Capturing LMB

[Raetak]

Okay I'm confused I went to the Florida Fish and Wildlife page and in the section where it discusses "Methods of Taking Freshwater Fish" no where does it state I can't use a cast net to catch game fish?????? And also I can capture 5 LMB as long as 4 of them are under 22 inches?????


Thank you for you're time an for helping me with my always hungering brain.

 

[Thalan]

"It is illegal to possess any freshwater fish along with gear that cannot legally be used to take freshwater fish, including gear types listed above and below for taking nongame fish or bait. An exception is game fish may be possessed together with cast nets having a stretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch; minnow dip nets not more than 4 feet in diameter"
It implies it here but it most likely states it explicitly in the Wildlife code or statutes.
You may also want to take a look at the Special Bag and Length limits to see if it applies to anywhere you might be fishing.

 

[Raetak]

I'll play it safe and not use nets.
But at least I CAN have a bass.

 

[Raetak]

But I can have several pet LMB legally?

 

[troubleshootn]

Not sure on florida, but in NC you can have as many as you like. You can get a stock pond certificate and legally buy game fish here.

 

[Raetak]

I'm wondering because someone told me it was illegal to own one... ?

 

[Raetak]

I'm sure somebody will chime in. Thanks for the reply!

 

[critter_bob]

The FWC site states:

Game fish and nongame fish may be taken with pole and line or rod and reel. There is no limit on the number of rods an angler may use.

And then it states under bass:
5 Black bass (largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, and shoal bass, individually or in total), only one of which may be 22 inches or longer in total length.

• In south Florida : only one bass may be 14 inches in total length or longer.
• South and east of the Suwannee River: black bass less than 14 inches in total length must be released immediately.
• In the Suwannee River, areas north and west of the Suwannee River, and in any tributary river, creek or stream of the Suwannee River: black bass less than 12 inches in total length must be released immediately.

So, depending on where in FL you are located, you must release fish less than a certain size. You can keep one, but it has to be (for a fish tank) big.

 

[Raetak]

I see so if I caught a ONE 4 inch bass then I'm good?

 

[critter_bob]

Not if you are south of the Swanee R. You need to release any bass less than 12 or 14" (depending on your location). If you are caught with an undersize fish, you can be cited by FWCC.