Skip to main content

'Florida Bass' Rules: How to Join the Discussion

Florida Outdoors News: FWC hosts virtual meeting on rule language for recent bass species name change.

'Florida Bass' Rules: How to Join the Discussion
In most of Florida (except the western Panhandle) largemouth bass are now considered Florida bass.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled two virtual public meetings next month to discuss updates to rule language reflecting taxonomic changes to bass species announced in 2024.

The FWC said in July that the American Fisheries Society now considers the Florida bass as a subspecies from the largemouth bass. In most of Florida (except the western Panhandle), largemouth bass are now considered Florida bass.

Virtual meetings are scheduled:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1-2:30 p.m.

The FWC will provide updates on recent taxonomic changes that recognize Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides) as a species distinct from largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans). These updates require changes to existing rule language to ensure consistency and to streamline regulations intended to conserve Florida bass genetics. These updates will not affect existing bag and length limits for black bass species.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback during a public comment period.

How to Participate

Interested participants should email Shelby.McCarty@MyFWC.com. Once registered, a confirmation email with instructions for joining the virtual meetings via computer, tablet, or cell phone will be provided. For additional resources, including details on freshwater fishing regulations, conservation efforts, and updates, visit MyFWC.com/Freshwater.

TrophyCatch Redesign

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has upgraded its TrophyCatch website, which offers anglers a refreshed, more user-friendly experience to track and share their trophy bass catches. The redesigned site has exciting features, including improved functionality, enhanced security and seamless integration with the GoOutdoors Florida licensing platform, making it easier for anglers to participate.

The TrophyCatch program allows anglers to record their catches of bass weighing 8 pounds or more, share their fishing achievements and contribute valuable data to support the conservation and management of Florida's world-renowned bass fisheries in exchange for valuable prizes. The site’s new features include an improved interface, enhanced navigation and the ability to hide catch waterbodies.

The new Twebsite is hosted within the GoOutdoors Florida platform, the website where anglers purchase their licenses and permits. “The redesigned TrophyCatch website enhances how anglers track their big catches while helping us collect vital data to manage Florida’s bass fisheries. It’s a win for conservation and a win for anglers,” said Tom Graef, Director of FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management.

Get started at TrophyCatch.com




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

Crescent Kayak's Fly-Weight Rigs & Ultra-Affordable Primo!

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

Newport NK180PRO: Empower YOUR Fishing Utility!

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

Native Titan X Rigged with Newport NK300 really MOVES

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

Hyper-Versatile K-Craft Paddle & Powerskiff!

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

Cover Up With Sun-Protective Clothing

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

Inflation We Can Live With! Mustang Convertible PFD

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

Converting and Re-Arming Mustang Inflatable A/M PFD

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

YakAttack Rod Management Systems Set the Bar for Kayak Anglers

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

YakAttack Kayak Carts Will Get You There

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

YakAttack Tackle Storage Just Got WAY BETTER

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Videos

Take Gear and Tackle Storage to NEW HEIGHTS with Outdoor Crates

YakRods is a new company displaying for the first time at the ICAST show in Orlando. They have a unique set of kayak fis...
Gear

‘Magnetic Tethered' Kayak Rods

Florida Sportsman Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

Preview This Month's Issue

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Florida Sportsman App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Florida Sportsman stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Florida Sportsman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Florida Sportsman stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use