2008-2009

Valid from July 1, 2008

through June 30, 2009

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FRESHWATER EDITION

MyFWC.com/Fishing

Tips from
the Pros
page 6
 C ontents

Web Site: MyFWC.com

Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing for up-to-
date information on fishing, boating
and how to help ensure safe,
sustainable fisheries for the future.

Fish and wildlife alert
reward program
Report fishing, boating or hunting
law violations by calling toll-free
1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on
cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC
depending on service carrier; or
report violations online at
MyFWC.com/Law.
Instant
license privileges
Obtain license privileges, 24 hours
a day, via MyFWC.com/License or by
calling toll-free 1-888-FISHFLORIDA
(1-888-347-4356). Processing fees
will apply on sales via telephone
and Internet. A unique license
number allows you to begin fishing
immediately after the transaction.
Stop the spread of
non-native species
It is illegal to release any non-
native fish or any other non-native
organism into the waters of the
state. To find out more visit MyFWC.
com/Fishing/Fishes/non-native.html
Fishing Capital of the World–
Welcome ......................................... 2
New regulations ................................ 4
Introduction
Major changes
FWC contact information
and regional map
Freshwater fishes &
bass tips from the pros....................6-7
Fishing license
requirements and fees....................... 8
Resident fishing licenses
Nonresident fishing licenses
Lifetime and 5-year licenses
Freshwater license exemptions
Methods of taking freshwater fish..... 10
Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration .. 10
Game and nongame
freshwater fish .......................... 10-11
Grass carp and alligator gar restrictions
Prohibited gear for taking marine fish in
fresh water.................................... 11
Methods of taking bait .................... 11
Use of fish for bait ........................... 11
Taking mussels and clams ................ 11
Statewide bag and length limits........ 12
How to measure your catch
Special bag and length limits ........... 12
Fish identification chart ................... 13
Black bass fishing zones ................... 14
Florida Bass Conservation Center .... 15
Recreational fishing and licenses
— Why and what for? .................16-17
Angling ethics .................................. 17
General regulations for fish
management areas ........................ 20
Specific fish management area
regulations ................................20-25
Northwest Region
North Central Region
Northeast Region
Southwest Region
South Region
“Big Catch” Angler Recognition ....... 26
Butterfly Peacock — Breaking
with Tradition . ............................... 27
Fish consumption advisory . ..........28-29
Florida safe eating guidelines
Frequently answered questions ....29-30

This publication is developed by the FWC’s

Florida Wildlife
magazine
Articles and tips for hunters, anglers
and other outdoor enthusiasts. Order
Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management
and designed and produced by J.F. Griffin
Publishing LLC, 430 Main St., Suite 5,
Williamstown, MA 01267. For inquiries
regarding advertisement in this publication, call
(413) 884-1001.
On the cover

e J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud This lunker of a Florida largemouth bass was
your subscription today online at
to print the official Florida Freshwater caught on a soft plastic salamander before
FloridaWildlifeMagazine.com or call
Fishing Regulations summary on post- being released for another lucky angler.
toll-free 1-866-967-5600.
consumer recycled paper. Photo Courtesy of: Dusan Smetana

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 1

 Welcome to Florida
FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Chairman Barreto (white

shirt) assists in dedicating
the new Florida Bass Con-
servation Center by placing
the first broodfish into the
spawning raceways.

Dear Florida angler:

Freshwater fishing is the most popular type of fishing in the United States, and Florida’s
7,700 lakes and 10,500 miles of rivers and streams were some of the most popular places
anglers spent their days fishing in 2006. Over 1.4 million U.S. anglers above the age of
16 spent an average of 17.5 days freshwater fishing in Florida for a total of 24.5 million
days of fishing. In 2006, your fishing also added $2.4 billion in economic impact to
Florida’s economy and created 23,500 Florida jobs.
Anglers are strong advocates for fish and wildlife conservation in our great state and
your voices and actions, which include buying fishing licenses, help protect our aquatic
resources. All revenue from fishing license sales must go to the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for conservation uses. This revenue, along
with matching dollars from the Sport Fish Restoration Program (see page 10), helps
maintain sustainable freshwater fishing opportunities and contributes to making Florida
the “Fishing Capital of the World.”
I am glad you have chosen to fish in Florida’s fresh waters, and I encourage you to know
the regulations, practice good aquatic stewardship and promote ethical fishing practices.
We all want fishing to have a bright future in Florida so that people of all ages and
backgrounds can continue to experience nature and the great outdoors. In that regard, I
encourage those who can to support programs that introduce families and young people
to the outdoors and to freshwater fishing. The FWC has a simple way for you to donate
directly to youth hunting and fishing programs. Ask about it the next time you purchase
your hunting or fishing license, or visit MyFWC.com/Youth.

Enjoy Florida’s great outdoors by always fishing safely and ethically.

Good Luck and Good Fishing,

Rodney Barreto, Chairman

Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission

2 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

MyFWC.com
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 3

introduction
Introduction
This free publication is provided as a guide
to Florida fishing laws and regulations. The
Florida Wildlife Code is the final authority on
fishing laws (www.FLrules.org). The Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC) strives to ensure information in this
booklet is accurate but assumes no liability
for typographical errors that may occur in this
publication. Contact the FWC if you have ques-
tions not adequately covered in this booklet;
see contact list and map below. This publication
is valid only from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
Major changes
■■ A new rule prohibits taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms on 38 fish management areas
(FMAs), rather than completely prohibiting
firearms on those areas.
■■ The following lakes associated with the Fish
Orlando! project have been removed from
the fish management area system: lakes
Lorna Doone (Orange County); Richmond
(Orange County); Kirkman Pond (Orange
County); and Lake Dot (Seminole County).
The rule also prohibits possession and use of
cast nets in lakes Ivanhoe (Orange County)
and Santiago (Orange County), which
remain part of the Fish Orlando! project.
■■ The dates Joe Budd Pond FMA (Gadsden
County) are open to public fishing will be es-
tablished by executive order to allow chang-
es to be tailored to changing conditions
related to fish camp dates and classroom
activities at Joe Budd Aquatic Education
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
620 South Meridian Street
Farris Bryant Building
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
(850) 488-4676
(800) 955-8771 TDD
Commissioners
Rodney Barreto, Chairman, Miami
Brian S. Yablonski,
Vice Chairman, Tallahassee
Kathy Barco, Jacksonville
Ronald M. Bergeron, Ft. Lauderdale
Richard A. Corbett, Tampa
David K. Meehan, St. Petersburg
Dwight Stephenson, Delray Beach
Kenneth W. Wright, Winter Park
Staff
Ken Haddad, Executive Director
Nick Wiley, Assistant Executive Director
4 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Center. For 2008, Joe Budd Pond will be
closed to fishing, except as authorized by
permit for Commission-sanctioned events.
Open to fishing during daylight hours on
July 4, 2008 and Saturdays and Sundays
from July 5th through August 31, and Labor
Day (Monday, September 1) 2008, as speci-
fied by order of the Executive Director.
■■ At Tenoroc FMA (Polk County), visitors
may check in and out at additional desig-
nated entry points and permitted alligator
hunters are exempt from the requirement
to enter at designated entry points. The
rule also renamed lakes East Pasture and
West Pasture to Pine Lakes and increased
angling opportunities in these two lakes
to include licensed anglers when ac-
companied by a child under 16 years old.
Other changes at Tenoroc include limiting
discharge of firearms to the firing range
or at FWC-sponsored events and requiring
dogs to be leashed, except as authorized
by FWC.
■■ Another rule change redefined species
that may be taken with a dip net, cast net
(1-inch maximum stretched mesh), trap or
minnow seine for use as bait. Those species
are golden shiners of any size and other
freshwater nongame fish (including catfish)
less than 8 inches total length, unless
specifically prohibited. This replaces less-
specific language that previously referred
to minnows of nongame fish.
./24(7%34
FWC regional offices ./24(#%.42!,
Northwest Region
3911 Highway 2321
Panama City, FL 32409-1658
(850) 265-3676
North Central Region
3377 East U.S. Highway 90
Lake City, FL 32055-8795
(386) 758-0525
3/54(7%34
Northeast Region
1239 Southwest 10th Street
Ocala, FL 34471-0323
(352) 732-1225
Southwest Region South Region
3900 Drane Field Road 8535 Northlake Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33811-1299 West Palm Beach, FL 33412-3303
(863) 648-3200 (561) 625-5122
■■ Nongame freshwater fish may be taken
with cast nets of any mesh size in the South
and Northeast regions, in Citrus County,
and in most of the Southwest Region. The
exception is that possession or use of cast
nets in waters adjoining Saddle Creek FMA
(in Polk County) is prohibited. This rule
removes the size limit on cast nets in the
South Region.
■■ A new rule requires fishing gear such as
hoop nets, wire traps, slat baskets, trotlines,
bush hooks and setlines to be clearly and
legibly marked with the fisherman’s name
and address. This enables better enforce-
ment and removal of abandoned gear or
improperly positioned gear, such as gear
that is in too shallow water, which would
create a navigation hazard.
■■ The black bass length regulation on Lake
Okeechobee is now an 18-inch or greater
minimum length limit. Also, a new rule
establishes a 10-inch or greater minimum
length for black crappie on the lake. Bag
limits remain unchanged.
■■ In addition, the boundary definition for
Lake Okeechobee now includes that por-
tion of the C-41-A Canal from the intersec-
tion of the C-38 Canal upstream to the S-84
structure.
■■ The black bass regulation on Lake Trafford
was changed and specifies that all bass
must be 18 inches or greater in total length
and only one bass may be 22 inches or
greater in total length.
./24(%!34
3/54(
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Jay Yelas Dean Rojas Glen
Tips from the Pros
Locating Florida Bass
By Jay Yelas, 2002 Bassmaster Classic Champion,
2007 FLW Angler of the Year

Because many Florida lakes have

little or no bottom contour changes,
the key to finding fish here often
lies in interpreting weedlines and Wake Baits
bottom composition. I look for plac- By Alton Jones, 2008 Bassmaster
es where the hydrilla thins out into Classic Champion
patchy, scattered clumps. I stay
away from the thick hydrilla beds.
Bass prefer hydrilla that is not too
thick. If you know how to interpret
a good sonar unit, you will be able
to find areas of the bottom that are
harder than others. Some of these
hard bottom spots are shell beds.
Bass always prefer
a hard bottom.
Hard bottom areas
adjacent to the out-
side edge of hydrilla
are very good.

