s ...............................................4

Intr uct i n .............................................6FWC contact information & regional map

Fis ing l ic ns r quir m nts & s .........8Resident shing licenses Nonresident shing licenses Lifetime and 5-year licenses

Fr s wat r fs ing tipsr m t pr s ....................................10-11

Fr s wat r lic ns x mpti ns ..............12

M t s ta ing r s wat r fs ..........12

Gam & n ngam r s wat r fs ...........12

Pr ibit g ar r ta ingmarin fs in r s wat r .......................12

M t s ta ing bait ......................... 12

R l as an m v m nt fs ...............13

Us fs r bait ............................... 13

Ta ing muss ls & clams .........................13

Sp cial r gulati ns rtripl i grass carp, alligat r gar,Atlantic, Gul an s rtn s sturg n ....13

Stat wi bag & l ngt limits ................14How to measure your catch

Sp cial bag & l ngt limits ....................14

Fis i ntifcati n c art ................... 1617

Blac Bass Plan up a t ............................18From FWC

Blac bass fs ing z n s ........................20

Web Site: MyFWC.comVisit MyFWC.com/Fishing for up-to-date information on shing,boating and how to help ensure safe,sustainable sheries for the future.

Stop the spread o non-native species

It is illegal to release any non-native sh or any other non-nativeorganism into the waters of the state. To nd out more visitMyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats.

FREE Florida Wildli emagazine online

Articles and tips for anglers, huntersand other outdoor enthusiasts.Visit FloridaWildlifeMagazine.comto subscribe to the new electronicpublication.

Instantlicense privileges

Obtain license privileges, 24 hoursa day, via License.MyFWC.com or bycalling toll-free 1-888-FISHFLORIDA(1-888-347-4356). Processing fees willapply on sales via telephoneand Internet. A unique licensenumber allows you to begin shing immediately after the transaction.

Fish and wildli e alertreward program

Report shing, boating or hunting law violations by calling toll-free1-888-404-FWCC (3922); oncell phones, dial *FWC or #FWCdepending on service carrier; reportviolations online at MyFWC.com/Lawor text: [email protected].

G n ral r gulati ns r fsmanag m nt ar as ...............................21

Sp cifc fs manag m ntar a r gulati ns ...............................2128

Northwest Region North Central Region Northeast Region

Southwest Region South Region

Cr ating t N xt G n rati nt at Car s .............................................24

F ral Ai in Sp rt FisR st rati n (SFR) ..................................26

Angl r R c gniti n Pr grams .................29TrophyCatch Big CatchState Records

Fis c nsumpti n a vis ry .....................30Florida safe eating guidelines

Fr qu ntly answ r qu sti ns ..............32

On the coverLouie Echols, with a nice largemouthbass, is a role model for Florida youththat want to lead healthy lifestylesand get outdoors. He is an avid anglerand steward of the resource. Besidesbeing a Trophy Club member, he is anElite Angler, and a Bass Specialist.Learn about FWC angler recognitionprograms on page 29.

CoNTeNTS

Photo courtesy of GlenLau.com

2 20132014 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission


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This high-quality regulation guide is offered toyou by the Florida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommissions Division of Freshwater FisheriesManagement through its unique partnership withJ.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC.

J.F. Griffin is an award-winning publishing housethat specializes in producing state fish & wildliferegulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the FWC staffin the design, layout and editing of the guides. It alsomanages the marketing and sales of advertising to

appropriate businesses within the book.The revenue generated through ad sales significantlylowers production costs and generates savings.These savings translate into additional funds forother important fisheries and habitat programs.Promotional advertisement does not constituteendorsement by FWC.

If you have any feedback or are interested inadvertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001or online at www.JFGriffin.com

About this Guide

Fully searchableLive hyperlinks toexpanded content

Email pagesOne-click printingMobile friendly

eRegulations.com/FL/ shing/freshwater

430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267

available online in a new Digital Edition!

J.F. Gri fn Publishing, LLC is proud to print theo fcial Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulationssummary on post-consumer recycled paper.

FWC xpan s rt t nsur

Fl ri a is t un isputBass Fis ing Capital t W rl The seven-member Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission (FWC) is appointed tostaggered terms by the governor and meets vetimes a year to hear staff reports, consider ruleproposals, and conduct other Commission business.Under Floridas Constitution, we enact rules andregulations regarding the states sh and wildl iferesources and help staff achieve their mission of managing sh and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the bene t of people.

According to the latest National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-AssociatedRecreation (2011), Florida continues to provide more hours of recreational freshwater sh -

ing enjoyment than any other state (25.7 million; Texas, the next highest, had 22.6 million).Overall (freshwater and saltwater), Florida ranked No. 1 with 3.1 million anglers (No. 2 New York had 1.9 million), and total expenditures of $5 billion (No. 2 New York spent $2.7 billion).Floridas role as the shing destination for travelers was also overwhelmingly reaf rmed, with1.2 million nonresident anglers visiting the state (No. 2 Michigan had 347,000). The ripple ef-fect of these dollars was an $8.7 billion economic impact that supported 80,211 jobs in Florida.

During 201213, FWC staff in the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management havemoved forward aggressively to implement the Florida Black Bass Management Plan (BBMP),which we approved following scienti c review and citizen input. As youve seen, Florida alreadyis the Fishing Capital of the World. Now, we look forward to working with stakeholdersto document that Florida is also the undisputed Bass Fishing Capital of the World. TheBBMP identi ed four main areas of focus: New Opportunities, Habitat Management, FishManagement and People Management. Progress has been made in each area. You can learnmore details on the MyFWC.com/Fishing website (select Black Bass Management, or FishBusters Bulletins to learn more), and be sure to read the article on Page 18.

You can learn more not only about mandatory freshwater shing regulations in thispublication but also about our management philosophies, funding for conservation (largelythrough shing license sales and grants from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restorationprogram), angler recognition programs and shing tips.

A crucial new program that bene ts the resource, you the user and the economy is TrophyCatch.This angler conservation/reward program rewards anglers for recycling bass heavier than8 pounds, after properly documenting their catch and release. Visit TrophyCatchFlorida.comand see Page 29 for more details on this and other angler recognition programs.

C mmissi n rsM ssag

Freshwater Rule ChangesEffective July 1, 2013

TrophyCatch is the FWCs new incentive-based program to documentcatch and release of large bass. A new rule allows participating anglers totemporarily possess one bass 13 pounds or greater, over legal length andbag limits, while awaiting FWC staff certi cation. The sh must be keptalive until certi ed and then released in the water body where caught.

Baymeadows Fish Management Area, Duval County, is a newly establishedFish Management Area (25 acres). See Page 22 for detailed rules.

The recreational shing boundary for Lake Okeechobee was amendedto include two canals and one creek connected to Lake Okeechobee.See Page 14 for detailed rules.

Edward Medard Park Reservoir Fish Management Area, HillsboroughCounty is a newly established Fish Management Area (770 acres).See Page 25 for detailed rules.

F L ORID A F RE SHW AT E R 2 0 13

Validf rom July 1 ,2 0 13to Ju n e3 0 ,2 0 14

Gener al St at ew id e F r eshw at er F ishin g R e g ulat ionspa g es 12 14

F lor ida F ish a nd W ildlif eCons erv a tio n Com mis sio nMyF W C.co m /F ishing D o n

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Graphic Design:Jon Gulley, Erin Murphy, Evelyn Haddad,Chris Sobolowski, Dane Fay

Bob Williams documented the first TrophyCatch Hall of Fame bass, with this13 lb., 14 oz. largemouth successfully caught and released on Rodman Reservoir.Photo by guide Sean Rush.



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This free booklet is your guide to Floridasfreshwater shing laws and regulations. TheFlorida Wildlife Code is the nal authority onshing laws (www.FLrules.org). The Florida

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC) strives to ensure this information isaccurate but assumes no liability for errorsthat may occur. In addition, rules can changebetween publications. Contact the FWC if you have questions not adequately covered inthis booklet; see contact list and map below.This publication is valid from July 1, 2013,to June 30, 2014.

Florida remains the Fishing Capital of theWorld, due to great resources and responsiblemanagement. We consider the quality of li fethat is associated with recreational activitiesand living in a healthy environment to be ex-tremely important to Floridians and visitorsand are also striving to make Florida the un-disputed Bass Fishing Capital of the World.

The FWC uses the best scienti c manage -ment possible to help ful ll its mission of

Managing sh and wildlife resources fortheir long-term well-being and the bene t of people. To fund those efforts, the Legislaturesets shing license fees and exemptions, aswell as penalties for violating sh and wildlifeconservation laws. State law guaranteesmoney from the sale of shing licensesgoes to the FWC and cannot be diverted.

