Freshwater Fishing: Regulations

2008-2009

This is an up-to-date summary of Florida's freshwater fishing rules and regulations.  Click the cover above for an animated easy-to-browse version.  Or scroll down, note that most browsers can search a web page such as this one for particular text (Control-F will often initiate this service). It provides a convenient way to search for a particular water body (e.g., Okeechobee), species (e.g., striped bass) or technique (e.g., trotlines). A complete printable version (6 mb, PDF file)  of this summary is also available. [Instructions for using PDF files and downloading free reader].

Index

Commissioners
Additional Regulatory Links
New Regulation Changes for 2008-2009
General Statewide Bag and Length Limits
Special Regs
Mussels
License Fees & Exemptions
  (article on fees)
Methods of Taking Freshwater Fish
Methods of Taking Bait
Fish Management Area Regulations
---Note: The following content sections are on different pages, use your back key to return here if desired---

Recreational Fishing and Licenses--Why and what for?
Mercury Health Advisory
Questions & Answers
Sportfish Restoration
Fish Identification
"Big Catch" Angler Recognition Program
Regional Offices/Map/Address/Phone Numbers
Florida Boating Regulations and Course
Penalties for Violating these Rules
Florida Bass Conservation Center
Wildlife Alert--Report Violators
Frequently Answered Questions (including crayfish, turtle, and mussel information, and background on why certain rules exist)
 

Additional Regulatory Resourses (Up to Index)

This summary refers to freshwater sportfishing only, for other regulations see the following:

Saltwater regulations (PDF format; 2.2 mb)
Freshwater commercial fishing rules (HTML).  It is also available in a printable copy in (PDF format; 4 mb.0).
The Florida Administrative Code and Florida Administrative weekly, where you can sign up for notices of proposed changes.
The Wildlife Code (PDF format; 2.5 mb).
The Florida Constitution (See Article IV, Section 9 for the FWC)
The Florida Statutes (especially Chapter 379 for FWC issues). 
Code of Angler Ethics (PDF format).

Commissioners (Up to Index)

Rodney Barreto, Chairman, Miami
Brian S. Yablonski, Vice Chairman, Tallahassee
Kathy Barco, Jacksonville
Ronald M. Bergeron, Ft. Lauderdale
Richard A. Corbett, Tampa
David K. Meehan, St. Petersburg
Dwight Stephenson, Delray Beach
Kenneth W. Wright, Winter Park

Staff

Ken Haddad, Executive Director
Nick Wiley, Assistant Executive Director
Darrell Scovell, Director Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management 

New Regulations/Changes for 2008-2009 (Up to Index)

• A new rule prohibits taking of fish or wildlife with firearms on 38 fish management areas (FMAs), rather than completely prohibiting firearms on those areas.

• The following lakes associated with the Fish Orlando! project have been removed from the fish management area system: lakes Lorna Doone (Orange County); Richmond (Orange County); Kirkman Pond (Orange County); and Lake Dot (Seminole County). The rule also prohibits possession and use of cast nets in lakes Ivanhoe (Orange County) and Santiago (Orange County), which remain part of the Fish Orlando! project.

• The dates Joe Budd Pond FMA (Gadsden County) are open to public fishing will be es­tablished by executive order to allow chang­es to be tailored to changing conditions related to fish camp dates and classroom activities at Joe Budd Aquatic Education Center. For 2008, Joe Budd Pond will be closed to fishing, except as authorized by permit for Commission-sanctioned events. Open to fishing during daylight hours on July 4, 2008 and Saturdays and Sundays from July 5th through August 31, and Labor Day (Monday, September 1) 2008, as speci­fied by order of the Executive Director.

• At Tenoroc FMA (Polk County), visitors may check in and out at additional desig­nated entry points and permitted alligator hunters are exempt from the requirement to enter at designated entry points. The rule also renamed lakes East Pasture and West Pasture to Pine Lakes and increased angling opportunities in these two lakes to include licensed anglers when ac­companied by a child under 16 years old. Other changes at Tenoroc include limiting discharge of firearms to the firing range or at FWC-sponsored events and requiring dogs to be leashed, except as authorized by FWC.

• Another rule change redefined species that may be taken with a dip net, cast net (1-inch maximum stretched mesh), trap or minnow seine for use as bait. Those species are golden shiners of any size and other freshwater nongame fish (including catfish) less than 8 inches total length, unless specifically prohibited. This replaces less-specific language that previously referred to minnows of nongame fish.

• Nongame freshwater fish may be taken with cast nets of any mesh size in the South and Northeast regions, in Citrus County, and in most of the Southwest Region. The exception is that possession or use of cast nets in waters adjoining Saddle Creek FMA (in Polk County) is prohibited. This rule removes the size limit on cast nets in the South Region.

