[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), at its April 17 meeting near Tallahassee, moved forward unanimously with a proposal to make tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release-only fisheries.
The tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release-only proposal includes the following potential changes for management in state and federal waters off Florida:
Eliminating all harvest of tarpon with the exception of the harvest or possession of a single tarpon when in pursuit of an IGFA record and in conjunction with a tarpon tag.
Keeping the tarpon tag price at $50 per tag but limiting them to one tag per person, per year.
2013 Fishing Regulations – Florida
Modifying the tarpon tag program, including reporting requirements and shifting the start and end date for when the tarpon tag is valid.
Discontinuing the bonefish tournament exemption permit that allows tournament anglers to temporarily possess bonefish for transport to a tournament scale.
The proposal will be brought back before the Commission for a final public hearing at its June meeting in Lakeland.
In a separate discussion, the Commission also reviewed how gear is being used for the tarpon fishery in Boca Grande Pass. The Commission directed staff to re-examine the definition of snagging and redefine what gear can be used in the Pass. This issue will likely be brought before the Commission at the June meeting as a draft proposal.
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