In 1950, Congressmen Dingell and John-son, at the request of anglers and the shingindustry, created the Federal Aid in SportFish Restoration (SFR) program, whereinshing tackle was assessed an excise fee and

INTRodUCTIoN

the monies returned to the states for shrestoration projects. The Wallop-Breauxamendment in 1984 added import duties onsport shing equipment, pleasure boats andyachts as well as taxes on motorboat fuels. Theresult is one of the most successful user-pays,public-bene ts programs in the world, withtaxes from the sale of outdoor recreation sup-plies enhancing and promoting the resource.

The amount of money Florida receives fromSFR is based on the size of the state andthe number of paid licensed anglers notlicenses and permits, but the people who holdthem. For instance, an angler with freshwaterand saltwater licenses and a snook permitcounts as one holder. Each certi ed holder(1.46 million) generated $8.01 more for sport-sh restoration, providing $11.7 million for

Florida in 2012.Of those monies, 15 percent went to boating

access building and repairing ramps andcourtesy docks. The remainder went to freshand saltwater sheries conservation projectssuch as habitat restoration, sh stocking, ar -ti cial reefs construction and youth shingclinics.

The FWC encourages all anglers to buy alicense (License.MyFWC.com). Even if youare legally exempt, you can contribute to thefuture of our sheries resources by buying alicense and helping the FWC keep your federaltax dollars in Florida to support sport shrestoration.

Recreational shing often is portrayed inadvertising because it is an enjoyable, whole-some experience that re ects a happy and

healthy lifestyle. Moreover, it is the No. 1gateway activity to get youth connected tonature in active outdoor recreation, which canreduce obesity, improve grades and, most of all, add enjoyment to their lives.

The FWC is working hard to ensure safeand sustainable recreational shing for allof our citizens and guests and depends onyour license fees to make sure there are shfor tomorrow.

NORTHWEST

NORTHEAST

NORTH CENTRAL

SOUTHWEST

SOUTH

FWC regional o fcesN rt w st R gi n3911 Highway 2321 Panama City, FL 32409-1658850-265-3676

N rt C ntral R gi n3377 East U.S. Highway 90

Lake City, FL 32055-8795 386-758-0525

N rt ast R gi n1239 Southwest 10 th StreetOcala, FL 34471-0323 352-732-1225

S ut w st R gi n3900 Drane Field RoadLakeland, FL 33811-1299 863-648-3200

S ut R gi n8535 Northlake Boulevard West Palm Beach, FL 33412-3303561-625-5122

Florida Fish and Wildli eConservation Commission620 South Meridian Street

Farris Bryant Building Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 488-4676 (800) 955-8771 TDD

CommissionersKenneth W. Wright Chairman, Winter Park Richard A Corbett Vice Chairman, TampaRonald M. Bergeron Ft. Lauderdale

Aliese P. Liesa Priddy Immokalee

Adrien Bo RivardPanama City

Charles W. Roberts III Tallahassee

Brian S. Yablonski Tallahassee

Sta Nick Wiley Executive DirectorGreg Holder Assistant Executive DirectorKaren VentimigliaDeputy Chief of Staff Tom ChampeauDirector, Freshwater Fisheries Management



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Tips r m t Pr sK k Fishi g Terry Tomalin , Visit Florida & Fishing Insider; Outdoor Editor,Tampa Bay Times (FishingCapital.com)

Florida is full of small lakes and ponds that just arent accessibleby powerboat. You can walk the shoreline and cast for bass, butnothing beats that on-the-water vantage point for working weedbeds and drop-offs. That is where a kayak can come in handy. Adecade ago, canoes outsold Kayaks at a rate of 51, but today,those numbers are reversed. These easily maneuverable boatsare well suited for fresh water, for when it comes to stalking big bass you wont nd a quieter watercraft on earth.

Kayaks are relatively easy to paddle and steer. If you want toreposition your shing platform for that perfect cast, a few

icks of the paddle will get you there. Kayaks are also light.The average plastic boat weighs between 50 and 80 pounds.The average person can put a kayak on the roof of a car withoutthrowing out their back. With a kayak, there is no waiting inline at the boat ramp. Just pull your car alongside the road andslide your kayak into the water. These boats are also virtuallyindestructible. Unlike a berglass hull, you dont have to worryabout running into tree stumps. They require virtually no main -tenance. If you are really picky, you might rinse it off with freshwater after paddling. But that is about all i t takes to keep onein shape. And when you look at the cost of a sea kayak vs. abass boat, there is no comparison. Most kayaks cost less than$1,000, and kayaks hold their value. If you see a new model

you like, trade-in for it. Most dealers sell used boats as well asnew ones. And if that isnt enough to get you in a kayak, thinkabout the exercise factor. If you want a good workout, youll getit paddling a kayak. Who said shing was a lazy mans sport?

Ho Ci c Do t e Stop Fishi gGlen lau ,Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee,cinematographer and author (GlenLau.com)

Glen Laus Fishing Tribute to Uncle Homer: Homer Circle (19142012), best known to millions of anglers and readers as UncleHomer, was still shing with me at 97. We met when I featuredhim in the movie Bigmouth and developed a close friendship thatincluded almost weekly shing trips on our favorite Florida waters.

No man ever embodied the love of bass shing more or providedmore tips to anglers then he did in his 36 years with Sports A eldand penning BassMasters Ask Uncle Homer column. I took this

photo of Uncle Homer with an 11 lb., 5 oz. trophy Florida largemouth just a few months before he passed on. Our last trip was just vedays before he died. We shed from 2 in the afternoon until 5,and he caught six and I caught ve, which is just the way I like it.So the tip I want to pass on from my shing buddy is make timeto sh and sh for a lifetime. Ill close with his own special prayer:

The Fishermans Prayer by Homer Circle

God grant that I may sh until my dying day;And when at last I come to rest, Ill then most humbly pray; When in His landing net I lie in nal sleep; That in His mercy Ill be judged as good enough to keep!Amen.

l k B ssSean ruSH , Owner/Operator of Trophy Bass Expeditions of Central Florida (FloridaTrophyBass.com)

When I helped Bob Williams catchthe rst Hall of Fame bass inductedinto the TrophyCatch program inFebruary 2013, it was on RodmanReservoir with a big wild shiner.I give my clients three important

tips when shing live shiners fortrophy bass. First, its live bait soonce you get it in position let it dothe work, dont reel it or drag it. Second, always leave the bailopen, so the bass doesnt feel the line. Give it 35 seconds toget the bait in position. Bass will often ip bait around in theirmouth so they can swallow it head rst. Finally, when you setthe hook, set it hard. I use a 4/0 hook and 20-pound big-gameline, with the hook below the lateral line near the baits tail.Remember, be ready to take a quick photo of the entire sh ona scale and tape measurer, so you can register your lunkers withTrophyCatch! (see video at YouTube.com/TrophyCatchFlorida.)



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T oph C tchTerry SeGraveS , Tournament Pro, Guide and Kissimmee Tourism Spokesperson (ExperienceKissimmee.com)

My Trophy Swims in Florida!Its of cial, I was able to registera Lunker Club bass weighing 9 lbs., 4 oz. that I released during the FLW Tournament on Lake

Okeechobee in February 2013.

TrophyCatch is a great programsponsored by the Florida Fishand Wildlife ConservationCommission (FWC) and fundedby numerous business partners.Among the most prominent of those is Experience Kissimmee,

which is providing a $10,000 bonus for the biggest veri edTrophyCatch bass from Osceola County and an additional $2,500to a guide that helps a customer catch and release it.

Some of the very best bass shing waters are found in OsceolaCounty, not only including famed lakes such as Kissimmee andTohopekaliga, but also some small local lakes.

Doing your research before you go shing can be a key to

success. Check out the FWCs Fishing Sites and Forecast pagefor quarterly updates on major resources and top lakes listedby species, at MyFWC.com/Fishing. The site also providesnumbers you can call to talk to local bait-and-tackle shops forup-to-the-minute shing trends. Visiting TrophyCatchFlorida.com(or the sister resources on YouTube and FaceBook) can helpinform you on where the big ones are being caught right now.

So do your research and then share your catch by posting your Big Catches and TrophyCatch releases at TrophyCatchFlorida.com.Its fun getting recognized for a great catch, and even better tobe rewarded for letting your trophy swim in Florida.

P cock B ss alan ZaremBa , Owner/Operator of Worldwide Peacock Bass (FloridaPeacocks.com)

Peacock bass are special to me Ive been making a living byguiding for them for more than 20 years but trophy peacocksare even more extraordinary. Butter y peacock bass are smallerthan largemouth bass, and each angler will have his or her ownopinion, but for me any peacock over 4 pounds is a specialsh what I consider a trophy, and quali es for the Big Catchangler recognition program (Page 29),

Trophy peacocks can be caught year-round, but late Februarythrough April is best when these sh start spawning and becomemore territorial and more aggressive. This spawning periodbegins rst in the southern canals, and starts later aroundlate May in the northern extent of the peacocks range, likeLakes Osborne and Ida. Of course, cold weather can delay ordisrupt this pattern.

