Reel Fishing
Dedication to the future of gamefish is a non-stop effort.
Here's all you need to know about 2012's snook season
License Requirements: Snook permit and recreational fishing license
Allowable Gear: Hook and line only
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Atlantic (state and adjacent federal waters) |
Gulf of Mexico, Monroe County, and Everglades National Park (state and adjacent federal waters) |
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Closed Harvest Season |
Dec. 15 - Jan. 31; June - Aug. |
Catch and release only through August 31, 2012 |
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Size Limit |
Not less than 28" total length (TL) or more than 32" TL |
Catch and release only |
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Bag Limit |
1 per harvester per day |
Catch and release only |
See our article concerning Gamefish Measuring and Care
- Anytime you fish for snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, bonefish or permit, you can contribute to Angler Action data , even when your catch is 'zero'.
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See what other anglers are catching - Best Shots click here
Why Keep a Record of your catch at Angler Action?
You can help build a brand new, real-time, data record by simply logging the general size and location of your catch. This angler owned data record assures statistical integrity and provides a voice that asserts trust in our fishery leadership.
Be a part of improved fisheries management. Log your catch at www.AnglerAction.org.
| 17 January 2012
This week we fish with Capt. Chris Myers and learn his pro tips on how to manage your line. Want fewer wind knots? Capt. Chris has the secrets
Video courtesy of http://www.floridafishinglessons.com
Register your Grand Slams in Florida
The Grand Slam Club celebrates the variety of Florida sport fishes and the achievement of anglers catching a particular set of three species in one day. There is a different slam for each of the state's four geographic regions, and red drum is included in three of them.
Regional grand slam fishes 
North Florida- Red drum, spotted seatrout, and cobia
West Coast- Red drum, snook, and tarpon
East Coast- Red drum, spotted seatrout, and tarpon
South Florida- Tarpon, bonefish, and permit
The Grand Slam program is conducted in collaboration with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and requires anglers to fill out an application. For more information on this program, visit the Grand Slam and Fishing Records page.
Why Keep a Record of your catch at Angler Action?
You can help build a brand new, real-time, data record by simply logging the general size and location of your catch. This angler owned data record assures statistical integrity and provides a voice that asserts trust in our fishery leadership.
Be a part of improved fisheries management. Log your catch at www.AnglerAction.org.
The Angler Action Online Trip Log is always improving. Please tell us how you would like to see it work better in 2012.
Take a minute to answer 6 short questions and get in on a drawing for a top lures! (If you've never logged a fishing trip yet, click here to get started. Then return to take this Poll.)
| 14 December 2011
How to tie the Reverse Albright Knot
One thing you can’t buy is a good knot.
Rigging expert Larry Mastry, of Mastry’s Bait and Tackle located in St. Petersburg FL, demonstrates how to tie the reverse albright knot.
Reverse Albright Fishing Knot from FishbuzzTV on Vimeo.
Click Here to See the Five Strongest Fishing Knots courtesy of 'Field and Stream'
Confused? See the diagram below from ScientificAnglers.com
Unwind 2-3 feet of fly line from the plastic spool it came on (make sure you unwind the end marked “this end to reel”). 
Start by doubling back a couple of inches of fly line and hold the
loop with your left thumb and forefinger. From the right, insert about
10 inches of the backing through the fly line loop.
While holding the loop, pinch the backing between your left thumb and
forefinger, and use your right hand to wrap the backing tag end back
over both strands of the fly line and the backing.
Start next to your fingers and working toward the loop end, make 10 to 12 fairly tight wraps.
Push the tag end of the backing back through the loop on the side
opposite 
where it originally entered so both backing strands exit on the
same side of the loop. Pull on the standing part of the backing to
remove the loop you where holding in your left hand. Pull both ends of
the fly line backing.
Pull gently on both ends of the fly line loop with your left hand;
squeeze the knot with the fingers of your right hand and work it down to
the loop end, but 
not off the fly line. Moisten the knot. Hold the
standing and tag fly line strands in your left hand, and the tag and
standing backing strands in your right hand. Pull as tight as possible.
Clip off the tag end of the fly line and the backing.
You’re now ready to wind the line over the backing onto the spool.
Here’s where a friend can help by inserting a pencil through the hole in the line spool and holding it while you wind the line onto the reel spool under slight tension. Once the line is fully transferred to the reel spool, you should have approximately 3/16 inches between the line and the outside rim of the spool. As a final touch, put the pressure sensitive label, “Fly Line Marker,” on the reel spool so you can always tell what line is on that spool.
