Fishing regulations at select waterbodies to maximize trophy bass production at those locations.

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

68A-23.002General Methods of Taking Freshwater Fish

68A-23.005Bag Limits, Length Limits, Open Season: Freshwater Fish

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Fishing regulations at select waterbodies to maximize trophy bass production at those locations.

SUMMARY: These rules are a part of FWC’s strategy to focus efforts on producing more trophy size largemouth bass. Regulations at these resources are waterbody specific, meant to reduce mortality and maximize forage availability on largemouth bass with trophy potential.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: the nature of the rule and the preliminary analysis conducted to determine whether a SERC was required.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: ADA Coordinator, at [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Thomas Graef, Director, Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399; [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68A-23.002 General Methods of Taking Freshwater Fish.

(1) through (11) No change

(12) Circle hooks. Circle hooks are required to be used on hook and line gear when fishing with natural baits greater than 3” in length at the St. Johns River Water Management-owned area in Indian River County known as Fellsmere Water Management Area (commonly known as Headwaters Lake and Egan Lake). “Circle hook” means a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point is not offset and is turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a general circular or oval shape.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 5-19-80, 6-4-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-84, Formerly 39-23.02, Amended 6-1-86, 4-13-88, 7-1-89, 7-1-90, 4-20-93, 7-1-93, 7-1-94, 7-1-95, 4-1-96, 7-1-98, 4-15-99, Formerly 39-23.002, Amended 7-1-00, 7-1-01, 7-1-04, 7-1-06, 7-1-08, 3-25-12, 9-9-13, ________.

 

68A-23.005 Bag Limits, Length Limits, Open Season: Freshwater Fish.

(1) through (7) No change

(8) In that portion of the state south and east of the Suwannee River, bag or length limits or areas closed to fishing are as follows:

(a) through (b) No change

(c) No person shall kill or possess any black bass in the following areas:

1. through 3. no change

4. In the St. Johns River Water Management-owned area in Indian River County known as Fellsmere Water Management Area (commonly known as Headwaters Lake and Egan Lake).

(d) No change

(9) Anglers participating in the TrophyCatch Program in compliance with TrophyCatch Program rules and fish handling guidelines may temporarily possess in live condition one Hall of Fame candidate largemouth bass (13 pounds or greater) over the legal length limit and bag limit until the fish is certified by FWC staff or authorized representative.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 5-19-80, 6-4-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-83, Formerly 39-23.05, Amended 2-27-86, 5-10-87, 3-1-88, 4-13-88, 7-1-89, 4-11-90, 7-1-92, 8-23-92, 4-20-93, 7-1-94, 9-15-94, 4-1-96, 7-1-98, 10-20-98, Formerly 39-23.005, Amended 7-1-00, 7-1-01, 7-1-04, 7-1-05, 7-1-06, 7-1-08, 7-1-11, 5-22-13, 9-9-13, 11-26-14, 7-1-16, 3-23-20, ________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Thomas Graef, Director, Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399; [e-mail].

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 15, 2021

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 9, 2021