When the time is right, youll nd trophy peacock bass over a hardsurface such as submerged rock or concrete in preparation for

spawning the opposite of the soft, sand bottoms preferred bylargemouth bass. Like trophy largemouths, however, the bigger

peacocks are often found deeper.My best lures for trophy peacocksare bucktail or Road-Runner jigs,in 3 8 oz. sizes. I prefer char -treuse/white, red/white, or red/yellow. You want to keep the jig moving with a bouncing motion ona tight line, and repeat until theyeat the jig. You have to nd thesh to catch them its all sightshing and I wear a quality pairof polarized sunglasses. The dif -ference a good pair makes islike night and day.

I strongly advocate catch-and-release during this time period released peacocks will return to where they were caught andcontinue their spawning activity. These sh are special and

different, very much worth protecting, and Florida has a greatpeacock shery thanks to the FWC.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 20132014 11


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game sh. Contact the Northwest Regionalof ce for details (Page 6).

For personal use by any person possessinga valid freshwater shing license by the useof not more than one slat basket or one wiretrap, made as speci ed in Rule 68A-23.003,FAC, and used only in those waters whereuse of wire traps or slat baskets is permit-ted for commercial purposes. Refer to theCommercial Freshwater Fisheries Rulesand Regulation Summary. Passive shinggear such as slat baskets or wire basketsmust be clearly and legibly marked withthe harvesters name and address whilebeing used or possessed in or upon watersof the state.

Prohibited gear or taking marine species in reshwater

Spear shing: Use of any hand or me-chanically propelled, single or multi-pronged spear or lance, barbed or barbless,to harvest or attempt to harvest any ma-rine species while diving in freshwater isprohibited.

Spear shing for mullet in fresh water isprohibited; however, gigging from abovewater is permitted.

Methods o taking baitFreshwater shrimp and golden shiners of any size, or other freshwater nongame sh,including cat sh, less than 8-inches total

Game and nongame reshwater fshGame Fish: black bass, crappie, bluegill,redear sun sh, warmouth, redbreast sun -sh, spotted sun sh, ier, mud sun sh,

longear sun sh, shadow bass, peacock bass,white bass, striped bass and sunshine bass.

Nongame Fish: all freshwater sh are de -ned as nongame sh, except grass carp andsh de ned as freshwater game sh. Note:

All igator gar require a scienti c collector spermit to take.

Methods o taking reshwater fshGame sh may only be taken with pole-and-line or rod-and-reel. There is no limit on thenumber of rods an angler may use.

Freshwater sh may not be taken by useof any free- oating, unattached device, orby taking of sh or wildlife with rearms,explosives, electricity, spear gun, poison orother chemicals. The taking of sh by under -water swimming or diving is prohibited. It isunlawful to sell , offer for sale or transport outof the state any freshwater game sh unlessspeci cally permitted by the FWC, except thatlicensed anglers may transport two days baglimit of legally harvested game sh.

It is illegal to possess any freshwater shalong with gear that cannot legally be usedto take freshwater sh, including gear typeslisted above and below for taking nongamesh or bait. An exception is game sh may bepossessed together with cast nets having astretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch;minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in diam-eter; minnow seines having a stretched meshsize not greater than 1 inch, a length not morethan 20 feet and a depth not more than 4 feet;and minnow traps not more than 24 inches inlength and 12 inches in d iameter, with a fun-nel entrance not more than 1 inch in spread.

Black bass, striped bass and white bassor their hybrids, peacock bass, or crappieand pan sh (for crappie and pan sh, onlyin waters where minimum-length or slot-sizelimits for these sh apply) may not be lleted,nor their head or tail n removed, until youare done shing for the day.

*NOTE: Statutory provisions (790.052(3),F.S.) made it lawful for persons to own, pos-sess, and lawfully use rearms and otherweapons, ammunition, and supplies for lawfulpurposes including shing, camping, or lawfulhunting or going to or returning from a sh -ing, camping, or lawful hunting expedition.Consequently, although rearms may not beused to take sh, they can be in possession of someone with legally taken sh .

Nongame fsh may be taken: With pole-and-line, or rod-and-reel, and

by bush hook, setline or trotline baitedwith cut bait or other substance; but notincluding live game sh or any part of anygame sh; bush hooks, setlines or t rotlines(limited to 25 hooks total) are permitted fortaking nongame sh for personal use, butonly in those areas where trotlines may belawfully used in accordance with the Wild-life Code of the State of Florida. Refer to theCommercial Freshwater Fisheries Rulesand Regulations Summary. Bush hooks,

setlines and trotlines must be clearly andlegibly marked with the harvesters nameand address while being used or possessedin or upon the waters of the state.

At night by bow and arrow, and gigs. During daylight hours by manually oper-

ated spears, gigs, snatch hooks, crossbowor bow and arrow f rom a boat or from shoreexcept at the spillways of the Eureka andRodman dams on the Oklawaha River oron the spillway of the Jim Woodruff Damon the Apalachicola River or in Dade Coun-ty canals south of the C-4 and east of theL-31N and L-31W canals inclusively.

By the use of cast nets in the South andNortheast regions, in Citrus County, andin the Southwest Region, except that pos-session or use of cast nets in waters adjoin-ing Saddle Creek Fish Management Area,Polk County, con ned by Morgan CombeeRoad, U.S. Highway 92 and Fish HatcheryRoad are prohibited.

Using a bow and light at night. Nightbow shing tournaments do not require apermit in the Northwest Region.

By netting and impounding at night fromSept. 1 to May 1 in speci ed waters of Northwest Florida. Nets used to take non-game sh (typically suckers) in these speci -ed waters must be less than 100 feet inlength, have a minimum 3-inch stretchedmesh and shall be continuously attended toensure immediate release of any trapped

MeThodS oF TAkING FISh

License Exemptions: You do not need a reshwater fshing license i ... You are a child under 16 years of age.

You are a Florida resident age 65 or older possessing proof of age and residency, or possessing a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certi cate. Residents age 65 or older may obtain,at no cost, complimentary hunting and shing certi cates from county tax collectors of ces.

You are a resident who is shing with live or natural bait, using poles or lines that are notequipped with a shing-line-retrieval mechanism, and you are shing for noncommercialpurposes in your home county. However, you must have a valid shing license to sh by anymethod in a sh management area. This is often referred to as the cane-pole exemption.

You freshwater sh in your county of residence on your homestead or the homestead of your spouse or minor child, or if you are a minor child hunting or freshwater shing on thehomestead of your parent.

You are a Florida resident certi ed as totally and permanently disabled and youpossess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certi cate.

You are a resident who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, you are notstationed in this state, and you are home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.

You have been accepted as a client for developmental disabilities services by the Agency forPersons with Disabilities. The agency must furnish proof to such clients.

You are shing in a sh pond of 20 acres or less that is located entirely within the privateproperty of its owner. A sh pond is a man-made pond constructed for the primarypurpose of shing, entirely within the property lines of the owner and with no surface waterconnection to public waters.

You are shing in a sh pond of 20 acres or more, whose owner has purchased a sh pondlicense at a fee of $3 per surface acre.

You possess a Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License. You are shing in the St. Marys River or Lake Seminole (but not including tributary creeks

in Florida) and have a valid Georgia shing license. You are freshwater shing on License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days: rst Saturday in April

(April 5, 2014) and the second Saturday in June (June 14, 2014). Please note, at the timewe went to press, the Florida Legislature was considering extending these dates to includeSaturday and Sunday, check MyFWC.com for updates.



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length may be taken for bait by the follow-ing methods, unless speci cally prohibited:

Cast nets having a stretched mesh sizenot greater than 1 inch in fresh waters of the state, unless speci cally prohibited.

Minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet indiameter.

Minnow seines having a stretched meshsize not greater than 1 inch, a length notmore than 20 feet, and a depth not morethan 4 feet.

Minnow traps not more than 24 inches inlength and 12 inches in diameter, with a fun-nel entrance not more than 1 inch in spread.

Any game sh taken by these methodsmust be released immediately.

Taking of bait for the purpose of sale re-quires a commercial shing license.

Use o fsh or bait Black bass, peacock bass or any part there-

of may not be used as bait. Live non-native shes (including gold sh

and carp) may not be used as bait, exceptfor variable platys and fathead minnows.

Whole pickerel or pan sh (e.g., bluegill,redear sun sh, redbreast sun sh, spotted

sun sh, ier, warmouth) or parts thereof may be used as bait for sport shing by theangler who caught them. Whole pickerel orbream or parts thereof may not be used asbait for trotlines or bush hooks or any methodother than by rod and reel or pole and line.

