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Division of Marine Fisheries Regulations

This article outlines management plans for Tarpon.

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CHAPTER 68B-32
TARPON

68B-32.002 Definitions.—As used in this rule chapter

1. "Harvest" means the catching or taking of a fish by any means whatsoever, followed by a reduction of such fish to possession. Fish that are caught, but immediately returned to the water free, alive, and unharmed, are not harvested.

2. "Professional fishing guide" means the captain or operator of a boat or vessel is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry paying passengers and whose passengers pay a fee to fish for tarpon.

3. "Spearing" means the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body. Spearing does not include the catching or taking of a fish by a hook with hook and line gear, or by snagging (snatch hooking).

4. "Tarpon" means any fish of the species Megalops atlanticus, or any part thereof.

   Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History—New 11-30-88. Amended—1-1-98, Formerly 46-32.002.

68B-32.003 Tarpon Tags: Limitation on Number of Tags Issued Annually; Limitation on Number of Tags Issued to Professional Fishing Guides.

1. In any license year, the total number of tarpon tags issued pursuant to Section 370.062, Florida Statutes, shall not exceed 2,500.

2. Each professional fishing guide may purchase tarpon tags for subsequent transfer to individual customers; provided, however, that the total number of tags issued during any license year to professional fishing guides shall not exceed 1,250.

   Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History—New 11-30-88, Amended 11-1-89, 10-1-90, 12-4-91, 11-26-92, 11-29-93, 1-1-95, 1-1-96, 11-27-96, 11-12-97, 11-16-98, Formerly 46-32.003.

68B-32.004 Gear Restriction. The harvest or attempted harvest of any tarpon in or from state waters by spearing is prohibited.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History—New 1-1-98, Formerly 46-32.004.

To view the most current saltwater fishing regulations for the state of Florida, please visit the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Web site, Chapter 68—FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION located at: http://fac.dos.state.fl.us/