After you've mastered the craft, remember to log your catch at AnglerAction.org
Why Keep a Record of your catch at Angler Action?
You can help build a brand new, real-time, data record by simply logging the general size and location of your catch. This angler owned data record assures statistical integrity and provides a voice that asserts trust in our fishery leadership.
Be a part of improved fisheries management.
| 14 December 2011
How to tie the famous Gartside Gurgler Fly
with Chris Hargiss from Fishbuzz TV
Gartside Gurgler Instructional Video Click HereThis fly is a versatile top water pattern that can be used on almost any fish (saltwater or fresh). The gurgler can be tied with many different color schemes and materials. Thin foam makes for a better diving fly while thick foam is excellent for creating bugs that push lots of water. A weed guard is always good to have when tying this fly.
| 10 December 2011
Question: Is Capt. Danny Barrow the top Snook Angler in Florida?
Capt. Danny Barrow with one of the many thousands of snook he's had the pleasure of catching.
He just might be. This week we go Spillway Snook Fishing with Capt. Jon Brett of Fish Buzz TV, fishing the Lake Worth area with Capt. Danny. Both Jon and Danny are on the board of Directors of the Snook and Gamefish Foundation.
Reel Fishing: How to tie the essential leader to braid and Leader to Lure knots 
See Capt. Chris Myers at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka regularly. Chris shares his experience fishing the famous Mosquito Lagoon for the past twenty years. Book a sight fishing trip with Chris at http://floridafishinglessons.com/
with Capt. Chris Myers of Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
See how to Tie the Double UNI and Canoeman Loop here!
| 22 November 2011
You are the answer.
Is this you? --It should be. Join today. Be a part of the next level of fisheries conservation. Photo credit: Capt. Jason Stock, Sarasota FL.
It’s been a wild few years in the world of fisheries management. At the national level, there is a paranoia that our government wants to eliminate recreational fishing. At the state level, our species-specific management seems to frequently chop from the recreational angler’s slice in order to keep the pie from imploding. And locally, habitat degradation continues to confound the entire mess.
What’s the everyday angler to do? How can one become part of the solution?
Simple.
There are two easy steps you can take right now, today, that will improve the future of fishing.
First, go Fishing.
Reel Fishing; Three of Florida's best tell where and how to slam your way to a trio of local gamefish.
Capt. Rick Murphy, Capt. Ed Zyak and Capt. Jay Withers share tips on targeting slams in their respective regions.
Each region of the state has its own definition of what a Slam is, the parameters being defined by the types of fish that generally inhabit that area. The East Coast Slam and the Everglades Slam, for example, both include snook, trout and redfish. Those three species are most available all year long along the East Coast and throughout Everglades National Park, though still difficult to catch in one day. The West Coast Slam, on the other hand, includes snook, redfish and tarpon. West Coast anglers who catch a seatrout, in addition to the three Slam species, can boast a Grand Slam
The trick to all three Slams is finding the areas that have good seagrass, mangroves and a ready supply of small fish, crabs, and shrimp. Find some snook and cover the area sufficiently with your baits. Snook are the bell weather fish. If an inshore area is healthy enough to support juvenile snook, it will be healthy enough to sustain more than 200 other species of game and forage fish, marine animals, plants and sea grasses.
The FWC Commission Ruled on the Trout Fishery Today in Key Largo:
- There will be no commercial seine netting by-catch allowance for trout.
- The commercial season will be extended for hook and line and cast net trout fishing.
- The commercial hook and line and cast net limit has been upped to allow 150 trout with two commercial fishermen together in one boat.
- No year round sales of trout, (30 days after seasons' end sales acceptable).
- Season extensions: no more closed season for recreational anglers; extended commercial seasons from 3 to 5 months in the SW, SW and SE and 3 to 6 months in the NE.
| 16 November 2011
Brett Fitzgerald, Communications Director for SGF, read many of the comments received in the Trout Poll as part of his public comment.The FWC Commission voted today on a number of rule changes
for Florida’s spotted sea trout fishery. Most of the rules involved massive
increases in commercial take, from year round sales, to boat limits of 150 fish
(with 2 commercial anglers), to being allowed bycatch in seine nets.
We at the SGF felt that most recreational anglers were unaware of the latter three items on the table, so we created a poll that over 3,400 of you took the time to complete. The overwhelming results of that poll were clear: roughly 95% were against the extended season and increased boat limit, and over 98% were against the allowance of seine nets.
