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*(courtesy of MyFWC) - The 2024 recreational gag grouper season is set to open Sept. 1–15 in Gulf state waters. The 2024 recreational gag grouper season will be open Sept. 1-15 and will close at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 16. Earlier this year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to modify the recreational season of gag grouper in Gulf state waters, excluding all state waters off Monroe County. The 2024 Gulf gag grouper recreational season was modified to prevent overfishing following the quota overage that occurred in 2023 and to be consistent with the...

Get ready, anglers! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program is thrilled to announce the return of the pink tag contest. Our biologists have tagged and released trophy-sized bass adorned with bright pink tags in various locations throughout Florida. Catching the first pink-tagged bass in each location can win you amazing prizes worth thousands of dollars! Harry Linsinbigler IV recently reeled in a prized pink-tagged bass weighing 11 pounds, 4 ounces in Lake Rochelle, part of the Northwest Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. His impressive catch earned him $1,000 in AFTCO Fishing Apparel & Tackle and a...

The 2024 recreational bay scallop season in the Fenholloway – Suwannee River Zone opens June 15 and will remain open through Labor Day (Sept. 2). This includes all state waters in Dixie County, a portion of Taylor County including the towns of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, and a portion of Levy County. The daily bag limit from June 15-30 in this area is 1 gallon of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 cup shucked bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 5 gallons whole bay scallops in the shell or 2 pints (4 cups) shucked bay...

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a new women’s state saltwater fish record for jack crevalle (Caranx hippos). Lauren E. Harden, 21, of St. Marys, Georgia, broke the previous record by landing a 33 pound, 10.72 ounce crevalle jack on May 24, 2024 while fishing on Cumberland Island. The previous record of 30 pounds, 6 ounces was set in 1981 by Ann Allen of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Harden’s impressive catch was officially verified and recognized by Georgia DNR after evaluation. Representatives from the DNR’s Coastal Resources Division (CRD) certified the weight on May 24 at DNR’s...

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting another license-free freshwater fishing weekend on June 8 and 9.  Freshwater fishing is a fun activity for all ages to enjoy and there are many great locations across Florida to explore. Florida residents and visitors of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to try recreational fishing on this special weekend and the FWC has helpful resources for new anglers to get started.  Where to Fish Fish Management Areas Fishing piers Boat ramps Lakes and rivers  How to Fish First time angler What to bring Knot tying What Species to Fish...