by Bob Wattendorf

 

Although Florida requires anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 to purchase a recreational freshwater fishing license, there are animals you can take recreationally, without a license, from fresh water for consumption or to use as bait, provided you know and follow the rules.

 

Obtaining a recreational freshwater fishing license is easy – just call 888-FISH FLORIDA, or visit MyFWC.com/License. The license is a great value.

 

However, what about taking turtles; frogs; crustaceans, such as crayfish and grass shrimp; and mollusks, such as mussels and clams? To take these species recreationally or for personal use, you do not need a fishing license. However, it is very important to understand that specific regulations apply. 

 

People must have a commercial fishing license or Class III exhibition and sale license to sell some of these species.

 

Recent reports of large harvests of several species of freshwater turtles, promoted by demand in Asian and other foreign markets, caused the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to prohibit all commercial take or sale of wild native freshwater turtles, of which there are 18 species in Florida. State law prohibits harvesting alligator snapping turtles and regular snapping turtles, Barbour’s and Escambia map turtles, and cooters. Other freshwater turtles (chiefly softshell turtles) are restricted to one per person per day for personal use. They are typically caught by hand, dip net, minnow seine or baited hook and used for human consumption. These flattened looking turtles with leathery shells can inflict a painful bite and have sharp claws, so be careful if you choose to harvest one.

 

Red-eared sliders are a common nonnative freshwater turtle in Florida’s waters, but people cannot catch them to keep as pets. While red-eared sliders can be taken and used for human consumption, once captured, they cannot be released back into Florida’s waters.

 

Among the most common frogs taken for consumption are pig frogs and bullfrogs. There are no seasons, bag or size limits. Most people use gigs at night to hunt them. (Some specific areas prohibit this, so check the local regulations.) Sale of frogs or frog legs requires a commercial fishing license.

 

Mollusks, which include mussels and clams, are filter feeders and live on or in the sand at the bottom of rivers and lakes. Certain species of freshwater mussels may be collected for personal use. However, federal laws protect seven Florida mussel species that occur from the Suwannee River system north and west throughout the Panhandle. Possessing or disturbing these protected species can result in substantial penalties, so be sure to do your research first. The daily bag limit for unprotected mussels, such as Florida spiney spike and paper pondshell varieties, is 10 per person (or 20 half shells), and they can only be taken by handpicking. Freshwater mussels may not be sold. Species of freshwater mussels from families other than Unionidae or Margaritferidae, such as the Asian clam, have no daily bag or possession limits and are often taken for bait. People remove the tough body from the shell and place it on a bait-holder style hook.

 

There are more than 50 species of freshwater crayfish in Florida; many are imperiled and may not be taken. However, there are no seasons, gear, bag or size limits on the more abundant “crawdads.”

 

These critters look like little lobsters and are sometimes taken with small traps or dip nets, for use as bait or for consumption in things such as Cajun stews or Creole recipes. Red swamp and white river crayfish are the most common species used for these purposes. They are found in ditches and vegetated areas with clear water and often around algae-covered rocks. Traps are baited with abundant amounts of fresh or frozen fish parts, not spoiled. Leaving the trap overnight is normally important, but remember to tag it with your name and address and be sure it is placed legally and safely.  Red swamp and white river crayfish are listed as conditional species, so while they may be personally used for human consumption, they may not be kept alive or sold without special permits.

 

Getting outdoors and learning about nature is a great way to have fun, get exercise and get away from the stress of everyday life. To learn more and to check local rules visit MyFWC.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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