• A new rule requires fishing gear such as hoop nets, wire traps, slat baskets, trotlines, bush hooks and setlines to be clearly and legibly marked with the fisherman’s name and address. This enables better enforce­ment and removal of abandoned gear or improperly positioned gear, such as gear that is in too shallow water, which would create a navigation hazard.

• The black bass length regulation on Lake Okeechobee is now an 18-inch or greater minimum length limit. Also, a new rule establishes a 10-inch or greater minimum length for black crappie on the lake. Bag limits remain unchanged.

• In addition, the boundary definition for Lake Okeechobee now includes that por­tion of the C-41-A Canal from the intersec­tion of the C-38 Canal upstream to the S-84 structure.

• The black bass regulation on Lake Trafford was changed and specifies that all bass must be 18 inches or greater in total length and only one bass may be 22 inches or greater in total length.

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General Statewide Bag and Length Limits (Up to Index)

Special bag and length limits apply to some lakes, rivers (see Special Limits) and Fish Management Areas (see FMAs). Other fishes considered to be nongame fishes have no bag or possession limits, except as noted in individual Fish Management Area regulations. (Note:  Total length is the maximum length of the fish, with the mouth closed and the tail fin pinched together. The best way to obtain this length is to push the fish's snout up against a vertical surface with the mouth closed and the fish laying along a tape measure, then pinch the tail fin closed and determine the total length. Do NOT pull a flexible tape measure along the curve of the fish.  Illustrated instructions on measuring fish and estimating weight are also available from our fish identification and biology page.)

Possession limit is two days’ bag limit. It is illegal to transport or possess more than two days’ bag limit of fish per licensed angler without a commercial license. Exceptions are fish legally acquired from aqua culturists (fish farmers) for use in aquaria, for brood stock, pond stocking or properly marked for the market. Fish may not be filleted nor their head or tail removed until the angler is finished fishing for the day to allow confirmation of measurements. Non-native fishes, except for peacock bass and triploid grass carp, should not be returned to the water, and should be consumed or disposed of properly. No freshwater fish or their eggs may be taken or possessed except as permitted by these rules nor shall anyone wantonly or willfully waste the same.

5 Black bass (largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, and shoal bass, individually or in total), only one of which may be 22 inches or longer in total length.

• In south Florida (see map): only one bass may be 14 inches in total length or longer.
• South and east of the Suwannee River (see map): black bass less than 14 inches in total length must be released immediately.
• In the Suwannee River (see map), areas north and west of the Suwannee River, and in any tributary river, creek or stream of the Suwannee River: black bass less than 12 inches in total length must be released immediately.

50 Panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknockers), warmouth and redbreast sunfish, individually or in total.

25 Black Crappie (speckled perch).

20 Striped bass, white bass, and sunshine bass (individually or in total), of which only 6 may be 24 inches or longer in total length.

• In the Suwannee River, areas north and west of the Suwannee River, and in any tributary, creek or stream of the Suwannee River:  the bag limit for striped bass is 3, each of which must be at least 18 inches in total length (20 fish combined bag limit).

2 Butterfly peacock bass, only one of which may be 17 inches or longer in total length.

(NOTE: It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar without a permit.)

Special Bag and Length Limits (Up to Index)

(Excluding Fish Management Areas)

See Fish Management Area regulations for bag and length limits for lakes in the Fish Management Area system.

Jim Woodruff Reservoir, Lake Seminole: 10 black bass, all of which must be at least 12 inches in total length; 15 striped bass, white bass and sunshine bass (individually or in total), of which no more than 2 may be 22 inches or longer in total length; 30 crappie (speckled perch), in total; 50 panfish (does not include crappie); 15 pickerel (chain, grass and redfin). Possession limit is 50 fish total, regardless of species.   (See special brochure with map, PDF, or HTML)

St. Marys River: St. Marys River and it tributaries: 10 black bass, all of which must be at least 12 inches in total length; 2 striped bass, sunshine bass or white bass, both of which must be at least 22 inches in total length; 30 black crappie (speckled perch); 50 total panfish (does not include crappie); 15 pickerel (chain, grass and redfin).

Lake Talquin, Leon and Gadsden counties: Black bass caught that are shorter than 18 inches in total length and crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Lake Jackson, Leon County: Black bass less than 18 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Lake Kerr, Marion County, including Little Lake Kerr: No person shall kill or possess any black bass 15 inches or more in total length and less than 24 inches in total length. No person shall take in any one day more than three black bass of which only one may be 24 inches or longer in total length.

Wildcat Lake, Marion County (Ocala National Forest), Black bass must be released immediately.

Edward Medard Reservoir, Hillsborough County: Black bass caught from 15 to 24 inches in total length must be released immediately. Black bass bag limit is three.

St. Johns River Water Management Area (Farm 13, including the Stick Marsh), Indian River and Brevard counties: Black bass must be released immediately.