Pan sh less than 4 inches in total lengthraised by a licensed aquaculture facilitymay be purchased and used for bait.

Release/Movement o fshNon-native shes, except for peacock bass andtriploid grass carp, must not be returned to thewater nor may they be used as live bait, andshould be consumed or disposed of properly.

Northern black bass ( Micropterus salmoidessalmoides ) has been added to the conditionalnon-native species list. Possession, importationinto Florida, sale or transportation of any livespecimens or eggs of this subspecies of blackbass is prohibited except by special permit fromthe FWC. Hybrids of the northern black bassand Florida sub-species ( Micropterus salmoidessalmoides x Micropterus salmoides foridanus )are legal to possess in the Suwannee Riverand its tributaries and north and west of theSuwannee River.

Certain families of freshwater mussels may be col -lected for personal use. The bag limit for freshwatermussels from these families is 10 per person (or 20half shells). The possession limit is two days bag limit(see images to right and FAQ, Page 32).

Mussels shall be taken by hand-picking only. Use of brailles, crowfoot bars, or other mechanical methodsis prohibited. Freshwater mussels, live or dead, maynot be taken for later sale.

Other clamsSpecies of freshwater mussels from other families, suchas the Asian clam, have no bag or possession limits.

Taking and possession o reshwater mussels

3 inchesFlorida Shiny Spike

1 inches

3 inchesPaper Pondshell

Sizes indicated are average adult dimen-sions or identifcation purposes only.

It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar without a permit.

Tripl i grass carp are used for aquaticvegetation control and may not be stocked orharvested without a permit.They grow to over 40 pounds.

Alligat r gar are found only in the panhandlerivers and grow to more than 120 pounds.Their gatorlike snout is distinct. Due to theirlimited numbers, harvest is restricted to indi -viduals with a valid scienti c collec tors permit.

Grass carp illustration by Ted Walke; Alligator gar by Duane Raver, Jr.

Protected SturgeonsThe species of sturgeon found in Florida Atlantic ( Acipenser oxyrinchus ), Gulf ( A. o.desotoi ), and shortnose sturgeons ( Acipenser brevirostrum ) are protected both federallyand in the state of Florida. No person shall take,possess or sell any sturgeon or parts thereof, ortheir nests or eggs, except as allowed by speci c

federal or state permit or authorization. Peoplewho inadvertently catch one must immediatelyrelease it alive back to the water.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission


10/26

Statewide bag and length limitsSpecial bag and length limits apply to somelakes, rivers (this page) and Fish Manage-ment Areas (Pages 2128). Other shesconsidered to be nongame shes have no bagor possession limits, except as noted in indi-vidual Fish Management Area regulations.

Possession limit is two days bag limit. Itis illegal to transport or possess more thantwo days bag limit of sh per licensed anglerwithout a commercial license. Exceptions aresh legally acquired from aquaculturists ( shfarmers) for use in aquaria, for brood stock,pond stocking or properly marked for the mar-ket. No native freshwater sh or their eggsmay be taken or possessed except as permittedby these rules nor shall anyone wantonly orwillfully waste the same.

5 Black bass (largemouth, Suwannee,spotted, and shoal bass, ind ividually or intotal), only one of which may be 22 inchesor longer in total length.

In south Florida (see Page 20for map): only one bass may be 14inches in total length or longer.

South and east of the Suwannee River(see Page 20 for map): black bassless than 14 inches in total lengthmust be released immediately.

In the Suwannee River (see Page20 for map), areas north and westof the Suwannee River, and in anytributary river, creek or stream of the Suwannee River: black bassless than 12 inches in total lengthmust be released immediately.

50 Pan sh including bluegill, redear sun-sh (shellcracker), ier, longear sun sh,mud sun sh, shadow bass, spotted sun sh(stumpknocker), warmouth and redbreastsun sh, individually or in total.

25 Crappie (speckled perch). 20 Striped bass, white bass, and sun -

shine bass (individually or in total), of which only 6 may be 24 inches or longerin total length.

In the Suwannee River, areas northand west of the Suwannee River, andin any tributary, creek or stream of the Suwannee River: the bag limitfor striped bass is 3, each of whichmust be at least 18 inches in totallength (20 sh combined bag limit).

2 Butter y peacock bass , only one of whichmay be 17 inches or longer in total length.

NOTES: It is illegal to possess grass carpor alligator gar without a permit; thesesh must be released immediately (seePage 13). Black bass, striped bass andwhite bass or their hybrids, peacock bass, orcrappie and pan sh (for crappie and pan sh,only in waters where minimum-length or

slot-size limits for these sh apply) may notbe lleted, nor their head or tail n removed,until you are done shing for the day.

Anglers part icipating in TrophyCatch,who are in compliance with TrophyCatchrules and sh handling guidelines, maybe in temporary possession of one bass 13pounds or greater over the legal lengthlimit and bag limit while waiting for FWCstaff certi cation. The sh must then belive-released in the water body where itwas caught.

Special bag and length limitsSee Fish Management Area regulations forbag and length limits for lakes in the FishManagement Area system (Pages 2128). Jim Woodruff Reservoir, Lake Semi -

nole: 10 black bass, each must be at least 12inches or greater in total length; 15 stripedbass, white bass and sunshine bass (individ-ually or in total), of which no more than twomay be 22 inches or longer in total length; 30crappie (speckled perch), in total; 50 pan sh(does not include crappie); 15 pickerel (chain,grass and red n). Possession limit is 50 shtotal, regardless of species.

St. Marys River and it tributaries: 10black bass, all of which must be at least12 inches in total length; two str iped bass,sunshine bass or white bass, both of whichmust be at least 22 inches in total length;30 crappie (speckled perch); 50 total pan-sh (does not include crappie); 15 pickerel(chain, grass and red n).

Lake Talquin, Leon and Gadsden coun -ties: Black bass bag limit is ve, on ly oneof which may be 22 inches in total lengthor longer. Black bass less than 18 inchesin total length and crappie less than 10inches in total length must be releasedimmediately.

Lake Jackson, Leon County: Black bassbag limit is ve, only one of which may be22 inches in total length or longer. Blackbass less than 18 inches in total lengthmust be released immediately.

Lake Kerr, including Little Lake Kerr:Black bass caught from 15 to 24 inches intotal length must be released immediately.Black bass bag limit is three, of which onlyone may be 24 inches or longer in total length.

Wildcat Lake, Marion County (Oca laNational Forest): Black bass must be re-leased immediately.

St. Johns River Water Management Area(Farm 13, including the Stick Marsh),Indian River and Brevard counties: Black bass must be released immediately.

S.N. Knight Tract, Indian River County(locally known as Kenansville Lake): Black bass must be released immediately.

Lake Weohyakapka (Walk-in-Water),Polk County: Black bass from 15 to 24inches in total length must be released im-mediately. Black bass bag limit is three,only one of which may be 24 inches in totallength or longer.

Lake Okeechobee: Black bass less than18 inches in total length must be released

immediately. Black bass bag limit is ve,only one of which may be 22 inches in totallength or longer. Crappie (speckled perch)less than 10 inches in total length must bereleased immediately. Lake Okeechobee,for purposes of these rules, is de ned asany point lakeward of a boundary linedelineated by the following points:

Intersection of St. Rd. 78 and U.S. 441 U.S. 441 SE to St. Rd. 5 (80) St. Rd. 5 (80) to St. Rd. 25 (U.S. 27) St. Rd. 25 (U.S. 27) to St. Rd. 78 St. Rd. 78 to U.S. 441

Including: Harney Pond Canal (C-41) north of St.

Rd. 78 to South Florida Water Mgmnt.

District (SFWMD) structure S-71 C-41-A Canal, southeast of S-84 Indian Prairie Canal (C-40) north of

St. Rd. 78 to SFWMD structure S-72 All of Taylor Creek and Nubbin Slough

in Okeechobee County C-38/Kissimmee River south of SF-

WMD structure S-65E to St. Rd. 78 All of L-50 Canal in Glades County Fisheating Creek to U. S. 27 Al l of Sportsmans Canal (LD-3) in

Glades County

Lake Trafford (Collier County): Blackbass less than 18 inches in total lengthmust be released immediately. Black bassbag limit is ve, only one of which may be22 inches in total length or longer.

BAG & LeNGTh LIMITS

How to measure your catch

Total Length is the straight line distancefrom the most forward point of the headwith the mouth closed to the farthesttip of the tail with the tail squeezed orcompressed. Girth is the circumferencearound the fattest part of the sh. For abass weight calculator based on lengthand girth visit MyFWC.com/Bass-Formula.

Measure Girth around the fattest part of the fish

Total Length with mouth closed and tail squeezed together



11/26

FLoRIdA FReShWATeR FISh

Florida freshwater shes are divided into game sh that have speci c bag and length limits and may only be taken with pole-and-line orrod-and-reel, and nongame sh, which are all others. A license is required to take nongame sh, but additional gear types are allowed (seePage 12). Non-native sh are those that do not occur in Florida naturally; most should be harvested and never released. Exceptions arepeacock bass, which is a game sh, and triploid grass carp, which are stocked for vegetation control (see Page 13). Where applicable, staterecord (SR) weights and the Big Catch (BC) qualifying length or weight for adults are provided. See Page 29 or MyFWC.com/BigCatch formore details including youth qualifying sizes, slams, specialist, master, elite angler and the new TrophyCatch angler recognition program.

For details on state records and angler recognition programs visit: MyFWC.com/BigCatch

h t b

b

G A M E F I S H

Largemouth bass:SR 17.27 lbs; BC 24"/8.0 lbs

Suwannee Bass:SR 3.89 lbs; BC 14"/1.5 lbs

Shoal bass:SR 8.75 lbs; BC 16"/2.0 lbs

Spotted bass:SR 3.75 lbs; BC 16"/2.0 lbs

BLACk BASS

CIChLId

Butter y peacock bass:SR 9.08 lbs; BC 18"/4.0 lbs

TeMPeRATe BASS

Striped bass:SR 42.25 lbs; BC 30"/12.0 lbs

White bass:SR 4.69 lbs; BC 15"/2.5 lbs

Sunshine bass:SR 16.31 lbs; BC 20"/5.0 lbs

PANFISh

Warmouth:SR 2.44 lbs; BC 9"/0.5 lb

Redear sunfsh:SR 4.86 lbs; BC 11"/1.25 lbs

Spotted sunfsh:SR 0.83 lbs; BC 7"/0.5 lb

Redbreast sunfsh:SR 2.08 lbs; BC 9"/0.5 lb

Bluegill:SR 2.95 lbs; BC 10"/1.0 lb

Flier:SR 1.24 lbs; BC 8"/0.5 lb

Black crappie:SR 3.83 lbs; BC 14"/2.0 lbs

N O N G A M E F I S H

BoWFIN, ShAd, PICkeReL & GAR

Chain pickerel:SR 6.96 lbs; BC 22"/3.0 lbs

Bowfn:SR 19.00 lbs; BC 28"/8.0 lbs

American shad:SR 5.19 lbs; BC 18"/3.0 lbs

Longnose gar:SR 41.00 lbs; BC 40"/15.0 lbs

Florida/Spotted gar:SR 9.44 lbs; BC 28"/4.0 lbs

CATFISh

Channel catfsh:SR 44.50 lbs; BC 25"/12.0 lbs White catfsh:SR 18.88 lbs; BC 22"/5.0 lbs Yellow bullhead:SR 5.05 lbs; BC 14"/1.5 lbs Brown bullhead:SR 5.72 lbs; BC 16"/2.0 lbs



12/26

FLoRIdA FReShWATeR FISh

N O N N A T I V E - N

O N G A M E F I S H Flathead catfsh:

SR 55.05 lbs; BC 36"/25.0 lbs

Jaguar guapote:SR Open 2.5 lbs; BC 13"/1.5 lbs

Oscar:SR 2.34 lbs; BC 11"/1.25 lbs

Common carp:SR 40.56 lbs; BC 30"/20.0 lbs

Blue catfsh:SR 64.50 lbs; BC 36"/25.0 lbs

Mayan cichlid:SR Open 2.5 lbs; BC 11"/1.0 lb

Yellow perch:SR 1.47 lbs; BC 12"/0.75 lb

Blue tilapia:SR 9.38 lbs; BC 18"/5.0 lbs



13/26


In June 2011, The Florida Fish and Wild-life Conservation Commission (FWC)approved the Black Bass ManagementPlan. It was the result of more than 7,500anglers providing input to our scientistsfollowed by detailed discussions with atechnical assistance group representingshing-related businesses, university ex -perts, professional anglers, outdoor mediaand shing guides. Implementation of the plan is expected to create signi cantecological, economic and social bene tsfor Florida in the long term but is alreadyproducing remarkable results.

T goal of t plan is to nsurFlorida is t Black Bass Fis ingCapital t W rl by:1. Ensuring healthy lakes and rivers to

bene t many species of sh and wild -life, as well as trophy bass sheries.

2. Strengthening local economies bydocumenting and increasing econom-ic bene ts derived from bass shing,which provided more than 14 milliondays of quality outdoor recreation forbass anglers and generated an eco-nomic impact of $1.25 billion prior toimplementing the plan.

3. Attracting events such as nationalprofessional bass shing tournaments,which have huge economic impacts, tosmaller towns and cities as a result of Floridas enhanced reputation.

Here is a partial l ist of accomplishments.(Also available at MyFWC.com/Fishing;click the Black Bass Management Plan toreview the plan and, then look for First-

Year Updates, for more details.)

Bass G n ticsThe FWC stopped state-owned hatcheriesfrom stocking or relocating bass outsidetheir native range. Genetic testing willhelp ensure pure Florida populations will

be maintained. New rules regulate im-portation of non-native bass and prohibitanglers from moving bass around in waysthat could hurt their genetic integrity ormove parasites and diseases.

hy rilla Manag m ntThe FWC Invasive Plant ManagementSection implemented an agency positionstatement to guide the agency in manag-ing hydrilla using a risk-based approachthat now incorporates public input intohydrilla management plans.

Bass T urnam ntsTournament permits annually allow clubsand organizations to possess bass outside

legal size limits with the condition thatall bass (even those that could normallybe harvested) must be released. The FWCis strengthening partnerships with bassshing organizations and local communi -ties to encourage large tournaments tocome to Florida and to enhance facilities.

La o c b Another objective was to work coopera-tively with other agencies to emphasizerecreational sheries. An example isLake Okeechobee, where the coopera -tive efforts of local citizens groups, theSouth Florida Water Management Dis-trict, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineersand the FWC got the Water RegulationSchedule changed to bene t lake ecology.Outstanding catch rates for bass andcrappie are being reported.

Fis ri s R gulati nsFWC biologists are seeking to use theleast restrictive regulations possible toprotect trophy bass, while maintaininga statewide bass shery that providesdiverse angling opportunities, includ-

ing controlled harvest and high anglersatisfaction. University of Florida hu-man dimensions experts are working toenhance the public input process, and aseries of townhall-type meetings was heldin spring 2013. Also, a survey was distrib-uted to anglers to obtain their opinions.

S al BassThe BBMP incorporates all four blackbass species found in Florida. Shoal bassare a lesser known species that occurin a limited range in the upper Chi-pola River. Recent research provides ascience-informed perspective to assessand manage this species. Results showa robust population of shoal bass. TheBig Catch angler recognitions program(see Page 29), added a new Bass Slamto encourage awareness of these otherblack bass species.

La Ap p aTo expedite restoration of Lake Apopka,the Florida Legislature appropriated $4.8million in 2012. A multi-agency task

Black Bass Plan Update rom FWC Bob Wattendorf, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission


14/26


15/26

FReShWATeR

Lee

Northwest (Blue area. Waters north and west of theSuwannee River, including its tributaries).Black bass less than 12 inches total length must bereleased immediately. Black bass bag limit is five, onlyone of which may be 22 inches in total length or longer.

Central and Northeast

(White area)Black bass less than 14 inches

total length must be releasedimmediately. Black bass bag limit is five, only one of whichmay be 22 inches in totallength or longer.

South (Green area)In the St. Lucie canal, areas east of USHwy. 441 and south of S.R. 80, only 1bass of the five bass daily bag limit maybe 14 inches or longer.

Black bass fshing zones

Make sure there are fsh or tomorrow

Only half of Floridas anglers arerequired to buy a license, but theirlicense fees are a vital source of fund-ing for sh and wildlife conservation.

Seniors, youths and others who areexempt can contribute to sh and wild -life conservation simply by voluntarilybuying a shing license. License feeshelp with scienti c management, habi -tat restoration, sh stocking, shing and boating access, law enforcementand outreach programs.

Each license bought also capturesmore Federal Aid in Sport sh Restora -tion money and brings tackle and motorboat fuel taxes home to Florida.

The new youth license (Page 8)can be purchased for any age youth. Itis good until they are 17 years old andis a way for them to take pride in being an angler, learn about conservationand help Florida obtain more dollars forSport Fish Restoration.

In addition, when you buy your license,you may make a voluntary donation toyouth shing and hunting programs inFlorida (License.MyFWC.com).

N t : These are general black bass shing zones. See the Speci c Fish Management Area, and SpecialBag and Length Limit sections (Page 14) for more local rules, including details about Lake Okeechobee.

Call 888-404-FWCC (3922);on cell phones, dial *FWC or#FWC; or at MyFWC.com/Law.

Report fshing, boatingor hunting lawviolations .

