The Snook season along Florida's Gulf Coast opened the first of September after a protective closure of more than three years. Snook Anglers fishing along Florida's Gulf Coast can help the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) monitor the health of Charlotte Harbor's snook population by saving the carcasses of as many harvested snook as possible.
While the FWC would prefer you catch-and-release fish as much as possible, they are asking if you do take a legal sized snook home for supper then save the carcass. You can remove the skin and meat but leave the internal organs intact and do not break the backbone. A drop-off station for snook carcasses has been established with King Fisher Fleet at Fishermen's Village Marina in Punta Gorda where snook carcasses may be taken between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. seven days per week.
As part of an ongoing study involving Charlotte Harbor snook, FWC biologists will record the length of the fish, examine the internal organs to establish the sex of the fish, then remove and examine an ear bone called an otolith to determine the age of the fish.
Learn More And How You Can Help
For more information on this program or to discuss alternate pick-up arrangements call FWC at 1-941-255-7403 or 1-727-896-8626.
Along with seven cruises available, the King Fisher Fleet also offers charter fishing with some of the best fishing guides in southwest Florida, departing every day from Fishermen’s Village Marina. Call 941-639-0969 or visit www.kingfisherfleet.com for more details about sightseeing cruises and fishing charters.
