Outdoors news and notes

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
In Print: Friday, February 3, 2012

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New rules for trout, redfish

Just when you thought it was safe to go fishing without a rule book in your back pocket, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission changed the regulations for trout and redfish this week. The state now has three management zones — Northwest, Northeast and South — instead of one. Anglers in the Northwest (which includes Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties) can take two fish per day while those in the Southern (Pinellas and Hillsborough) still can keep only one. When it comes to sea trout, the big news is anglers can fish all year long. To read the regulations, go to MyFWC.com.

Seminar teaches how to fire a flare

When was the last time you checked the expiration date on the flares you stash in the safety box of your boat? Most boaters don't think twice about a signaling device until it is too late. But now you have a chance to get flare savvy when Tampa Bay Watch and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary join forces for "Flare it Up," 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 11 at the Bay Watch offices, 3000 Pinellas Bayway, Tierra Verde. The Tierra Verde Fire District and Lealman Community Emergency response team will show you how to deploy a marine flare and fire one without earning a fine from the Coast Guard. Be sure to trailer your boat for a free vessel safety check. For details, go to flare.eventbrite.com.

Ducks Unlimited to hold a dinner

Ask environmentalists to rank the top sportsmen-supported conservation groups, and Ducks Unlimited usually sits atop the list. The organization, which just celebrated its 75th anniversary, buys and preserves hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands that provide habitat for waterfowl and countless other species. You can show your support and learn more about it when the Clearwater chapter holds its Smoker and Wild Game Dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. March 8 at the Pappas ranch, 2630 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. To learn more, call Marie Wiberg at (727) 738-1516.

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor. Send your news and notes to ttomalin@tampabay.com.

[Last modified: Feb 02, 2012 08:07 PM]