If you have a weak heart, don’t tie on a wake

Pre-Spawn Florida largemouth
By: FLW pro Brett Hite, winner of The FLW Tour’s
2008 season opener on Lake Toho in March 2008
During the pre-spawn in Florida, water
temperature will be the first factor in
successful fishing. South-facing banks
and protected areas will warm up first.
The second key is looking for spots
where stained water meets clear water.
Vegetation will clear the water up, so look
to fish where there are lily pads, hydrilla
and hyacinth. Look for more than one
type of vegetation in the area. Look for
subtle bays or points in the lake and
key on areas where the fish will move to
spawn. They will move to the same areas
after the spawn, too. Provoke a topwater bite with a plastic
frog, and target depths of 2 to 5 feet with a swimming jig,
soft stickbait or lipless crankbait.”
bait. Otherwise, take note:
A true combination of a crankbait and
topwater plug, a wake bait is a hard-kicking,
noisy, in-your-face sort of lure that truly is
one of the most unique lures that has been
introduced in a long time. It won’t work all
the time; the fish must be in an aggressive
mode. But when the situation is right, this
bait will prompt ferocious surface attacks.
A real key to success with the wake bait is
finding the right speed. Retrieved slowly,
it will wobble widely on the surface, with
its back out of the water and its rattle
clicking methodically. Cranked hard, it will
rattle loudly, kick erratically and run barely
beneath the surface, pushing out a big
bulging wake like a large baitfish swimming
right at the top.
Fish the wake bait on heavy line (at least
20-pound test) and hold on tight!

6 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

n Lau Alton Jones

GP
Chugging a Frog
By DEAN ROJAS, 2007 Bassmaster Classic Qualifier, holds current BASS
S
single-day five fish weight record of 45 lbs. 2 oz. caught on Lake Kissimmee

The type of retrieve most often used with a frog is a steady and fairly fast
presentation across floating and matted vegetation.
U p g ra d e y o u r
When I chug a frog across surface vegetation however, I use a very slow
stop-and-go presentation rather than a fast one. I think this gives the fish a

b es t f i s h i n g
to the ail
better strike opportunity and you get better hookups.
With this retrieve, I do not trim the frog’s legs, and I still move the lure with
the rod, not the reel. The rod tip is down and continually jerking.
I think the thing to
remember about frog
det
fishing is that fish are go-
ing to relate to whatever
cover and structure a
lake has, so you can, and Upgrade your Lowrance software
should, expect a strike at lowrance.com/downloads then
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Continues on page 14

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 7

FL_FreshRegs08.indd 1 4/8/2008 3:01:48 PM

L icens E S

Fishing license requirements and fees Freshwater license exemptions:

License, permit, and issuance fees and exemptions are established by the Legislature. In addition ■■ Florida residents 65 years of age or older
to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents currently charge a who possess either a Resident Senior
50-cent issuance fee for selling licenses or permits. Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate, or
Licensing requirements follow the species of fish you are fishing for, regardless of where you proof of age and residency.
are fishing. For example, anglers fishing for and possessing largemouth bass in brackish water ■■ Florida residents certified as totally and
need a freshwater license; anglers fishing for saltwater species in fresh water (e.g., spotted sea permanently disabled, who possess a
trout, red drum, snook, or American shad) need a saltwater license to possess these species. An Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunt-
exception is that when fishing in fresh water with a freshwater license (or legal exemption) you ing and Fishing Certificate. Applicants
may take mullet without a saltwater license (seasons and sizes follow the saltwater fishing rules). need to provide a certification of total
and permanent disability from the United
Resident fishing licenses States Armed Forces, Railroad Retirement
Board, Florida Worker’s Compensation
For the purpose of fishing in Florida, a person is a resident if he or she has lived in Florida for or the United States Veterans Administra-
six continuous months prior to applying for licenses and claims Florida as his or her primary tion. Alternatively, current documentation
residence. Active military personnel stationed in Florida, including their spouses and dependent from the Social Security Administration
children residing in the household, are considered residents when purchasing fishing licenses. for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or
Supplemental Security Disability Income
Resident 12-Month Freshwater Fishing (Valid 12 months from specified beginning
$17.00 (SSDI) benefits is accepted.
date)
■■ Any person who has been accepted as a
Resident Freshwater Fishing/Hunting Combination (Valid 12 months from client for developmental disabilities by the
$32.50
specified beginning date)
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Resident Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing Combination (Valid 12 months from upon submission of proof.
$32.50
specified beginning date) ■■ Children under 16 years of age.
Resident Freshwater/Saltwater/Hunting Combination (Valid 12 months from ■■ Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing
$48.00 License holders.
specified beginning date)
■■ Any resident who is a member of the U.S.
64 or Older Fishing/Hunting (Includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and
Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl $13.50 Armed Forces and is not stationed in
permits) Florida, home on leave for 30 days or less,
upon submission of orders.
Sportsman’s License (Includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife ■■ Any resident fishing in the county of his or
Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl $80.50
permits) Valid 12 months from specified beginning date.
her residence with live or natural bait, using
poles or hand lines without a reel or other
Gold Sportsman’s License (Includes all licenses and permits in the Sportsman’s License $100.00 line retrieval mechanism (cane pole), for
plus Saltwater Fishing, Lobster and Snook permits) noncommercial purposes.
Military Gold Sportsman’s License *Available only to Florida residents who are active $20.00 ■■ Anyone fishing in a private fishing pond
or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, less than 20 acres. A private pond is a man-
Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve), upon submission of a current military identification card made pond constructed for the primary
and military orders showing you are stationed in Florida or a Florida Drivers License. This license purpose of fishing, entirely within the prop-
can only be purchased at county tax collectors’ offices. erty lines of the owner and with no surface
water connection to public waters.
Nonresident fishing licenses
■■ Anyone fishing in a private pond of 20
3-Day Freshwater Fishing (Valid three consecutive days from specified beginning date) $17.00 acres or more where the pond owner has
7-Day Freshwater Fishing (Valid seven consecutive days from specified beginning date) $30.00 purchased a fish pond license at a fee of $3
per surface acre.
12-Month Freshwater Fishing (Valid 12 months from specified beginning date) $47.00 ■■ Any person fishing in their county of resi-
dence on the homestead of their spouse or
Lifetime and 5-year licenses minor child, or any minor child fishing on
Lifetime and Five-Year licenses are available to Florida residents for hunting, freshwater fishing the homestead of their parent.
and saltwater fishing. The Lifetime and Five-Year licenses will remain valid for use in Florida ■■ Anyone fishing in the St. Marys River or
even if you move out of state. The cost of these licenses is less than what would be spent on Lake Seminole (but not including tributary
annual licenses, permits and fees. Purchasing long-term licenses is encouraged because it helps creeks in Florida), who has a valid Georgia
Florida to stabilize funding, generates interest revenue for fishing conservation and recovers fishing license.
more Federal Aid funds. ■■ Anyone fishing during Free Fishing Week-
Lifetime Sportsman’s License (Includes: Hunting, Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing licenses; and end, April 4-5, 2009.
Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook and ■■ Attention Florida and Georgia seniors
Lobster permits) (65 or older): Since 1988, Florida and
Georgia have had a reciprocal agreement
4 years or younger $401.50
that honors exemptions for freshwater
5-12 years $701.50 fishing license fees when seniors from one
state fishes in the other state. Effective
13 years or older $1,001.50 July 1, 2008, this reciprocal agreement will
Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License be discontinued, and you will be required
to purchase a nonresident fishing license
4 years or younger $126.50 when Florida residents fish in Georgia or
5-12 years $226.50 when Georgia residents fish in Florida.
Visit MyFWC.com for further information
13 years or older $301.50 on this issue.
Five-Year Freshwater Fishing License * A Best Buy! $79.00 NOTE: Any resident fishing for mullet in fresh
water who has a valid Florida freshwater fish-
ing license does not need a saltwater license.
8 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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methods of ta k ing fish

■■ Nongame fish may be taken at night by

bow and arrow and gigs.
Federal Aid in Sport Fish
Restoration Program ■■ Nongame fish may also be taken during
daylight hours by manually operated
The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration spears, gigs, snatch hooks, crossbow or
Program (SFR, Wallop-Breaux) is a user-pays, bow and arrow from a boat or from shore
user-benefits program seeking to improve except at the spillways of the Eureka and
sport fishing and boating opportunities. Rodman dams on the Oklawaha River or on
SFR funds are collected by the federal the spillway of the Jim Woodruff Dam on
the Apalachicola River or in Dade County
government from excise taxes on fishing
canals south of the C-4 and east of the
tackle, motor boat fuels and import duties on tackle and yachts. The money is returned to L-31N and L-31W canals inclusively.
state agencies for sport-fishing research, management and development activities. For every
$3 of federal funds received, the state adds $1. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ■■ Nongame fish may be taken by the use
of cast nets in the South and Northeast
Commission depends on these funds to continually improve Florida’s fisheries, and you will see
regions, in Citrus County, and in the
the SFR logo on boat ramp signs, brochures or other products produced with these funds for Southwest Region, except that possession
the benefit of anglers. For every paid fishing license holder, the state receives approximately $7 or use of cast nets in waters adjoining
in federal funds, which is one reason why we encourage exempt anglers to purchase a license. Saddle Creek Fish Management Area, Polk
County, confined by Morgan Combee Road,
Not only is your license fee used for fish and wildlife conservation in Florida, but it also draws
U.S. Highway 92 and Fish Hatchery Road
down that additional $7 in federal support. are prohibited.
■■ Using a bow and light at night. Night
NOTE: A valid fishing license is required to It is illegal to fillet or remove the head or tail bowfishing tournaments do not require a
fish by any method in a Fish Management fin of black bass, striped bass, white bass, sun- permit in the Northwest Region.
Area. shine bass, peacock bass, crappie and panfish ■■ By netting and impounding at night from
(where special crappie or panfish size or bag Sept. 1 to May 1 in specified waters in
Game and nongame limits are in effect) until you have completed Northwest Florida. Nets used to take
freshwater fish fishing for the day. nongame fish in these specified waters
Game Fish – black bass, crappie, bluegill, must be less than 100 feet in length, have
redear sunfish, warmouth, redbreast sunfish, Nongame fish may be taken: a minimum 3-inch stretched mesh and
spotted sunfish, flier, mud sunfish, longear ■■ By bush hook, setline or trotline baited shall be continuously attended to ensure
sunfish, shadow bass, peacock bass, white with cut bait or other substance; but not immediate release of any trapped game
bass, striped bass and sunshine bass. including live game fish or any part of any fish. Contact the Northwest Regional office
Nongame Fish – all freshwater fish are de- game fish; bush hooks, setlines or trotlines for details.
fined as non-game fish, except grass carp and (limited to 25 hooks total) are permitted ■■ Fishing gear such as hoop nets, wire traps,
fish defined as freshwater game fish. Note: for taking nongame fish for personal use, slat baskets, trotlines, bush hooks, and
Alligator gar require a scientific collector’s but only in those areas where trotlines may setlines must be clearly and legibly marked
permit to take. be lawfully used in accordance with the with the harvester’s name and address
Wildlife Code of the State of Florida. Refer while being used or possessed in or upon
Methods of taking to the “Commercial Freshwater Fisheries the waters of the state.
freshwater fish Rules and Regulations Summary.”
Game fish and nongame fish may be taken
with pole and line or rod and reel. There is
no limit on the number of rods an angler may
use.
Freshwater fish may not be taken by use
of any free-floating, unattached device, or
by taking of fish or wildlife with firearms,
explosives, electricity, spear gun, poison or
other chemicals. The taking of fish by under-
water swimming or diving is prohibited. It is
unlawful to sell, offer for sale or transport out
of the state any freshwater game fish unless
specifically permitted by the FWC, except that
licensed anglers may transport two days’ bag
limit of legally harvested game fish.
It is illegal to possess any freshwater fish
along with gear that cannot legally be used
to take freshwater fish, including gear types
listed above and below for taking nongame
fish or bait. An exception is game fish may be
possessed together with cast nets having a
stretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch;
minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in diam-
eter; minnow seines having a stretched mesh
size not greater than 1 inch, a length not more
than 20 feet and a depth not more than 4 feet;
and minnow traps not more than 24 inches in
length and 12 inches in diameter, with a funnel
entrance not more than 1 inch in spread.

