FWC Website Clarification on Grouper
Posted: June 27th, 2012, 4:16 pm
Direct Cut and paste from the FWC website. I was wondering what criteria would be used if you were stopped in state waters in the four county area with a federal waters grouper on board.
On July 1st the four-county area closes, but recreational anglers will be able to transit from open federal waters or open state waters through the four-county closed area. On or after July 1st in the four-county region, you cannot stop and fish if you have gag grouper on board your vessel. Vessels possessing gag grouper in the four-county closed area must be in direct and continuous transit, and if stopped and fishing in a closed area it will be prima facie evidence that any gag grouper on board were harvested at the location where the vessel is stopped.
SO, if you fish for Grouper in fed water after the first, DO NOT come back in and try to catch a few trout, or they got you. Head straight for the landing!!! Don't even stop to pee! Hold it.....
Not that I agree with that ruling, but at least it is now crystal clear...
Dubble
On July 1st the four-county area closes, but recreational anglers will be able to transit from open federal waters or open state waters through the four-county closed area. On or after July 1st in the four-county region, you cannot stop and fish if you have gag grouper on board your vessel. Vessels possessing gag grouper in the four-county closed area must be in direct and continuous transit, and if stopped and fishing in a closed area it will be prima facie evidence that any gag grouper on board were harvested at the location where the vessel is stopped.
SO, if you fish for Grouper in fed water after the first, DO NOT come back in and try to catch a few trout, or they got you. Head straight for the landing!!! Don't even stop to pee! Hold it.....
Not that I agree with that ruling, but at least it is now crystal clear...
Dubble