Top fish species at The First National
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Fishing regulations at The First National, FL
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Florida can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Atlantic goliath grouper
It is unlawful to harvest, possess, land, purchase, sell, or exchange this species.
Restrictions & requirements
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready is required when fishing for reef fish, and use such device if releasing a fish that suffers from barotrauma. Get descending device gear for FREE by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right. Get started here: returnemright.org
Additional information
Goliath grouper is a protected species. FWC rules stipulate that harvest and possession of Goliath Grouper is prohibited. Goliath Grouper that are caught but immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed are not harvested. The taking of photographs after removal of hooks and posing for pictures with Goliath Grouper is not considered an immediately release of the fish. So, you should NOT remove a Goliath Grouper from the water to take pictures. If you want pictures, take them with the fish still in the water.
Location Specific Information
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use
Get the required release gear by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right at: http://returnemright.org/
In March 2022, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a limited, highly regulated recreational harvest of Goliath grouper in state waters beginning Spring 2023. This approved recreational harvest of Goliath grouper includes:
A recreational harvest of up to 200 goliath per year, with a maximum of 50 from Everglades National Park.
A required recreational goliath harvest permit and tag, issued via a random-draw lottery, to legally harvest a goliath ($150 for residents, $500 for non-residents).
Limiting harvest to one fish per person per open season with permit and tag, non-transferable.
A March 1 through May 31 season.
Allowable gear will be hook-and-line only.
A slot limit of 24 to 36 inches total length.
Harvest would be permitted in all state waters except those of Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park.
Post-harvest requirements, such as proper utilization of the harvest tag, reporting harvest data and submitting a fin clip for genetic analysis.
Edibility
Synonyms
Crevalle jack
Special gear
Circle Hooks
The use of a dehooking device is required when fishing for reef fish. All persons aboard a vessel harvesting reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico must possess and use non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when using natural baits.
Additional information
Bag limit = 100 pounds
If you catch a Crevalle jack over 36" fork length for adults (or 27" fork length youth), enter it into the Saltwater Reel Big Fish program to be recognized. For more information or to register your catch, visit Catch a Florida Memory.
This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Synonyms
Ladyfish
Additional information
This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Synonyms
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