10 2008-2009

Prohibited gear for taking
marine species in freshwater
■■ Spearfishing: Use of any hand or mechani-
cally propelled, single or multi-pronged
spear or lance, barbed or barbless, to
harvest or attempt to harvest any marine
species while diving in freshwater is
prohibited.
■■ Spearfishing for mullet in fresh water is
prohibited.
Methods of taking bait
Freshwater shrimp and golden shiners of any
size, or other freshwater nongame fish, in-
cluding catfish, less than 8 inches total length
may be taken for bait, unless specifically
prohibited by the following methods:
■■ Cast nets having a stretched mesh size not
greater than 1 inch in fresh waters of the
state unless specifically prohibited.
■■ Minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in
diameter.
■■ Minnow seines having a stretched mesh
size not greater than 1 inch, a length not
more than 20 feet, and a depth not more
than 4 feet.
■■ Minnow traps not more than 24 inches in
length and 12 inches in diameter, with a
funnel entrance not more than 1 inch in
spread.
■■ Any game fish taken by these methods
must be released immediately.
■■ Taking of bait for the purpose of sale
requires a commercial fishing license.
Use of fish for bait
■■ Black bass, peacock bass or any part
thereof may not be used as bait.
■■ Live goldfish or carp may not be used as
bait.
■■ Whole pickerel or panfish (e.g., bluegill,
redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted
sunfish, flier, warmouth) or parts thereof
may be used as bait for sportfishing by the
angler who caught them. Whole pickerel
or bream or parts thereof may not be used
as bait for trotlines or bush hooks or any
method other than by rod and reel or pole
and line.
Call 1-800-545-6021
or visit our Web site at
www.visithighlandscounty.com
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009
It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar
without a permit.
Grass carp illustration by Ted Walke;
Alligator gar by Duane Raver, Jr.
Taking and possession of freshwater mussels
3 Inches
Florida Spiney Spike
1 1/2 Inches
Protect our natural resources.
Stop the release and spread
of non-native species.
methods of ta k ing fish
Triploid grass carp are used for
aquatic vegetation control and may
not be stocked or harvested without a
permit. They grow to over 40 pounds.
Alligator gar are found only in the pan-
handle rivers and grow to more than
120 pounds. Their gator–like snout is
distinct. Due to their limited numbers,
harvest is restricted to individuals with
a valid scientific collector’s permit.
Certain families of freshwater mussels
may be collected for personal use. The
bag limit for freshwater mussels from
these families is 10 per person (or 20 half
shells). The possession limit is two days
bag limit (see images to left and FAQ,
3 1/2 Inches page 30).
Paper Pondshell Mussels shall be taken by hand-pick-
ing only. Use of brailles, crowfoot bars, or
other mechanical methods is prohibited.
Freshwater mussels, live or dead, may
not be taken for later sale.
Other clams
Species of freshwater mussels from other
families, such as the Asian clam, have no bag
or possession limits.
Clown knifefish
Native to Southeast Asia
Art by Diane Peebles
11
 Hooked on
Lake County
Come enjoy the natural paradise of
Lake County, Florida
The Lake County Welcome Center is located at
20763 U.S. Highway 27, Groveland, Florida, 34736.

inches in total length; 30 crappie (speckled

perch); 50 total panfish (does not include
How to Measure crappie); 15 pickerel (chain, grass and
redfin).
Your Catch ■■ Lake Talquin, Leon and Gadsden coun-
Total Length is the straight line ties: Black bass less than 18 inches in total
distance from the most forward length and crappie less than 10 inches in
point of the head with the mouth total length must be released immediately.
closed to the farthest tip of the ■■ Lake Jackson, Leon County: Black bass
tail with the tail squeezed or less than 18 inches in total length must be
released immediately.
compressed.
■■ Lake Kerr, including Little Lake Kerr:
No person shall kill or possess any black
Statewide bag and length limits bass that is 15 inches or more in total length
and less than 24 inches in total length. No
Special bag and length limits apply to some lakes, rivers (this page) and Fish Management Areas
person shall take in one day more than
(pages 20-25). Other fishes considered to be nongame fishes have no bag or possession limits,
three black bass of which only one may be
except as noted in individual Fish Management Area regulations.
24 inches or longer in total length.
Possession limit is two days’ bag limit. It is illegal to transport or possess more than two days’
bag limit of fish per licensed angler without a commercial license. Exceptions are fish legally ■■ Wildcat Lake, Marion County (Ocala
acquired from aqua culturists (fish farmers) for use in aquaria, for brood stock, pond stocking or National Forest): Black bass must be
properly marked for the market. Fish may not be filleted nor their head or tail removed until the released immediately.
angler is finished fishing for the day to allow confirmation of measurements. Non-native fishes, ■■ Edward Medard Reservoir, Hillsbor-
except for peacock bass and triploid grass carp, should not be returned to the water, and should ough County: Black bass caught from 15
be consumed or disposed of properly. No freshwater fish or their eggs may be taken or possessed to 24 inches in total length must be released
except as permitted by these rules nor shall anyone wantonly or willfully waste the same. immediately. Black bass bag limit is three.
■■ 5 Black bass (largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, and shoal bass, individually or in total), only
■■ St. Johns River Water Management
one of which may be 22 inches or longer in total length.
Area (Farm 13, including the Stick
—In south Florida (see page 14 for map): only one bass may be 14 inches in total length or Marsh), Indian River and Brevard
longer. counties: Black bass must be released
—South and east of the Suwannee River (see map): black bass less than 14 inches in total immediately.
length must be released immediately. ■■ S.N. Knight Tract, Indian River County
—In the Suwannee River (see map), areas north and west of the Suwannee River, and in any (locally known as Kenansville Lake):
tributary river, creek or stream of the Suwannee River: black bass less than 12 inches in total Black bass must be released immediately.
length must be released immediately.
■■ 50 Panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud ■■ Lake Weohyakapka (Walk-in-Water),
sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocker), warmouth and redbreast sunfish, Polk County: Black bass from 15 to 24
individually or in total. inches in total length must be released
immediately. Black bass bag limit is three,
■■ 25 Crappie (speckled perch).
only one of which may be 24 inches in total
■■ 20 Striped bass, white bass, and sunshine bass (individually or in total), of which only 6 length or longer.
may be 24 inches or longer in total length.
■■ Lake Okeechobee, including Harney
—In the Suwannee River, areas north and west of the Suwannee River, and in any tributary, Pond Canal (C-41) north of S.R. 78 to water
creek or stream of the Suwannee River: the bag limit for striped bass is 3, each of which must control structure S-71; Indian Prairie Canal
be at least 18 inches in total length (20 fish combined bag limit). (C-40) north of S.R. 78 to water control
■■ 2 Butterfly peacock bass, only one of which may be 17 inches or longer in total length. structure S-72; all of Taylor Creek and Nub-
(NOTE: It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar without a permit; these fish must be bin Slough; C-38 Canal/ Kissimmee River
released immediately. See page 11.) south of water control structure S-65E to
S.R. 78, and C-41-A Canal, from the intersec-
Special bag and length limits tion of the C-38 Canal upstream to the S-84
See Fish Management Area regulations for bag and length limits for lakes in the Fish Manage- structure, Okeechobee County: Black bass
ment Area system (pages 20-25). less than 18 inches in total length must be
■■ Jim Woodruff Reservoir, Lake Seminole: 10 black bass, each must be at least 12 inches or released immediately; crappie (speckled
greater in total length; 15 striped bass, white bass and sunshine bass (individually or in total), perch) less than 10 inches in total length
of which no more than two may be 22 inches or longer in total length; 30 crappie (speckled must be released immediately.
perch), in total; 50 panfish (does not include crappie); 15 pickerel (chain, grass and redfin). ■■ Lake Trafford (Collier County): Five
Possession limit is 50 fish total, regardless of species. black bass, each must be 18 inches or
■■ St. Marys River and it tributaries: 10 black bass, all of which must be at least 12 inches in greater in total length and only one fish may
total length; two striped bass, sunshine bass or white bass, both of which must be at least 22 be 22 inches or greater in total length.

12 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 Butterfly Peacock Bass

Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish

Spotted Sunfish Bluegill Redear Sunfish

Warmouth Redbreast Sunfish Black Crappie

Striped Bass White Bass Sunshine Bass

Chain Pickerel Blue Tilapia

Fish art by Duane Raver, Jr.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 13

F reshwater

Black Bass Fishing Zones

northwest
Each bimonthly issue
features . . .
■■ Articles and
tips for hunters,
anglers and
other outdoors
enthusiasts
■■ Breathtaking
nature
photography and
wildlife art
■■ Profiles of Florida’s wild places
and creatures
■■ Fish and wildlife resource
management

Lee

Order your
subscription today
Online at
FloridaWildlifeMagazine.com
or call toll-free
Note: These are general black bass fishing zones, see the Specific Fish Management Area, 1-866-967-5600
and Special Bag and Length Limit sections for more local rules.

Jay Yelas Dean Rojas Glen Lau Alton Jones

Continued from page 7

Tips from the Pros

Vibration Lures
By Glen Lau, Master cinematographer

Years ago there was a fishing lure made by the Heddon

Company called the Sonic. It was a small vibrating lure
that when reeled through the water made a noise. At that time it was my favorite lure. The
only place you can buy them today is in the antique lure market....very expensive. Several
companies now make small rattling lures that put out a vibration. My favorites are the ones
you can crank fast that will go 2½- to 3½-feet deep. These lures work very well in areas
where the weeds are approximately 4 feet below the surface as well as open water areas. It
has become my favorite bait for late spring and early summer. I especially like the silver and gold color. 
(Note: Glen’s videos and art décor photo prints are available online at www.WildlifeFoundation.net. He is
contributing the profit to the Florida Bass Conservation Center, so learn, enjoy and help make Florida bass
fishing better all with a quick online purchase.)

14 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 FLORIDA BASS Welcome to “The Great
CONSERVATION Indoors for those who love
the Great Outdoors.” ™
CENTER
The Florida Bass Conservation
Center (FBCC) is a modern
freshwater fish research and
production facility that opened in
Spring 2007, tripling the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission’s stocking
capability. New genetic, health
and population management
techniques will help ensure the
future of Florida largemouth bass
and other species.
The FBCC is open to the public
(visit MyFWC.com/Fishing or call
(352) 732-1225 for times) and
features a self-guided tour and
displays, as well as a catch-and-
release fishing pond.
Renowned cinematographer Glen
Lau is offering his prints and
videos including “Bigmouth” and
“Bigmouth Forever” at
www.WildlifeFoundation.net with
the proceeds going to support
the center. It’s a spectacular
opportunity to get yourself one of
the most exciting and informative
bass videos available or a great
wall hanging and at the same
time help ensure a safe and
sustainable future for bass www.sportsmanswarehouse.com
fishing in Florida.