S.N. Knight Tract, Indian River County (locally known as Kenansville Lake): Black bass must be released immediately.

Lake Weohyakapka (Walk-in-Water), Polk County: Black bass from 15 to 24 inches in total length must be released immediately. Black bass bag limit is three, only one of which may be 24 inches in total length or longer.

Lake Okeechobee, including Harney Pond Canal (C-41) north of S.R. 78 to water control structure S-71; Indian Prairie Canal (C-40) north of S.R. 78 to water control structure S-72; all of Taylor Creek and Nubbin Slough; C-38 Canal/ Kissimmee River south of water control structure S-65E to S.R. 78, and C-41-A Canal, from the intersection of the C-38 Canal upstream to the S-84 structure, Okeechobee County: Black bass less than 18 inches in total length must be released immediately; crappie (speckled perch) less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Lake Trafford (Collier County): Five black bass, each must be 18 inches or greater in total length and only one fish may be 22 inches or greater in total length.

Fishing License Fees (Up to Index)
(To Purchase a License Online, Click Here)

Licensing requirements follow the species of fish you are fishing for, regardless of where you are fishing. For example, anglers fishing for and possessing largemouth bass in brackish water need a freshwater license; anglers fishing for saltwater species in fresh water (e.g., spotted seatrout, red drum, snook, or American shad) need a saltwater license to possess these species.  (See article on fishing license fees)

Resident:
For the purpose of fishing in Florida, a person is a resident if he or she has lived in Florida for six continuous months prior to applying for licenses and claims Florida as his or her primary residence. Active military personnel stationed in Florida, including their spouses and dependent children residing in the household, are considered residents when purchasing fishing licenses.

Resident 12-Month Freshwater Fishing
(Valid for 12 months from specified beginning date) ...$17.00

Resident Freshwater Fishing/Hunting Combination (Valid 12 months from specified beginning date...$32.50

Resident Freshwater/Saltwater Combination (Valid 12 months from specified beginning date)...$32.50

Resident Freshwater/Saltwater/Hunting Combination (Valid 12 months from specified beginning date)...$48.00

64 or Older Fishing/Hunting (Includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits)...$13.50

Sportsman's License: (Includes Freshwater Fishing and Hunting licenses; and Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, Turkey and Florida Waterfowl permits) Valid 12 months from specified beginning date...$80.50

Gold Sportsman's License: Includes all licenses and permits in the Sportsman's License plus Saltwater Fishing, Crawfish and Snook permits...$100.00

Military Gold Sportsman’s License *Available only to Florida residents who are active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve), upon submission of a current military identification card and military orders showing you are stationed in Florida or a Florida Drivers License. This license can only be purchased at county tax collectors’ offices....$20.00

Nonresident:
3-Day Freshwater Fishing (Valid three days from specified beginning date)...$17.00

7-Day Freshwater Fishing (Valid for seven consecutive days from specified beginning date)...$30.00

12-Month Freshwater Fishing (Valid for 12 months from specified beginning date)...$47.00

Licenses may be purchased from county tax collectors or their subagents, who are generally located at tackle shops, fish camps and sporting goods stores. In addition to license and stamp fees listed above, subagents are entitled to an additional 50 cents. License fees are set by the Florida Legislature and are subject to change. Check our Web site for updates.

Lifetime Licenses are also available and make great gifts.

Freshwater License Exemptions (Up to Index)

• Florida residents 65 years of age or older who possess either a Resident Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate, or proof of age and residency.

• Florida residents certified as totally and permanently disabled, who possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing Certificate. Applicants need to provide a certification of total and permanent disability from the United States Armed Forces, Railroad Retirement Board, Florida Worker’s Compensation or the United States Veterans Administration. Alternatively, current documentation from the Social Security Administration for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits is accepted

• Any person who has been accepted as a client for developmental disabilities by the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities upon submission of proof.

• Children under 16 years of age.

• Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License holders.

• Any resident who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and is not stationed in Florida, home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.

• Any resident fishing in the county of his or her residence with live or natural bait, using poles or hand lines without a reel or other line retrieval mechanism (cane pole), for noncommercial purposes.

• Anyone fishing in a private fishing pond less than 20 acres. A private pond is a man-made pond constructed for the primary purpose of fishing, entirely within the property
  lines of the owner and with no surface water connection to public waters.

• Anyone fishing in a private pond of 20 acres or more where the pond owner has purchased a fish pond license at a fee of $3 per surface acre.

• Any person fishing in their county of residence on the homestead of their spouse or minor child, or any minor child fishing on the homestead of their parent.

• Anyone fishing in the St. Marys River or Lake Seminole (but not including tributary creeks in Florida), who has a valid Georgia fishing license.

• Anyone fishing during Free Fishing Weekend, April 4-5, 2009.

