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BREAKING NEWS

The Latest: Hundreds of 'No Kings' protests and rallies planned for Saturday over Trump’s policies

FISHING


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NOAA Fisheries announces changes to red snapper management in the South Atlantic, including 1-day expansion

Read full article: NOAA Fisheries announces changes to red snapper management in the South Atlantic, including 1-day expansion

NOAA Fisheries announced changes to the management of red snapper in the South Atlantic, including expanding the one-day fishing event to two days.

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Recreational harvest of snook for Florida’s East Coast will close June 1

Read full article: Recreational harvest of snook for Florida’s East Coast will close June 1

The recreational harvest of snook in the Northeast management region, including all state and inland waters as well as adjacent federal waters, will close on June 1, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a reminder sent Wednesday.

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FWC: Reel in the fun on 2 license-free fishing weekends in June

Read full article: FWC: Reel in the fun on 2 license-free fishing weekends in June

Save the dates for two upcoming license-free fishing weekends hosted by the FWC, a perfect opportunity to try fishing with your friends and family!

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Travis Hunter is not only a star on the field; he’s also an avid fisherman. Here are some of the best Jax fishing spots

Read full article: Travis Hunter is not only a star on the field; he’s also an avid fisherman. Here are some of the best Jax fishing spots

The 21-year-old has been vocal about his love for fishing.

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission invites K-12 students to submit artwork for its Florida Fish Art Contest

Read full article: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission invites K-12 students to submit artwork for its Florida Fish Art Contest

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is hosting its annual Art Fish Contest.

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Newly opened fishing pier in Lake City named in honor of World War II veteran

Read full article: Newly opened fishing pier in Lake City named in honor of World War II veteran

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission joined community partners on Friday to celebrate the grand opening of the new Harter Pier at Lake Montgomery Fish Management Area.

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Northeast Florida Fishermen accuse FWC of ‘cronyism’ over red snapper permits

Read full article: Northeast Florida Fishermen accuse FWC of ‘cronyism’ over red snapper permits

A group of Northeast Florida fishermen is voicing frustration over what they call “cronyism” in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) permit system for red snapper fishing.

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US congressman sends letter urging NOAA to reconsider ‘draconian’ closures for South Atlantic red snapper seasons

Read full article: US congressman sends letter urging NOAA to reconsider ‘draconian’ closures for South Atlantic red snapper seasons

U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford, along with 22 fellow members of the House, sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Thursday to oppose the consideration of area closures and other decisions that would impact the red snapper seasons for recreational anglers in the South Atlantic.

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Florida’s recreational harvest of flounder reopens Dec. 1. Here’s what you need to know about the regulations

Read full article: Florida’s recreational harvest of flounder reopens Dec. 1. Here’s what you need to know about the regulations

The recreational harvest of flounder in all Florida state and federal waters will reopen Dec. 1.

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Mentors bring hope to foster children through fly fishing

Read full article: Mentors bring hope to foster children through fly fishing

Mentors and kids in foster care build trust and heal trauma along the riverbank.

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Amendment 2: Fishing and hunting are now a state constitutional right. Here’s what it means for Floridians

Read full article: Amendment 2: Fishing and hunting are now a state constitutional right. Here’s what it means for Floridians

Fishing and hunting being a constitutional right may be considered the most “Florida thing” ever—and on Election Day, Floridians surely proved that after voting and approving Amendment 2- Right to Fish and Hunt, by 67 percent.

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How you can fish and keep red snapper outside of the 1-day federal season

Read full article: How you can fish and keep red snapper outside of the 1-day federal season

Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) is giving anglers the opportunity to directly provide data and improve the management of red snapper in the South Atlantic ocean.

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How Florida Fish and Wildlife ensures anglers stick to one-fish limit at one-day red snapper tournament

Read full article: How Florida Fish and Wildlife ensures anglers stick to one-fish limit at one-day red snapper tournament

Thousands of anglers hit the waters Friday for their only opportunity to fish for Atlantic red snapper this year.

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Anglers compete in tournament as red snapper season opens for 1 day only

Read full article: Anglers compete in tournament as red snapper season opens for 1 day only

On Friday, 60 to 80 boater participants will take part in a one-day tournament to mark the Atlantic red snapper season.

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Georgia congressman calls for NOAA to ease ban as one-day Atlantic recreational red snapper fishing season opens

Read full article: Georgia congressman calls for NOAA to ease ban as one-day Atlantic recreational red snapper fishing season opens

Friday is the one day this year when anglers can fish for Atlantic red snapper recreationally.