TALLAHASSEE • 4059 Lagniappe Way • (850) 681-6300

OPENS SUMMER 2008
F reshwater
Recreational Fishing and Licenses
Why & what for?
F
Fishing has provided recreation for at least 3,000 years
going back to a time when Pharaohs enjoyed the sport
for recreation and the challenge, not just for food. Anglers
still tell researchers they fish to relax and to get away
from everyday stresses; to spend time with family and
friends; and to enjoy the outdoors. Reasons such as to be
challenged, to catch a limit of fish or to try to catch a trophy
are typically secondary reasons. In other more eloquent
words, Henry David Thoreau said, “Many men go fishing
all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are
after.”
Something else that many anglers don’t know is the
“why” and “what for” of fishing. Thaddeus Norris, in his
1864 publication “The American Angler’s Book,” was among
the first to specifically refer to the need for conservation.
Even then it was obvious that without careful management
and stewardship, our fisheries resources could not
withstand the changes in habitat and various forms of
fishing pressure, both commercial and recreational.
Consequently, the public started calling for government
management of these shared resources and turned to
fishing licenses to pay for scientific management and
enforcement.
In Florida, counties independently collected their
own fishing license fees until 1925 when the State
Department of Game and
Fresh Water
Fish sold
the first
statewide
fishing
licenses
to support
conservation.
The prices were
$2 for out-of-county
residents, free for county residents, and $5 for out-of-state
anglers. Back then $2 could buy what $23 buys today. As
of October 2007, the $15.50 fee resident anglers pay for a
fishing license remains below the national average cost for
a fishing license. Their license enables anglers to fish as
often as they want (on average about 17 trips per year), for
as long as they want, to harvest their own meal (in many
16 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
by Bob Wattendorf
cases) and to help ensure the safe, sustainable future of their
sport. In comparison, the average court fee for playing tennis in
2006 was $16-$20 (nonpeak; RacquetSportsIndustry.com) and a
membership typically cost $768 per year. A round of golf costs
$45-64 per game, which lasts about four hours whereas bowling
costs about $3.50 per game and lasts 20 minutes. So by most
any standards, fishing is still an outstanding recreational value.
It is made all the more worthwhile because your purchase of a
license is an investment in the safe and sustainable future of a
lifetime recreation that is an American tradition connecting us
back to our roots and to nature. Maybe that helps explain why
recreational fishing is enjoyed by more Americans than play
both golf and tennis combined.
Florida remains the “Fishing Capital of the World,” with
more anglers than any other state--2.8 million, of whom 1.4
million fish in freshwater (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation, 2006). Anglers enjoyed 46.3 million days of
recreational fishing in Florida in 2006 (the second highest
state was Texas with 41.1 million days),
and 24.5 million of the
days spent fishing
in Florida were in
fresh water (vs.
23.1 million in
salt water). The
recreational fishing
impact to Florida’s
economy in 2006
was $7.5 billion (the
second highest state
was California with
$4.8 billion). In addition,
Florida is the number one
fishing destination for tourists
with 885,000 anglers visiting and
spending over $1 billion (No. 2 was Wisconsin with 381,000
anglers spending $0.6 billion). To almost all of us though, it
isn’t the numbers or dollars that matter, it is the quality of life
and living that is associated with recreational activities and
living in a healthy environment that is most important.
To conserve our natural aquatic resources for their own
well– being and for the pleasure of our residents and tourists,
 Florida is the
“Fishing Capital
of the World.”

the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) uses the best
scientific management possible. To fund those efforts, the Legislature sets
fishing license fees and exemptions, as well as penalties for violating fish and
wildlife conservation laws. A state law guarantees all money from sale of fishing
licenses goes to the FWC to help fulfill its mission of “managing fish and wildlife
resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.”
Moreover, in 1950, congressmen Dingell and Johnson, at the request of Angler’s Code of
anglers and the outdoor industry, created the original Federal Aid in Sport Fish
Restoration (SFR) program wherein fishing tackle was assessed an excise fee Ethics
with the monies returned to the states for fish restoration projects. The “Wallop-
Breaux” amendment in 1984 expanded the act by adding import duties on
1. Supports conservation efforts.
sport fishing equipment, pleasure boats and yachts as well as tax revenue from
motorboat fuel sales. As a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reimburses 2. Practices effective catch-
states using these funds at the rate of $3 for every $4 spent on qualifying projects. and-release of fish that are
The result is one of the most successful “user-pays, user-benefits” programs in unwanted or prohibited to
the world, with taxes from sale of outdoor recreation supplies directly enhancing retain.
and promoting the resource. 3. Doesn’t pollute; recycles and
The amount of money Florida receives from SFR is based on the size of disposes of trash.
the state and the number of paid licensed anglers, not licenses and permits, 4. Practices safe angling and
but the people who hold them. As an example, an angler having a freshwater boating, including hook
license, a saltwater license and a snook permit counts only once. Since Florida awareness and use of personal
does not charge license fees for youths under 16, adults over 65, or resident flotation devices (PFDs).
saltwater anglers fishing from shore, Florida recovers a somewhat smaller
proportion of these funds than other states do. This is becoming an increasing 5. Learns and obeys fishing and
problem as other states adjust their license structures to maximize the number boating rules and
of paid license holders they certify for federal aid and thus recover a greater regulations, and purchases
proportion of the excise taxes on tackle and motor boat fuel taxes paid by our appropriate licenses.
anglers. Each certified holder generates approximately $7 more for sport fish 6. Respects other anglers’ and
restoration, providing $13 million for Florida in 2008. Of those monies, 15 percent boaters’ rights.
went to boating access building and repairing ramps and courtesy docks. The
7. Respects property owners’
remainder went to fresh and saltwater fisheries conservation projects such as
rights and does not trespass.
habitat restoration, fish stocking, conservation law enforcement, artificial reefs
construction and youth fishing clinics. 8. Shares fishing knowledge and
Consequently, the FWC encourages all anglers to buy a license (MyFWC.com/ skills.
License). Even if you are legally exempt, you can contribute to the future of our 9. Doesn’t release live bait into
fisheries resources and the health of our habitat by buying a license and helping waters or spread exotic plants
us obtain the matching $7 contribution from the federal SFR program. and fish.
Recreational fishing often is portrayed in advertising because it is an enjoyable, 10. Promotes ethical sport fishing
wholesome experience that reflects a happy and healthy lifestyle. The FWC is and encourages others to
working hard to ensure safe and sustainable recreational fishing for all of our reconnect on the water.
residents and guests and depends on your license fees to make sure there are
fish for tomorrow.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 17

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Griffin’s Gear Guide SP E C IAL  ADV E RT ISING SE CTION
Griffin’s Gear Guide is a special product section for essential gear & new product announcements.

Evinrude E-TEC 250 H.O.

NEW HotMaps
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Like all Evinrude E-TEC outboards,
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Available in 5 huge regions on preprogrammed CF comes improved fuel efficiency, less draft
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2008 – Salina Bait Learn More Instant Licenses

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Okuma Fishing or 1-888-FISH FLORIDA
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giving the reel a great look and more balanced “feel”.
For more information visit www.okumafishing.com

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 19

F M A regulations
Regulations for fish
management areas
1. A fishing license is required for residents
from 16 to 64 years of age, and for non-
residents 16 or more years of age, to fish
by any method, including cane poles, on a
Fish Management Area. Refer to Fishing
License Fees for exemptions (page 8).
2. The possession of fishing tackle is prohib-
ited on any Fish Management Area that is
closed to fishing.
3. Bag limits and methods of taking fresh-
water fish apply except as provided for a
particular Fish Management Area.
4. The possession of nets (other than legal
minnow seines, cast nets or dip nets), fish
traps, trotlines or setlines is prohibited
unless specifically authorized by rules
established for a particular Fish Manage-
ment Area.
5. Persons entering or leaving Fish Manage-
ment Areas that have designated entry
points shall enter or leave only at such
designated points.
6. Any vehicle, boat or other transportation
device may be searched while in, entering
or leaving a Fish Management Area.
7. Fish Management Areas may be temporar-
ily closed to accommodate management
projects (e.g., drawdowns), or if unsafe
conditions exist, or as otherwise specified
in a specific Fish Management Area rule.
8. Intentional release of wildlife or fresh-
water fish on Fish Management Areas is
prohibited.
Northwest Region
(see map on page 4 for regions)
Juniper Bay Lake, Walton County: open to
fishing.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Wildlife alert!
Report fishing, boating or hunting law violations by calling toll-free 1-888-
404-FWCC (3922); on cell phones, dial *FWC or #FWC depending on
service carrier; or report violations online at MyFWC.com/Law.
20 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Lake Piney Z, Leon County: open to
fishing.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■ Watercraft shall be allowed only as autho-
rized by the City of Tallahassee.
■■ Access is prohibited from sunset until
sunrise.
Lake Victor, Holmes County: open to
fishing.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and
fishing fingers.
Merritt’s Mill Pond, Jackson County: open
to fishing.
■■ The taking of fish and wildlife with rifles is
prohibited.
■■ Gigs are prohibited.
■■ Trotlines may be used.
■■ Redear sunfish (shellcracker) bag limit: 10
■■ Redear sunfish less than 10 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Hurricane Lake, Okaloosa County: open
to fishing.
■■ Black bass less than 18 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and
fishing fingers.
Karick Lake, Okaloosa County: open to
fishing.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and
fishing fingers.
Lake Stone, Escambia County: open to
fishing.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and
fishing fingers.
Bear Lake, Santa Rosa County: open to
fishing.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and
fishing fingers.
Joe Budd Pond, Gadsden County: Closed
to fishing, except as authorized by permit
for Commission-sanctioned events. Open to
fishing during daylight hours on July 4, 2008
and Saturdays and Sundays from July 5th
through August 31, and Labor Day (Monday,
September 1) 2008, as specified by order of
the Executive Director.
No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and
fishing fingers.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish 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 4 for regions)
St. Augustine Road ponds (North and
South), Duval County: open to fishing from
30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes
after sunset.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with
firearms or possession of alcoholic bever-
ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
Oceanway Pond, Duval County: open to
fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30
minutes after sunset.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with
firearms or possession of alcoholic bever-
ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
Hanna Park ponds, Duval County: open to
fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until
30 minutes after sunset.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or
possession of alcoholic beverages, and use
of cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
Pope Duval East and West ponds, Duval
County: open to fishing from 30 minutes
before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with
firearms or possession of alcoholic bever-
ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.

