The FWC also provides fishery management for other local, state, and national agencies such as The Northwest Florida Water Management District , Eglin AFB Natural Resources Management (Jackson Guard), and the Florida Forest Service. A fish management area (FMA) is a pond, lake or other body of water established for the management of freshwater fish as a cooperative effort with the local agency. The FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries manages about 80 water bodies throughout the state that are designated as Fish Management Areas. We are in the Northwest region of FWC. Some FWC managed lakes have additional rules, make sure you check for that lake. |
FISHING REGULATIONS WITHIN FEDERAL WATERS (9 nautical miles from the Florida coast line) As with all things involved with the federal government, you have a lot of agencies involved. The main federal governing agency for the northern Gulf of Mexico is the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council manages fisheries in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Economic Zone. From Texas and Florida, federal waters begin nine nautical miles out, and from Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, federal waters begin three nautical miles out. Federal waters extend to the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. (Better known as the Magnuson-Stevens Act). The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the federal 200-mile limit in the southern Gulf of Mexico to the keys. Federal waters then change to 3 nautical miles from the coast and proceeds up along the east coast of Florida to the northern boundary of North Carolina. They also manage the Highly Migratory Species Permit for the entire Gulf of Mexico. It gets pretty confusing, you need to call the folks above if you have specific questions. |
The days when you could go fishing and keep all of your fish are long gone. As commercial and recreational fishermen have increased catch pressure on our limited fishing resources, various government agencies have instituted more rules and regulations in an attempt to maintain a sustainable fishing stock. A difficult balancing act with a lot of opinions and controversy. However, for the common recreational fisherman, you must be aware of the rules and regulations governing you or you will be facing some hefty fines and other penalties. There are two main government agencies that make the rules for our area. State of Florida: Makes the rules for all freshwater fishing in the state of Florida, and for all saltwater fishing out to nine nautical miles from the Florida coast line in the Gulf of Mexico (Note: Florida's state waters only go out to three nautical miles from Key West north along the Atlantic side of Florida). The Florida agency that makes and enforces the Florida regulations is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, better known as the FWC. Other states: Texas state waters also go out to 9 Nautical miles, but Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana state waters end at three nautical miles. The waters that are governed by each state are considered that state's "STATE WATERS". Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council: Makes the rules for all saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico from nine NAUTICAL miles out to 200 Nautical miles from the coastline. Its boundary begins at Key West and goes north along the Gulf of Mexico's coast line. These waters are referred to as FEDERAL WATERS. The federal waters may also be referred to as the Exclusive Economic Zone. While the Gulf Council does have some law enforcement officers, most of the enforcement is done by the state FWC officers. |
A basic explanation of all (or most) of the regulations and rules governing fishing in the Destin area (Good Luck !!!) Last Updated: Feb 2014 |
Known as the "luckiest fishing village", Destin is the home to some of the best saltwater fishing in the United States. The 100 Fathom (600' depth) Curve of the Gulf of Mexico draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida. This, along with Destin's close proximity to the East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, allows quick access to the Gulf of Mexico's fishing bounty. The purpose of this site is to acquaint a new fisherman to the Destin area - our local facilities, fish, waters and fishing methods. Tight lines and good fishing! |
Saltwater rules change often - seasons close/open, a fish can be too short or too long, and the federal government has a big impact,i.e., Red Snapper. For the most part, you can go to the Florida Recreational Seasons Calendar for a general guideline as to what is open or closed. And, check the FWC Hot Sheet for recent rule changes. For Red Snapper, consult the Florida Red Snapper page. A good overview of limits and sizes can be found at Reef Fish/Pelagic Quick Chart page. |
This web site is updated as I have time from other things going on. As there are a 1000 + different ways to do things, this is only my way of fishing, nothing else, and it is not the last word in fishing the area. I am by no means an expert but if you would like my opinion on something related to fishing the area, please email me at FishingDestinGuide@cox.net. It may take a few days before I get to it, so be patient. Thanks..... © Copyright 2014 Fishing Destin Guide All rights reserved |
FISHING REGULATIONS WITHIN STATE WATERS: (Out to 9 nautical miles in Florida) The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for making and enforcing the fishing regulations for state waters. These may be divided into Freshwater Regulations and Saltwater Regulations. How do I know whether freshwater and saltwater regulations apply? And, how do I know whether I need a saltwater or freshwater license? Answer: Depends on the TYPE of fish you catch, NOT where you are fishing. In general, you need a freshwater license to take freshwater fish and a saltwater license to take saltwater fish. Obviously, if you are fishing in pure freshwater where no saltwater species live, you need a freshwater license, and likewise, if you are fishing in the ocean or Gulf of Mexico, you need a saltwater license. However, when you get into areas where saltwater and freshwater commingle, and fish of both types can be found, the type of license you need depends on the species you take or attempt to take. The types of freshwater and saltwater fish may be found in the appropriate regulations below. The local FWC contact is: FWC Northwest Region Office 3911 Highway 2321 Panama City, FL 32409-1658 (850) 265-3676 The regulations are changed frequently. FWC publishes a new edition both their saltwater and freshwater Fishing Regulations to take effect each January and July of each year. Copies can be picked up at most bait or tackle stores or the local Okaloosa County Tax Collector's office. |