8/28/2007

Snook season reopens Sept. 1 – with changes

Contact: Lee Schlesinger: (850) 487-0554

The statewide harvest season for snook reopens Sept. 1, and anglers should note several new snook regulations are in effect. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently changed snook bag and size limits and harvest seasons to help protect and preserve snook stocks in Florida.

There is now a one-fish daily bag limit per person statewide for snook and a slot limit of 28-32 inches total length in Atlantic waters and a 28-33 inches total length limit in Florida’s Gulf, Everglades National Park and Monroe County waters.

In addition, the snook harvest season will close on Dec. 1 in the Gulf, Everglades and Monroe County and will reopen March 1. In the Atlantic, the season will close on Dec. 15 and reopen Feb. 1.

New rules also allow anglers to carry more than one cast net aboard a vessel while fishing for snook.

These rule changes are to provide additional protection for Florida’s valuable snook populations, which are considered to be fairly healthy on the state’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The reduction in harvest is necessary to help achieve the Commission’s management goal for snook and sustain and improve the fishery for the future.

Licensed saltwater anglers must purchase a $2 permit to harvest snook. Snatch-hooking and spearing snook are prohibited, and it is illegal to buy or sell snook. These snook regulations also apply in federal waters.