Florida bay fishermen should know that seatrout in the southern third of the state are now off-limits until January 1. The annual closure affects everyone south of Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs on the Gulf coast, and anywhere south of the Flagler-Volusia county line on the Atlantic coast.

The northern zone, or Florida waters north of this demarcation line, will have their own closure---next year, during the entire month of February.

Catch and release fishing for trout is allowed, but even possessing trout in the south zone during the next two months may earn a few anglers citations from the Marine Patrol---regardless of where the trout were

caught.

Action on trout is often excellent during the closed season, since fishing pressure drops off about 90 percent. However, anglers are encouraged to use extreme care while handling these fish. The less handling and exposure to anything dry or abrasive, the better these fish survive. Trout are rather delicate, but cooler water temperatures (and the higher oxygen levels that go with it) certainly help with survivability. Barbless hooks ease releases and keeping the fish in the water is a big plus. Obviously, waders or kayak anglers (low on the water) may have the least impact on these fish, compared with landing trout in bigger boats or on land.

FS