Bethesda Pond, Duval County: open to
fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until
30 minutes after sunset.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with
firearms or possession of alcoholic bever-
ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
Huguenot Pond, Duval County: open to
fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until
30 minutes after sunset.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with
firearms or possession of alcoholic bever-
ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
Crystal Springs Park, Duval County: open
to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise
until 30 minutes after sunset.
■■ No person over 16 years shall fish unless
accompanied by an angler less than 16
years of age or by an angler 65 years of
age or older, by a disabled angler or by an
angler who is a client of the Florida Depart-
ment of Health.
■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with
firearms or possession of alcoholic bever-
ages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Boats are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
Camp Blanding area, Clay County: Indefi-
nitely closed by the Army National Guard for
security reasons. If the area is reopened to
fishing, the following rules are in effect: Mag-
nolia and Lowry Lakes will be open to fishing
on days and times determined by Camp
Blanding Post Commander. Openings may
be changed at discretion of Post Commander
to accommodate military training. All anglers
will be required to check into and out of area
at a manned check station.
■■ Guns are prohibited for taking of fish or
wildlife except during designated hunting
seasons for Camp Blanding Wildlife Man-
agement 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 desig-
nated access areas.
■■ Use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited.
■■ All watercraft shall be operated at idle
speed only.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009
Alligator Lake, Columbia County: open to
fishing.
■■ Fishing is prohibited in Ponderosa Pond
except for authorized groups permitted by
FWC.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Eagle Lake, Hamilton County: open to fish-
ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30
minutes after sunset.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms are prohibited.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Ronnie Vanzant Park, Clay County: open
to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise
until 30 minutes after sunset.
■■ Boats or any floating vessel apparatus are
prohibited.
■■ No swimming or camping.
■■ No person 16 years of age or older shall fish
unless accompanied by an angler less than
16 years of age.
■■ Fishing permitted only with hook and line
or rod and reel.
■■ Nets are prohibited, except for dip nets.
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Lake Lochloosa, including Tadpole and
Lochloosa creeks; Orange Lake, including
Orange Lake proper, and waters south
and east of CR 346, and west of U.S.
Highway 301; and Cross Creek; Alachua
and Marion counties: open to fishing.
■■ Black bass 15 inches or more in total length
and less than 24 inches must be released
immediately.
■■ Black bass bag limit: 3
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
■■ Trotlines having a gallon-sized plastic float
at each end may be used, provided that
such lines are sunk to the bottom or to a
minimum depth of 4 feet.
Newnans Lake, Alachua County: open to
fishing.
■■ Trotlines having a gallon-sized plastic float
at each end may be used, provided that
such lines are sunk to the bottom or to a
minimum depth of 4 feet.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Suwannee Lake, Suwannee County: open
to fishing.
■■ No camping.
■■ No motor vehicles on dam and fishing
fingers.
■■ taking of fish or wildlife with firearms
or possession of alcoholic beverages is
prohibited.
■■ Access to the area from 30 minutes after
sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise for
any use other than fishing and launching
and loading of boats is prohibited.
■■ Black bass less than 18 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
F M A regulations
■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
■■ No bag limit on channel catfish.
Koon Lake, Lafayette County: open to
fishing.
■■ taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is
prohibited.
■■ No bag limit on channel catfish.
Montgomery Lake, Columbia County:
open to fishing.
■■ Boats are restricted to idle speed - no wake.
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
■■ Crappie bag limit: 10
■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Watertown Lake, Columbia County: open
to fishing.
■■ taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is
prohibited.
■■ Watercraft shall be operated only at idle
speed before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. daily.
■■ Black bass less than 16 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
■■ Crappie bag limit: 10
■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Lang Lake, Hamilton County: open to fish-
ing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30
minutes after sunset.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass less than 18 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
■■ Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is
prohibited, except by written permission of
the landowner.
Northeast Region
(see map on page 4 for regions)
East Lake Tohopekaliga, Osceola County:
open to fishing.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
■■ Minnow lift nets and trotlines may be used.
Lake Jackson, Osceola County: open to
fishing.
■■ Cast nets, minnow lift nets and minnow
seines are prohibited.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Crappie less than 12 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
(Continued on page 22)
21
F M A regulations (Continued from page 21)
Lake Marian, Osceola County: open to
fishing.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
■■ Minnow lift nets, fish traps and trotlines
may be used.
Lakes Tohopekaliga (West Lake Toho-
pekaliga), Cypress, Hatchineha, and
Kissimmee, Osceola and Polk counties:
open to fishing.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
■■ Minnow lift nets, fish traps and trotlines
may be used.
Lake Panasoffkee, Sumter County: open
to fishing.
■■ Trotlines may be used.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Chain of Lakes, Lake County (Cook,
Winona, Palatlakaha, Crescent, Louisa,
Minnehaha, Hiawatha, Minneola, Wilson,
Susan and Cherry): open to fishing.
■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until
9 a.m.
■■ No bag limit on channel catfish.
Lake Griffin, Lake County: open to fishing.
■■ Trotlines are prohibited from 9 a.m. Friday
until one hour before sunset on Sunday.
■■ Trotlines are prohibited from 9 a.m. until
one hour before sunset Monday through
Thursday from May 1 through October 31.
■■ No trotline may be secured to or fished
within 50 yards of a private pier or dock.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Pellicer Pond, Flagler County: open to
fishing.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Lake Dias, Volusia County: open to fishing.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Fox Lake, Brevard County: open to fishing.
■■ No airboats for fishing or frogging.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
South Lake, Brevard County: open to
fishing.
■■ No airboats for fishing or frogging.
■■ Trotlines may be used.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Lake Ivanhoe, Orange County: open to
fishing.
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Cast nets are prohibited.
Lake Santiago in Demetree Park, Orange
County: open to fishing.
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■ Boats are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Cast nets are prohibited.
22 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Hal-Scott Lake, Orange County: open to
fishing.
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■Cast nets are prohibited.
■■Panfish bag limit: 20
■■Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■Black bass must be released immediately.
Bear Creek Park, Orange County: open
to fishing.
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■Cast nets are prohibited.
■■Panfish bag limit: 20
■■Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Shadow Bay Park, Orange County: open
to fishing.
■■Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■Cast nets are prohibited.
■■Bluegill bag limit: 5
■■Bluegill less than 12 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
■■Channel catfish bag limit: 1
■■Channel catfish less than 30 inches in total
length must be released immediately.
■■Black bass must be released immediately.
Clear Lake, Orange County: open to
fishing.
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■Cast nets are prohibited.
■■Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Lake Lawne, Orange County: open to
fishing.
■■Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■Cast nets are prohibited.
■■Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Starke Lake, Orange County: open to
fishing.
■■Cast nets and minnow seines are prohib-
ited.
■■No bag limit for channel catfish.
Turkey Lake, Orange County: open to
fishing.
■■Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■Cast nets are prohibited.
■■Panfish bag limit: 20
■■Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■Black bass must be released immediately.
■■Except for sanctioned events, gasoline mo-
tors may not be used on boats.
Lake Underhill, Orange County: open to
fishing.
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■ Cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
Secret Lake, Seminole County: open to
fishing.
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■ Personal watercraft are prohibited.
■■ Cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
Lake Blue Cypress, Indian River County:
open to fishing.
■■ Trotlines may be used.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Southwest Region
(see map on page 4 for regions)
Lake Tarpon, Pinellas County: open to
fishing.
■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9
a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Lake Seminole, Pinellas County: open to
fishing.
■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9
a.m.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Bobby Hicks Park Pond, Hillsborough
County: open to fishing.
■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohib-
ited.
■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms 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.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Gadsden Park Pond, Hillsborough County:
open to fishing.
■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are
prohibited.
■■ Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms 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.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lake Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County:
open to fishing.
■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9
a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Lake Parker, Polk County: open to fishing.
■■ Wire traps may be used for nongame fish.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
Saddle Creek Park, Polk County: open to
fishing.
■■ Cast nets are prohibited.
■■ Black bass 15 inches or more in total length
and less than 24 inches in total length must
be released immediately.
■■ Black bass bag limit: 3
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Lakes Tohopekaliga (West Lake Toho-
pekaliga), Cypress, Hatchineha, and
Kissimmee), Polk and Osceola counties:
open to fishing.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
■■ Minnow lift nets, fish traps and trotlines
may be used.
Manatee Lake, Manatee County: open to
fishing.
■■ 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 catfish.
Webb Lake, Charlotte County: open to fish-
ing during posted hours.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8
inches in total length must be released
immediately.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Vehicles may be used only on designated
roads.
Marl Pits 1 and 3, Charlotte County: open
to fishing.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8
inches in total length must be released
immediately.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
Marl Pit 2, Charlotte County: open to
fishing.
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 10
inches must be released immediately.
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish combined bag
limit: 10
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
Tenoroc Fish Management Area, Polk
County
■■ Fishing, hunting or trapping is allowed only
by FWC permit. All anglers and hunters
must check in and out at the Tenoroc



