New Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations Available

The 2011 Florida saltwater fishing regulations are now available just in time for the new year. As you may or may not know, the state's fishing regulations are updated twice a year-January and July. Regulations may change in between these times, of course, and it is the responsibility of each and every angler to be familiar with and follow the changes.
The fishing regulations can be found at most tackle shops and online at: http://www.myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/SaltwaterRules_index.htm

If you are not familiar with how to find recent regulation changes, just look for the sections highlighted in yellow. For instance, recent changes for this latest edition include:

• Snook fishery statewide is closed until Sept 2011
• The regional 10-day blue crab harvest closures will occur every other year instead of annually. For south Florida the closures will occur during odd years so our next closure will be July 10-19, 2011
• Snook and Spiny Lobster permits have increased in price; Snook permits are now $10 (five-year permit is $50) and Spiny lobster is $5 (five-year permit is $25)

Note the highlighted sections denote recent changes in the regulations.