• Attention Florida and Georgia seniors (65 or older): Since 1988, Florida and Georgia have had a reciprocal agreement that honors exemptions for freshwater fishing license fees when seniors from one state fishes in the other state. Effective July 1, 2008, this reciprocal agreement will be discontinued, and you will be required to purchase a nonresident fishing license when Florida residents fish in Georgia or when Georgia residents fish in Florida. Visit MyFWC.com for further information on this issue.

NOTE: Any resident fishing for mullet in fresh water who has a valid Florida freshwater fishing
license does not need a saltwater license.

Note: A valid Fishing License is required to fish by any method in a Fish Management Area.

Although the above exemptions apply, individuals may always choose to purchase a license as a way to contribute to fish and wildlife conservation. Purchasing a license also helps the FWC receive more of the excise taxes spent on fishing tackle and motor boat fuels under Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration. (See Heritage ad)

Methods of Taking Freshwater Fish (Up to Index)

Game fish and nongame fish may be taken with pole and line or rod and reel. There is no limit on the number of rods an angler may use.

Freshwater fish may not be taken by use of any free-floating, unattached device, or by use of firearms, explosives, electricity, spear gun, poison or other chemicals. The taking of fish by underwater swimming or diving is prohibited. It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale or transport out of the state any freshwater game fish unless specifically permitted by the FWC, except that licensed anglers may transport two days' bag limit of legally harvested game fish.

It is illegal to possess any freshwater fish along with gear that cannot legally be used to take freshwater fish, including gear types listed above and below for taking nongame fish or bait. An exception is game fish may be possessed together with cast nets having a stretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch; minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in diameter; minnow seines having a stretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch, a length not more than 20 feet and a depth not more than 4 feet; and minnow traps not more than 24 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter, with a funnel entrance not more than 1 inch in spread.

It is illegal to fillet or remove the head or tail fin of black bass, striped bass, white bass, Sunshine bass (striped bass x white bass hybrid), peacock bass, black crappie and panfish (where special black crappie or panfish size or bag limits are in effect) until after you have completed fishing for the day.

Nongame fish may be taken:

By bush hook, setline or trotline baited with cut bait or other substance; but not including live game fish or any part of any game fish; bush hooks, setlines or trotlines (limited to 25 hooks total) are permitted for taking nongame fish for personal use, but only in those areas where trotlines may be lawfully used in accordance with the Wildlife Code of the State of Florida. Refer to the Commercial Freshwater Fisheries Rules and Regulations Summary.

Nongame fish may be taken at night by bow and arrow and gigs.

Nongame fish may also be taken during daylight hours by manually operated spears, gigs, snatch hooks, crossbow or bow and arrow from a boat or from shore except at the spillways of the Eureka and Rodman dams on the Oklawaha River or on the spillway of the Jim Woodruff Dam on the Apalachicola River or in Dade County canals south of the C-4 and east of the L-31N and L-31W canals inclusively.

Nongame fish may be taken by the use of cast nets in the South and Northeast regions, in Citrus County, and in the Southwest Region, except that possession or use of cast nets in waters adjoining Saddle Creek Fish Management Area, Polk County, confined by Morgan Combee Road, U.S. Highway 92 and Fish Hatchery Road are prohibited.

Using a bow and light at night. Night bowfishing tournaments do not require a permit in the Northwest Region.

By netting and impounding at night from Sept. 1 to May 1 in specified waters in Northwest Florida. Nets used to take nongame fish in these specified waters must be less than 100 feet in length, have a minimum 3-inch stretched mesh and shall be continuously attended to ensure immediate release of any trapped game fish. Contact the Northwest Regional office for details.

Freshwater passive fishing gear (where the harvester does not have to be present all the time), such as hoop nets, wire traps, slat baskets, trotlines, bush hooks, and setlines must be clearly and legibly marked with the harvester’s name and address while being used or possessed in or upon the waters of the state. This applies to both commercial and recreational users.  (Note: Fishing rods and reels do not need to be marked.)

Game and Nongame Freshwater Fish

Game Fish - black bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish, flier, mud sunfish, longear sunfish, shadow bass, peacock bass, white bass, striped bass and sunshine bass.

Nongame Fish - all freshwater fish are defined
as non-game fish, except grass carp and fish defined as freshwater game fish. Note: Alligator gar require a scientific collector’s permit to take.

Prohibited Gear for Taking Marine Species in Fresh Water

Spearfishing: Use of any hand or mechanically propelled, single or multi-pronged spear or lance, barbed or barbless, to harvest or attempt to harvest any marine species while diving in freshwater is prohibited.

Spearfishing for mullet in freshwater is prohibited. 

Methods of Taking Bait (Up to Index)

Freshwater shrimp and golden shiners of any size, or other freshwater nongame fish, including
catfish, less than 8 inches total length may be taken for bait, unless specifically prohibited by the following methods:

• Cast nets having a stretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch in fresh waters of the state unless specifically prohibited.

• Minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in diameter.

• Minnow seines having a stretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch, a length not more than 20 feet, and a depth not more than 4 feet.

• Minnow traps not more than 24 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter, with a funnel entrance not more than 1 inch in spread.

• Any game fish taken by these methods must be released immediately.

• Taking of bait for the purpose of sale requires a commercial fishing license.

Use of Fish for Bait

• Black bass, peacock bass or any part thereof may not be used as bait.

• Live goldfish or carp may not be used as bait.

• Whole pickerel or bream (e.g., bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish, flier, warmouth) or parts thereof may be used as bait for sportfishing by he angler who caught them.

•  Whole pickerel or bream or parts thereof may not be used as bait for trotlines or bush hooks or any method other than by rod and reel or pole and line.

Fish Management Area Regulations (Up to Index)

General Regulations for Fish Management Areas

1. A fishing license is required for residents from 16 to 64 years of age, and for nonresidents 16 or more years of age, to fish by any method, including cane poles, on a Fish Management Area. Refer to Fishing License Fees for exemptions.
2. The possession of fishing tackle is prohibited on any Fish Management Area that is closed to fishing.
3. bag limits and methods of taking freshwater fish apply except as provided for
   a particular Fish Management Area.
   
4. The possession of nets (other than legal minnow seines, cast nets or dip nets), fish traps, trotlines or setlines is prohibited unless specifically authorized by rules established for a particular Fish Management Area.
   
5. Persons entering or leaving Fish Management Areas that have designated entry points shall enter or leave only at such designated points.
   
6. Any vehicle, boat or other transportation device may be searched while in, entering or leaving a Fish Management Area.
   
7. Fish Management Areas may be temporarily closed to accommodate management projects (e.g., drawdowns), or if unsafe conditions exist, or as otherwise specified in a specific Fish Management Area rule.
   
8. Intentional release of wildlife or freshwater fish on Fish Management Areas is prohibited.

Northwest Region
(see map for regions)

Juniper Bay Lake, Walton County: open to fishing.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lake Piney Z, Leon County: open to fishing.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Swimming, and possession of firearms or alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Watercraft shall be allowed only as authorized by the City of Tallahassee.
Access is prohibited from sunset until sunrise.

Lake Victor, Holmes County: open to fishing.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers.

Merritt's Mill Pond, Jackson County: open to fishing.
The taking of fish and wildlife with rifles is prohibited.
Gigs are prohibited.
Trotlines may be used.
Redear sunfish (shellcracker) bag limit: 10
Redear sunfish less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Hurricane Lake, Okaloosa County: open to fishing.
Black bass less than 18 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers.

Karick Lake, Okaloosa County: open to fishing.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers.

Lake Stone, Escambia County: open to fishing.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers.

Bear Lake, Santa Rosa County: open to fishing.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers.

Joe Budd Pond, Gadsden County: Closed to fishing, except as authorized by permit for Commission-sanctioned events. Open to fishing during daylight hours on July 4, 2008 and Saturdays and Sundays from July 5th through August 31, and Labor Day (Monday, September 1) 2008, as specified by order of the Executive Director.
No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Panfish daily limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Sunshine bass bag limit: 10
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.

North Central Region
(see map for regions)

St. Augustine Road ponds (North and South), Duval County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Swimming, possession of firearms or alcoholic beverages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Oceanway Pond, Duval County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise to
30 minutes after sunset.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Swimming, possession of firearms or alcoholic beverages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Hanna Park ponds, Duval County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise
until 30 minutes after sunset.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Pope Duval East and West ponds, Duval
County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages, and use of cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Bethesda Pond, Duval County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until
30 minutes after sunset.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages,
and use of cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Huguenot Pond, Duval County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until
30 minutes after sunset.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages,
and use of cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Crystal Springs Park, Duval County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
No person between ages of 16 years and 64 years shall fish unless accompanied by
an angler less than 16 years of age or by an angler 65 years of age or older, by a disabled angler or by an angler who is a client of the Florida Department of Health.
Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages,
and use of cast nets are prohibited.
Boats are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Camp Blanding area, Clay County:
Indefinitely closed by the Army National Guard for security reasons. If the area is reopened to fishing, the following rules are in effect:
Magnolia and Lowry Lakes will be open to fishing on days and times determined
by the Camp Blanding post commander. Openings may be changed at discretion of Post Commander to accommodate military training. All anglers will be required to check into and out of the area at a manned check station.