Fish Management Area headquarters
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009
and deposit their valid fishing or hunting
license with the custodian unless otherwise
instructed. Permitted alligator hunt partici-
pants are exempt from the requirement to
enter at designated points.
■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas
shall be as designated by the FWC and
posted at area headquarters (currently Fri-
day through Monday only). Quotas will be
established for each lake, and fishing is per-
mitted in designated lakes only. Lakes may
be closed to public access for management
purposes or if access to the lake exposes
the public to danger, by posting notice at
the Tenoroc check station office. Quotas for
open lakes may be temporarily increased to
accommodate anglers during times when
other lakes are closed due to management
construction projects, road repair, unsafe
access or special recreational events.
■■ Discharge of firearms is limited to the FWC
firing range or at FWC sponsored events,
■■ All dogs must be leashed, except as autho-
rized by FWC.
Unless otherwise specified, Tenoroc FMA
harvest restrictions are:
■■ Crappie bag limit: 10
■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
■■ Sunshine bass bag limit: 6
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Fish may not be filleted, nor their head
or tail fins removed, until the angler has
checked out at the area headquarters.
■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohib-
ited.
■■ No person shall have any gun under his/
her control while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
■■ Public access is prohibited in areas posted
as “Restricted” for protection of threatened
or endangered species, or environmentally
sensitive areas.
■■ Motor vehicles may be operated only on
named roads, designated parking areas,
and fishing ramps as designated in the area
use brochure.
■■ Vehicles may not obstruct designated
roads, boat ramps, gates or fire lanes.
■■ Swimming and float tubes are prohibited.
Regulations for Tenoroc lakes are as
follows:
Lakes A, Butterfly, C, F, Fish Hook, G,
Half-Moon, Horseshoe, Hydrilla, Legs
Lost, Lake East, Lost Lake West, Tern, 2,
3, and 4 (primitive launch only on Butter-
fly, F, Fish Hook, G, Half-Moon, Lost Lake
East, Lost Lake West, and Tern):
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Lakes B and 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
F M A regulations
Picnic Lake:
■■ 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.
Pine (formerly East and West Pasture
Lakes) and Derby Lakes:
■■ Boats may not be used.
■■ Closed to fishing unless authorized by
FWC permit for agency-sanctioned events
except for anglers who have been certi-
fied by the U.S. Veterans Administration,
U.S. Social Security Administration, by a
branch of the U.S. Armed Services, or by
a licensed Florida physician to be totally
and permanently disabled and has obtained
a permanent license issued pursuant to
373.561 (5)(b),F.S. or unless that person
presents proof of acceptance as a client for
retardation services by the Department of
Children and Family Services. One prop-
erly licensed person may fish if accompany-
ing or assisting a permitted individual as
described above.
■■ Other than anglers described above, no
one 16 years or older shall fish on Pine or
Derby lakes unless accompanied by a child
under 16 years of age.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Anglers may keep no more than 5 bluegill
and redear sunfish 8 inches or longer in
total length per day.
Cemetery Lake:
■■ Boats may not be used.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Anglers may keep no more than 5 bluegill
and redear sunfish 8 inches or longer in
total length per day.
Lake Crago:
■■ Largemouth bass, crappie and sunshine
bass: statewide size and bag limits apply.
■■ Wire traps may be used for nongame fish.
■■ Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9
a.m.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
■■ Boats are restricted to idle speed – no
wake.
(Continued on page 24)
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23
F M A regulations (Continued from page 23)
Freedom Lake Park, Pinellas County:
open to fishing.
■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
Dover District Park Lake, Hillsborough
County: open to fishing.
■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
Steven J. Wortham Park Lake, Hillsbor-
ough County: open to fishing.
■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
Al Lopez Park Lake, Hillsborough County:
open to fishing.
■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms are prohibited.
Largo Central Park Nature Preserve,
Pinellas County: open to fishing.
■■ Cast nets and minnow seines are prohib-
ited.
■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with
firearms 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.
■■ Panfish daily bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish daily bag limit: 6.
Walsingham Park Lake, Pinellas County:
open to fishing.
■■ Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife
with firearms or possession of alcoholic
beverages are prohibited.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Panfish 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.
24 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Crappie bag limit: 10
Middle Lake, Pasco County: open to
fishing.
■■ Watercraft shall be operated at idle speed
only.
■■ Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with
firearms, camping or open fires at the boat
launch site are prohibited.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8
inches in total length must be released
immediately.
■■ Crappie bag limit: 10
■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
Lake Istokpoga, Highlands County: open
to fishing.
■■ No bag limit for channel catfish.
■■ Black bass 15 inches or more in total length
and less than 24 inches must be released
immediately.
■■ Black bass bag limit: 3
■■ Only 1 black bass may be 24 inches or
greater in total length.
■■ Nongame fish may be taken by cast
nets, dip nets, seines, trotlines, set lines,
bush hooks and wire traps. Refer to the
Florida Commercial Freshwater Fisheries
brochure.
Mosaic Fish Management Area (for-
merly Cargill Fort Meade Mine), Polk and
Hardee counties: open to fishing.
■■ 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 entry
point, unless otherwise instructed.
■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas
shall be as designated by the FWC and
posted at the Mosaic creel station (current-
ly Mosaic is open Friday through Monday).
Fishing is permitted in designated lakes
only. All other lakes and restricted areas,
so posted, are closed to public fishing. Any
lake may be temporarily closed to public
access for management purposes, or in the
event that access to the lake exposes the
public to danger, by posting notice at the
creel station.
Unless otherwise specified, Mosaic FMA
harvest restrictions are:
■■ 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 catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Fish may not be filleted, nor their heads
or tail fins removed, until the angler has
checked out at the Mosaic creel station.
Disposal of fish remains within Mosaic
property is prohibited.
■■ Taking of fish and wildlife with guns is
prohibited.
■■ Motor vehicles may be operated only on
designated roads, parking areas and boat
ramps.
■■ Vehicles may not obstruct designated
roads, boat ramps, gates or fire lanes.
■■ Swimming and float tubes are prohibited.
■■ Rough fish may be removed from desig-
nated lakes by cast nets and minnow seines
by permission of the landowner.
■■ Outboard motors more than 10 h.p. may
not be used.
Regulations for individual Mosaic FMA
lakes are as follows:
Haul Road Pit:
■■ Black bass 15 inches in total length or
longer must be released immediately.
■■ Black bass bag limit: 2
Long Pond (LP2 West):
■■ No boats permitted.
Hardee County Park, Hardee County:
open to fishing.
■■ All anglers shall enter at the Park main
entrance, the designated entry point, unless
otherwise instructed.
■■ Angling from a boat is allowed by entry
pass issued by Hardee County.
■■ Angling from shore does not require an
entry pass unless otherwise posted at the
Park main entrance.
■■ Days and hours of operation and quotas
for freshwater fishing are posted at the
Park main entrance. Fishing is permitted
in designated lakes only. Any lake may be
closed to public access by Hardee County
for management purposes, or in the event
that access to the lake exposes the public to
danger, by posting notice at the Park main
entrance.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Sunshine bass bag limit: 6
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Crappie bag limit: 10
■■ Crappie less than 10 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Fish may not be filleted, nor their head or
tail fin removed, until the angler has left
the Park. Disposal of fish remains within
Hardee County Park is prohibited.
■■ Taking of fish and wildlife with guns is
prohibited.
■■ Motor vehicles may be operated only on
designated roads, parking areas, and boat
ramps.
■■ Vehicles may not obstruct designated
roads, boat ramps and fire lanes.
■■ Swimming and float tubes are prohibited.
■■ Watercraft are restricted to idle speed – no
wake.
South Region
(see map on page 4 for regions)
Palm Lake, St. Lucie County: open to
fishing.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Caloosa Park Lake, Palm Beach County:
open to fishing.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8
inches in total length must be released
immediately.
Lake Okeeheelee, Palm Beach County:
open to fishing.
■■ Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8
inches in total length must be released
immediately.
The northern-most Tropical Park Lake,
Miami-Dade County: open to fishing.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8
inches in total length must be released
immediately.
Plantation Heritage Park Lake, Broward
County: open to fishing.
■■ Black bass must be released immediately.
■■ Panfish bag limit: 20
■■ Channel catfish bag limit: 6
■■ Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8
inches in total length must be released
immediately.
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F M A regulations
Make sure
there are fish
for tomorrow
Only half of Florida’s anglers
are required to buy a license,
but their license fees are a vital
source of funding for fish and
wildlife conservation. Seniors,
youths, saltwater shoreline 4(%&).%34
anglers and others that are
exempt can contribute to fish and -!2).!$%3
wildlife conservation simply by
voluntarily buying a fishing license.
).*%#4!",%3
License fees help with scientific &/27),$'!-%
management, habitat restoration,
fish stocking, fishing and boating $/-%34)#-%!43
access, law enforcement and
outreach programs. Each license
bought also captures more Federal
Aid in Sportfish Restoration (see 77730/243-!.3'/,$#/-
page 10) money and brings tackle
and motor boat fuel taxes home to
Florida. In addition, when you buy
your license, you may now make a
voluntary donation to youth fishing
and hunting programs in Florida
(MyFWC.com/License).
angler recognition

“Big Catch” Angler Recognition Program

QUALIFYING SIZES OFFICIAL “Big Catch” PROGRAM APPLICATION
SPECIES TOTAL LENGTH TOTAL WEIGHT
Adult Youth Adult Youth NAME:________________________ DATE OF BIRTH:___/___/___
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________
Largemouth Bass 24” 18” 8.00 6.00
CITY, STATE, AND ZIP CODE:____________________________________
Suwannee Shoal, or
16” 12” 2.00 1.50 PHONE: (____) ____-_________ E-MAIL: _ _______________________
Spotted Bass
DATE FISH WAS CAUGHT: ___/___/___
Striped Bass 30” 22” 12.00 9.00
WHERE FISH WAS CAUGHT:_ ___________________________________
Sunshine Bass 24” 18” 7.00 5.25
COUNTY IN WHICH FISH WAS CAUGHT: __________________________
White Bass 15” 11” 2.50 1.75
TIME OF CATCH: ____:____ [ ] AM [ ] PM
Black Crappie 14” 10” 2.00 1.50
Bluegill 11” 8” 1.25 0.75 METHOD USED TO CATCH FISH:
Redbreast Sunfish 10” 7” 0.75 0.50 [ ] Rod and Reel with Artificial Lure, Lure Used:____________________
Redear Sunfish 12” 9” 2.25 1.50 [ ] Rod and Reel With Natural Bait, Natural Bait Used: _____________
Warmouth 10” 7” 0.75 0.50 [ ] Cane Pole With Natural Bait, Natural Bait Used:_________________
[ ] Fly Rod and Reel with Artificial Fly, Fly Used:____________________
Spotted Sunfish 8” 6” 0.50 0.40
[ ] Other Fishing Method (Describe):_____________________________
Flier 9” 6” 0.75 0.50
Channel Catfish 31” 23” 15.00 11.25
IDENTIFICATION AND WEIGHT/LENGTH OF FISH:
Flathead Catfish 36” 27” 25.00 18.75
*SEE CHART ON THIS PAGE FOR ELIGIBLE FISH SPECIES AND
White Catfish 22” 16” 5.00 3.75 MINIMUM QUALIFYING WEIGHTS AND LENGTHS.
Blue Catfish 34” 25” 20.00 15.00 SPECIES:_ ________________ WEIGHT:___________________________
Brown Bullhead 16” 12” 2.00 1.50 GIRTH:____________________ LENGTH:_ __________________________
Yellow Bullhead 14” 10” 1.50 1.00
Longnose Gar 50” 37” 20.00 15.00 WAS FISH RELEASED? Yes ______ No ______

Florida/Spotted Gar 28” 21” 5.00 3.75

TYPE OF AWARD:
Alligator Gar 68” 51” 70.00 52.50
[ ] ANGLER RECOGNITION [ ] YOUTH AWARD [ ] SPECIALIST AWARD
Chain Pickerel 27” 20” 4.00 3.00
[ ] MASTER AWARD [ ] ELITE AWARD
Redfin Pickerel 12” 9” 0.63 0.50
Common Carp 30” 22” 20.00 15.00 The fish described in the application was legally caught in the state
of Florida, by myself, and the above information is true and correct.
Butterfly Peacock Bass 18” 13” 5.00 3.75
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may use this
Oscar 11” 8” 1.25 0.75 information and any photos for research, informational and other pub-
Blue Tilapia 18” 13” 5.00 3.75 lic purposes.

