The purpose of this rule amendment is to prohibit the use in Boca Grande Pass of any fishing gear in which a weight directly attached to any hook, artificial fly, or lure hangs lower than the hook when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the fishing rod. Such gear possessed onboard a fishing vessel must be stowed in such a manner that its immediate use as a fishing implement is impracticable while within the boundaries of Boca Grande Pass. The effect of these rule amendments will be a prohibition on the use of bottom-weighted hooks while fishing within the boundaries of Boca Grande Pass. This prohibition will apply for all species on a year-round basis. In addition, such gear possessed onboard a vessel operating within the boundaries of the Pass must be stowed in such a manner that its immediate use as a fishing implement is impracticable.