March through July is prime fishing season in Florida. “A combination of COVID-19 fears, boat ramp closures and confusing rules have many anglers getting a later start on fishing,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency in Florida.
While much of the fishing season has been lost on boating restrictions, there is still time for some exciting catches.
Before Heading Out
Make sure you have the proper license and it is updated. Also, social distancing is required for fishing according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC. Follow CDC-guidelines for social distancing and personal safety. A group size cannot exceed 10 people, even outside.
Verify that the location you are headed is open. Most beaches are open however, some remain closed and others are open but have restrictions. Those heading to a fish management area, FMA, can check the following link for the area’s open/close status. To check the status of a boat ramp, use the FWC’s Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder. It is updated every 24-hours. If the boat ramp is not run by the FWC, call the managing entity.
What is biting?
- Bass fishing is keeping anglers busy around central Florida.
- Freshwater- Tarpon, Snook, Trout
- Saltwater- King mackerel and yellowtail
- Red snapper season begins in June, June 11 for private recreation vessels and June 1 for federally permitted for-hire operators.
Starting July 1, 2020, if you are fishing for popular reef fish, such as red snapper on a private recreational vessel anywhere in Florida, you are required to get the State Reef Fish Angler designation. This includes anglers 65 and older.
GreatFlorida Insurance can make sure you are fully prepared before you head out to trawl with premium boat insurance at affordable prices. Contact a GreatFlorida Insurance agent to make sure you have proper boat insurance and adequate coverage for your equipment.
