Florida Sea Grant

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For Anglers

Recreational fishing is an important resource-based industry in Florida.  In fact, Florida is known as "The Fishing Capital of the World" ranking first in the country for number of people who fish in salt water. Regulations in catches and bag limits are implemented to help manage and prevent over-fished situations so that this important resource will flourish. Innovative and effective management tools such as circle hooks and venting tools are used to help maintain sustainable fish populations and to promote responsible use of the resource.

Join us for our Youth Fishing Program

The Invasive Lionfish

The Sea Grant Extensino program has created a ruler for recreational lobstermen.  This ruler can be used to measure legal size spiny lobster in the water.  In addition to listing all of the Florida spiny lobster Rules and Regulations, this two-sided tool has all the information you need to identify and report lionfish sightings.

To obtain your FREE spiny lobster ruler, please complete this brief survey.  Upon completion, your ruler will be mailed to you free of charge. Don't forget to include your name and address in the required space.

Click here to receive your FREE spiny lobster ruler

New Catch and Release Fishing Website by Florida Sea Grant!  Find the most up to date information on research-based catch and release practices to help protect marine fish.  http://www.catchandrelease.org/

Venting Tools

Venting Tools (720KB PDF) - Want to know which fish to vent and how to vent probably. The Sea Grant/Novak Venting tool was designed and developed by Florida Sea Grant in cooperation with Mote Marine Laboratory. It can be purchased from Aquatic Release Conservation, Inc. or call its toll-free number, 1-877-411-4272.