Published on: 13340233. The purpose of this rule amendment is to expand the definition of the terms “snagging” and “snatch hooking” in relation to tarpon fishing statewide. Snagging or snatch hooking tarpon is currently prohibited. This rule amendment will modify the current language prohibiting snagging and refer directly to tarpon in the definition. In addition, the new rule language will prohibit catching or attempting to catch a tarpon by any method that doesn’t entice the fish to strike with, and become hooked in, its mouth.
The effect of these rule amendments will be to revise the definition of snagging as it pertains to tarpon and prohibit any fishing methods that do not entice a tarpon to voluntarily strike with, and become hooked in, its mouth.
Published on: 12996368. The purpose of these rule amendments is to establish tarpon as a catch and release only fishery, in recognition of the fact that the economic and fishing value of tarpon as a catch and release fishery greatly exceeds its value as a food fish. This rule amendment will convey that tarpon will be managed as a catch and release only fishery, establish tarpon as a hook and line only fishery, remove the provision that allows for a recreational bag limit of tarpon, extend tarpon rules into adjacent federal waters, reduce the transport and shipment possession allowance to one tarpon per person, and allow temporary possession for photography, measurement of length and girth, and taking a scientific sample, provided that all tarpon greater than 40 inches fork length must be kept completely in the water, and all tarpon must be released immediately following the authorized activities in the area where caught. This rule amendment will also amend the tarpon tag system in the following ways: by limiting the allowable use of a tarpon tag to pursuit of an IGFA record only, limiting the number of tags an angler can purchase or use per year to one, and creating a vessel limit of one tarpon. The entire tarpon chapter will also be reformatted to conform to the style developed for marine fisheries regulations during the Division 68B rule cleanup process.
The effect of these rule amendments will be a catch and release only tarpon fishery in Florida, with the only exception allowed for harvest being pursuit of an IGFA record. The rule amendments will otherwise allow for temporary possession of untagged tarpon for photography, measurement of length and girth, and taking a scientific sample, provided that all tarpon greater than 40 inches fork length must be kept completely in the water. The amendments will also result in simplified rule language that is easier to read and understand.
Published on: 12430761. The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for tarpon in the 2013 calendar year as a result of stock assessments or other management or enforcement requirements, or to address amendments resulting from the agency’s comprehensive review of Division 68B.
Published on: 10825702. The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for tarpon in the 2012 calendar year as a result of stock assessments or other management or enforcement requirements.
Published on: 8033266. Boca Grande Fishing Guides Inc.; Petitioner seeks the agency’s opinion as to whether a group of fisherman under the pretext of sport fishing are using techniques that are actually the illegal taking of Tarpon by “snagging” or “snatch hooking”.