Florida Wildlife Commission Defines Tarpon Statewide Snagging and Gear Rules
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), at its Sept. 5 meeting in Pensacola, approved a two-part proposal that adds language to the current statewide snagging definition for tarpon and modifies what types of gear can be used when fishing in Boca Grande Pass. These changes go into effect Nov. 1.
“The actions taken today by the Commission represent a historic move to further protect this iconic fish,” said Commissioner Kenneth Wright. “One day, there will be a chapter on these conservation measures in a book on proactive fishery protection.”
The first part of the adopted changes include adding language to the snagging definition to prohibit catching or attempting to catch tarpon that have not been attracted or enticed to strike an angler’s gear. This change will apply to tarpon fishing statewide. The current definition for snagging or snatch-hooking is the intentional catch of a fish by any device intended to impale or hook the fish by any part of its body other than the mouth. Adding language specifying that gear must entice the fish will help further protect tarpon from being snagged.
The second part of the proposal prohibits fishing with gear that has a weight attached to a hook, artificial fly or lure in such a way that the weight hangs lower than the hook when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod. This change will apply to fishing for all species year-round within Boca Grande Pass. If this gear is on board a fishing vessel while inside the boundaries of the pass, it cannot be attached to any rod, line or leader and must be stowed. This change will further reduce the likelihood that tarpon in Boca Grande Pass will be snagged.
To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings” and “Agenda.”
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission came into existence on July 1, 1999 - the result of a constitutional amendment approved in the 1998 General Election as part of the package proposed by the Constitution Revision Commission.
In the implementation of the Constitutional Amendment, the Florida Legislature combined all of the staff and Commissioners of the former Marine Fisheries Commission, elements of the Divisions of Marine Resources and Law Enforcement of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and all of the employees and Commissioners of the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
Five years later, after consulting stakeholders, employees and other interested parties, the FWC adopted a new internal structure to address complex conservation issues of the new century. The new structure focuses on programs, such as habitat management, that affect numerous species. It will focus on moving the decision-making process closer to the public and did not require any additional funding or additional positions.
