OAA Fisheries is seeking comments on a proposed rule for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper. The rule, if implemented, would set the 2013 quotas for commercial and recreational red snapper harvest.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the 2013 recreational gag grouper season for Gulf of Mexico state waters at its meeting Feb. 13 in Orlando.

Tricked out for 24-hour livebait fishing, ease of maintenance.Charlotte Harbor is big-water flats fishing, where conditions can get downright snotty when the wind blows.

When winter winds blow, this protected system can deliver the hottest bites in Southwest Florida. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is world renowned for its myriad and colorful bird species. Each year nearly a million visitors drive, hike or bike its access road and trails or maneuver kayaks, canoes and other craft through its waters.

It is common for gun tournaments around the country to be named after historical figures with whom the contestant can relate. The Major Dade is named after Major Francis L. Dade, who, along 108 of his men, was massacred by Seminole Indians on the morning of December 28, 1835.

“This was our first of the season tripletail,” said Kowalyk. “It took a Rootbeer Icicle Shrimp. We went 6 for 7 on shrimp and fly. All smalls so far; there’ll be more pots out soon. My favorite!”…

Redfish and Captiva passes are a snooker’s dream in spring–and a good bet for action year-round. Redfish Pass was about 200 yards around the corner from the boat basin. By the time we grabbed rods and a box of plugs and got over there, the guide was making his first drift.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold a public workshop in Clewiston to discuss possible boating-restricted-area changes…»

Fly fishing for summer tarpon from a unique perspective. I’ve caught many fish from the comfort and stability of my ladder long after the sea breeze swept waves have chased the others away.

Cool Saturday morning on Pine Island Sound. No one on the water. Two friends and I walked our kayaks from the launch 200 yards through thick mud. The extreme low tides of the Florida Gulf coast winter intimidate many anglers, but not those tuned into tailing redfish.

Our day had started with a plan to try for Boca Grande’s Big Three: hammerhead shark, tarpon and goliath grouper, a trio whose combined weights could realistically top 2,000 pounds. Ever hear of a One Ton Slam? It’s possible, here in Southwest Florida’s Boca Grande Pass.

Play your cards right and get jacks to open at the beach. Sure enough, the yellow tails and black spots behind the gill plates were now clearly visible. The captain was right as rain–they were jacks–but their sizes were amazing.

Today, anglers are seeing what may be a glimpse of a brighter future. Employing a mix of old-school and new-school tactics, we’re finding more and more red grouper on the shallow, near-coastal, intermediate and distant offshore waters.

More than 100 years after the Boca Grande Pass tarpon fishery was first established, there are still tens of thousands of tarpon moving in and out April through June.

Their family name simply springs from the lobe-like shape of their fins. They are available, in their season, in all Florida bay systems and in many rivers, near the inlets.

Family fishermen return to the Pass when the tarpon circus leaves town.