Changes in Local Fish Harvesting Limits Go Into Effect Today

Flagler-Volusia county line is now a key border in the new regulations.

Given Florida's recent history with redfish -- a severe overfishing status and emergency temporary harvest bans in the 1980s -- new rules taking effect today that increase bag limits in parts of the state are being heralded as a major milestone for this iconic fish.

Flagler-Volusia county line is now a key border in the new regulations.

Redfish daily bag limits increase from one to two fish per person, but only in Flagler County north to the Georgia border, and in the Panhandle.

State rules change today for redfish and trout:

REDFISH RULES –– Effective Feb. 1, redfish move from statewide management to regional management. In the northeast and northwest regions, anglers can take two reds per person per day in the 18- to 27-inch slot limit. Elsewhere, bag limits are one per person. Statewide, there is now a vessel limit of eight redfish. And the number of redfish that can be transported on land is six per person.

TROUT RULES –– Effective Feb. 1, the seasonal recreational fishing closures in February in North Florida and Nov. - Dec. in South Florida are gone. The three management zones are split into four. The bag limit in northeast Florida increases from five to six fish. One fish over the 15- to 20-inch slot limit can still be kept as part of that limit. Commercial season lengths increase statewide and commercial vessel limit increases from 50 to 150 fish with two fishermen aboard.

SOURCE: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission