The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Thursday approved rule amendments to make it crystal-clear that Florida regulations apply to snook harvested within or without state waters.

"Florida has taken the management of its world-renowned snook fishery seriously for 52 years," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto.  "These rule amendments simply reinforce our long-standing policy to protect and sustain snook populations for today's anglers and future generations."

The new rule amendments clarify that the sale of snook harvested or taken within or without the state is prohibited (except for permitted brood stock purposes) in order to fully protect Florida snook from illegal sales and importation.

The rules also clarify that no person may possess any snook caught within or without the state during snook closed seasons, that snook harvested within or without state waters must be landed in a whole condition, and that temporary possession of snook is allowed only in order to determine compliance with minimum and maximum size limits.

These rule amendments will take effect in early September unless a public hearing is requested.      

Special thanks to forum member Capt_Lacey for the newsletter photo - see more of her photos here