Fishing

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to reopen recreational harvest of greater amberjack in Gulf state waters from May 1 through May 31, consistent with the federal reopening.  

NOAA Fisheries is reopening Gulf federal waters because landings indicate the recreational quota for greater amberjack has not been met. The FWC is also opening state waters to be consistent with the federal season and to provide additional harvest opportunities for recreational fishermen. 

The recreational harvest of greater amberjack in Atlantic state waters will close on April 1 and remain closed through April 30.

Last year, the FWC Commission approved a rule to establish an April recreational spawning season closure consistent with the current commercial closure. The new rule went into effect in late 2023, following the implementation of consistent regulations for adjacent Atlantic federal waters.

Starting Feb. 25, the snowy grouper recreational season will close in Atlantic state waters, including all state waters of Monroe County. The modified recreational season is May 1 through June 30, with a new reduced possession limit of one fish per vessel per day.

Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ steadfast leadership, Florida remained one of the country’s top destinations for world-class fishing, hunting and recreation.

The economic impact on our state through these opportunities is tremendous with nearly $15 billion contributing to our state’s economy. Governor DeSantis continues to make conservation a priority, ensuring that residents and visitors benefit from our environmental resources for generations to come.  

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program wrapped up a successful 11th year with two major events, awarding anglers with neat prizes including a brand-new bass boat!

The TrophyCatch team awarded one lucky winner a Phoenix bass boat at the Bobby Lane High School Cup fishing tournament on Dec. 2. Five finalists randomly selected from TrophyCatch registrants participated in a reverse drawing that named youth angler Curtis Collins the winner of the boat package.

Discounts available for three months, from Oct. 14, 2023, through Jan. 13, 2024 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Great Outdoors Initiative to encourage Floridians to go outdoors and explore Florida’s natural resources, including our award-winning state parks, vast recreation areas, and world-renowned waterways.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Bass Pro Shops invite you to the TrophyCatch program’s annual Hall of Fame Ceremony. This event recognizes anglers who documented and submitted catches of bass 13 pounds or heavier that were approved during the popular citizen-science program’s 11th season, which ran from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023.

The Triple Threat Throwdown brought a record-breaking year to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commi

(The Center Square) — An extension of Florida’s red snapper season begins Labor Day weekend and could be one of the longest since the state took over management of the tasty game fish.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Aug. 11 that the red snapper season would be extended by 17 days to 87 days, according to a statement released by the governor’s office.

Florida’s fall red snapper season runs every Friday through Sunday through the months of September, October and November, with open days on Labor Day (Sept. 4) and Thanksgiving (Nov. 23).

2023 season now totals 87 days, the longest combined season since the state assumed management of Gulf red snapper 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.