Fish Consumption Advisories

FWC has just announced that RedFish and Snook will be Catch and Release in the Red Tide affected areas.
What that really means is Redfish is now closed, and Snook season will not open until further notice.

FWC makes snook, redfish temporarily catch-and-release only in areas affected by red tide

News Release



Thursday, August 30, 2018



Media contact: Amanda Nalley, 850-544-4216 or [email protected] Susan Neel, 850-528-1755 or [email protected]



The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has temporarily made snook and redfish catch-and-release only from the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to Gordon Pass in Collier County. This was done through an Executive Order in response to the naturally-occurring red tide bloom in southwest Florida and is in effect until the next FWC Commission meeting, which starts Sept. 26.



"I support Executive Director Eric Sutton's decision to implement the Executive Order as we continue to manage this world-class fishery for future generations," said FWC Chairman Bo Rivard. "We will continue working with our partners and will evaluate next steps at our Commission meeting the end of September."



Sutton has spent significant time in the areas most impacted by naturally-occurring red tide. He and staff will continue to work with local communities and partners as the FWC manages this issue to ensure recovery of the fisheries.



"We've seen the devastation to the redfish and snook populations in southwest Florida, and we support the catch-and-release initiative taken by FWC," said Brian Gorski, Executive Director of Coastal Conservation Association Florida. "In working with the FWC on this initiative, we've heard support from members and guides throughout the state who also understand the need for such a change, to ensure that generations to come can enjoy the thrill of catching one of these iconic species."



The FWC thanks Gov. Rick Scott for his continual leadership and proactive response during this time. FWC staff will continue working with partners moving forward, including local governments and stakeholders.



Regulations outside of those counties remain unchanged, including the Sept. 1 snook season opening that occurs in other Gulf and Atlantic state waters.



For more information, visit MyFWC.com and click on "About," then "Executive Orders."

Surprised Trout's are not on the list... but not to worry the idiots in Miami will kill enough for all of us.

FWC has updated the season  closed thru May 2019, due to the Red Tide.

FWC extends snook and redfish no-kill season, boundary zone


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission extended the current catch-and-release only order on snook and redfish and addition seven months and added additional areas to the north.



Last month, FWC announced a catch and release Executive Order in effect from the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island to Gordon Pass in Collier County, through October 12th.



Now they've extended the order to remain in effect until May 10, 2019.



They also moved the northern boundary from Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, all the way up to the Pasco/Hernando county line, including the entire Tampa Bay area.



Regulations outside of these boundaries remain unchanged.



"If they are going to open it up in a year or two, they might as well leave it open, this is a waste of time," said Charter Captain Rhett Morris.



Morris says the catch and release regulations should be in place for 5 years, to allow time for the species to regenerate.



"I would rate the inshore management of fisheries in Southwest Florida as very poor."



Persistent red tide along the Southwest Florida coast this summer have taken a heavy toll on local fish populations, causing extensive fish kills along the coast.

Also, don't be harvesting scallops, clams, or oysters. If you have cuts on your feet, stay out of the water people. Keep in mind, this is totally apart from the blue green algae from the Lake releases, although some may say that the red tide is accelerated my  the algae.