CRESTVIEW — The recreational harvest season for snook is now open statewide.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether to take a snook home. Gulf snook populations were negatively impacted by a 2010 cold kill.
Gulf snook numbers currently exceed FWC management goals, but the fish are still rebuilding to pre-cold kill levels, which is one of the reasons why it is important to handle fish with care and use moderation when determining whether or not to harvest one.
During the open season, the daily bag limit is one fish per person.
In the Gulf, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 33 inches total length.
In the Atlantic, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 32 inches total length, which is measured 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 while the fish is lying on its side.
A snook permit, as well as a recreational saltwater license, is required unless the angler is exempt from the recreational license requirements. Snook may be targeted or harvested with hook and line gear only. Snagging is prohibited.
Snook are closed to harvest Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park. In Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, snook is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Limited harvest for snook in season