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2013 gag grouper recreational season set for Gulf State waters

Panhandle season to run July 1 – Dec. 3 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the 2013 recreational gag grouper season for Gulf of Mexico state waters at its meeting Feb. 13 in Orlando. The season in most state waters is slated to start July 1 and end Dec. 3. State waters off the coast of Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin counties, including waters of the Steinhatchee River, Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass, will have a gag...

Triggerfish regulations changing

FWC approves changes to rebuild Gulf gray triggerfish population The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved two changes to how gray triggerfish are managed in Gulf of Mexico state waters in an effort to help rebuild this overfished species. More than 60 percent of gray triggerfish caught in the Gulf of Mexico come from state and federal waters off Florida, which makes the state’s management of the species integral to the success of the federal rebuilding plan. The...

FWC proposing 44 day recreational red snapper season

Proposed 2013 season is inconsistent with the current proposed federal season, final decision to come in April The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed a 44-day recreational red snapper season for Gulf of Mexico state waters at its meeting Feb. 13 in Orlando. This season would start June 1 and end July 14. The proposed 2013 season is inconsistent with the current proposed federal season, which is currently expected to be about 27 days but may be shortened...

Tips on keeping up with fishing regulations from FWC

Stay informed with newest saltwater fishing publication Looking for an easy way to get all of your saltwater fishing regulation information in one place? You are in luck. The January – June 2013 Florida Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations booklets are on the shelf at many of your favorite bait and tackle stores. Pick up your own copy today but remember, they are only at stores that also sell saltwater fishing licenses. The newest edition has a striking photo of the...

Florida, we have a lionfish problem

Gone Coastal by Alan Peirce, FWC Let’s talk straight. Lionfish are a challenge. Native to the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, these beautiful yet venomous creatures are spreading through our waters like a bad cold. Within their native range, lionfish fit nicely into the natural food web and their populations remain in check. But not in Florida. Our native predatory fish are simply not ordering the new and bizarre-looking menu item, leaving little to control the lionfish population. Initial sightings...

Gray squirrel season opens early and other hunting dates to know

Outta The Woods by Tony Young, FWC Football season is in full swing, and the 2012-13 hunting season is cranking up. Heck, in Zone A, they’re already into general gun season. But for the rest of us, I’d like to cover some things you should know regarding three hunting seasons that are just around the corner: muzzleloading gun, gray squirrel and the first phase of dove. Immediately following the close of crossbow season in each zone, the muzzleloading gun season...

License-free saltwater fishing fun Saturday, Sept. 1

Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend? Get out on the water and experience some of Florida’s finest fishing. Saltwater recreational anglers can fish without a recreational fishing license on Sept. 1 as part of the state’s license-free fishing days. “Florida’s license-free fishing days are an excellent opportunity to share the fun, excitement and togetherness of a fishing trip with the entire family. This also is a great time for experienced anglers to introduce friends to the sport,...

Taking amberjacks to a whole new level

Panhandle best place in Florida to reel in the big jacks When I first heard my brother-in-law, James “Jim Bob” Higgins, talking about catching full-grown greater amberjack on spinning tackle and top-water plugs, I was a bit skeptical, to say the least. Old Jim Bob, who has caught his share of AJs out of Carrabelle, is known to tell a fish tale or two. But this one has been verified, and if you get a chance to see what I’m...