FWC considers rules to protect bonefish

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering rules to protect bonefish, a popular sportfish in the southern part of the state.

The FWC proposed draft rules on Wednesday that would allow only catch-and-release fishing for bonefish and would also change the rules regarding the possession and transport of bonefish during fishing tournaments.

The draft rules would eliminate the existing one-fish daily bag limit for bonefish and allow only catch-and-release fishing. 

The proposal would also allow fishermen to temporarily possess a bonefish where it is caught, so they can photograph and measure or weigh the fish before releasing it. 

South Florida is one of the few places in the United States where you can fish for bonefish; the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay are considered a world-class destination for catching large, trophy-sized bonefish. 

A recent study by scientists at the University of Miami estimated the value of a single bonefish in the Florida Keys to be $3,500 each year, and nearly $75,000 over the lifespan of the fish.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments