Florida is blessed with incredible fisheries resources such as world renowned Florida largemouth bass and more than 30 other freshwater sport fishes, plus the most diverse and abundant marine life in the continental United States. As Floridians or visitors to Florida, we share the privilege of great recreational fishing opportunities and harvesting some fish within certain legal constraints. Those rules are designed to sustain these resources for future generations. This privilege comes with the responsibility of protecting our natural resources by practicing conservation.

Conservation has been defined as "the wise use of natural resources." The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is directed by Florida's constitution to manage and protect the state's fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of the public. While the FWC is charged with management of these resources, every angler and resource user shares responsibility for practicing conservation on the water.

To conserve our fisheries, the FWC sometimes sets limits on the number or size of both freshwater and saltwater fish taken. In the marine (saltwater) environment, the FWC also occasionally limits the time of year that fish can be harvested.

If people harvest too many fish, either commercially or recreationally, there may not be enough left to replace them. The fish population itself will then decline. This situation is similar to a bank account. If we take out too much "money" without replenishing it, our account balance will go down creating problems. However, If we only withdraw the interest, we will always have money. Similarly, by harvesting only surplus fish, in accordance with carefully designed regulations, there will always be adequate fish populations. Of course, just like not letting the bank burn down or be robbed, we must also take care of the fishes habitat and protect the resource from illegal harvest.

The FWC depends on professional biologists to monitor and study Florida's fisheries. These biologists consider how many fish were taken out of the population, estimate how many are left and project recruitment of young fish into the fishable population. This is called a "stock assessment". Stock assessments help biologists decide what regulations are needed to ensure enough fish survive and spawn. Small fish are generally protected to let them grow up and spawn before being harvested. Larger fish are sometimes protected from harvest since they make more eggs than younger fish and are harder to replace.

It is the responsibility of every angler to abide by the fishing laws. However, it is important to properly releasing unwanted or illegal fish, so they have the best chance for survival. When releasing a fish, take it off the hook and get it in the water quickly. Drop the fish head-first into the water to get water flowing over the gills and to give it a head start for escaping predators. When possible, use a dehooking tool or pliers to remove hooks without touching the fish with your hands. This helps to avoid removing slime that protects fish from bacterial infection. If the fish is hooked deeply, cut the leader as close to the mouth as you can and let the fish go. For additional tips on releasing bass click here.

A good conservation plan and public responsibility will ensure fish for the future.
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The FWC has partnered with several groups to bring added value to Florida's anglers and conservationists. These partnerships either help defray the cost of various fisheries programs, or provide the angler with a direct added benefit. In this manner, we can accomplish more with the limited funds that we have to conserve the resource. Most of those funds come from your fishing license dollars, monies from the "Go Fishing" license plate, and Federal excise tax dollars that you pay on tackle and motor boat fuels, which is returned to us via the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Program. Specific examples include:

After you buy a "Go Fishing" license tag for your car or trailer, get the secret code from your tag agent and call Bass Pro Shops (1-800-Bass-Pro).  They will send you a free t-shirt and a discount coupon.  Catch a trophy bass tag and net a little extra benefit for yourself. It is the only tag that supports fish and wildlife conservation statewide and gives you something in return.

Whether you decide to release your "Big Catch" or not this program provides you with a free lifetime reminder and certified bragging rights.