FWC approves rules for trophy largemouth bass at 4 fish/water management areas
FWC photo of trophy bass anglers.
At its December meeting, the FWC approved rules to facilitate management for trophy largemouth bass, with high support by stakeholders. In recent months, the FWC has engaged stakeholders through angler creel surveys, a virtual public meeting, email outreach, and signs listing the proposed rule changes at the four effected resources (listed below).
The FWC manages largemouth bass for conservation and angler success. As part of the Florida Trophy Bass Project, FWC staff members proposed customized management strategies that focused specifically on trophy bass production at four select waterbodies. The proposed regulations will protect large bass, allowing them to achieve the largest size possible. These efforts, coupled with the documentation and promotion of trophy bass caught in Florida, will help establish Florida as the Trophy Bass Capital of the World.
“As part of the Florida Trophy Bass Project, these four waterbodies will benefit from customized regulations designed to maximize trophy largemouth bass production,” said Commissioner Gary Lester.
Rule language at Fish/Water Management Areas (FWAs or WMAs):
Suwannee Lake FMA:
16-inch maximum length limit (the possession of fish over 16 inches prohibited) for largemouth bass, 15 fish daily bag limit for largemouth bass, and circle hooks required when fishing with live bait greater than 3 inches in length.
Lake Victor FMA:
16-inch maximum length limit for largemouth bass, 15 fish daily bag limit for largemouth bass, and circle hooks required when fishing with live bait greater than 3 inches in length.
Shop Lake at Tenoroc FMA:
16-inch maximum length limit for largemouth bass, no daily bag limit for largemouth bass, and circle hooks required when fishing with live bait greater than 3 inches in length.
Headwaters Lake and Egan Lake at Fellsmere WMA:
Catch and release of all largemouth bass, and circle hooks required when fishing with live bait greater than 3 inches in length.