Help Protect

P o o cour y of: tak M Fi ing.org



16/26

Regulations or FishManagement Areas1. A shing license is required for residents

from 16 to 64 years of age, and for non-residents 16 or more years of age, to sh byany method, including cane poles, on a FishManagement Area. Refer to Fishing LicenseFees for exemptions (Pages 8 and 12).

2. The possession of shing tackle is prohib -ited on any Fish Management Area that isclosed to shing.

3. Bag limits and methods of taking fresh-water sh apply except as provided for aparticular Fish Management Area.

4. The possession of nets (other than legalminnow seines, cast nets or d ip nets), shtraps, trotlines or setlines is prohibitedunless speci cally authorized by rulesestablished for a particular Fish Manage-ment Area.

5. Persons entering or leaving Fish Manage-ment Areas that have designated entrypoints shall enter or leave only at suchdesignated points.

6. Any vehicle, boat or other transportationdevice may be searched while in, enteringor leaving a Fish Management Area.

7. Fish Management Areas may be temporar-ily closed to accommodate managementprojects (e.g., drawdowns), or if unsafeconditions exist, or as otherwise speci edin a speci c Fish Management Area rule.

8. Intentional release of wildlife or fresh-water sh on Fish Management Areas isprohibited.

Northwest Region(see map on Page 6 for reg ions)Junip r Bay La , Walt n C unty: open to shing. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

La Pin y Z, L n C unty: open to shing. Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife

with rearms or possession of alcoholicbeverages are prohibited.

Watercraft shal l be allowed only as autho-rized by the City of Tallahassee.

Access is prohibited from sunset untilsunrise.

Use or possession of cast nets or minnowseines is prohibited.

No motor vehicles on dams, spillways andshing ngers.

La Vict r, h lm s C unty: open to shing. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6


M rritts Mill P n , Jac s n C unty: open to shing. The taking of sh and wildlife with ri es

is prohibited. Gigs are prohibited. Trotlines may be used.

Redear sun sh (shellcracker) bag limit: 10

Redear sun sh less than 10 inches in totallength must be released immediately.

No bag limit for channel cat sh.

hurrican La , o al sa C unty: open to shing. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and

shing ngers.

(Continued on Page 22)

FMA ReGULATIoNS



17/26

FMA ReGULATIoNS

karic La , o al sa C unty: open to shing. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and

shing ngers.

La St n , escambia C unty: open to shing. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.

Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and

shing ngers.

B ar La , Santa R sa C unty: open to shing. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.

Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and

shing ngers.

Jo Budd Pond, Gadsd n County: Closedto shing, except as authorized by permitfor Commission-sanctioned events (seeMyFWC.com/Fishing for details). Open to sh -ing during daylight hours on Saturdays andSundays during July, August and Septemberor as speci ed by order of the Executive Di -rector.


Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Sunshine bass bag limit: 10 Black bass less than 16 inches in total

length must be released immediately.

North Central Region(see map on Page 6 for reg ions)St. Augustin R a p n s (N rt an S ut ),duval C unty: open to shing from 30 minutesbefore sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Swimming, taking of sh or wildlife with

rearms or possession of alcoholic bever -ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.

Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Black bass less than 16 inches in total


Baym a ws, duval C unty: open to shingfrom 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 min-utes after sunset.

Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Swimming, taking of sh or wildlife with

rearms, possession of alcoholic beveragesor use of cast nets is prohibited.

Pan sh bag limit: 20 Black bass less than 16 inches in total


oc anway P n , duval C unty: open to shingfrom 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutesafter sunset. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.

Swimming, taking of sh or wildlife withrearms or possession of alcoholic bever -ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.



hanna Par p n s, duval C unty: open to sh -ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30minutes after sunset. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Taking of sh or wildlife with rearms or

possession of alcoholic beverages, and useof cast nets are prohibited.



P p duval east an W st p n s, duval C unty: open to shing from 30 minutes before sunriseuntil 30 minutes after sunset. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Swimming, taking of sh or wildlife with




B t s a P n , duval C unty: open to sh -ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30minutes after sunset. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Swimming, taking of sh or wildlife with




hugu n t P n , duval C unty: open to sh -ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30minutes after sunset. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Swimming, taking of sh or wildlife with




Crystal Springs Par , duval C unty: open toshing from 30 minutes before sunrise until30 minutes after sunset. No person between the ages of 16 years

and 64 years shall sh unless accompa -nied by an angler less than 16 years of age; by an angler 65 years of age or older;by angler who has been certi ed by theU.S. Veterans Administration, U.S. SocialSecurity Administration, by any branch of the U.S. Armed Services, or by a licensedphysician in this State to be totally andpermanently disabled and has obtained apermanent license issued pursuant to Sec-tion 379.352(5), F.S.; or by an angler withproof of acceptance as a client for develop-mental services by the Agency for Personswith Disabilities.

Swimming, taking of sh or wildlife withrearms or possession of alcoholic bever -ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.

Boats are prohibited. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

Black bass less than 16 inches in totallength must be released immediately.

Camp Blan ing ar a, Clay C unty: Open to sh -ing. Magnolia and Lowry Lakes will be open toshing on days and times determined by CampBlanding Post Commander. Openings may bechanged at discretion of Post Commander toaccommodate military training. All anglerswill be required to check into and out of areaat a manned check station. Guns are prohibited for taking of sh or

wildlife except during designated hunt-ing seasons for Camp Blanding WildlifeManagement Area.

Boat launching permitted only at desig-nated areas.

Camping is prohibited. During periods closed to hunting, vehicles

may be operated only on roads to designatedaccess areas.

Use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited. All watercraft shall be operated at id le

speed only. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

Alligat r La , C lumbia C unty: open to shing. Fishing is prohibited in Ponderosa Pond

except for authorized groups permitted byFWC.

Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

eagl Lak , hamilton County: open to sh -ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30minutes after sunset. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Swimming and taking of sh or wildlife with

rearms are prohibited. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

Ronni Vanzant Park, Clay County: open toshing from 30 minutes before sunrise until30 minutes after sunset. Boats or any oating vessel apparatus are

prohibited. No swimming or camping. No person 16 years of age or older shall sh

unless accompanied by an angler less than16 years of age.

Fishing permitted only with hook and lineor rod and reel.

Nets are prohibited, except for dip nets. Black bass less than 16 inches in total

length must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

La L c l sa, inclu ing Ta p l an L c l sacr s; orang La , inclu ing orang Lapr p r, an wat rs s ut an ast CR 346,an w st U.S. hig way 301; an Cr ss Cr ;Alac ua an Mari n c unti s: open to shing. Black bass 15 inches or more in total length

and less than 24 inches must be releasedimmediately.

Black bass bag limit: 3; of which only 1 maybe over 24 inches.


(Continued from Page 21)



18/26


19/26

FMA ReGULATIoNS

La Panas , Sumt r C unty: open to shing. Trotlines may be used. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

C ain La s, La C unty (C , Win na,Palatla a a, Cr sc nt, L uisa, Minn a a, hi-awat a, Minn la, Wils n, Susan an C rry): open to shing. Trotlines may be used from sunset until

9 a.m. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

La Gri n, La C unty: open to shing. Trotlines are prohibited from 9 a.m. Friday

until one hour before sunset on Sunday. Trotlines are also prohibited from 9 a.m. un-

til one hour before sunset Monday throughThursday from May 1 through Oct. 31.

No trotline may be secured to or shedwithin 50 yards of a private pier or dock.

No bag limit for channel cat sh. Black crappie less than 10 inches in total


P llic r P n , Flagl r C unty: open to shing. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

La dias, V lusia C unty: open to shing. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

F x La , Br var C unty: open to shing. No airboats for shing or frogging.


S ut La , Br var C unty: open to shing. No airboats for shing or frogging. Trotlines may be used. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

La Ivan , orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Cast nets are prohibited.

La Santiag in d m tr Par ,orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Boats are prohibited. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Cast nets are prohibited.

hal-Sc tt La , orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Cast nets are prohibited. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Black bass must be released immediately.

B ar Cr Par , orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Cast nets are prohibited. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

S a w Bay Par , orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Cast nets are prohibited. Bluegill bag limit: 5 Bluegill less than 12 inches in total length

must be released immediately. Channel cat sh bag limit: 1

Channel cat sh less than 30 inches in totallength must be released immediately.

Black bass must be released immediately.

Cl ar La , orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Cast nets are prohibited. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

La Lawn , orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Cast nets are prohibited. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

Star La , orang C unty: open to shing. Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

Tur y La , orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Cast nets are prohibited. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Black bass must be released immediately. Except for sanctioned events, gasoline mo-

tors may not be used on boats.

La Un r ill, orang C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Cast nets are prohibited. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Black bass must be released immediately.


