Now is the time to provide your opinion about Florida’s proposed change to largemouth bass management by filling out a new online survey. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to be sure that management strategies optimize the use and enjoyment of these fish in a sustainable manner.
Black bass — among which the Florida largemouth reigns supreme — are the most popular sportfish in North America. More than 750,000 anglers in Florida each year specifically target these fish, which are affectionately known as bucket mouths.
A change is being considered to provide a five-bass daily bag limit, only one of which may be 16 inches in total length or longer. This means that each person would be allowed to keep up to five largemouth bass less than 16 inches, or four largemouth bass less than 16 inches and one largemouth bass 16 inches or longer each day.
This change would replace current length limits, but would not alter the current statewide bag limit of five bass. For the most part, this would become a statewide regulation possibly beginning in July 2016, if the public supports the proposal and FWC Commissioners choose to accept the recommendation.
To take the survey, and to learn more about largemouth bass as well as current and possible future management changes, go to MyFWC.com/Fishing and select the “Speak out on bass rules!” link under the bass image near the middle of the page.
“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission takes public opinions very seriously,” said Tom Champeau, director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “Combined with the best science and case studies that we have to go on, public input helps us strive for optimal sustained use of these popular and valuable fish.”
In 2011 the Black Bass Management Plan (BBMP) was approved, based on comments from more than 7,500 anglers. In addition to all of that input from typical fishermen, a series of Technical Advisory Group meetings involving Florida guides, tournament anglers, marina owners, trophy bass fishermen, outdoor writers and tourism representatives were also conducted to ensure a wide range of interests were represented.
The BBMP encouraged FWC biologists to develop the least restrictive regulations feasible to enhance trophy bass fisheries, maintain healthy bass populations statewide and provide diverse angling opportunities. Therefore, FWC staff conducted a thorough review of biological data to evaluate the effectiveness of various regulation strategies. In additon, public opinion was attained from almost 6,000 public responses to a preliminary survey and a series of open-house events around the state during 2013. The resulting proposal for a five-bass daily bag limit, only one of which may be 16 inches in total length or longer, would simplify current regulations, allow more harvest of abundant smaller bass and further protect the older fish and especially spawning female bass. The FWC is seeking additional feedback on this proposed change and will continue to evaluate the best options for several more months before submitting a final proposal.
Initial surveys in 2013 were completed by mostly non-tournament anglers (52 percent) and casual tournament fishermen who normally fish local club tournaments, with only 9 percent fishing more than 20 tournaments a year. Most respondents were relatively avid bass anglers (92 percent primarily targeted bass) and fished an average of 46 times a year, or nearly weekly. So FWC did hear directly from those most likely to be affected by any changes. A few interesting takeaways were that only 16 percent agreed they normally eat the bass they catch, and 57 percent said they are just as happy if they don’t keep any bass.
More specifically, when they were asked about current regulations 57 percent did not want to increase the bag limit and only 21 percent wanted to reduce it. Hence, given the biological support that a five-bass daily bag limit is sustainable, there is not a current recommendation to change it.
Currently, south and east of the Suwannee River there is a 14-inch minimum length limit, and in the Suwannee River and north and west of it there is a 12-inch minimum length limit for bass. Data show that protecting these smaller fish is not necessary, biologically, and that the different size limits complicate regulations. What is advantageous is protecting bigger fish, which are rarer and take longer to produce – hence the proposed harvest limit of only one bass that is 16 inches or longer per day. This regulation would also be more lenient in the fishing zone in the south (east of Highway 441 and south of State Road 80), which currently allows only one bass over 14 inches.
Limited exceptions for specific fisheries that have special needs or opportunities would still be possible, such as high-profile, catch-and-release fisheries that need such a management approach, or even a few more liberal regulations where bass may be overabundant, making additional harvest desirable. Those would be limited exceptions and generally associated with fish management areas.
It is also important to note that there is no intent to alter the simple Bass Tournament Exemption Permit process (see MyFWC.com/Permits then click on “Freshwater” and “Black Bass Tournament”).
Currently, bass organizations holding tournaments may apply online for a temporary exemption to bass size limits. This is done to ensure the health of Florida freshwater resources while encouraging fishing participation from small clubs to major tournaments. Tournament organizers and sponsors must emphasize proper handling and care of bass to their participants and adhere to live-release guidelines stipulated in the permit. Moreover, in return for the temporary exemption to allow weigh-in prior to live-release of the bass, all tournament participants must forego any harvest. Hence, they are not allowed to keep what would otherwise be their five-fish bag limit. Any fish that accidentally die in a permitted tournament must be donated either to charity or for research. Tournaments are not required to have a permit if they choose to abide by existing regulations (e.g., currently one bass longer than 22 inches or the proposed one bass over 16 inches).
In the first few weeks since the survey went out, we have received over 1,200 responses, but every opinion is important. So please review the background materials and complete a survey yourself (see http://bit.ly/BassRules).
Those interested in ensuring quality bass fishing can do two other things: Sign up for our TrophyCatch citizen-science program that rewards anglers for catching, documenting and releasing bass heavier than 8 pounds (see TrophyCatchFlorida.com ), and purchase a “Go Fishing” largemouth bass tag for your vehicle or trailer (see http://bit.ly/FLbass-tag).
Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling 888-404-3922, *FWC or #FWC on your cell phone, or texting to Tip@MyFWC.com. Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “more news,” or scr.bi/Fish-busters for more Fish Busters’ Bulletins. To subscribe to FWC columns or to receive news releases, visit myfwc.com/Contact.
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