2021 Red Tide SW Florida Snook Redfish Spotted Seatrout workshop presentation

A prolonged red tide event occurred from November 2017 through February 2019, negatively affecting fish populations in southwest Florida. In response, FWC took short-term conservation measures making snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout catch-and-release only in a portion of southwest Florida. The current catch-and-release executive order (EO) is in effect through May 31, 2021.
The Commission wants public input on how to manage snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout after the EO expires. Staff will provide this feedback to the Commission at the May 2021 FWC meeting. Comment on this topic below.
Workshops scheduled for April 5, 6, and 8. Learn more at myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/r...

[@cjd2555]

I live farther north of the area affected by this red tide. But I would personally be more than happy to see the FWC err on the side of prolonging the catch and release phase, rather than risk hurting the fish populations when they are still vulnerable. I'd also like to see long term preservation efforts of the recreational fishery. I think what the state has done with snook (protecting it with gamefish status, making it illegal to buy and sell) was a great move, and I think the FWC should aggressively explore applying the gamefish classification to other popular sport fish in the state. Not doing thing I think puts the popular fisheries at risk as the state's population continues to grow while the water quality continues to get worse. So, if we want our grandkids to be able to experience the joy of trying to keep a redfish out of the mangroves, or a wallowing gator trout from spitting the hook, I think we need to not be afraid to really protect what we have before it's gone.

[@FWCSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks for sharing your comments. I've forwarded them to staff working on this issue.

[@cjd2555]

@@FWCSaltwaterFishing Thank you. I appreciate you doing that.

[@abgarciax1]

As a Licensed Gold Sportsman, I believe the same efforts in Conservation are needed for recreational fishing as are implemented in recreational hunting. I would even suggest a Basic Angler Safety Course with emphasis on why Conservation is needed for recreational fishing and what it means to be an Ethical Angler. I also agree with limits on species vulnerable to over-fishing being made game-fish as commercial fishing or charter fishing could wipe out whole generations of fish, this is similar to the limits that are needed on the deer population being over-hunted in Florida. Protecting the sporting species for future generations is more important than short term gains of commercial entities.

[@Outwhitted664]

I have a lifetime saltwater fishing license, and believe that you can practice conservation and still harvest a fish. Just because there is a bag limit doesn't mean you need to limit out evertime you go fishing. If you only want to catch and release when you go fishing that's fine, but there is no evidence presented here that the government needs to step in and mandate catch and release only.