An upcoming change to the way some saltwater fish are legally measured will likely mean a shift in the slot limit for snook. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled a series of public workshops in May to give anglers a chance to comment on a proposed rule to adjust the snook slot limit by one inch on the lower and upper ends of the limit, moving it from 26-34 inches to 27-35 inches total length.

This proposed action is intended to compensate for the new total length measurement requirement that takes effect July 1. Saltwater fish regulated by total length will need to be measured by determining the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed together, while the fish is lying on its side.

For snook, this might result in a slight increase in length when a fish is measured, and the FWC wants to mitigate any negative effect this might have on snook stocks.

Anglers who want to comment on the proposed snook slot limit change are invited to participate at the following public workshops, which will take place from 6-8 p.m.:

Wednesday, May 10
Broward County Library
100 South Andrews Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale

Thursday, May 11
Old County Courthouse
Administrative Conference Room, 1st Floor
2115 Second St.
Ft. Myers

Monday, May 15
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 8th Ave., S.E.
St. Petersburg