The Florida Fish and Wildli e Conservation Commissionis Creating the Next Generation that Cares SM The FWC and its partners are creating thenext generation that cares about Floridasgreat outdoors, sh and wildlife and theirhabitats, while helping youth lead a happier,healthier and smarter lifestyle.

Over the past decade, children have be-come increasingly engaged with television,computers and other entertainment media.This lifestyle has resulted in higher ratesof obesity, depression and other physical,psychological and emotional problems. A growing body of evidence suggests that allthese areas of a childs life can improve byencouraging them to connect with nature.

The Get Outdoors Florida! Coalition bringsmany partners together to show how easy it isto offset these trends, by getting kids outdoors.GetOutdoorsFlorida.org lists simple activi-ties and tips and provides a list of partners.The website also lists events and locationsfrom around the state that take advantageof the Sunshine States climate to provide an

unending array of opportunities. You can alsovolunteer or make a cash donation on the siteto help further this important cause.

The Florida Youth Conservation CentersNetwork is taking this effort to a new level bypartnering with facilities around the state toprovide camps and curricula that allow youthto enjoy and learn about shing, hunting,shooting, paddling, boating, wildlife viewingand more. The focus for both groups is on safeand sustainable nature-based activities thatcan be enjoyed for a lifetime, while makingthat lifetime longer and more enjoyable.

The American Pediatrics Association rec-ommends that parents become good rolemodels by increasing their own level of physi-cal activity. Parents should also incorporatephysical activities that family members of all ages and abilities can do together. Theyshould encourage children to play outside asmuch as possible. The National Environ-mental Education Foundation and federal

agencies have begun training health careprofessionals on the importance of activenature-based recreation. They are even arm-ing them with prescription pads. The recom-mended prescription get outdoors and havefun. Fishing in particular is one of the leastexpensive, simplest and most accessible gate-way activities to an active outdoor lifestyle.

Visit MyFWC.com/Youth to learn moreabout these programs and how you can par-ticipate and contribute to Creating the NextGeneration that Cares.



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Crappie bag limit: 10 Crappie less than 10 inches in total length

must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

Ga s n Par P n , hillsb r ug C unty: opento shing. Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. Swimming and taking of sh or wildlife

with rearms are prohibited. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Black bass must be released immediately. Crappie bag limit: 10 Crappie less than 10 inches in total length

must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

La T n t sassa, hillsb r ug C unty: opento shing. Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9

a.m. Sunday through Thursday. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

La Par r, P l C unty: open to shing. Wire traps may be used for nongame sh. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

Sa l Cr Par , P l C unty: open to shing. Cast nets are prohibited. Black bass 15 inches or more in total length

and less than 24 inches in total length mustbe released immediately.

Black bass bag limit: 3 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

La s T p aliga (W st La T p aliga),Cypr ss, hatc in a, an kissimm ), P l anosc la c unti s: open to shing. No bag limit for channel cat sh. Minnow lift nets, sh traps and trotlines

may be used.

Manat La , Manat C unty: open to shing. Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9

a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Outboard motors more than 20 h.p. may

not be used. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

e war M ar Par R s rv ir, hillsb r ugC unty: open to shing. Black bass bag limit 5, only one of which

may be 16 inches in total length or longer. No person shall use any gear other than

hook and line or rod and reel to take andpossess game sh and nongame sh species.

Persons possessing a valid freshwater com-mercial shing license may use cast netsto catch nongame sh other than channelcat sh from 12:01 AM Tuesday to 12:01

AM Fr iday. Days and hours of operation, park entrance

and other user fees shall be designated byHillsborough County and posted at the parkmain entrance.

FMA ReGULATIoNS

S cr t La , S min l C unty: open to shing. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Personal watercraft are prohibited. Cast nets are prohibited. Pan sh bag limit: 20

Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Black bass must be released immediately.

La Blu Cypr ss, In ian Riv r C unty: opento shing. Trotlines may be used. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

Southwest Region(see map on Page 6 for reg ions)La Tarp n, Pin llas C unty: open to shing.

Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9a.m. Sunday through Thursday.


La S min l , Pin llas C unty: open to shing. Trotlines may be used from sunset until

9 a.m. No bag limit for channel cat sh.

B bby hic s Par P n , hillsb r ug C unty: open to shing. Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. Swimming and taking of sh or wildlife with

rearms are prohibited. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Black bass must be released immediately. (Continued on Page 26)



21/26

FMA ReGULATIoNS

the custodian unless otherwise instructed.Permitted alligator hunt participants areexempt from the requirement to enter atdesignated points.

Days and hours of operation and quotasshall be as designated by the FWC andposted at area headquarters (currently Fri-day through Monday only). Quotas will beestablished for each lake, and shing is per -mitted in designated lakes only. Lakes maybe closed to public access for managementpurposes or if access to the lake exposesthe public to danger, by posting notice atthe Tenoroc check station of ce. Quotas foropen lakes may be temporarily increased toaccommodate anglers during times whenother lakes are closed due to managementconstruction projects, road repair, unsafeaccess or special recreational events.

Discharge of rearms is limited to the FWCring range or at FWC sponsored events.

All dogs must be leashed, except as autho-rized by FWC.

Unl ss t rwis sp ci , T n r c FMAarv st r stricti ns ar :


must be released immediately. Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Black bass must be released immediately. Fish may not be lleted, nor their head

or tail ns removed, until the angler haschecked out at the area headquarters.

Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited. No person shall have any gun under his/

her control while under the in uence of alcohol or drugs.

Public access is prohibited in areas postedas Restricted for protection of threatenedor endangered species, or environmentallysensitive areas.

Motor vehicles may be operated only onnamed roads, designated parking areas,and shing ramps as designated in thearea use brochure.

Vehicles may not obstruct designated roads,boat ramps, gates or re lanes.

Swimming and oat tubes are prohibited.

Regulations for Tenoroc lakes are as follows:

La s A, Butt rfy, C, F, Fis h , G, hal -M n,h rs s , hy rilla, L gs L st, La east, L stLa W st, T rn, 2, 3, an 4 (primitiv launcnly n Butt rfy, F, Fis h , G, hal -M n,L st La east, L st La W st, an T rn):

Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.

La s B an 5: Boats are restricted to idle speed no wake. Black bass 15 inches in total length or

longer must be released immediately. Black bass bag limit: 2

Picnic La : Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Black bass bag limit: 2 Black bass 15 inches in total length or

longer must be released immediately.


W bb La , C arl tt C unty: open to shingduring posted hours. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Bluegill and redear sun sh less than 8

inches in total length must be releasedimmediately.

Black bass must be released immediately. Vehicles may be used only on designated

roads.

Marl Pits 1 an 3, C arl tt C unty: open toshing.

Pan sh bag limit: 20 Bluegill and redear sun sh less than 8


Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Black bass must be released immediately.

Marl Pit 2, C arl tt C unty: open to shing. Bluegill and redear sun sh less than 10

inches must be released immediately. Bluegill and redear sun sh combined bag

limit: 10 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Black bass must be released immediately.

T n r c Fis Manag m nt Ar a, P l C unty: Fishing, hunting or trapping is allowed only

by FWC permit. All anglers and huntersmust check in and out at the Tenoroc F ishManagement Area headquarters and depos-it their valid shing or hunting license with

Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration

A legacy o successHow often do you seepeople or businesseswanting to be taxed andhappy about it?

In 1937, PresidentFranklin D. Rooseveltsigned the Federal Aidin Wildlife RestorationAct. This Act has been

key to implementing the North American Model of WildlifeConservation (see MyFWC.com). Since 1941, sport- shing businesses have paid a federal excise tax that was depositedin the general treasury of the United States but did not directlybene t manufacturers or anglers. In 1950, sportsmen andbusinesses teamed with conservation-minded policy makers toredirect these existing federal excise taxes to the RestorationProgram (aka: SFR, Dingell-Johnson or Wallop-Breaux). As of 2012, Federal Aid and the North American Model will havebeen working for 75 years.

The concept was to restore sport sh populations and improvepublic access, so more people can enjoy shing and so shing sales would increase. SFR came about as a result of anglerswanting to see more money directed toward restoring thenations recreational sheries, and ensuring better shing

opportunities for themselves and future generations. It has beenthe best thing for anglers since shing reels were invented.

Today, SFR uses a small excise tax on shing reels and othershing tackle, as well as a motor boat fuel tax, to fund sportsh restoration and boating access programs. It is working.There are now at least 77 percent more anglers than in 1950.Purchases of tax-related items by anglers have increased bynearly 200 percent in dollars (adjusted for the consumer-priceindex) since 1955.

Anglers and shing businesses want to know the bene ts theyreceive in return. To help answer this, Andrew Loftus Consulting and Southwick Associates analyzed data on excise taxesinvested, shing participation, and angler purchases of excise-tax related products for a 2011 report to the Association of Fishand Wildlife Agencies. The report found that excise-tax relatedreturn-on-investment ranged from 1,585 percent in 1970 to2,643 percent in 1980.

