FWC News

Showing 1 through 10 of 562 articles for tag fishing

• Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Expanded 2026 Red Snapper Seasons and Applauds Federal Approval of Atlantic Red Snapper State Management 

  Monday, May 11, 2026 -  Governor Ron DeSantis announced the 2026 Gulf private recreational red snapper season and applauded federal approval of Florida’s Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP).

• Recreational harvest of snook for Florida’s west coast will close May 1

  Tuesday, April 28, 2026 -  The recreational harvest of snook in the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor and Southwest management regions will close May 1.

• 2026 FWC Lionfish Challenge expands with new categories and prize opportunities

  Friday, April 17, 2026 -  The challenge will feature several exciting new competition categories designed to recognize a wider range of participants and prize packages.

• Permit spawning season closure inside the Special Permit Zone starts April 1 

  Monday, March 30, 2026 -  The spawning season closure for permit inside the Special Permit Zone in south Florida begins April 1.

• Spiny lobster season closes April 1 

  Monday, March 30, 2026 -  The recreational and commercial spiny lobster harvest seasons in both state and federal waters will close on April 1 and reopen on Aug. 6.

• FWC: Get started fishing this license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

  Monday, March 30, 2026 -  This spring's license-free fishing weekend is on April 4 and 5 and invites residents and visitors to explore the many recreational freshwater fishing opportunities Florida has to offer.

• New 10-inch minimum size limit and 20 fish per harvester bag limit effective April 1 for recreational Gulf lane snapper

  Monday, March 30, 2026 -  Last November, FWC approved rule changes for lane snapper in Florida’s Gulf state waters to reduce the risk of overfishing and align with current and pending federal regulations. The new regulations will take effect on April 1.

• FWC stocks 300,000 Florida bass into Lake George

  Thursday, March 12, 2026 -  FWC recently stocked nearly 300,000 Florida bass in Lake George, part of the St. Johns River system.

• FWC invites public to attend 31st Annual Tenoroc Youth Fishing Derby

  Friday, March 6, 2026 -  FWC invites the public to a free youth freshwater fishing derby at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area in Lakeland on Saturday, April 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required and begins March 1.

• Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish opens March 1 in Gulf state and federal waters

  Friday, February 27, 2026 -  Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish will open in Gulf state and federal waters on March 1.