Is shark fishing legal in Florida? What do I do if I catch a shark?

C. A. Bridges, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·4 min read

If you're fishing in Florida, at some point you're going to catch a shark. You may be actively fishing for them.

But you can't just pile them up on the boat.

"Sharks are apex predators that play an important role in marine ecosystems," according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Shark Fishing page. "Releasing sharks in a way that increases their chance of survival is an important step toward achieving and maintaining healthy, sustainable shark populations."

Here's what you need to know about shark fishing in Florida.

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Is it legal to fish for sharks in Florida?

If they are harvestable sharks, yes, with some restrictions.

How many sharks can I catch in Florida?

One shark, per person, per day.

There also is a limit of two sharks per vessel, even if there are more than two anglers on board. Once people on the boat have caught two, you're done.

Is there a size limit for shark fishing in Florida?

Yes. They fall under these categories:

Group 1, no size limit

  • Atlantic Sharpnose

  • Blacknose

  • Blacktip

  • Bonnethead

  • Finetooth

  • Smooth dogfish

  • Florida smoothhound

  • Gulf smoothhound

Group 2, must be a minimum length of 54 inches

  • Bull

  • Nurse

  • Spinner

  • Blue

  • Oceanic whitetip

  • Porbeagle

  • Thresher (common)

Sharks should be measured from the most forward part of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail squeezed together.

All sharks that you catch and keep must remain in whole condition with heads, tails and fins attached until landed. You are allowed to gill and/or eviscerate them.

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Is there a gear requirement for shark fishing in Florida?

You can use only a hook and line. Spearing is prohibited.

If you're using live or dead natural bait, non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are required. Multiple hooks (any hook with two or more points and a common shaft) are prohibited unless you're using flies or artificial lures.

You are required to have a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook.

Do I need a permit for shark fishing from shore in Florida?

Yes. You must take and pass an online educational course at MyFWC.com/SharkCourse. After that, you'll be prompted to get a free Shore-Based Shark Fishing permit. The permit must be renewed annually.

The permit is required for all shore-based shark anglers 16 and older. This also applies to people over 65 who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license. Shark anglers under 16 are not required to get the permit but must still take the online course unless they are fishing with someone who does hold a Shore-based Shark Fishing permit.

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Do I need a permit for shark fishing from a boat?

If you're fishing in state waters you aren't required to hold the federal HMS vessel permit. If you are fishing from an HMS-permitted vessel, you must comply with all the permit requirements.

Any HMS Angling or Charter/Headboat permit holders who want to fish for sharks must add a Shark Endorsement to the permit by completing an online shark identification and fishing regulation training course.

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What do I do if I catch a shark that's been tagged?

Tagged sharks are an invaluable source of data for marine scientists and every contact can provide more information. If you catch a shark with a tag, record the information on it (ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO) and leave it on the shark.

If it's not safe, cut the monofilament tether at the base of the tag and take it. Do not try to just pull the tag out.

Report the capture information (date, location, shark type and length, etc.) to the agency listed on the tag.

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What do I do if I catch a prohibited species of shark?

if you catch a species of shark that is protected and prohibited from harvest, possession, or landing in Florida waters, keep it in the water with the gills submerged. Release it as soon as possible, especially when fishing from the shore. Do not bring it onto a fishing vessel, a pier or bridge, or onto dry land.

If it will take too much time or be too dangerous to remove the hook, cut the hook or leader as close to the hook as possible.

If you're not sure if the shark you caught is prohibited, assume it is and release it.

C. A. Bridges is a Digital Producer for the USA TODAY Network, working with multiple newsrooms across Florida. Local journalists work hard to keep you informed about the things you care about, and you can support them by subscribing to your local news organization. Read more articles by Chris here and follow him on Twitter at @cabridges

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shark fishing in Florida: What you need to know