In Florida alone, SFR provided $12 million in 2011, of which 15percent ($1.8 million) went to boating access. Freshwater sheriesconservation received $5 million. The rest went to saltwatersheries. In freshwater, the FWC uses this money to improvesheries habitat, stock sh, conduct research and manage shpopulations. We also conduct aquatic education programs andprovide valuable shing and conservation tips to anglers.



22/26

La Crag : Largemouth bass, crappie and sunshine

bass: statewide size and bag limits apply. Wire traps may be used for nongame sh. Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. No bag limit for channel cat sh. Boats are restricted to idle speed no wake.

Fr m La Par , Pin llas C unty: open toshing.

Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


d v r district Par La , hillsb r ug C unty: open to shing. Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


St v n J. Wort am Park Lak , hillsborougC unty: open to shing. Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlifewith rearms or possession of alcoholicbeverages are prohibited.

Al L p z Par La , hillsb r ug C unty: opento shing. Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife

with rearms are prohibited.

Larg C ntral Par Natur Pr s rv , Pin llasC unty: open to shing.

Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited.

FMA ReGULATIoNS

Pin ( rm rly east an W st Pastur La s)an d rby La s: Boats may not be used. Closed to shing unless authorized by

FWC permit for agency-sanctioned eventsexcept for anglers who have been certi-ed by the U.S. Veterans Administration,U.S. Social Security Administration, by abranch of the U.S. Armed Services, or bya licensed Florida physician to be totallyand permanently disabled and has obtaineda permanent license issued pursuant to373.561 (5)(b),F.S. or unless that personpresents proof of acceptance as a client fordevelopmental disabilities serv ices by the

Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Oneproperly licensed person may sh if accom -panying or assisting a permitted individualas described above.

Other than anglers described above, no one16 years or older shall sh on Pine or Derbylakes unless accompanied by a chi ld under16 years of age.

Pan sh bag limit: 20 Anglers may keep no more than 5 bluegill

and redear sun sh 8 inches or longer intotal length per day.

C m t ry La : Boats may not be used. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Anglers may keep no more than 5 bluegill

and redear sun sh 8 inches or longer intotal length per day.

(Continued on Page 28)


23/26

Swimming, taking of sh or wildlife withrearms and possession of alcoholic bever -ages are prohibited.

Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Black bass must be released immediately. Crappie daily bag limit: 10 Crappie less than 10 inches in total length

must be released immediately. Pan sh daily bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh daily bag limit: 6.

Walsing am Par La , Pin llas C unty: opento shing. Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited. Black bass must be released immediately. Swimming, and taking of sh or wildlife


Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Crappie less than 10 inches in total length

must be released immediately. Sunshine bass bag limit: 4 Sunshine bass less than 10 inches in total

length must be released immediately. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Crappie bag limit: 10

Mi l La , Pasc C unty: open to shing. Watercraft shall be operated at idle

speed only. The following are prohibited within 150 feet

of the boat launch site; swimming, takingof sh or wildlife with rearms, camping,or open res.

Pan sh bag limit: 20 Bluegill and redear sun sh less than 8



must be released immediately.

Lak Istokpoga, hig lands County: open toshing.

No bag limit for channel cat sh. Black bass 15 inches or more in total length

and less than 24 inches must be releasedimmediately.

Black bass bag limit: 3 Only 1 black bass may be 24 inches or

greater in total length. Nongame sh may be taken by cast nets,

dip nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bushhooks and wire traps. Refer to the FloridaCommercial Freshwater Fisheries brochure.

M saic Fis Manag m nt Ar a ( rm r ly CargillF rt M a Min ), P l an har c unti s: open to shing. Fishing is allowed only by daily permit

issued by the FWC. All anglers must check in and out at the

Mosaic creel station, the designated entrypoint, unless otherwise instructed.

Days and hours of operation and quotas shallbe as designated by the FWC and posted atthe Mosaic creel station (typically Mosaicis open Friday through Monday). Fishingis permitted in designated lakes only. Allother lakes and restricted areas, so posted,are closed to public shing. Any lake may betemporarily closed to public access for man-agement purposes, or in the event that accessto the lake exposes the public to danger, byposting notice at the creel station.

Unl ss t rwis sp ci , M saic FMA arv str stricti ns ar : Black bass must be released immediately. Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 Crappie bag limit: 10 Crappie less than 10 inches in total length

must be released immediately. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Fish may not be lleted, nor their heads

or tail ns removed, until the angler haschecked out at the Mosaic creel station.Disposal of sh remains within Mosaicproperty is prohibited.

Taking of sh and wildlife with guns isprohibited.

Motor vehicles may be operated only ondesignated roads, parking areas and boatramps.

Vehicles may not obstruct designated roads,boat ramps, gates or re lanes.

Swimming and oat tubes are prohibited. Rough sh may be removed from designated

lakes by cast nets and minnow seines bypermission of the landowner.

Outboard motors more than 10 h.p. maynot be used.

Regulations for individual Mosaic FMA lakesare as follows: haul R a Pit: Black bass 15 inches in total length or lon-

ger must be released immediately. Black bass bag limit: 2

L ng P n (LP2 W st): No boats permitted.

har C unty Par , har C unty: open toshing.

All anglers shall enter at the Park mainentrance, the designated entry point, unlessotherwise instructed.

Angling from a boat is a llowed by entrypass issued by Hardee County.

Angling from shore does not require anentry pass unless otherwise posted at thePark main entrance.

Days and hours of operation and quotasfor freshwater shing are posted at thePark main entrance. Fishing is permittedin designated lakes only. Any lake may be

closed to public access by Hardee Countyfor management purposes, or in the eventthat access to the lake exposes the publicto danger, by posting notice at the Parkmain entrance.

Black bass must be released immediately. Sunshine bass bag limit: 6 Pan sh bag limit: 20 Crappie bag limit: 10 Crappie less than 10 inches in total length

must be released immediately. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

Fish may not be lleted, nor their head ortail n removed, until the angler has leftthe Park. Disposal of sh remains withinHardee County Park is prohibited.

Taking of sh and wildlife with guns isprohibited.

Motor vehicles may be operated only ondesignated roads, parking areas, and boatramps.

Vehicles may not obstruct designated roads,boat ramps and re lanes.

Swimming and oat tubes are prohibited. Watercraft are restricted to idle speed

no wake.

South Region(see map on Page 6 for reg ions)Palm La , St. Luci C unty: open to shing. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Channel cat sh bag limit: 6

Cal sa Par La , Palm B ac C unty: opento shing. Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Bluegill and redear sun sh less than 8


La o l , Palm B ac C unty: opento shing. Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Bluegill and redear sun sh less than 8


T n rt rn-m st Tr pical Par La , Miami-da C unty: open to shing.

Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Bluegill and redear sun sh less than 8


Plantati n h ritag Par La , Br war C unty: open to shing. Black bass must be released immediately. Pan sh bag limit: 20 Channel cat sh bag limit: 6 Bluegill and redear sun sh less than 8


FMA ReGULATIoNS (Continued from Page 27)

Obtain licenseprivileges, 24hours a day

Go Fish... NOW!

MyFWC.com/License or888-FISH FLORIDA(888-347-4356)



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Angler Recognition Programs

Tr p yCatcLarg m ut BassFloridas newest angler recognition programTrophyCatch provides valuable rewards toanglers who document and release largemouthbass over eight pounds. Bass caught from anypublic and private waters within Florida are

eligible. Go to TrophyCatchFlorida.com fordetails on how to register and submit yourcatches. While you dont have to register beforeyou catch a trophy bass, v isiting the websiteis a great way to learn how to submit yourtrophy bass catches to earn rewards.

TrophyCatch Reward Levels

Lunker Club: about a $100 value for submit -ting veri ed photographs showing weightand length of bass 8.0 to 9.9 pounds

Trophy Club: over $150 value for submittingveri ed photographs showing weight andlength of bass 10.0 to 12.9 pounds

Hall of Fame: over $1,000 value for certi -fying catches of bass over 13 pounds, call1-888-FL-TROPHY when you catch a bassover 13 pounds.

To learn more and register, visit TrophyCatch-Florida.com. Be sure to friend us on FaceBook.com/TrophyCatchFlorida and like us at

YouTube.Com/TrophyCatchFlorida.

Stat R c r s33 Fr s wat r Fis sTo be listed as a state record, there are severalrequirements. The same 33 species recognizedas Big Catch are eligible. Pages 1617illustrate the species and state record as of May 2013. First, the sh must be weighed on

a certi ed scale. Second, the sh must be iden -ti ed to species by an FWC biologist. Third,the sh must have been legally caught by alicensed, or legally exempt, angler in waterswhere access and shing gear were legal.

If you catch a possible state record callyour nearest regiona

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