TAKE REDFISH POLL - Red Drum and Bonefish Rule Changes Possible
(Click Image To Enlarge)
Proposed Red Drum areas would allow for adjusting bag limits based on regional stock assessments.
Have a Say at public Red Drum and Bonefish meetings
The public is invited to attend and give input regarding proposed Red Drum and Bonefish rule changes. FWC Public Workshops, including a video conferencing option, are being held around the state so all can have a say.
Red Drum - possible changes
Workshops will include a review of the FWC Commission’s recent analysis of the red drum stock assessment. Possible rule changes include creating regional management areas for red drum and raising the bag limit to two red drum per person per day in the two northern regions of the state. Possible red drum rule changes will also be discussed for the southeast region of the state. [see full FWRI report] [see interim poll results]
A presentation prepared for the September Commissioners September meeting in Pensacola Beach outlined the FWRI staff’s recommendation to create management areas for red drum to coincide with the management areas for spotted seatrout. Here's the report: Red Drum report Sept 2010
Based on a the most recent red drum stock assessment, red drum are doing better in two northern areas, and a proposal to increase the bag limit to two in Gulf counties, Escambia through Pasco; and on the Atlantic side from Flagler through Nassau counties. Possible rule changes in southeast Florida will also be discussed.
Bonefish - possible catch and release
Changes that would make bonefish a catch-and-release-only fishery will also be considered. Possession exceptions for record purposes and tournaments, and creation of a tournament registration program that would allow competing anglers to temporarily possess and transport bonefish for weigh-in purposes will be discussed. Meetings re bonefish will be Dec 8 and 9th - all workshop details are listed below
Video Workshop for Red Drum
December 15, 2010 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) The public may access this workshop via voice-only line and video conference and can access video conferencing at FWCC offices around the state. (click here for locations). Video conferencing Please RSVP to the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554 to confirm a location or obtain instructions to join the meeting via the voice-only line.
Red Drum Workshops
November 17, 2010
6:00 - 8:00 pm (EST)
Joseph P. D'Allessandro Office Complex 2295 Victoria Avenue
Ft. Myers, FL 33901
November 23, 2010
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (EST)
Jacksonville Public Library Southeast Branch
10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
December 13, 2010
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (EST)
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Karen A. Steidinger Auditorium
100 Eighth Ave. SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
December 14, 2010
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (EST)
City Hall Council Chambers
123 N.W. Hwy 19
Crystal River, FL 34428
Bonefish Catch and Release Workshops
December 8, 2010
6:00pm-8:00pm (EST)
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach FL, 33004
December 9, 2010
6:00pm-8:00pm (EST)
City of Key Colony Beach – City Hall Building
City Hall Auditorium
Mile Marker 53.5
600 W. Ocean Drive
Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the workshop/meeting is asked to advise at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: the FWC ADA Coordinator, at (850) 488-6411.