The results and comments were presented to the Commission
prior to the vote; along with the specific ask to follow the will of our
members.
photo courtesy M. KinleySee Your Results: 3403 Responses and 80 pages of comments delivered as FWC Commissioners vote on changes in Commercial & Recreational Trout Regs
These changes are on the table:
1) Allowing bycatch of trout to be taken in seine nets used for commercial fishing. 2) Increasing trout bag limits for commercial fishing, 3) Year round commercial sale of spotted sea trout . The FWC Commissioners on the advice of staff will be voting Nov 16 in Key Largo on rule changes that may seriously affect your potential to catch a mess of keeper trout!.
| 13 October 2011
Kathy Barco, appointed to the FWC Commission in 2004, walks the walk.Kathy Barco, FWC Chairman, is not afraid to get her boots wet.
In her recent message, Commissioner Barco speaks about the importance of Florida's publicly owned lands. Among many other outdoor activities, fishing is one of the primary draws to our Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
Many of our very best fishing spots are nestled within a WMA, ensuring a buffer of protected land which can't be developed. That is just one of the many reasons this program has great value to Florida, both economically and socially.
For a quick guide of all the fishing spots in our WMAs, click here.
The following is taken directly from her October Message, titled "Wildlife management areas are safe, natural havens for the public, too."
Read on, and enjoy.
| 15 September 2011
The Electrifying first fish of the morning."...If ever I was in the perfect time and place to catch a redfish on the first cast, it had to be here and now.
A fork in the muddy creek created a tidal pool that seemed to always swirl in one direction or the other. I never knew how deep it was – the black water just went down, down, down. A dock, or what was left of it, jutted out from the mangroves on the far side. As far as I could tell it hadn’t been used in several decades.
The water in the pool was boiling like a campfire stew. Shrimp and bait fish were alternately jumping or skipping across the water followed by boils, pops, and slurps. I broke out in a feverish sweat as Chris began a slow cast that seemed to take 3 hours.
His aim was true, but the cast fell short of the old dock pilings. Before he could reel in and try again, the canoe rocked hard and Chris was just about yanked straight over the nose. The sound of reel drag made the many wading birds bid adieu, and we were directed by our red chaperone to the flats at the end of the creek.”
If only every fishing trip could start so idyllic! Since moving to Palm Beach County from Tampa in 1996, I just don’t have the same opportunities to fish for reds. Memories like that day fishing with my friend Chris near Bullfrog Creek are getting older but I can recall details like it was yesterday. Although I am more than able to sate my inshore thirst targeting snook, I miss the mentality of redfish. That’s not to say there are no redfish in Palm Beach County, but the waters of Lake Worth Lagoon aren’t exactly “red ripe”… yet. Luckily, reds abound almost everywhere else in Florida.
A while back I did some research into the regions that had the best redfish habitats in Florida, and spoke to some local captains to gain some insight on general patterns of red drum in their home waters.
(Click Image To Enlarge)July 1st is a Big Day for Bonefish - they become a Catch & Release only specieis in FL - photo Guy Hickman New FWC rules today make Bonefish a catch-and-release only fishery. Few anglers previously harvested bonefish to eat, preferring to conserve them as gamefish.
The rules also allow anglers to temporarily possess a bonefish where it is caught so they can photograph and measure or weigh the fish to document a possible record catch.The current State Record is 16 lb 3 oz, caught near Islamorada.
In addition, the rules will allow anglers participating in specially permitted tournaments to temporarily possess and transport bonefish to tournament check-in stations for weigh-in under specified conditions. These fish will still have to be carefully handled and released.
| 01 July 2011
There is a better way to keep cool at the ramp - it just takes a little consideration and planning.
Boat ramps provide an opportunity for anglers to come in close proximity and ethical behavior is needed to keep everyone from overheating in the Florida sun. Many of Florida's public ramps consist of only a couple of slots for launching and first come first serve is law of the land.
Respectful boaters should do all they can to keep congestion around these limited facilities to a minimum. Use common sense to avoid “ramp rage” and conflict with other boaters. It’s not just fishermen trying to get on and off the water, it’s also all the recreational boaters who use the same facilities.
