New black bass fishing regulations are in effect throughout Florida.
The regulation change will streamline existing rules, allow anglers to keep smaller, more abundant bass and protect larger bass to ensure Florida continues to produce trophy bass.
Florida contains five species of black bass: largemouth, Suwannee, shoal, Choctaw and spotted bass. Largemouth bass are the state freshwater fish and are found throughout Florida, while the other species are only found in rivers in the north central and northwest regions.
The previous three black bass fishing zones and 40 areas with special bass regulations have been eliminated.
All species of black bass are included in the five fish daily aggregate black bass bag limit. This is the same as the previous statewide rule.
Largemouth bass: Only one may be 16 inches or longer in total length per angler, per day, with no minimum length limit.
Suwannee, shoal, Choctaw and spotted basses: 12-inch minimum size limit; only one may be 16 inches or longer in total length.
A primary goal of the new regulations is to protect larger trophy bass desired by most anglers. The TrophyCatch program offers prizes for anglers who document and release largemouth bass weighing eight pounds or heavier.
Visit TrophyCatchFlorida.com for more details and to register for the program.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New fishing regulations go into effect