BRADENTON – Governor Rick Scott and the FWC announced that Friday, Nov. 29 will be a license-free freshwater fishing day, and Saturday, November 30 will be a saltwater license-free fishing day. A cold front with high winds will build north of the area and remain in place through Friday with winds and seas near advisory conditions.
Governor Scott announces additional license-free fishing days
Saltwater - http://flic.kr/s/aHsjxNioJa External Website.
Freshwater - http://flic.kr/s/aHsjxXExyg External Website.
Videos (freshwater and saltwater) available on FWC YouTube site: http://youtu.be/m1fKUV7CTnM External Website and http://youtu.be/t59PK0cJ5NE External Website.
Today, Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that Friday, Nov. 29 will be a license-free freshwater fishing day, and Saturday, November 30 will be a saltwater license-free fishing day.
Governor Scott said, “License-free fishing days serve as a great opportunity for families to enjoy the incredible fishing opportunities that Florida has to offer. After the Thanksgiving holiday, families will be able to head to the water with their visiting guests and experience some of the best fishing in the world.”
Gag grouper recreational harvest closes in most Gulf waters in early December
Gag grouper will close for recreational harvest in most Gulf of Mexico state waters Dec. 4, with the last day of harvest being Dec. 3. All Gulf federal waters will close Dec. 3, with the last day of harvest being Dec. 2.
State waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties were open from April 1 through June 30 and were not open during the July 1 through Dec. 3 season. Monroe County is also excluded because it follows Atlantic rules for gag grouper.
The FWC manages marine fish from the shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico.
These closures are an effort to help rebuild gag grouper populations in the Gulf of Mexico back to strong sustainable levels.
Snook harvest seasonal closure in Gulf starts Dec. 1
The recreational harvest season for snook closes Dec. 1 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park, and will remain closed through Feb. 28, 2014, reopening to harvest March 1, 2014. Snook can continue to be caught and released during the closed season.
This and other regular season closures are designed to help protect the species during vulnerable times such as cold weather. Atlantic state and federal waters including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River will close Dec. 15 through Jan. 31, 2014, reopening to harvest Feb. 1, 2014.
Venting tool requirement removed in Gulf waters
Soon Florida anglers will no longer be required to have and use a venting tool when fishing for reef fish in Gulf of Mexico state waters.
During its Nov. 21 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) removed the requirement in Gulf state waters, making state regulations consistent with rules in federal waters. By removing this rule, anglers will now have the freedom to determine how to best maximize survival of released reef fish using devices they feel are appropriate, depending on the circumstances.
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Fishing Forecast
High pressure continues over the eastern U.S. Through the weekend with northeasterly winds that may be robust at times. The high pressure relaxes early next week...allowing a weak front to approach from the northwest and a wave of low pressure to form near the Bahamas. Mariners can expect periods of winds reaching exercise caution or Small Craft Advisory speeds throughout the weekend.
Thursday
Northeast winds 10 to 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop.
2013/11/28Thu03:36 AM0.37L
2013/11/28Thu09:20 AM1.38H
2013/11/28Thu02:51 PM0.76L
2013/11/28Thu08:38 PM2.06H
Friday
Northeast winds 10 to 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Friday night will bring northeast winds 10 to 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop.
2013/11/29Fri04:27 AM0.08L
2013/11/29Fri10:32 AM1.41H
2013/11/29Fri03:32 PM0.9L
2013/11/29Fri09:11 PM2.21H
Saturday
Northeast winds 10 to 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Saturday night will bring northeast winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.
2013/11/30Sat05:13 AM-0.18L
2013/11/30Sat11:34 AM1.43H
2013/11/30Sat04:09 PM1.01L
2013/11/30Sat09:46 PM2.35H
Sunday
North winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Sunday night will bring north winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.
2013/12/01Sun05:59 AM-0.41L
2013/12/01Sun12:31 PM1.43H
2013/12/01Sun04:44 PM1.09L
2013/12/01Sun10:23 PM2.49H
Solunar Forecast