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Gone Fishin’: June 18 is National Go Fishing Day & we want to see your photos on SnapJAX 🎣

Read full article: Gone Fishin’: June 18 is National Go Fishing Day & we want to see your photos on SnapJAX 🎣

Florida, known as the “Fishing Capital of the World,” boasts more world record fish catches than any other state or country due to its vast bodies of water.

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FWC changes bass fishing rules in Alachua lakes to ‘make Florida the undisputed trophy bass capital of the world’

Read full article: FWC changes bass fishing rules in Alachua lakes to ‘make Florida the undisputed trophy bass capital of the world’

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new regulations to support trophy bass conservation during its February meeting.

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Reminder: Blue crab traps must be removed from St. Johns River before Jan. 16

Read full article: Reminder: Blue crab traps must be removed from St. Johns River before Jan. 16

Recreational and commercial blue crab traps in all waters of the St. Johns River system must be removed from the water before Jan. 16, the first day of a 10-day trap closure, the FWC said in a news release Monday.

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FWC reminds anglers of changes for snook beginning Jan. 1

Read full article: FWC reminds anglers of changes for snook beginning Jan. 1

New regulations for snook in state and adjacent federal waters will go into effect beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

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Over 200 kids participate in Junior Angler Offshore Tournament ahead of Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament

Read full article: Over 200 kids participate in Junior Angler Offshore Tournament ahead of Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament

Hundreds of kids took to the open waters hoping to catch the largest kingfish at the Junior Angler Offshore Tournament. The event helps to promotes fishing participation among kids and teaches junior anglers the importance of conservation of marine life.

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Fish license-free in Florida during two weekends in June

Read full article: Fish license-free in Florida during two weekends in June

Florida residents and visitors can go fishing during two license-free weekends: June 3-4 for saltwater and June 10-11 for freshwater.

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Gone fishin’: Grouper, hogfish, blueline tilefish & red porgy season reopens on May 1 in Atlantic

Read full article: Gone fishin’: Grouper, hogfish, blueline tilefish & red porgy season reopens on May 1 in Atlantic

The FWC recently approved regulation changes to red porgy. One of the regulations is a bag limit of one fish per person/day.

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3rd Annual Spring Fling at Fishbites Trading Post

Read full article: 3rd Annual Spring Fling at Fishbites Trading Post

No matter where you are fishing or what you are fishing for, Fishbites Trading Post has you covered.

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Kayak Bass Fishing Tour coming to Clay County in 2023

Read full article: Kayak Bass Fishing Tour coming to Clay County in 2023

A national fishing tour will make a stop in Clay County in 2023.

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No bites here: At the Redneck Fishing Tournament, fish literally fly into boats

Read full article: No bites here: At the Redneck Fishing Tournament, fish literally fly into boats

The top team caught 346 fish in just two hours, according to organizer Nikki Gregerson, but that team wasn’t the biggest winner of the event.

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13th Annual Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament

Read full article: 13th Annual Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament

The annual “Flounder Pounder” charity fishing tournament is coming up on its 13th Annual tournament! “Flounder Pounder” began in 2010, spearheaded by parents Chip and Teresa Davis. When their son Tyler was diagnosed with autism, they wanted to create an event that gave back to the cause.

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Celebrity participant joins Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament

Read full article: Celebrity participant joins Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament

It was all smiles Friday at Sisters Creek Marina as the 42nd Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament opened the scales.

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Anglers rejoice! Fishing returns to newly reopened Jacksonville Beach pier

Read full article: Anglers rejoice! Fishing returns to newly reopened Jacksonville Beach pier

Fishing from the Jacksonville Beach pier has resumed after a three-year construction project, but there are several new rules in place for now.

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Fish license-free in Florida during two June weekends

Read full article: Fish license-free in Florida during two June weekends

The saltwater waiver covers any recreational activity requiring a saltwater fishing license such as crabbing, lobstering and scalloping, whether fishing from shore or boat.

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Anglers win big while raising more than $435,000 for Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Read full article: Anglers win big while raising more than $435,000 for Wolfson Children’s Hospital

The Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament has reeled in more than $6 million since it began 33 years ago.

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Atlantic snook to close in state and federal waters

Read full article: Atlantic snook to close in state and federal waters

The recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters has a regular-season closure that starts June 1.

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2022 ‘Lionfish Challenge’ underway in Florida to remove invasive species

Read full article: 2022 ‘Lionfish Challenge’ underway in Florida to remove invasive species

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission annually hosts a Lionfish Challenge to encourage anglers to remove the invasive species from Florida waters by offering prizes for the most lionfish harvested.

