Boca Grande Pass is a very congested fishing area during the spring tarpon fishing season. To help alleviate conflicts between fishermen in this area, the new rules will restrict to no more than three the number of fishing lines per vessel that can be used to harvest any species of fish in Boca Grande Pass during April, May and June. This replaces a rule passed by the FWC in February that applied only to the harvest of tarpon and is intended to aid law enforcement.

The Commission is also concerned about the intentional discharge of lead weights by anglers in Boca Grande Pass. During the past two years, pass clean-up events have removed nearly seven tons of fishing debris and litter from the sea bottom, including lead weights, jig heads, fishing line, crab traps and anchors. To help reduce debris, the new rules will prohibit use of breakaway gear to harvest any fish in the pass during April, May and June.

Breakaway gear is defined in the rules to mean any bob, float, weight, lure or spoon that is affixed to a fishing line or hook with wire, line, rubber bands, plastic ties or other fasteners designed to break off when a fish is caught. Under the new rules, it will be possible to continue using a breakaway-style jig, as long as the weight is not affixed to the hook with fasteners designed to break off when a fish is caught.

These new measures will take effect July 1. This will give the public time before next spring’s tarpon fishing season in Boca Grande Pass to learn about, and adjust to, the new fishing gear requirements, allow the FWC to advise anglers what constitutes breakaway gear and give FWC researchers a chance this spring to complete a three-year study on the effects of gear types and use on tarpon mortality in Boca Grande Pass under conditions similar to the past two tarpon fishing seasons.

Earlier this year, the FWC approved a rule that prohibits the intentional “snagging” or “snatch hooking” of tarpon, which is defined as the intentional catch of a fish by any device intended to impale or hook tarpon by any part of its body other than the mouth. This rule is now in effect.

In addition, the Commission is increasing law enforcement efforts in Boca Grande Pass this spring to address reckless boating behavior and conducting educational efforts to encourage use of appropriate tackle and proper fishing and boating behavior in this world-renowned fishery.