November 1999
Compiled by: Bob Wattendorf
A common question received by FWC personnel these days is "do we need a freshwater or saltwater fishing license to fish in brackish water?" Basically, the answer remains the same as it was before the merger of the freshwater and saltwater responsibilities into one agency. If you are clearly in salt water or fresh water, you must have the appropriate fishing license or be legally exempt. If the water is brackish (slightly salty) as it is in estuarine areas and near river mouths, where freshwater and saltwater fishes mingle, then you need a license for the type of fish you are attempting to catch. Under no circumstances may you possess a saltwater fish if you do not have a saltwater license or exemption. Similarly you may not take a freshwater fish without a freshwater license or exemption.
Where do I get Information on Fishing Regulations Saltwater fishing regulations are published in "Fishing Lines" a quarterly newsletter from the Division of Marine Fisheries, it is available at most bait-and-tackle shops, marinas and sports retail shops. You can also find the latest edition on-line at: marinefisheries.org/mfc46.htm#regs
Freshwater fishing regulations are published annually in "Florida Freshwater Sportfishing Regulations," which are also distributed at bait-and-tackle shops, marinas and sports retail shops. You can find a copy on the Internet at: floridafisheries.com/rules.html. You can also write to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Attention Bob Wattendorf, 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399 for a copy of the rules, or the "Florida Freshwater Fishing Destinations and Tips" brochure (PDF version).
Big Bass Lakes
The "1999 Bass Guide," published by Primedia, says
"According to many observers, Florida is on a fast track to
regain its title as ‘Big Bass Capital of the World.'" The
guide goes on to list the entire Kissimmee Chain as one of the
top-ten bass destinations in the nation, and as epitomizing "the
fact that Florida is back as a top-notch producer of big largemouth
bass." The "Bass Guide" credits the five-bass bag
limit, with only one over 22 inches and recent drawdowns for the
great fishing.
In addition, the "1999 Bass Guide" lists Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga and Farm 13/Stick Marsh as being outstanding bass fisheries. More information can be found on these lakes and current forecasts for fishing conditions on our web site, under fishing sites and forecasts, or in the "Freshwater Fishing Destinations and Tips" brochure (see previous above for source).
Angler Recognition
The prominence of big bass in Florida are substantiated by records
from the Florida "Big Catch"
Angler Recognition Program. The "Big Catch" program provides full-color
personalized certificates to anglers who catch especially large fish from
any of 33 different freshwater species. The program also has categories
for youth, master anglers, specialists and elite anglers. You can get your
"Big Catch" application in the "Florida Freshwater
Sportfishing Regulations," on-line or at many bait-and-tackle
shops.
The saltwater angler recognition program is known as "The Florida Grand Slam Club" and is co-sponsored by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), which maintains line class records on countless species of fish. The "Grand Slam" is customized for four areas: Panhandle, West Coast, South Florida and East Coast. In each area, there are three species of fish, which you must catch in the same day to make a "Grand Slam." The purpose of this program is "to help get word out to the fishing public that an exciting variety of game fish can be found all around the state." Applications are available from the IGFA 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004; phone: 954/927-2628) or FWC, Division of Marine Fisheries, 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399; phone 850/488-6058).
Both the freshwater "Big Catch" and saltwater "Grand Slam" programs are designed to help make anglers feel good about their catch, to obtain information about fish catches, and to help promote catch-and-release by giving anglers an alternative to a trophy mount to hang on their wall. Based on the positive response to these programs, it looks like they are working, and we encourage you to take the challenge and become a "Big Catch" or "Grand Slam" angler.
