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News Article
For: Week of April 5, 2004
By: Chris
Verlinde, Extension Marine Agent
Santa Rosa County Extension Service
Telephone: 850-623-3868 or 850-934-5278
Fishing, the Great American Pastime
From
rivers and estuaries to the Gulf of Mexico, Northwest
Florida offers many opportunities for fresh and saltwater fishing!
Fishing is a great pastime for all ages. In addition to the excitement of
catching the big one, to the relaxing enjoyment of our local waterways, fishing
offers families opportunities to spend quality time outdoors.
New to fishing in our area? There are
many resources and upcoming events to learn about this exciting hobby.
Most
Florida residents
need a fishing license. Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license, but
must abide by all other regulations such as gear type and bag and size limits.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at the tax collectors office, on-line and at many
area bait and tackle shops. Licenses are purchased separately for salt and
fresh water species, although you can purchase a salt and fresh water
combination license! There are instances when a license is not needed, such as
fishing at private ponds, or from a boat with a valid recreational vessel
fishing license. There are other exceptions; for more information check the fresh and saltwater fishing sites at the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website at www.myfwc.org.
Purchasing a fishing license supports fish and wildlife conservation.
Locally,
there are many public places to fish. Blackwater River State Forest, Bear, Karick
and Hurricane lakes offer excellent freshwater fishing opportunities (be aware
of special large mouth bass size limits at Hurricane Lake). Along Blackwater River, public
access sites can be found at the Blackwater River State Park, Carpenters
Creek and Russell Harbor Landing. Along East Bay, access can
be gained at Grassy Point Recreation Area and Dickerson City. Just west of
Pace, off Highway 90, the Simpson River Fishing Pier offers great fishing. To
the south in Pensacola Bay, fishing from
the Gulf Breeze Municipal Fishing Pier or Wayside Park offer great
chances of catching great tasting species of fish (species vary according to
the season). Gulf of Mexico fishing is exciting at the
Navarre Beach State Park Gulf Fishing Pier and the Pensacola Beach Gulf Fishing
Pier. For more information on what is biting and where, talk to your local bait
and tackle shop employees, check www.pensacolafishing.com or check out
the Hook, Line and Sinker insert in the Pensacola News Journal on Thursdays.
Rules
and regulations for fresh and saltwater fishing are available at the tax
collectors office, on-line at www.myfwc.org and many bait and tackle
shops. Bag and size limits are in place to ensure great fishing for future
generations. Fish that are not of legal size should be handled gently and with
wet hands or gloves to ensure their survival when released.
Upcoming kids fishing events include:
May
8th at the Pensacola Bay Bridge Fishing Pier, the Kids Fishing
Clinic will take place from 8 am until noon. Kids will be
instructed on knot tying, fishing ethics, bait and
tackle and fish identification. After completing these educational stations,
participants will receive a free rod and reel and will get a chance to fish on
the bridge!
June
5th, A kids fishing and fun day will take place at the Navarre Beach State
Park Gulf Fishing Pier, 9 am until 3:30 pm. Kids 12 and
under will be admitted free. Prizes will be awarded at 3:30
pm.
Other activities include face painting, live music and more!
June
7th-11th, Santa Rosa County 4-H will
offer a weeklong day camp focused on fishing. This will be a great opportunity
to learn about 4-H opportunities and fresh and saltwater fishing!
For
more information on these and other coastal opportunities, contact Chris
Verlinde, UF /IFAS Santa Rosa Sea Grant Extension, 850-623-3868 or
e-mail christinav@co.santa-rosa.fl.us.
Extension Service programs
are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or
national origin.