Guns are prohibited for taking of fish or wildlife except during designated hunting seasons for Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area.
Boat launching are permitted only at designated areas.
Camping is prohibited.
During periods closed to hunting, vehicles may be operated only on roads to designated access areas.
Use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited.
All watercraft shall be operated at idle speed only.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Alligator Lake, Columbia County: open to fishing.
Fishing is prohibited in Ponderosa Pond except for authorized groups permitted by Columbia County Landscape and Parks Dept., (386) 719-7545.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Eagle Lake, Hamilton County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Swimming and possession of firearms are prohibited.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Ronnie Vanzant Park, Clay County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise
until 30 minutes after sunset.
Boats or any floating vessel apparatus are prohibited.
No swimming or camping.
No person between ages of 16 years and 64 years shall fish unless accompanied by
an angler less than 16 years of age.
Fishing permitted only with hook and line or rod and reel.
Nets are prohibited, except for dip nets.
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lake Lochloosa, including Tadpole and Lochloosa creeks; Orange Lake, including Orange Lake proper, and waters south and east of CR 346, and west of U.S. Highway 301; and Cross Creek; Alachua and Marion counties: open to fishing.
Black bass 15 inches or more total length and less than 24 inches must be released
immediately.
Black bass bag limit: 3
No bag limit for channel catfish.
Trotlines having a gallon-sized plastic float at each end may be used, provided that such lines are sunk to the bottom or to a minimum depth of 4 feet.

Newnans Lake, Alachua County: open to fishing.
Trotlines having a gallon-sized plastic float at each end may be used, provided that such lines are sunk to the bottom or to a minimum depth of 4 feet.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Suwannee Lake, Suwannee County: open to fishing.
No camping.
No motor vehicles on dam and fishing fingers.
Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Access to the area from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise for any use other than fishing and launching and loading of boats is prohibited.
Black bass less than 18 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
No bag limit on channel catfish.

Koon Lake, Lafayette County: open to fishing.
Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
No bag limit on channel catfish.

Montgomery Lake, Columbia County: open to fishing.
Boats are restricted to idle speed - no wake.
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Crappie bag limit: 10
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Watertown Lake, Columbia County: open to fishing.
Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Watercraft shall be operated only at idle speed before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. daily.
Black bass less than 16 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Crappie bag limit: 10
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lang Lake, Hamilton County: open to fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass less than 18 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is prohibited, except by written permission of the landowner.

Northeast Region
(see map for regions)

East Lake Tohopekaliga, Osceola County: open to fishing.
No bag limit for channel catfish.
Minnow lift nets and trotlines may be used.

Lake Jackson, Osceola County: open to fishing.
Cast nets, minnow lift nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Crappie less than 12 inches in total length must be released immediately.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Lake Marian, Osceola County: open to fishing.
No bag limit for channel catfish.
Minnow lift nets, fish traps and trotlines may be used.

Lakes Tohopekaliga (West Lake Tohopekaliga), Cypress, Hatchineha, and
Kissimmee, Osceola and Polk counties: open to fishing.
No bag limit for channel catfish.
Minnow lift nets, fish traps and trotlines may be used.

Lake Panasoffkee, Sumter County: open to fishing.
Trotlines may be used.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Chain of Lakes, Lake County (Cook, Winona, Palatlakaha, Crescent, Louisa, Minnehaha, Hiawatha, Minneola, Wilson, Susan and Cherry): open to fishing.
Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m.
No bag limit on channel catfish.

Lake Griffin, Lake County: open to fishing.
Trotlines are prohibited from 9 a.m. Friday until one hour before sunset on Sunday.
Trotlines are prohibited from 9 a.m. until one hour before sunset Monday through
Thursday from May 1 through October 31.
No trotline may be secured to or fished within 50 yards of a private pier or dock.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Pellicer Pond, Flagler County: open to fishing.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lake Dias, Volusia County: open to fishing.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Fox Lake, Brevard County: open to fishing.
No airboats for fishing or frogging.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

South Lake, Brevard County: open to fishing.
No airboats for fishing or frogging.
Trotlines may be used.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Lake Ivanhoe, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Cast nets are prohibited.

Lake Santiago in Demetree Park, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Boats are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Cast nets are prohibited.

Hal-Scott Lake, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass must be released immediately.

Bear Creek Park, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Shadow Bay Park, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Bluegill bag limit: 5
Bluegill less than 12 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Channel catfish bag limit: 1
Channel catfish less than 30 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Black bass must be released immediately.

Clear Lake, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lake Lawne, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Starke Lake, Orange County: open to fishing.
Cast nets cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Turkey Lake, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass must be released immediately.
Except for sanctioned events, gasoline motors may not be used on boats.

Lake Underhill, Orange County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass must be released immediately.

Secret Lake, Seminole County: open to fishing.
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Personal watercraft are prohibited.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass must be released immediately.