Good manners at the dock require that your boat be prepared for launching in a staging area away from the actual ramp. This procedure should include loading your gear and tackle, attaching your dock lines, turning on your battery switch, finding your ignition key, and removing all tie downs from the boat to the trailer except for the hook on the bow.
| 13 June 2011
When is it OK to have a tarpon out of the water? Lifting a small tarpon out of the water briefly for a photo-release is acceptable, but hoisting a large fish onto a boat or out of the water is considered bad form, and in some cases may be interpreted by Law Enforcement as 'possession' of a tarpon, (illegal unless you have a $50 tag-permit). photo: Jeff Nelson
Guidelines from FWC
Catching, Photographing, and Releasing Tarpon
So you're fishing inshore for Snook, Redfish, Trout, or other inshore species and happen to hook up with a Tarpon. After many breathtaking jumps and a challenging retrieve you bring close a beautiful silver king. Large or small, this fish has earned your respect, and what a gleaming sight! You aren't going to keep this fish (unless you've pre purchased a tarpon permit).... How will you release it?
Here are some options to consider:
New Video with music by JJ Grey
Be a part of preserving our game fish populations - record your trip data
More about Where Anglers Count
Thanks to all who participated - all comments listed on page 2
If you have a question or additional comment regarding this poll please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| 24 May 2011
Increased flow through one outlet rather than retaining water for more gradual distribution is devastating natural systems essential for our fisheries.
Lee County Commissioners lead battle to Save Matlacha Fishing
This morning (24 May), Lee County Commissioners unanimously agreed to appeal the DEP denial of the permit to reconstruct the Ceitus Barrier on the North Spreader System. They will be supported in that legal action by myself and every single non-profit environmental organization in Southwest Florida, as well as all local governments other than Cape Coral, numerous local citizens groups, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, all of the scientists working for those organizations, as well as the scientific papers and studies produced by those scientists on this subject over the last several decades.
| 15 March 2011
Azalea buds and blooms signal the arrival of the 'Brown Clowns' - Cobia - along the beaches and near shore waters of the Space Coast.
Experienced anglers can predict the bite from their backyards.
"Spring Fishing in Florida is not defined by any specific dates", writes Capt. Tom Van Horn, "but more so by temperature and weather patterns." Capt. Tom watches his lavender Formosa azalea bushes and buds as a signal of the beginning of the spring cobia run, (see photos of latest trip below), and similar signals tell him what's happening in nearby waters with Redfish and other species.
"I've learned over the years to watch for subtle changes in the local flora. These changes can be slight or quite dramatic, they're easy to recognize and correspond with the activities and migration patterns of fish." Tom's latest charter bears out the flowers' forecast.
| 14 March 2011
Capt Jason Stock (JM Kayak Fishing Charters) guides Amanda Pewes to nice gator trout.Shorten the Learning Curve - Save Money & Time - More Productive Fishing - all good reasons. Here's one more....
We are sometimes asked – why do you list guide services on snookfoundation.org? [What a Snook Foundation member guide can do for you?] The answer goes back to our core belief: "the future of fishing lies is in the hands of informed anglers" – the more anglers know about fish, fishing gear and techniques, and fish habitat, the more they will enjoy and take action to preserve and build up the resource.
A well-matched guide has much to offer anglers of all skill and knowledge levels. No matter where you are in your development as an angler, there are new things to learn by spending a day with a guide.
| 04 March 2011
Red Snapper (image courtesy Diane Peebles)
NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Repeal of Area Closure
Updated scientific data on red snapper populations in the South Atlantic show that the planned area closure for all snapper and grouper species off southern Georgia and northern Florida is no longer needed. As a result, NOAA’s Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on a proposal to repeal the previously approved area closure that is set to go into effect on June 1.
“The latest science suggests that the planned area closure is not necessary for the red snapper population to continue to improve, sparing South Atlantic fishermen and their families from additional economic hardship," said Roy Crabtree, SE regional administrator for NOAA's Fisheries Service.
| 27 January 2011
(Click Image To Enlarge) Combine low tide and dawn with a subtle approach for redfish success.
Low Down on Low Tide Redfish
"I could fish these creeks every day for the rest of my life and never cast at the same redfish twice," Capt. Rick Ryals told me as the rising sun lit the expanse of grass along Jacksonville’s Heckscher Drive.
“Besides Sister’s, there’s Dunn’s Creek, Brown’s Creek, Simpson, Nassau Sound, Mill Cove--mile after mile of grass laced with tidal creeks. I’ve fished here most of my life, and I still get lost from time to time.”
| 25 January 2011
(Click Image To Enlarge) Results from Snook Foundation Red Drum PollRed Fish reg changes proposed: Here's what some Anglers think
Between November 17 and December 30, 563 participants in a Red Drum Poll on Snookfoundation.org voiced their preferences regarding proposed Red Drum management changes.
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