Bowfin 30” 22” 10.00 7.50 Applicant’s Signature: _________________________________________

Fishing License Number:_ _____________________________________

The “Big Catch” Angler Recognition Program rewards anglers who catch
a memorable-sized fish. Qualifying anglers receive a colorful citation
showing the type fish they caught and a window sticker to proudly display
their prowess. In addition, anglers who release their fish get special
recognition. An angler catching five “Big” fish of the same species will be
recognized as a “Specialist,” fish of five different species qualifies as a
“Master Angler,” and 10 different species as an “Elite Angler.” A special
youth citation and pin is given to an angler under age 16 for catching a
fish that is at least 75 percent of the qualifying size (see table above for
specific sizes). Total length is maximum length in inches; weights are in
pounds. Participants are encouraged to submit photographs. To qualify,
the fish must be legally caught and exceed the minimum qualifying
length or weight. The catch must be witnessed and a “Big Catch” form
completed.
IF EXEMPT, CHECK ONE: [ ] Younger than 16, [ ] Older than 65,
[ ] Permanently disabled, [ ] Used Cane Pole in County of Residence,
[ ] Military Home on Leave, [ ] Other: _ __________________________
Witness Signature:____________________________________________
MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
“Big Catch” Program
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600

26 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission


Butterfly Peacock
— Breaking with Tradition
By FWC Biologist, Paul Shafland
In 1984, FWC staff released the first
butterfly peacock into the coastal
canals of Southeast Florida in a bold
effort to help control undesirable
exotic fishes and to create an exciting
urban canal sportfishery in this
densely populated area. The butterfly
peacock is the first and only exotic
fish ever introduced by FWC that was
intended to establish permanent and
self-perpetuating populations, but
KSCM0884_FloridaFishingRegulations08_2A.indd 1
this introduction occurred only after
carefully evaluating this species and
the fish communities into which it
was introduced. This research clearly
indicated butterfly peacock would
thrive and have desirable effects
in these highly altered, man-made
canals, yet not establish permanent
populations outside of canals in
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm
Beach counties. And now, nearly a
quarter of a century later, the success
of the butterfly peacock introduction
has proven to exceed even the most
optimistic of predictions made prior to
its release.
Not only has the butterfly peacock
helped reduce the abundance of
some undesirable exotic fishes,
but also it has had no detrimental
effects on native fish populations.
At the same time, it has generated
millions of hours of fishing pleasure
for thousands of urban anglers who
Choose
a great fishing destination.
Choose Kissimmee for an exceptional Central Florida vacation.
FloridaKiss.com - 800.333.KISS
spend nearly $10 million annually
just to catch this fish. Thousands of
articles in magazines and TV shows
have featured this fishery, helping
to renew interest in inner-city fishing
opportunities that encourage young
people to learn conservation ethics
and partake in healthy outdoor
recreational activities.
This is an incredible success story
especially given that many professional
biologists and ecologists had long
dismissed these canal fish communities
as being “biological cesspools of
introduced life.” Nonetheless, the
history of unauthorized exotic species
introductions is replete with bad
experiences; and for this reason, it is
not only unwise, it is illegal for anyone to
transfer or release any exotic species in
Florida without a special FWC permit …
and this includes catching and releasing
butterfly peacock into waters where they
don’t already exist.
Kissimmee
© 2008 Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau
4/28/08 2:00:01 PM
A DV I S O R I E S

Fish consumption advisories for freshwater anglers

Florida’s freshwater and marine fishes are generally considered safe to eat. Fish is an excellent source of protein and nutrients. The American
Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week to help maintain cardiovascular health. However, certain fish can be potentially
unhealthy to eat, because they can take up contaminants from the water and from the food they eat.
At low to moderate levels found in most Florida fish, mercury poses little danger, and fish can be consumed safely in reasonable amounts.
However, higher levels of mercury can damage the human brain and nervous system. The developing fetus is most sensitive to mercury.
Young children are more sensitive than adults. Therefore, women of childbearing age and young children should consume fish with low or no
mercury levels.
By choosing a variety of fish low in mercury from different water bodies and not eating only one type, anglers can enjoy health benefits
without appreciable risks. Consumption advisories have been issued to help anglers choose fish lower in mercury while limiting consumption of
some species of fish from certain waters.

COUNT ALL FISH MEALS FROM ALL WATER BODIES
Fish eaten from different water bodies count toward the consumption
guidelines. For example, a woman of childbearing age should not eat
more than six ounces of cooked largemouth bass, combined, from all
water bodies per month. Any additional fish meals eaten during the
recommended time period should have low or no mercury levels.
OTHER DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FISH
CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
Lake Apopka (Lake and Orange counties): brown bullhead should
not be eaten due to pesticide contamination.
Lake Munson (Leon County): Largemouth bass 19 inches or more
should not be eaten more than one time per month due to PCBs.
MERCURY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where does mercury come from?
Mercury is released into the environment from natural deposits in
rocks, volcanoes and soils. It is also released into the environment when
power plants burn coal, incinerators burn mercury-containing wastes,
and during production of other industrial chemicals. Airborne mercury
attaches itself to dust and water particles and enters Florida waters with
rain and runoff.
How does mercury get into fish?
Mercury is found in virtually all waters in the state, usually at
extremely low concentrations. Naturally occurring bacteria, which
decompose dead plant and animal material in lakes and wetlands,
convert mercury into a form called methyl mercury. Methyl mercury
accumulates primarily from organisms eaten by fish. Fish may contain
different levels of contaminants based on their location, size, age, and
feeding habits.
Where is mercury found in fish?
Mercury accumulates in the muscle tissue of fish, the part you eat.
Therefore, trimming excess fat and skinning do not reduce the amount
of mercury you consume. The only way to reduce mercury consump-
tion is to eat fish from less contaminated water bodies and to select
species that are lower in mercury.
What types of fish contain the least methyl mercury?
Small, short-lived species such as sunfish (bream), brown bullhead,
and black crappie tend to have lower concentrations of mercury. In
addition, smaller largemouth bass often contain less mercury than
larger individuals. Many lakes, rivers, and canals have largemouth bass
with very low levels of mercury. Other fishes with low to moderate
levels of mercury in Florida waters include catfish and some exotic
species. It is important to consult the Florida Safe Eating Guidelines
(updated quarterly on the Web site and printed annually; doh.state.
fl.us/floridafishadvice/) for specific water body recommendations.
EPA/FDA ADVICE FOR WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING
AGE AND YOUNG CHILDREN
Women of childbearing age and children are more sensitive to mercury,
and should take special precautions. Guidelines have been established
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) to protect this segment of the population.
Please refer to the joint FDA and EPA advice:
www. epa.gov/waterscience/fish/. By following these three
recommendations when selecting and eating fish, women and young
children can reduce their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.
1. Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because they
contain high levels of mercury.
2. Eat up to 12 ounces (two average meals) a week of a variety of fish
and shellfish that are lower in mercury, such as shrimp, canned light
tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Albacore (“white”) tuna has more
mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals
of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces of albacore.
3. Check Florida Safe Eating Guidelines about the safety of fish caught
by family and friends in Florida lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. The
Florida statewide consumption advisory provides general guidelines
for consumption of largemouth bass, bowfin and gar. For other fish
from local water bodies that are not listed, consume no more than 6
ounces per week.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Check the FWC Web site: research.MyFWC.com/Mercury.

Florida safe eating guidelines

Fish and shellfish have been tested for mercury in many
Florida waters. For these, the Florida Department of
Health (DOH) Web site offers specific consumption ad-
vice: doh.state.fl.us/floridafishadvice or call DOH at (850)
245-4250
In a few locations, some species have high mercury
levels and should not be eaten, while others are recom-
mended for limited consumption (one meal per week or
one meal per month).
Reader Survey
Tell us a little about yourself. In return we’ll send you
out important information from our sponsors, new
product updates and free offers that might be of interest
to you. We appreciate your feedback on the best
regulation guides in the country. Your feedback will help
improve state regulation publications for years to come
www.regsurvey.com

28 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 F. A .Q.

Florida statewide consumption advisory

Based on extensive testing over many years, DOH recommends limited consumption of bass, bowfin and gar
from all Florida waters not listed on the Web site:
■■ Adults, except women of childbearing age and young children, should not eat more than ONE 6-OUNCE MEAL OF
COOKED FISH PER WEEK.
■■ Women of childbearing age and young children should not eat more than ONE 6-OUNCE MEAL OF COOKED FISH
PER MONTH.

Top level predators tend to have more mercury.

Bowfin Largemouth Bass Gar

Smaller, shorter-lived species that feed lower on the food chain tend to have less mercury.

Black Crappie Bluegill Redear Sunfish Redbreast Sunfish

Warmouth Spotted Sunfish Catfish

Frequently answered questions

Do I need a freshwater or saltwater fishing license or both?
Answer: In general, you need a freshwater license to take freshwater
fish and a saltwater license to take saltwater fish, unless one of the
exemptions specified on page 8 applies. If you are fishing in fresh water
where no saltwater species live, you need a freshwater license and like-
wise if you are fishing in the ocean or gulf you need a saltwater license.
However, when you get into estuarine areas where salt and fresh water
mix and fish of both types can be found the issue becomes less clear.
The interpretation of the rule is:
You need either a freshwater, saltwater or combination license, or
appropriate exemption, to take fish (take is legally defined as taking,
attempting to take, pursuing, molesting, capturing, or killing any fish,
or their nests or eggs by any means whether or not such actions result
in obtaining possession of such fish or their nests or eggs). If you are
using species specific gear, your license should be appropriate (e.g.,
freshwater or saltwater) to the species you are targeting. Otherwise
you need an appropriate type license to keep your catch and must im-
mediately release any species for which you are not licensed. License
requirements follow the species of fish, regardless of where they are
caught. For example, if you only have a freshwater license and are
primarily fishing for largemouth bass or bream (freshwater species) in
a river, but happen to catch a red drum (a saltwater species), you must
immediately release the red drum. An exception is you may take mullet
from fresh water with only a freshwater fishing license.
What regulations apply to frogs?
Answer: There are no seasons, bag or size limits for frogs and a
recreational license is not needed. To sell frogs or take frogs to sell a
commercial fish dealers license is required. Frogs may be taken in ac-
cordance with the provisions outlined in 68A-26.002, Florida Administra-
tive Code (FAC), including the use of gigs–provided that gigs are not
specifically prohibited in the area.
What regulations apply to freshwater crayfish?
Answer: There are no seasons, gear, bag or size limits for freshwater
crayfish and neither a recreational nor commercial license is needed.
It is illegal to take Florida’s imperiled crayfish (Panama City, Sims Sink
and Black Creek crayfishes) and all cave-inhabiting crayfish.
What regulations apply to freshwater turtles?
Answer: Wildlife regulations (68A-25.002 FAC) allow turtles to be
taken manually or by baited hooks, bow, dip nets, traps so designed
that any freshwater fish taken therein may escape, or by spearing
only during daylight hours. They prohibit bucket traps, snares, and
shooting with firearms for taking turtles. No person shall buy, sell, or
possess for sale any alligator snapping turtle, box turtle, Barbour’s map
turtle, Escambia River map turtle, diamondback terrapin, river cooter,
or loggerhead musk turtle, or parts thereof. No person shall possess
more than two Barbour’s map turtles, two Escambia River map turtles,
two diamondback terrapins, two river cooters, two box turtles, two log-
gerhead musk turtles, or one alligator snapping turtle unless authorized
by permit from the Executive Director. River cooters may not be taken

