While Nicole puts local fishing plans on hold, some reminders on fishing licenses
Well, here we go again. Might as well holster that rod and reel for a while.
In other words, not much to see here, folks, if you were hoping for a fabulous fishing forecast.
We were already dealing with a St. Johns River still well above its normal level, with the aftereffects of Hurricane Ian still visible in the form of submerged or nearly submerged docks. All the west-siders can do now is wait to see how much worse it gets before the slow drain resumes.
In normal times, anglers would be swarming to the St. Johns from near and far, because it's the time of year to get your limit on thick specks (also known as speckled perch or crappie).
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Sheepshead were starting to make noise in the intracoastal, along with a healthy population of snook, while beachside ears were to the ground, awaiting the semi-annual blitz of southbound pompano in the surf.
It's all on hold for now. But it'll pass, as it always does.
Meanwhile, this seems like a good time to toss out some reminders from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, whose officers occasionally fan out to assorted docks, piers and ramps to make sure everyone is up to speed on the following.
Do I need a fishing license?
You can find all the license info, including exemptions, on Florida's Fish and Wildlife Commission website: MyFWC.com. But the basics are:
No: If you're 65 or older, 15 or younger, you don't need a license.
No: If you're fishing with a licensed guide or charter boat, both of which purchase commercial licenses that cover their customers.
Yes: Most everyone else, including visitors from other states.
Yes: Even if you're a shore-based angler (shoreline, dock, pier, bridge, etc.).
However: The shore-based license is free . . .
But: You still need to register for that free license.
Where do I get a license, and what does it cost?
Many bait shops sell licenses, as do the bigger retailers (Bass, Dick's, Walmart, etc.).
Florida's FWC uses a third-party site for buying or renewing fishing licenses: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
The cost: $17 for an annual license.
Don't forget: Whether you're fishing fresh or saltwater, you need the specific license. Freshwater and saltwater licenses are both $17 annually.
I'm here on vacation, do I need a fishing license?
Yes you do, and they're also available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or certain bait shops and big retailers.
Cost: $17 for three days, $30 for seven days, $47 for a year.
Also: Non-residents need to purchase that license even if they're just fishing from shoreline or shore-based structures. (Florida residents need that license, too, but they're free.)
Odds & Ends
• Saturday's fishing festivities in Port Orange for veterans — the Tom Lloyd Veteran Fishing Event — has been postponed.
The Halifax Sport Fishing Club sponsors the annual event and will reschedule.
• When you do get back out there, remember, it's catch-and-release for a pair of local favorites:
Flounder's six-week closed season runs through the end of November.
Spotted seatrout are off-limits the final two months of the year, from the Volusia-Flagler line south through Palm Beach County.
Hook, Line & Clicker: Send us your fish pics
We want to see your most recent catch. Email your fish photos to ken.willis@news-jrnl.com.
Please include first and last name of angler(s), as well as type of fish (we're occasionally stumped). All are included with our online fishing report, and some occasionally make the print edition.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: FISHING REPORT: When Nicole exits, don't forget your FWC license
