Gulf Coast - Fl Gag Grouper
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gotchanumber
04-26-2012, 10:58 AM
Has anyone read FWC rules book for 2012 showes gags open April 1.Had a couple friends get caught FWC wrote warnings. Took down hull # and told them you have now been warned. Just wanted to know if anyone has tried this.
capt_dalton
04-26-2012, 11:48 AM
Check this bulletin out:
http://www.gulfcouncil.org/news_resources/Press%20Releases/GrouperReopen2012.pdf
gotchanumber
04-26-2012, 11:54 AM
I know they dont open til July 1. What I was wanting to know if anyone has used the fwc book. And got away with gags in boat.
BIGnUGLY
04-26-2012, 01:08 PM
I haven't, but I'm going to half hitch to see if they have the book. If they do, I'm loading up.
Ron19
04-26-2012, 07:05 PM
There was a thread on here about a week (late march) before it was set to open. From what I gather, FWC changed the regs about 2 weeks before the season was set to open. But the current printed book at most local tackle shops still read 1 April. Bummed the hell out of my 7 year old. We were set to go out and take no prisoners come 1 April. The FWC website did have the correct info.
This far into it I wouldn't try to get by with 'look what the book says'. Go for it if you feel lucky.
BDeer
05-02-2012, 06:05 AM
If im reading this right this is the entire gulf, not just a florida thing, correct?
dmclain7
05-02-2012, 07:05 AM
With it being this late I would say you would get a ticket. Because every bait shop and Joe blow who fishes has been talking about it. Unless you can prove you live in a box outside the communication of the rest of the world. Not worth the risk, just get ready for when it does open.
bigbender
05-07-2012, 04:15 AM
I got checked by FWC in Crystal River on Saturday-the only reason I got pulled over is he could see the offshore tackle on the boat. No safety check, no license check, no other questions but he checked the fish bag and cooler to make sure we didn't have any gags then sent us on our way. We had to sort thru a bunch of gags to find 7 reds and I had some pretty disappointed novice fishermen on the boat when the gags went back over the side but I have never been more glad that I didn't keep any. I wouldn't test them, rule book misprint or not.
Fatherof4
05-07-2012, 07:10 AM
Whoops! I caught and kept a gag this weekend (5/5/12). The phamphlet I picked up at the tackestore said it was open. I did release the red snapper, but, I thought it was open...............dang.
gotchanumber
05-07-2012, 10:39 AM
Bigbender when you got stopped did he ask you for gags? Crystal River is where I go out of. Personally know 4 people that have been stopped and got off with a warning. If you get stopped in state waters I think your fine. Federal waters will be a different story.Talked to a FWC officer Sat he said he didnt know of any officers that would write that ticket.