M NEXUS INSIGHT
// environment

Are trot lines legal in Florida?

By Daniel Moore

Are trot lines legal in Florida?

Trotlines, bush hooks or set lines are permitted statewide except in that portion of the Ochlockonee River between State Road 20 and the Lake Talquin Power Dam; that portion of the Apalachicola River between U.S. Highway 90 and the Jim Woodruff Dam; Bear Gully Lake in Seminole County; the Oklawaha River upstream from …

What is the best bait for catfish on a trotline?

Best Live Bait to Use on a Trotline When targeting blue catfish or channel catfish, freshly cut parts of dead fish work best, followed by any types of dead bait or “stink catfish baits.”

Where should trot lines be set?

Trotlines should be set where there is some kind of current. A gentle lake current, such as an inlet stream, the fork where two streams or rivers come together, and gentle river eddies are all perfect trotline areas.

Can you keep catfish in Florida?

While permits are required to catch non-game fish, there are more methods that anglers are allowed to use. These are the non-game fish that are native to Florida: Channel Catfish. White Catfish.

How many hooks can you have on a line in Florida?

FWCC’s Freshwater Fish and Wildlife Division states “Persons operating more than 25 bush hooks or set lines or a trotline using more than 25 hooks are considered to be fishing commercially and shall be licensed as provided in Section 379.363, F.S.” With that, it can be stated that the number of hooks that you can have …

What is the best bait for catfish in Florida?

Take advantage of this by using baits with strong odors: chicken liver or gizzards, shrimp, cut mullet and commercial stinkbaits. Other baits work well too, especially earthworms, and occasionally freshwater clams. Many catfish become active just before dusk and at night, and fishing success is best during these times.

Where can I find blue catfish in Florida?

Originally found in the Escambia and Yellow rivers in northwest Florida, they are now also in the Apalachicola and Suwannee. Blues occur in big rivers and in the lower reaches of major tributaries. They prefer clearer, swifter water than other catfish, and are usually found over sand, gravel or rock bottoms.

Are minnow traps legal in Florida?

Cast nets having a stretched mesh size not greater than 1 inch in fresh waters of the state, unless specifically prohibited. Minnow traps not more than 24 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter, with a funnel entrance not more than 1 inch in spread. Any game fish taken by these methods must be released immediately.