The purpose of this rule amendment is to modify regulations for the length limit for largemouth bass in Orange and Lochloosa Lakes to no bass over 20” may be possessed or killed, and circle hooks to be required when fishing ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-20.005Specific Fish Management Area Regulations

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule amendment is to modify regulations for the length limit for largemouth bass in Orange and Lochloosa Lakes to no bass over 20” may be possessed or killed, and circle hooks to be required when fishing with natural bait greater than three (3) inches in length.

SUMMARY: Staff are seeking to update rule language for the length limit for largemouth bass at Orange and Lochloosa lakes. Modifying length limit regulations to restrict possession of largemouth bass over 20” and requiring circle hooks be used when fishing with live bait over three (3) inches in length would protect uniquely large fish, positively impact trophy bass production, and support the potential to produce a new state record largemouth bass.

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: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

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

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Ryan Hamm, Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 7386 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, Florida 32653, [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68A-20.005 Specific Fish Management Area Regulations.

(1)    No change

(2)    North Central Region:

(a)     No change

(b)    Lakes Lochloosa, Orange and Newnans, Alachua County

1. Trotlines having a gallon-size plastic float at each end may be used provided that such lines shall be sunk to the bottom or to a minimum depth of four feet.

2. No daily bag limit for channel catfish.

3. Orange Lake, including waters lakeward (south and east) of County Road 346 and waters west of  U.S. Highway 301: 

a. No person shall kill or possess any black bass that is 20 inches or more in total length.

b. Circle hooks. Circle hooks are required to be used on hook and line gear when fishing with natural baits greater than 3” in length. “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.

4. Lochloosa Lake, including Tadpole Creek, Lochloosa Creek, and Cross Creek:

a. No person shall kill or possess any black bass that is 20 inches or more in total length.

b. Circle hooks. Circle hooks are required to be used on hook and line gear when fishing with natural baits greater than 3” in length. “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.

(c) through (r) No change

(3) through (5) No change

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. 379.3751, 379.3752 FS. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 2-19-80, 5-19-80, 6-4-81, 9-28-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-83, 11-17-83, 7-1-84, 7-1-85, Formerly 39-20.05, Amended 2-27-86, 6-1-86, 5-10-87, 4-13-88, 7-1-89, 7-1-90, 4-11-91, 7-1-91, 7-2-92, 8-23-92, 4-20-93, 7-1-94, 8-15-95, 10-23-95, 4-1-96, 2-16-97, 6-1-97, 6-29-97, 1-1-98, 7-1-98, 11-2-98, Formerly 39-20.005, Amended 4-30-00, 7-1-00, 10-10-00, 4-1-01, 7-1-01, 10-9-01, 7-1-02, 1-1-03, 7-1-03, 1-1-04, 7-1-04, 7-17-05, 7-1-06, 4-1-07, 7-1-08, 7-1-10, 2-8-11, 3-25-12, 7-1-12, 4-9-13, 5-22-13, 7-1-16, 6-20-18, 3-22-22, 9-19-22, 7-6-23,_______.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Ryan Hamm, Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 7386 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, Florida 32653, 352-436-9129

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

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: February 21, 2024

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: 12/28/2023