(continued on page 30)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 29

F. A .Q. (continued from page 29)
from 15 April to 31 July. In addition, no softshell turtles nor their eggs
may be taken from the wild during the period 1 May to 31 July, and
no person shall possess more than 50 eggs taken from the wild in the
aggregate of species of freshwater turtle native to Florida except as
authorized by permit from the Executive Director.
What regulations apply to clams, mussels and other mollusks?
Answer: Regulations governing taking and possession of freshwater
mussels are covered by 68A-23.015 FAC. In summary, “Taking” live or
dead freshwater mussels for the purpose of sale, as well as “selling”, is
prohibited. Bag Limit: No person shall take more than 10 freshwater
mussels, or 20 half-shells of the families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae
(phylum Mollusca, Class Pelecypoda) per day. Additionally, no person
may possess more than two days’ bag limit (20 individual, 40 half-shells)
of any mussels of these families. Any deviation to these restrictions
requires a permit from the Executive Director, in accordance with
68A-9.002 FAC (see illustrations, page 11).
■■ Freshwater mussels from families other than the two mentioned
above, such as the Asian clam, may be taken for bait or personal use.
No recreational license needed.
■■ Mussels may only be taken by “hand-picking”. Use of brailles, crow-
foot bars, or other mechanical methods is prohibited.
What regulations apply to harvesting fish for home aquaria?
Answer: The rules and regulations for recreational take and pos-
session apply. You cannot be in possession, or your aquarium be in
possession, of more than these limits. Legal methods of collecting and
license requirements also apply. You need a freshwater fishing license
to take (defined as “taking, attempting to take, pursuing, hunting, mo-
lesting, capturing, or killing any freshwater fish, their nests or eggs, by
any means, whether or not such actions result in obtaining possession
of such freshwater fish or their nests or eggs”). Avoid taking Florida’s
endangered species. A list of them can be found at
MyFWC.com/Fishing/Fishes/threatened.html.
A Five-Year Fishing License
Is Five Years of Fun!
•Save money ($6-20 or more depending on where you buy your license).
•Contribute to resource conservation−all of your money goes to FWC
for fish and wildlife conservation and is spread over the next five years to
help stabilize agency funding for habitat management, stocking, boating
access, boating safety, outreach and education, fisheries law enforcement,
artificial reefs and more.
•Lock in the price−future fee increases won’t impact you for at least
five years.
30 2008-2009 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
How do I use total length and girth to estimate bass weight?
Answer: When you don’t have a scale, you can use total length and
girth to get a rough estimate of a bass’ weight. See the figure on page
12 for how to measure total length and girth, then use the following
formula: Total Length (in inches) – squared, times girth (in inches)
divided by 1200. For example, a 22” long bass with a girth of 15” would
weigh about 6.1 pounds (22 x 22 x 15 / 1200 = 6.1).
What is the penalty for fishing without a license, keeping too
many fish or illegal sized fish?
Answer: Generally, noncriminal infractions involve license or permit
violations, motor size issues or measurement violations related to fish.
Second degree misdemeanors are criminal acts and typically involve
taking fish it is illegal to take, fishing in areas that are closed, using
illegal gear or counting violations (more than the bag limit). Failure
to pay a noncriminal penalty (similar to a traffic ticket) within 30 days
also escalates the charge to a second degree misdemeanor. Forgery
of a license or use of a forged license is a third degree felony. Florida
Statutes outline the range of penalties; for instance a second degree
misdemeanor is punishable by up to $500 and/or 60 days imprisonment
at the discretion of the court.
What is the economic value of freshwater fishing in Florida?
Answer: In 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau did a “National Survey
of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Related Recreation” to determine the
amount of participation and economic impact of these outdoor activities
nationwide. Freshwater fishing in Florida was estimated to generate
$1.4 billion in retail sales, which produced an economic impact of $2.4
billion. This economic boon to the state of Florida sustains 23,480 jobs
and provided recreation for 1.4 million anglers (resident and nonresi-
dent), who spent 24.5 million days fishing.
Overall (freshwater and saltwater combined) Florida ranks number
one in In-State Anglers (2.8 million vs. #2 Texas with 2.5 million), Days
of Fishing in State 46.3 million vs. #2 Texas with 41.1 million), Days of
Fishing by Nonresidents (4.8 million vs. #2 Wisconsin with 3.8 million),
Number of Nonresident Anglers (885 thousand vs. #2 Wisconsin with
381 thousand) and total angler expenditures ($4.4 billion vs. #2 Texas
with $3.4 billion).
No wonder Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World!”
•Get tax money you paid on tackle and motor boat fuels back from the
Feds−each paid license counts for five-years and recovers more money
for sportfish restoration in Florida.
•Added convenience−no need to wonder if your license is active for five
years. We will try to contact you via mail or e-mail when it expires.
•Buy your 5-year license anywhere licenses are sold including online at
MyFWC.com/License.html or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLOrida.
 NEW SPORTS TECHNOLOGY
New lure’s catch rate may be
too high for some tournaments.
Out-fishes other bait 19 to 4 in
one contest.
Uses aerospace
technology to mimic
a real fish.
ORLANDO, FL– A small company in
Connecticut has developed a new lure that
mimics the motion of a real fish so realis-
tically eight professionals couldn’t tell the
difference between it and a
live shad when it “swam”
toward them on retrieval.
The design eliminates
wobbling, angled swim-
ming and other unnatural
motions that problem other
hard bait lures. It swims
by Charlie Allen upright and appears to pro-
pel itself with its tail.
Curiously, the company may have
designed it too well. Tournament fisher-
men who have used it said it’s possible
officials will not allow it in contests
where live bait is prohibited. They claim
it swims more realistically than anything
they have ever seen. If so, that would
hurt the company’s promotional efforts.
Winning tournaments is an important
part of marketing a new lure.
Fish would probably prefer to see it
restricted. I watched eight veteran fisher-
men test the new lure (called The
KickTail®) on a lake outside Orlando FL
for about four hours. Four used the
KickTail and four used a combination of
their favorite lures and shiners (live bait).
The four using the
KickTail caught 41
fish versus 14 for
the other four. In
one boat the
KickTail won 19 to
4. The KickTail
also caught bigger
fish, which sug-
gests it triggers
larger, less aggres-
sive fish to strike.
You can see why
Inventor Scott Wilson the company needs
lands a 10-pounder. to get it into tourna-
ments. An almost 3
to 1 advantage can mean thousands of
dollars to a fisherman, and hundreds of
thousands in sales to the company.
The KickTail’s magic comes from a
patented technology that breaks the tail
into five segments. As water rushes by
on retrieval, a little-known principle
called aeronautical flutter causes the tail
Swims with
its tail.
New lure swims like a real fish--nearly triples catch in Florida contest.
to wag left and right, as if the lure were
propelling itself with its tail. Unlike
other hard baits, the head remains sta-
tionary—only the tail wags. A company
spokesman told me this.
“Fish attack live things, and they deter-
mine if something is alive by watching its
movements. Marine biologists will tell
you that the more a lure swims like a real
fish, the more fish it will catch. Well, the
only live thing the KickTail doesn’t do is
breathe. It’s better than live bait! It lasts
longer and it never hangs half-dead from
a hook. It’s always swimming wild and
free. Fish can’t stand it. We’ve seen fish
that have just eaten go for the KickTail.
It’s like having another potato chip.
Increases catch
almost 3 to 1.
“To make the KickTail even more
lifelike, we gave it a natural shad color
and shaped it like the most prevalent bait
fish of all, the threadfin. Game fish gob-
ble up more threadfin shad than any
other baitfish.
“We knew the KickTail would out-
fish other lures. It had to. Other lures
wobble their heads and swim on an
angle. But 41 fish to 14? That’s huge! I
tell you, in ten seconds anyone who has
fished a day in his life knows this little
swimmer’s a home run. Fishermen
reserved thousands of KickTails before
we produced it! Here, reel it in and
watch it swim toward you. Can you tell
the difference between it and a live fish?
(I said no.) Neither can the fish.
“The flutter technology also allows
the KickTail to swim at the water’s sur-
face. Other top water lures must be
worked to have any live action, or have
a bill that makes them dive on retrieval.
Our diver version is the only deep crank
bait that let’s you do tricks like ‘walk the
dog.’ Twitch it at deep levels and it gives
an irresistible, lifelike action. Other
lures ‘dig.’ And there’s no need for rat-
tles. The five tail segments click togeth-
er as you pull it through the water, call-
ing fish from a distance.”
Whether you fish for fun or profit, if
you want a near 3 to 1 advantage, I would
order now before the KickTail becomes
known. The company even guarantees a
refund, if you don’t catch more fish and
return the lures within 30 days. There are
three versions: a floater for top water, a
diver and a “dying shad” with a weed
guard for fishing lily pads and other feed-
ing spots. The company says it’s the only
hard bait of its kind in existence. Each
lure costs $9.95 and you must order at
least two. There is also a “Super 10-Pack”
with additional colors for only $79.95, a
savings of almost $20.00. S/h is only
$7.00 no matter how many you order.
To order call 1-800-873-4415 (Ask for
item # kts), or click www.ngcsports
.com/gear anytime or day or send a
check or M.O. (or cc number and exp.
date) to NGC Sports (Dept. KT-1418) 60
Church Street, Yalesville, CT 06492. CT
add sales tax. The KickTail is four inches
long and works in salt and fresh water.
KTS-8 © NGC Worldwide, Inc. 2008 Dept. KT- 1418
A ngler S howplace
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1-800-708-5191 • M-F/9-5
www.woodmanspal.com
LAKE OKEECHOBEE FISHING
2 half days, 1 night.......$180.00*
1 full day 0 nights.......$125.00
1 half day........$75.00
Rate includes: *FREE MOTEL LODGING
6 Doz. Shiners, Guide, Boat, Tackle
Crappie, Bluegill, Shellcracker Fishing
2 half days, 1 night.......$150.00
Wild Boar Hunting...1 person $100.00
Duck Hunting...1 person $70.00
RON’S GUIDE SERVICE
863-287-8484 863-946-1742
http://www.ronsguideservice.com
Get Discounted
Hunting and Fishing
Books and DVD’s at
HoosicPress.com
What a great time to have the talk.
About underage drinking.
You’re out fishing with your kid. There are no distractions. So you can
take your time. Ease into it. Remember, it’s a conversation, not a lecture.
Tell him how alcohol impairs judgment. That it can lead to dependence,
risky behavior and even fatal consequences. Talk about peer pressure
and how it takes a real individual to not do what everyone else is
doing. Stuff like that. Have that talk, because it’s the number one way
to convince your kids not to drink under the age of 21.
®
For helpful tips go to www.fypd.org
FYPDFlorida Youth Prevention Delegation
• Landowners
Now Hiring!
• Sportsmen
• Campers
Employment Opportunities in our Florida stores!
In the Sportsman’s Lodge, our sales team includes avid fishermen, hunters
and campers who are highly knowledgeable about their respective
sports and the local terrain.
Positions include:
• Salaried Lodge Sales Manager
• Hourly Lodge Sales Leader
• Part-time & Full-time Hourly Associates
Why Work for DICK’S Sporting Goods?
• Love for Sports
• Competitive Pay
• Excellent benefits
DICK’S Sporting Goods is on an expansion kick, with new
WIN BIG
stores and unbeatable opportunity for career advancement.
If you live and breathe sports, there’s no better time to join
this winning team! BIGGER. FASTER. STRONGER. SMARTER.
Learn more at www.DicksSportingGoods.jobs.com EOE
Your adventure begins with...

From freshwater to saltwater, whether your fishing

or hunting, '4/0ERFORMANCE!IRBOATS
will take you to WHERETHEACTIONIS

GTO Performance Airboats

4600 West Highway 326
Ocala, FL 34482
Tel. 352-401-9070
Fax 352-401-9667

w w w.g t o ai r b o at s .c o m
 N E W, W I T H M O R E

IPM
*

The all-new Dodge Journey has more innovative features than any vehicle in its class:
Available UConnect® Hands-Free calling, voice recognition in three languages, 3D navigation
system and real-time traffic, plus third-row seating and best-in-class fuel economy.
But maybe its greatest innovation is you can get it all star ting at $19,985.(1)

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*IPM = Innovations Per Mile

(1) Optionalfeatures mentioned. Based on Ward’s 2008 Large Cross/Utility Vehicle segment.
19 city/25 hwy EPA est. mpg with 2.4L engine. 16 city/23 hwy EPA est. mpg with 3.5L engine, as shown. As shown, $32,305.