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FWC: Changes coming for redfish, cobia in state waters; blueline tilefish in Atlantic

Read full article: FWC: Changes coming for redfish, cobia in state waters; blueline tilefish in Atlantic

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved regulation changes for cobia and redfish in state waters and a temporary modification to the 2022 recreational blueline tilefish season in Atlantic state waters.

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8 St. Augustine fishing captains among world’s best, study reports

Read full article: 8 St. Augustine fishing captains among world’s best, study reports

Guides from Florida ruled the 2022 list. Out of all fishing captains who received the award all over the world, nearly 35% operate from Florida, Fishing Booker said.

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Grandfather, grandson reel in sniper rifles while magnet fishing in Florida

Read full article: Grandfather, grandson reel in sniper rifles while magnet fishing in Florida

A grandfather and his 11-year-old grandson reel in two rifles out of a Miami canal.

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Northeast Florida Wahoo Shootout holds kickoff party before tournament begins

Read full article: Northeast Florida Wahoo Shootout holds kickoff party before tournament begins

The Northeast Florida Wahoo Shootout got underway on Sunday. There was a Kickoff Party and Captains meeting sponsored by Garmin at 4 p.m. at St. Augustine Rod and Gun Club.

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Stone crab harvest begins in Florida on Friday

Read full article: Stone crab harvest begins in Florida on Friday

Stone crab season opens Oct. 15 and remains open through May 1.

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It’s license-free freshwater fishing weekend in Florida

Read full article: It’s license-free freshwater fishing weekend in Florida

No fishing license, no worries -- at least for this weekend.

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Freshwater fishing license-free in Florida this weekend

Read full article: Freshwater fishing license-free in Florida this weekend

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says license-free fishing days are a great way for residents and visitors to get out on the water and find out why the state is known as the Fishing Capital of the World.

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It’s here! Stone crab season opens Thursday

Read full article: It’s here! Stone crab season opens Thursday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Oct 15th marks the opening of stone crab season, meaning that a few days later we can enjoy the tasty delicacy. Florida’s stone crab fishery has experienced a long-term decline in harvest and is likely undergoing overfishing. FWC staff worked with stakeholders on these changes that are intended to increase the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery. All plastic and wood stone crab traps will need to be outfitted with a 2 3/16-inch escape ring before the 2023/2024 season. For more information on harvesting stone crabs for recreation, trap specifications, commercial stone crab regulations and licensing information, go online to MyFWC.com/Marine.

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Flounder fishing regulations changing

Read full article: Flounder fishing regulations changing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At its July Commission meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved draft changes to the management of Florida’s flounder fishery. A stock status update suggests that the flounder fishery statewide has been in a general declining trend in recent years and is likely overfished and undergoing overfishing on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Establish a commercial trip and vessel limit of 150 flounder when using allowable gear for all months outside of November. Establish a November commercial trip and vessel limit of 50 pounds when using allowable gear. Extend ALL FWC flounder regulations into federal waters.

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Crabtree’s 50-pound catch enough to win 40th Greater Jax Kingfish tourney

Read full article: Crabtree’s 50-pound catch enough to win 40th Greater Jax Kingfish tourney

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Zach Crabtree’s catch on Friday ran away with the 40th anniversary event of the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. Crabtree, fishing aboard the Vamoose, weighed the tournament’s only fish above the 50-pound mark and brought home the title on Friday afternoon. RESULTS FROM THIS WEEK’S GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNEYCrabtree’s 50.53-pound catch knocked Day 1 leader Jack Lairsey (43.06) out of the top spot and delivered him the top prize, a Contender 24 Sports with a 300 Yamaha outboard and trailer package worth $141,300. Hayden Englert’s 47.81-pound king aboard the Four Reel was tops in the single engine largest division, which paid out $11,500 prize. Lauren Stevens aboard the 904Reel out of Jacksonville claimed the lady angler division with a catch of 38.1 pounds and a $2,000 top prize.

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4 day Red Snapper season announced for South Atlantic

Read full article: 4 day Red Snapper season announced for South Atlantic

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Rep John Rutherford tweeted that NOAA announced a four day red snapper fishing season for 2020 for the South Atlantic, which includes Georgia and Florida. Today, @NOAA announced there will be a four day Recreational Red Snapper season in the South Atlantic on July 10th, 11th, 12th, and 17th. This four day season will benefit our fishing industry which has been hit especially hard during the coronavirus pandemic. He points out that the four day season will help the hard hit fishing industry which has suffered during the coronavirus pandemic. Rutherford followed his initial tweet with a promise to push for more days to fish for red snapper in the future.

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It’s license-free saltwater fishing weekend in Florida

Read full article: It’s license-free saltwater fishing weekend in Florida

No fishing license, no worries -- at least for this weekend.

