Collier County Extension
Important Resources for Anglers

Fishing is a multi-billion dollar resource-based industry in Florida. Anglers have the opportunity fish in some of the most productive coastal and marine environments such as mangroves, seagrasses, marshes and coral reefs. It is up to each angler to follow ethical angling practices to prevent over fishing and ensure fish populations remain sustainable for future generations. Use the information below to help you learn about conservation tools, regulations, red tide and general fishing information. If you still can’t find what you are looking for contact me at fluech@ufl.edu  or (239) 417-6310 ext 225.

• Minimizing Impacts on Pelicans - Flash video
• Quick Reference for Rescuing Hooked Pelicans - (pdf 94kb)
• Regulations, Licenses and Management Information
• Sustainable Fishing Techniques
• Red Tide Information
• Fishing for the fun of it

Regulations, Licenses and Management

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission - Contains important information about fishing regulations, licenses and measurements. http://myfwc.com/fishingareas.html

Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council (GOMFMC) - The GOM Fisheries Management Council is responsible for managing fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC) of the Gulf of Mexico. Click on the link below to learn about the council and how you can provide input to the council about management decisions. http://www.gulfcouncil.org/

Sustainable Fishing Techniques

Release Techniques for Marine Fish

Venting Tools - Discover why venting tools are important and how to use them.
http://www.flseagrant.org/program_areas/fisheries/venting/index.htm

Circle Hooks - Learn about circle hooks and how to use them. http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/flsgp/flsgpg02001.pdf

ARC Dehooker - A useful tool to help anglers reduce release mortality of the fish they catch. http://www.dehooker4arc.com/

Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program - Discarded monofilament line can remain in the environment for over 600 years and can entangle marine life as well as divers and boat propellers. Do your part as a responsible angler and recycle your used fishing line. For more information on the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program go to: http://www.fishinglinerecycling.org/index.asp 

Listed below are the locations of outdoor and indoor monofilament recycling bins in Collier County

Outdoor Recycling Bins

• Naples Pier (2)
• Collier Blvd Boat Ramp
• Jolly Bridge (2)
• Shell Island Boat Ramp
• Bay View Park
• Caxambas Pass
• Cocohatchee River Park
• Naples City Dock
• Isles of Capri Culvert
• Tigertail Beach
• Delnor Wiggins State Park (2)
• Collier Seminole State Park
• Chocoloskee Island Park
• Parkway Marina
• Everglades National Park
• Naples Landing
• The Conservancy of SW Florida

Indoor Recycling Bins

• Sunshine Ace Hardware Stores
• Anglers Answer
• Win Car True Value
• Rookery Bay

*If you're interested in volunteering to monitor a bin already in place or sponsoring a new bin please contact Bryan Fluech at 417-6310 ext. 225 or fluech@aol.com

Red Tide Information

Fish and Wildlife Research Unit - Contains information on Red Tide conditions in Southwest Florida. http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=12373

Fishing for the Fun of it

Florida Sportsmen Magazine - Great information on fishing conditions as well new products, weather, tournaments, etc. http://www.floridasportsman.com/

Florida Sport Fishing Magazine - Great information on fishing conditions as well new products, weather, tournaments, etc. http://www.southfloridasportfishing.com/index.cfm

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission - This site provides identification information about commonly caught fish in Florida. http://marinefisheries.org/guide.htm