Recreational fishing for gray triggerfish will reopen in Gulf state and federal waters beginning this Sunday, August the 1st.

Recreational fishing for gray triggerfish will reopen in Gulf state and federal waters beginning this Sunday, August the 1^st.

The gray triggerfish season will remain open through December 31st.

For greater amberjack in the Gulf, the minimum size limit is 15 inches fork length and the daily bag limit is one fish per person.

If you plan to fish for grey triggerfish in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler prior to your fishing trip.

This includes anglers over 65 years of age.

You can sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

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Recreational fishing for greater amberjack will reopen in Gulf state and federal waters beginning this Sunday, August the 1st.

Recreational fishing for greater amberjack will reopen in Gulf state and federal waters beginning this Sunday, August the 1st.

The species has been off-limits to recreational fishermen since June the 1st.

The greater amberjack season will remain open through October 31st.

For greater amberjack in the Gulf, the minimum size limit is 34 inches fork length and the daily bag limit is one fish per person.

If you plan to fish for greater amberjack in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler prior to your fishing trip.

This includes anglers over 65 years of age.

You can sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.  

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute July Updates

2021 Red Tide Response and Monitoring FWRI and FWC staff continue to sample, process, and monitor the current red tide bloom affecting Tampa Bay and southwest Florida. Since December 2020, our red tide program has processed over 7,450 red tide samples that were collected as part of our statewide monitoring network, which includes more than 60 partners and 290 Citizen volunteers. Visual observations and sampling is being done by staff from air, land, and sea. The image above shows a FWRI researcher using a device called a CDT to measure parameters such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other factors. View our Flickr album for more red tide response content, including aerial survey photos. Continue to check back on our Red Tide Daily Sample Map for accurate red tide monitoring information.  Big Cypress Subpopulation of Black Bears Did you know Florida is home to the southernmost bear population in the United States? FWC researchers began studying the Big Cypress subpopulation this summer to estimate survival, reproduction, and annual growth rate. All research bears receive unique combinations of colored ear tags which allow researchers to identify individual bears by sight. Female bears are fitted with a tracking collar to record bear movements. Learn more about Florida bears and FWC bear research on our updated webpage.  Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force Meeting The quarterly Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force Meeting was held July 14th at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg, and was streamed live on YouTube. The Task Force plays an important role in determining strategies to research, monitor, control, and mitigate red tide blooms in Florida. Leading scientists, county, city, and community leaders, and other experts make up the members of the Task Force.  Bay Scallop Rodeo and Restoration Join FWC biologists at our upcoming Scallop Rodeos and help with bay scallop restoration! Participants may collect up to 200 scallops for FWC biologists to place in restoration cages. The goal of the restoration cages is to protect the scallops from predators and provide a successful spawning event due to their proximity with other scallops. Sign up for the St. Joseph Bay Rodeo set for July 31st, or the St. Andrew's Bay Rodeo set for August 14th.   New on MyFWC.com/Research We hope you enjoy these articles that have been recently added/updated on our website: 2021 Manatee Mortalities Red Tide Manatee Mortalities   Annual Rescue Summaries, Manatees Northeast Florida Blue Crab Fisheries Independent Monitoring New Publications Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force Meeting Information How To Report a Fish Kill Black Bear Research  Internship Opportunities Our Mission Through effective research and technical knowledge, we provide timely information and guidance to protect, conserve, and manage Florida's fish and wildlife resources.

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The Carrabelle City Commission is seeking bids for the removal of two derelict vessels in the Carrabelle River

The Carrabelle City Commission is seeking bids for the removal of two derelict vessels in the Carrabelle River.

The vessels are the Anthony Diane at 305 Marine St. and the 44’ Sport Fisherman at Sunset Isle Docks.

Derelict vessels are not only safety and navigational hazards but can also dump pollutants like gasoline and diesel fuel into the water.

The city is funding the removal through the state's derelict vessel removal grant program which provides 100% reimbursement for the removal of derelict vessels from public waters of the state.

If you are interested in bidding on the job, bids will be received until 2:30 p.m. Eastern time, on Thursday, August 5th at Carrabelle City Hall.

More information and the bid documents can be obtained from City Administrator Courtney Dempsey by e-mail at administrator@mycarrabelle.com.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY PET OF THE WEEK

Envy is just the prettiest girl.  She may have some Redbone Coonhound in her because her coat is that deep mahogany Redbone's have.  She is super sweet, friendly, calm and walks well on leash.  This special girl should make a wonderful pet for some lucky and loving family! 

Any time you can spare would be greatly appreciated.

Call Karen at 670-8417 for more details or visit the Franklin County Humane Society at 244 State Road 65 in Eastpoint. You may logon to the website at www.forgottenpets.org to see more of our adoptable pets.

