New catch-and-release measures for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout - in Tampa Bay only, due to red tide
After consulting with its partners, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC),has temporarily made snook, redfish and spotted seatrout catch-and-release only in Tampa Bay due to recent impacts from red tide, as of July 16 through September 16. This applies to the following areas:
MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
All Florida waters of Manatee County north of State Road 64, including all waters of the Braden River, and all tributaries of the Manatee River, excluding all waters of Palma Sola Bay.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FLORIDA
All Florida waters of Hillsborough County.
PINELLAS COUNTY FLORIDA
All Florida waters of Pinellas County, excluding all waters of the Anclote River and its tributaries.
OTHER AREAS OF FLORIDA
Regulations outside of the counties, listed above, remain unchanged, including the measures south of State Road 64 in Manatee County through Gordon Pass in Collier County for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.
“While it’s unfortunate that we must do this so close to the recent reopening of these species to harvest in this area, we know temporary catch-and-release measures such as these are successful in keeping fisheries sustainable throughout red tide events such as this one,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “We will continue working with our partners, stakeholders and local communities to evaluate this situation.”
“We’ve seen the devastation to the redfish, trout and snook populations in Tampa Bay, and we support the catch-and-release initiative taken by FWC,” said Brian Gorski, Executive Director of Coastal Conservation Association Florida. “In working with FWC on this initiative, we’ve heard support from members and guides throughout the region who also understand the need for such a change. We must protect the fish and our waterways so that generations to come can enjoy the thrill of catching one of these iconic species.”
Learn more here: myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational.