Attention Fishermen

Beginning June 1, 2008, a person on board a vessel harvesting any species of reef fish in Gulf of Mexico waters, both inshore and offshore, must possess and use non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing with natural baits, a dehooking device and a venting tool. Reef fish species include all snappers, groupers, sea bass, amberjacks, gray triggerfish, hogfish, red porgy and golden tilefish.

Venting: A Tool for Managing Our Fisheries for Tomorrow

Click now on the 'Play' button to watch this 10-minute video about successfully venting reef fish.

If you see this message, you need to upgrade your Flash Player to view this content. Venting is a conservation technique that recreational fishermen can use to help some reef fish like grouper and snapper overcome buoyancy problems when released, allowing them to return to safe habitat depth more quickly. This video provides information on how to use a venting tool successfully.

Catch-and-Release Fishing

By adopting just a few simple habits, recreational anglers can greatly increase the chances that the fish they catch and release will survive. Practicing catch and release helps anglers to preserve marine fisheries while enjoying their outdoor fishing experiences.

Catch-and-Release: Things You Can Do to Help Saltwater Fish Survive

A new brochure from Florida Sea Grant and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offering tips and techniques saltwater fishermen can use to increase the survival of fish they release. [printer-friendly 475KB pdf].

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Florida Sea Grant

Visit our Web site for more information on our research and outreach investment in sustainable fisheries.

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