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FWC's Fishing in the Know - August 2021

Having trouble viewing this email? View this as a webpage. August 2021

New In This Issue Redfish Summit 2021 Commission meeting – August Tampa Bay Greater amberjack Gray triggerfish Spiny lobster Bay scallops 2021 Lionfish Challenge   Conservation Tip of the Month Increasing a fish’s chances of survival after it is released will help ensure fish populations remain sustainable for future generations. Fish Rules App Stay up-to-date with the latest Florida fishing regulations by downloading the Fish Rules app on your smart device.  Learn more at http://www.fishrulesapp.com

Ethical Angler of the Month Rosemary White caught this amazing black drum during a special opportunity fishing event for the International Women’s Fishing Association (IWFA) at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in Apollo Beach. For more information about the IWFA please visit: IWFA.org Submit your photos by emailing them to Saltwater@MyFWC.com. Learn more about our photo guidelines.

Redfish Summit 2021 Scheduled for Aug. 24 We are hosting a day-long public discussion on redfish biology and management in Florida, including a presentation on an updated stock assessment, information about habitat and water quality, and interactive discussions about future management of the fishery. Registration and updates can be found at MyFWC.com/Redfish2021. Commission meeting – August Marine fisheries items Information: The FWC Commission will listen to public testimony on and discuss several marine fisheries management items at the Aug. 4-5 meeting in Bonita Springs. Advance comments should be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021. Decision making (regulation changes are anticipated to be made on this topic): Atlantic coast: spot and Atlantic croaker (CONSENT AGENDA – Aug. 4): The Commission will consider the creation of new species-specific regulations for spot and Atlantic croaker in state waters from the Florida-Georgia border through Miami-Dade County. Proposed changes include establishing a daily recreational bag limit of 50 fish per person for each species and establishing commercial vessel limits of 2,200 lbs. for spot and 1,200 lbs. for Atlantic croaker.  Discussions (no regulation changes are anticipated to be made on these items; both items are on Aug. 5): Coral reef disease response and restoration efforts: FWC staff will summarize the status of the ongoing Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Federal fishery management updates: The Commission will discuss outcomes of recent meetings of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Links for more information: Agenda [MyFWC.com] Tampa Bay Snook, redfish and spotted seatrout catch-and-release Snook, redfish and spotted seatrout are catch-and-release in Tampa Bay through Sept. 16 due to recent impacts from red tide. This includes all waters in Manatee County north of State Road 64, Hillsborough County, and in Pinellas County. The Braden River and all tributaries of the Manatee River are also included, but not Palma Sola Bay or the Anclote River.  Links for more information: News release [MyFWC.com] Greater amberjack Gulf recreational harvest opens Aug. 1 The recreational greater amberjack season in Gulf state and federal waters opens Aug. 1 and is scheduled to remain open through Oct. 31. Make sure you have the State Reef Fish Angler designation on your license if you plan to fish for greater amberjack from a private vessel. Links for more information: Amberjack [MyFWC.com] Gray triggerfish Gulf recreational harvest opens Aug. 1 The recreational gray triggerfish season in Gulf state and federal waters opens Aug. 1 and is scheduled to remain open through Dec. 31 (but could close earlier if the quota is reached). Make sure you have the State Reef Fish Angler designation on your license if you plan to fish for gray triggerfish from a private vessel. Links for more information: Triggerfish [MyFWC.com] Spiny lobster Season starts Aug. 6 Spiny lobster opens for recreational and commercial harvest Aug. 6. The recreational daily bag limit and on-the-water possession limit is six lobster per person. Spiny lobster must have a carapace longer than 3 inches and, when harvested by diving, must be measured in the water. The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding any soft tissue, and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace. Harvest is prohibited in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, the Biscayne Bay Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, in the no-take areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and in the five Coral Reef Protection Areas in Biscayne National Park. Always use a divers-down warning device when in the water.  Links for more information: Spiny lobster [MyFWC.com] How to measure a spiny lobster [MyFWC.com] KeysLobsterSeason.com [Fla-Keys.com] Divers-down warning devices [MyFWC.com]   STATE SEASON UPDATES August - September State waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf and from shore to 3 nautical miles in the Atlantic.   Aug. 1 – Permit (Special Permit Zone) opens  Aug. 1 – Greater amberjack (Gulf) opens Aug. 1 – Gray triggerfish (Gulf) opens Aug. 6 – Spiny lobster opens Aug. 16 – Bay scallops (Gulf County) opens Sept. 1 – Snook (Gulf) opens (catch-and-release only from Pinellas/Hillsborough counties south through Gordon Pass in Collier County.) Sept. 1 - Snook (Atlantic) opens Sept. 1 – Gag grouper (Franklin-Taylor) opens Sept. 7 – Bay scallops (SW Taylor/Dixie) closes Sept. 25 – Bay scallops (Gulf, Franklin-NW Taylor & Levy-Hernando counties) closes FWC WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK Share your input on goliath grouper, trap fisheries, dolphinfish and more. Provide your comments GREAT CATCH! Happy Birthday! Sidney Swink added this red grouper to her Catch a Florida Memory Saltwater Life List on a family fishing trip in Key Largo the day after her 9th birthday. She caught it on a piece of cut ballyhoo. EVENTS August - September We will continue to monitor COVID-19 updates and plan events with this consideration in mind. Lionfish Events Calendar Aug. 4-5 – Commission Meeting – Bonita Springs Aug. 24 – Redfish Summit 2021 SOCIAL SALTWATER Post of the month From the MyFWC Facebook page: Keep the gills wet! Catching a large tarpon is a thrill like none other. But before you capture that moment forever in a photo, it’s important to remember that all tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water, especially the gills. The only exception to this is if you are in pursuit of a state or world record and using a tarpon tag. Don’t ruin an epic photo with a temporary lapse in judgement. Keep that tarpon in the water to help it regain strength and survive upon release. #Tarpon regulations: https://bit.ly/2SF2AAM #Fish handling: https://bit.ly/3gzhKRc SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS Catch a Florida Memory Facebook Lionfish Reef Rangers Facebook FWC Facebook FWC Instagram FWC Saltwater Fishing YouTube ONLINE FISHING RESOURCES Where to Fish Fish Handling Learn to Fish Fish Identification Saltwater Fishing Tips Recreational Regulations On-the-water Etiquette And More!