Lake Blue Cypress, Indian River County: open to fishing.
Trotlines may be used.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Southwest Region
(see map for regions)

Lake Tarpon, Pinellas County: open to fishing.
Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. the following morning, Sunday through Thursday.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Lake Seminole, Pinellas County: open to fishing.
Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Bobby Hicks Park Pond, Hillsborough County: open to fishing.
Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is prohibited.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Crappie bag limit: 10
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Gadsden Park Pond, Hillsborough County: open to fishing.
Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms is prohibited.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Crappie bag limit: 10
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lake Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County: open to fishing.
Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Lake Parker, Polk County: open to fishing.
Wire traps may be used for nongame fish.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Saddle Creek Park, Polk County: open to fishing.
Cast nets are prohibited.
Black bass 15 inches or more in total length and less than 24 inches in total length
must be released immediately.
Black bass bag limit: 3
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Lakes Tohopekaliga (West Lake Tohopekaliga), Cypress, Hatchineha, and Kissimmee), Polk and Osceola counties: open to fishing.
No bag limits for channel catfish.
Minnow lift nets, fish traps and trotlines may be used.

Manatee Lake, Manatee County: open to fishing.
Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.
Outboard motors more than 20 h.p. may not be used.
No bag limit for channel catfish.

Webb Lake, Charlotte County: open to fishing during posted hours.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Vehicles may be used only on designated roads.

Marl Pits 1 and 3, Charlotte County: open to fishing.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass must be released immediately.

Marl Pit 2, Charlotte County: open to fishing.
Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) less than 10 inches must be released immediately.
Bluegill and redear sunfish combined bag limit: 10
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass must be released immediately.

Tenoroc Fish Management Area, Polk County (Click here to go to their web page) Fishing, hunting or trapping is allowed only by FWC permit. All anglers and hunters must check in and out at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area headquarters and deposit their valid fishing or hunting license with the custodian unless otherwise instructed.
Days and hours of operation and quotas shall be as designated by the FWC and posted at area headquarters (currently Friday through Monday only). Quotas will be established for each lake, and fishing is permitted in designated lakes only. Lakes may be closed to public access for management purposes or if access to the lake exposes the public to danger, by posting notice at the Tenoroc check station office. Quotas for open lakes may be temporarily increased to accommodate anglers during times when other lakes are closed due to management construction projects, road repair, unsafe access or special recreational events.
Discharge of firearms is limited to the FWC firing range or at FWC sponsored events,
All dogs must be leashed, except as authorized by FWC.

Unless otherwise specified, harvest restrictions are as follows:
Crappie bag limit: 10
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Sunshine bass bag limit: 6
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Black bass must be released immediately.
Fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fins removed, until the angler has completed fishing for the day.
Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
No person shall have any gun under his/her control while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Public access is prohibited in areas posted as "Restricted" for protection of threatened or endangered species, or environmentally sensitive areas.
Motor vehicles may be operated only on named roads, designated parking areas, and fishing ramps as designated in the area use brochure.
Vehicles may not obstruct designated roads, boat ramps and fire lanes.
Swimming and float tubes are prohibited.

Regulations for Tenoroc water bodies are as follows:

Lakes A, Butterfly, C, F, Fish Hook, G, Half-Moon, Horseshoe, Hydrilla, Legs Lost, Lake East, Lost Lake West, Tern, 2, 3, and 4 (primitive launch only on Butterfly,
F, Fish Hook, G, Half-Moon, Lost Lake East, Lost Lake West, and Tern):
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.

Lakes B and 5:
Boats are restricted to idle speed-no wake.
Black bass greater than 15 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Black bass bag limit: 2

Picnic Lake:
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Black bass bag limit: 2
Black bass greater than 15 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Pine (formerly East and West Pasture Lakes) and Derby Lakes:
Boats may not be used.
Closed to fishing unless authorized by FWC permit for agency-sanctioned events except for anglers who have been certified by the U.S. Veterans Administration, U.S. Social Security Administration, by any branch of the U.S. Armed Services, or by a licensed physician in this state to be totally and permanently disabled and has obtained a permanent license issued pursuant to 373.561 (5)(b),F.S. or unless that person presents proof of acceptance as a client for retardation services by the Department of Health. One properly licensed person may fish if accompanying or assisting a permitted individual as described above.
Other than the anglers described above, no person 16 years or older shall fish on Derby Lake unless accompanied by a child under 16 years of age.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Anglers may keep no more than 5 bluegill and redear sunfish 8 inches or longer in total length per day.

Cemetery Lake:
Boats may not be used.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Anglers may keep no more than 5 bluegill and redear sunfish 8 inches or longer in total length per day.

Lake Crago:
Largemouth bass, crappie and sunshine bass: statewide size and bag limits apply.
Wire traps may be used for nongame fish.
Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m.
No bag limit for channel catfish.
Boats are restricted to idle speed-no wake.

