FWC News

Showing 21 through 30 of 323 articles for tag saltwater

• Start planning for the new year: The FWC announces new Saltwater Fishing Record categories coming in 2024

  Tuesday, November 28, 2023 -  In addition to the current All Tackle and Fly-Fishing Weight categories, the FWC will add a Youth Weight category for anglers aged 15 and under, and Youth and Adult Length categories to allow for catch-and-release records.

• FWC seeks public input on Pasco County Zone bay scallop season at Nov. 8 virtual workshop

  Friday, November 3, 2023 -  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is gathering public feedback on potential changes to the bay scallop season for the Pasco County Zone. The Pasco County Zone currently has a 10-day season in rule but a longer, trial season was set by executive order in 2023 to assess whether extending the season would balance resource sustainability with community interests. Based on the outcome of this recent season, staff are exploring different options for future seasons in the Pasco County Zone.

• Recreational harvest of hogfish closes in waters of the Atlantic/Florida Keys starting Nov. 1 

  Tuesday, October 31, 2023 -  This closure includes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable, which is on the Gulf side of Florida and up the Atlantic coast.

• Seasonal closure for spotted seatrout in the Central East Management Region starting Nov. 1

  Friday, October 27, 2023 -  Spotted seatrout will be closed to recreational harvest Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 in the Central East Management Region, which includes all state and federal waters from Palm Beach through Volusia counties.

• FWC unveils 2023 Lionfish Challenge King and Commercial Champion, celebrating a record-breaking year

  Thursday, October 19, 2023 -  Dedicated divers embarked on 917 trips throughout the state during the 4-month tournament, triumphantly removing a staggering 30,494 lionfish from Florida state waters, nearly 5,000 more than last year.

• ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces 50% Discounts for Florida State Park Passes and FWC Hunting and Fishing Licenses

  Friday, October 13, 2023 -  The Governor fully supports Floridians in enjoying our state’s natural resources and the activities that have become family traditions such as hunting and fishing.

• FWC’s School Fishing Club Program funds 50 Florida schools to support outdoor education

  Wednesday, October 11, 2023 -  After undergoing a comprehensive review, 50 schools were awarded the Florida R3 Fishing Grant.

• Flounder recreational harvest season closes Oct. 15

  Tuesday, October 10, 2023 -  This closed season provides protection to flounder during pre-spawning aggregations, which ensures more fish can reproduce each year.

• FWC approves changes for snook in state waters following final rule hearing 

  Wednesday, October 4, 2023 -  These regulations will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

• FWC approves stone crab regulation changes

  Wednesday, October 4, 2023 -  The FWC approved changes to recreational and commercial stone crab regulations for escape ring requirements.