Bay scallops Gulf County season starts Aug. 16 The bay scallop season starts Aug. 16 in all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. The season will remain open in this region through Sept. 24. NOTE: The area marked with FWC buoys south of Black’s Island is a Bay Scallop Restoration Area and no scalloping or anchoring is allowed there. Links for more information: Scallops [MyFWC.com] 2021 Lionfish Challenge Turn in your lionfish for rewards We’re halfway through the 2021 Lionfish Challenge and 8,000 lionfish have already been turned in! The Lionfish Challenge rewards lionfish harvesters with prizes for submitting lionfish. Participants who remove the most lionfish in the recreational and commercial categories through Labor Day (Sept. 6) will be crowned the 2021 Recreational Lionfish King/Queen and the Commercial Champion. Register today or learn more about the program at FWCReefRangers.com. State Reef Fish Angler Do you fish for reef fish like snapper, grouper or triggerfish from a private recreational vessel off Florida's Atlantic or Gulf coasts? Then you are a State Reef Fish Angler. Sign up for this no cost required designation even if you are normally exempt from purchasing a fishing license at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS.

Florida Coral Crew If you want healthy, beautiful coral reefs and would like more information about Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease and what the FWC and partners are doing to help, join the Crew and sign up today: FLCoralCrew.com. And while you’re out enjoying the water this summer, remember these tips:  Avoid touching corals while diving. Don’t anchor near corals. Clean diving gear between dive sites. Use environmentally friendly sunscreens.

Catch a Florida Memory William Lux with his first ever tripletail that earned him a Catch a Florida Memory Reel Big Fish Recognition and qualified him for Reel Big Fish Tier 1 Recognition.  From the angler: "My line started zipping off the reel and I knew I had a good fish on! It fought really hard and I thought it was a shark but when I saw it was a tripletail, I was super excited! This was one of the top species of fish I’ve been wanting to catch for a long time. So excited I finally got one and from a pier of all things! I can’t wait for my dad to cook it on the grill, I heard they are one of the best fish to eat." Submit saltwater catches and earn rewards Have you caught a Florida memory? Submit photos of your saltwater catches to earn rewards for various achievements while targeting a diversity of species and reducing fishing pressure on the most commonly sought-after catches. Saltwater Fish Life List: Can you catch all 70 species? Saltwater Reel Big Fish: Recognition for extraordinary-sized catches. Saltwater Grand Slams: Earn rewards for catching three specific fish in 24 hours. Join the Triple Threat Club and earn even more prizes (including a long sleeve performance fishing shirt and more) by participating in all three programs. Anglers must qualify for each of the three programs to be eligible. FWC also manages the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records program. Link for more information: CatchaFloridaMemory.com

Learn how our partner, the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, helps the FWC achieve its mission.         Subscribe to their newsletter.

Do you buy fishing gear? Fuel up your boat? Purchase a fishing license? Every time you do, you improve fishing opportunities through the federal Sport Fish Restoration program (SFR). Learn more about how you contribute and programs SFR supports at MyFWC.com/SFR.

Contact us at 850-487-0554 or Marine@MyFWC.com Sign up for Fishing in the Know and other Newsletters at MyFWC.com by clicking “Subscribe.”

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