Freedom Lake Park, Pinellas County:  open to fishing.
Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife ■■with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Dover District Park Lake, Hillsborough County: open to fishing.
Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Swimming, and possession of firearms or alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Steven J. Wortham Park Lake, Hillsborough County: open to fishing.
Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms or possession of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Al Lopez Park Lake, Hillsborough County: open to fishing.
Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Swimming, and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms are prohibited.

Largo Central Park Nature Preserve, Pinellas County: open to fishing
Cast nets and minnow seines are prohibited.
No person shall kill or possess any black bass.
No person shall take in any one (1) day more than twenty (20) panfish, in the aggregate.
No person shall kill or possess more than ten (10) crappie. No person shall kill or possess any crappie less than ten inches (10") in total length.
Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms and possession of alcoholic beverages
are prohibited.

Walsingham Park Lake, Pinellas County: open to fishing.
Cast nets or minnow seines are prohibited.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Swimming and taking of fish or wildlife with firearms and possession of alcoholic beverages
are prohibited.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Sunshine bass bag limit: 4
Sunshine bass less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Crappie bag limit: 10

Middle Lake, Pasco County: open to fishing.
Watercraft shall be operated at idle speed only.
Swimming, taking of fish or wildlife with firearms, camping or open fires at the boat launch site are prohibited.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches in total length must be released
immediately.
Crappie bag limit: 10
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Lake Istokpoga, Highlands County: open to fishing.
No bag limit for channel catfish.
Black bass 15 inches or more in total length and less than 24 inches must be released immediately.
Black bass bag limit: 3
Only 1 black bass may be 24 inches or greater in total length.
Nongame fish may be taken by cast nets, dip nets, seines, trotlines, set lines, bush hooks and wire traps. Refer to the Florida Commercial Freshwater Fisheries brochure.

Mosaic Fish Management Area (formerly Cargill Fort Meade Mine), Polk and Hardee counties: open to fishing.
Fishing is allowed only by daily permit issued by the FWC.
All anglers must check in and out at the Cargill Fort Meade Mine creel station, the designated entry point, unless otherwise instructed.
Days and hours of operation and quotas shall be as designated by the FWC and posted at the Cargill Fort Meade Mine creel station. Fishing is permitted in designated lakes only. All other lakes and restricted areas, so posted, are closed to public fishing. Any lake may be temporarily closed to public access for management purposes, or in the event that access to the lake exposes the public to danger, by posting notice at the creel station.

Unless otherwise specified, harvest restrictions are as follows:
Black bass must be released immediately.
Sunshine bass bag limit: 6
Crappie bag limit: 10
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Fish may not be filleted, nor their heads or tail fins removed, until the angler has checked out at the Cargill creel station. Disposal of fish remains is prohibited.
Taking of fish and wildlife with guns is prohibited.
Motor vehicles may be operated only on designated roads, parking areas and boat
ramps.
Vehicles may not obstruct designated roads, boat ramps and fire lanes.
Swimming and float tubes are prohibited.
Rough fish may be removed from designated lakes by cast nets and minnow seines by permission of the landowner.
Outboard motors more than 10 h.p. may not be used.

Regulations for individual water bodies are as follows.

Haul Road Pit:
Black bass longer than 15 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Black bass bag limit: 2

Long Pond (LP2 West):
No boats permitted.

Hardee County Park , Hardee County: open to fishing.
All anglers shall enter at the Park main entrance, the designated entry point, unless otherwise instructed.
Angling from a boat is allowed by entry pass issued by Hardee County. Angling from shore does not require an entry pass unless otherwise posted at the Park main entrance.
Days and hours of operation and quotas for freshwater fishing are posted at the Park main entrance. Fishing is permitted in designated lakes only. Any lake may be closed to public access by Hardee County for management purposes, or in the event that access to the lake exposes the public to danger, by posting notice at the Park main entrance.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Sunshine bass bag limit: 6
Panfish bag limit: 20
Crappie bag limit: 10
Crappie less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.
Catfish bag limit: 6
Fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed, until the angler has left the Park. Disposal of fish remains within Hardee County Park is prohibited.
Taking of fish and wildlife with guns is prohibited.
Motor vehicles may be operated only on designated roads, parking areas, and boat
ramps.
Vehicles may not obstruct designated roads, boat ramps and fire lanes.
Swimming and float tubes are prohibited.
Watercraft are restricted to idle speed-no wake.

South Region
(see map for regions)

Palm Lake, St. Lucie County: open to fishing.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Channel catfish bag limit: 6

Caloosa Park Lake, Palm Beach County: open to fishing.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Lake Okeeheelee, Palm Beach County: open to fishing.
Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches in total length must be released
immediately.

The northern most Tropical Park Lake, Miami-Dade County: open to fishing.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches in total length must be released
immediately.

Plantation Heritage Park Lake, Broward County: open to fishing.
Black bass must be released immediately.
Panfish bag limit: 20
Channel catfish bag limit: 6
Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches in total length must be released.