CRESTVIEW — The recreational harvest season for snook reopens March 1 in Florida’s Gulf of Mexico, and in state and adjacent federal waters, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County.
The season will remain open through April 30.
In the Gulf, anglers daily may keep one snook between 28 and 33 inches long. A snook permit is required, along with a saltwater fishing license, unless exempt from the license requirements. Only hook-and-line gear is allowed when targeting or harvesting snook, and it is illegal to buy or sell snook.
Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save the carcasses after the meat is filleted and provide them to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission by dropping them off at a participating bait and tackle store. These donations allow researchers to better determine the age groups being harvested, which makes stock assessments more precise.
Click here, and tap “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook" for more information.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Snook to reopen in Gulf state waters