| There are many rules and regulations when it comes to Florida fishing. Many tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and fish camps offer fishing licenses to purchase. Prices can range from $13 to $84 depending on exactly what type of fishing you plan on doing and for what length of time you'd like to have a license. In Florida, a lifetime license is available but can cost over $1,000.
Bag limits are set for Florida fishing and apply to some rivers and lakes. Depending on where you are fishing, the length of the fish will be taken into consideration. If you are going Black bass fishing, you may only catch 5. Of those 5 only one may be 22 inches or longer. Black bass that are under 12 inches in length need to be released immediately. 50 Panfish or 20 striped bass all qualify for bag limits. Striped bass also has size limits. 6 striped bass may be 24 inches in length.
(Please check regulations, as they are always changing for all Florida fish
species).
An unusual law found in Florida fishing requires that no fish be filleted or has its head or tail removed until you have completed fishing for that day.
This is because Florida state water patrol may need to measure your fish. Black bass, goldfish, or carp or any part of these may not be used as bait.
Most of Florida's freshwater fish have been found safe to eat. There is a concern about the amount of mercury found in freshwater fish. The fish found in rivers, ponds, lakes, and creeks are more likely to have a harmful buildup of mercury. Fish to avoid are Puffer fish caught in waters from Volusia, Indian River, Brevard, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties. This fish can cause poisoning to the neurological system. Be sure to avoid this fish as cooking this fish will not rid the toxins it carries.
Fresh water Florida fishing can be a fun sport to participate in. Just take note that in Florida, you may not catch fresh water fish by using any unattached device, free floating device, or any chemicals. All fish must be taken with approved fishing gear, such as a fishing pole and line. It is also against the law to sell or transport any freshwater fish out of state.
You will always need to check for special regulations at the lake which you are fishing. Some lakes require immediate release of all Black bass while others may have a limit of 3. Most lakes will offer a flyer with rules and regulations to follow.
On a personal note I went fishing with a client of mine and he caught a 10
lb. bass at a protected lake just south of Tampa. He had to throw it back!
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