Making news
State nearer to New Gag rules for gulf Anglers
Gulf anglers may get a new gag grouper season next year. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted last week to make most gulf state waters (shore to 9 miles out) consistent with the current federal season with the exception of a four-county region in the Big Bend region. Under the current proposal, the gulf gag season will open July 1 and close in November or December when anglers catch their allotted limit. The final rule is expected to be approved by federal fishery managers later this spring.
The new state rule will include an April 1 through June 30 season in waters off Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin counties. According to the proposal, the four-county region will not open during the July 1 through November/December federal season.
Monroe County is excluded from the Gulf of Mexico season because it is included in the Atlantic season for gag grouper. The 2012 recreational gag season was July 1 through Oct. 31 in all federal and most state waters, with the exception of state waters off Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin counties, which were open April 1 through June 30. Public comment on this draft rule can be sent to marine@myfwc.com or can be given by calling (850) 487-0554.
Fishing
Uplifting TV show has bay tie-in
Former Rays pitcher James Shields, Lighting executive Tod Leiweke and marine artist Guy Harvey are three of the guests to air on a new Florida-based fishing show called Reel Dream Makers (reeldreammakers.com), which pairs celebrities with charities and families in need. The show, filmed primarily on Tampa Bay-area waters, airs Sundays at 7 a.m. and Tuesdays at 9 a.m. on Fox Sun Sports.
Send news to Terry Tomalin at ttomalin@tampabay.com or call (727) 893-8808.
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