Tweet Snook is slated to reopen for recreational harvest on Feb. 1 in Florida’s Atlantic coastal and inland waters (from the Miami-Dade/Monroe county line north), including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River. Snook are one of the many reasons Florida … Continue reading →
Tweet Spotted seatrout. . Spotted seatrout: new zones, regulations, and Western Panhandle seasonal closure effective Feb. 1 Several rule changes for spotted seatrout go into effect Feb. 1, including a closure to spotted seatrout harvest in the new Western Panhandle … Continue reading →
Tweet No, it isn’t because it croaks “y’all”! This is a Southern Toad (Bufo terrestris, see photo below). They’re one of the most common toad species in the south, and come in quite a wide range of colors and patterns, which can make … Continue reading →
Tweet The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has cancelled the blue crab trap closure previously scheduled for Jan. 16-25, 2020, in all waters of the St. Johns River system. Recreational and commercial blue crab traps may remain in … Continue reading →
Tweet The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary have announced an intent to raise almost $100 million to restore seven iconic coral reef sites off the Florida Keys. ‘Mission: Iconic Reefs’ calls for … Continue reading →
Tweet Naples, FL – From February 7- 9, the Everglades Seafood Festival returns to The Stone Crab Capital of the World as one of the longest running festivals in the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to local live music, … Continue reading →
Tweet Meet January’s Fish of the Month, the Potter’s Angelfish (Centropyge potteri)! Survey Regions: Endemic to Hawaii – found only in REEF’s HAW (Hawaiian Islands) region! Size: Up to 5 inches. Identifying Features: Rusty orange head and back, darkening to bluish black on … Continue reading →
Tweet This year, divers in Florida will once again sharpen their spears, hone their lionfish hunting skills, and map out their fishing grounds to compete in REEF’s 2020 Lionfish Derby Series. Their mission: remove as many lionfish as possible to … Continue reading →
Tweet A new year is here, and we have already started planning for our annual REEF events: REEF Fest: Oct 1-4, 2020 in Key Largo, Florida: Don’t miss this four-day celebration of marine conservation! Events include diving, snorkeling, ocean-themed seminars, … Continue reading →
Tweet Size: The blue tilapia is one of our largest exotic fish. The state record is 9.38 pounds. The Big Catch minimum size for recognition is 5.00 lbs. or 18 inches. Identification and similar species: The broken lateral line distinguish this fish as a cichlid. … Continue reading →
Tweet Information: Recreational and commercial harvest of lane snapper in Gulf state and federal waters will reopen Jan. 1. Lane snapper was closed Dec. 13-31 as a result of the federal quota being exceeded. Links for more information: Snappers [MyFWC.com] … Continue reading →
Tweet Information: Starting Jan. 1, 2020, recreational fishers age 16 and older (including those normally exempt from needing a license) are required to complete an online, no-cost recreational blue crab trap registration before using blue crab traps. A recreational stone … Continue reading →
Tweet Size: 63 acres. Location: Suwannee County. Description: Suwannee Lake is a secluded, 63-acre hidden gem located in Live Oak. Anglers can enjoy good fishing from a pier, along the bank, or by boat. Built by the then-Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission in … Continue reading →
Tweet Now – January 5: Audubon’s 120th Christmas Bird Count January 16-20: Everglades Birding Festival January 16-20: North Shore Birding Festival January 17-19: Rookery Bay Festival of Birds January 22-27: Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival January 25: Birds of the Beach at Rookery Bay ELC … Continue reading →
Tweet Spotted seatrout will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2020, in waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County. This includes all waters of Tampa Bay. Red drum and snook are also included in … Continue reading →
Tweet January 3 – Field Trip to Circle B Bar Reserve (Lakeland) January 4 – Christmas Bird Count for Kids (Lutz) January 4 – Prairie Pines Preserve Guided Nature Walk (North Fort Myers) January 5 – Birding 101 Walk (St. Augustine) January 5 – Bird Walk for Beginners (Jacksonville) January … Continue reading →
Tweet The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the 2020 bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) via Executive Order to open Aug. 16, 2020, and remain open through Sept. 24, 2020, closing Sept. … Continue reading →
Tweet Starting Jan. 1, 2020, several saltwater fishing regulation changes will take effect including new rules on blackfin tuna and shortfin mako.Blackfin tuna Starting Jan. 1, 2020, the recreational limit for blackfin tuna will be two fish per person or … Continue reading →
Tweet Starting Jan. 1, 2020, recreational harvesters age 16 and older who fish with blue crab traps will need to complete an online, no-cost recreational blue crab trap registration before placing their traps in the water. A similar requirement has … Continue reading →
Tweet One lucky TrophyCatch registrant is going to win a brand-new bass boat this weekend and the public can enjoy the festivities. Thanks to conservation partnerships, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) TrophyCatch program will be awarding … Continue reading →