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Snook fishing closes, Gag Grouper in the Gulf opens June 1st

Read full article: Snook fishing closes, Gag Grouper in the Gulf opens June 1st

Snook closes for recreational harvest in Atlantic state and federal waters. Capt Don Dingman, of Hook The Future TV, releases a healthy snookGreater amberjack closes for recreational harvest in Gulf state and federal waters. If you plan to fish for gag grouper in Gulf state or federal waters (excluding Monroe County) from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required) before July 1 or as a State Reef Fish Angler after July 1. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey” or “State Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish” tab. Learn more about recreational fishing at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”

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Big fishing tournaments for tiny hearts

Read full article: Big fishing tournaments for tiny hearts

The largest single-day bass tournament in the US and the largest bass tournament in Florida looks to grow even more this year. · Now in its 31st year, the tournament is recognized as the largest bass fishing tournament in Florida and the largest single-day bass tournament in the United States. · Proceeds from the tournament will support the hospital’s heart surgery program, a collaboration between Wolfson Children’s Hospital and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Palatka City Docks· Saturday, May 16: 31st Annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament. The bass tournament has helped Wolfson Children’s Hospital fund specialized treatments, lifesaving technology and capital improvements.

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Possible three day red snapper season in the Atlantic this year

Read full article: Possible three day red snapper season in the Atlantic this year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Anglers are disappointed that the only shot to fish for red snapper in the Atlantic this year might be reduced to three days. If a recreational season is allowed this year for red snapper, the season would last for three-days with a one fish per person daily bag limit. NOAA Fisheries is responsible for determining if a season can be allowed each year, based on the annual catch limits for red snapper. The decision from NOAA Fisheries regarding the length of the recreational season is based on recreational landings data from 2019. The red snapper commercial season will begin the second Monday in July as scheduled with a 75-pound trip limit.

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Holy sea cow! That’s a big fish

Read full article: Holy sea cow! That’s a big fish

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax viewer, Danny Kueser, sent in this picture of a massive catch Sunday. Kueser reeled in a 52-inch redfish while fishing from the shore near Mayport. He posed for a quick photo as proof then let the big fish go. Florida state law requires any redfish larger than 27 inches be released back to the wild.

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Red snapper season in Gulf opens in June

Read full article: Red snapper season in Gulf opens in June

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s popular Gulf red snapper recreational season this year will open June 11 and run through July 25, with a possible fall reopening if quota is available. Earlier this month, Florida was delegated authority to manage recreational red snapper harvest from private vessels in Gulf federal waters. “I’m pleased to announce that our state’s good conservation practices are allowing us to have a 45-day Gulf red snapper season this year,” Gov. “Gulf red snapper season is always an exciting time for anglers and is just another reason why Florida remains the Fishing Capital of the World.”Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission chairman Robert Spottswood said Gulf red snapper season is a conservation and management success for Florida anglers. “Just a few years ago, a 45-day season for red snapper in both state and federal waters was out of reach," Spottswood said.

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What to do if you hook a sawfish

Read full article: What to do if you hook a sawfish

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The smalltooth sawfish, the only sawfish found in Florida, has been protected in Florida since 1992 and became federally listed under the U.S. As sawfish recovery efforts continue, we expect there to be more sawfish sightings, especially in Florida. The smalltooth sawfish, the only sawfish found in Florida, has been protected in Florida since 1992 and became federally listed under the U.S. As sawfish recovery efforts continue, we expect there to be more sawfish sightings, especially in Florida. Small toothed sawfish (wjxt)In addition to capture on hook-and-line, sawfish can easily become entangled in lost fishing gear or nets.

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Snook fishing reopens Feb 1st

Read full article: Snook fishing reopens Feb 1st

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – 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 is the Fishing Capital of the World. To learn more about fish handling, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”The season will remain open through May 31. This program allows anglers to participate in the collection of data, such as the size, age, maturity and sex, of one of Florida's premier inshore fish. For a county-by-county list of drop-off locations, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” “Snook” under the heading “Saltwater Fish,” and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”Capt Don Dingman, of Hook The Future TV, releases a healthy snookFor more information about snook, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook.”

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Snook fishing closing for the season

Read full article: Snook fishing closing for the season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The recreational harvest season for snook closes Dec. 15 in Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, and will remain closed through Jan. 31, 2020, reopening to harvest Feb. 1. Anglers may continue to catch and release snook during the closed season. Snook also has a regular season closure that runs May 1 through Aug. 31. At its February meeting, FWC anticipates discussing whether to reopen snook harvest in this area on March 1. For more information on snook, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook.” Improve data and report your catch on the Angler Action Foundation iAngler app at AnglerActionFoundation.com.

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