The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shares five important things you need to remember for a successful day of reef fishing.
1. Get your fishing license and State Reef Fish Angler designation
Before you get out on the water this fishing season, be sure to check if you need a fishing license and if yours is up to date by going to MyFWC.com/License and clicking on “Frequently Asked Questions.” If you are targeting reef fish, such as mutton snapper or gag grouper, and fishing from a private recreational vessel anywhere in Florida, you are required to have the free State Reef Fish Angler designation. Unlike regular fishing licenses, anglers 65 and older are still required to have the State Reef Fish Angler designation when fishing from private recreational vessels for reef fish. Participation in the State Reef Fish Angler Survey helps improve recreational data of reef fish, which helps improve the management of our fisheries. The 13 species that require 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. You can learn more about the State Reef Fish Angler designation by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and selecting “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “State Reef Fish Survey.”
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