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New rules for shore-based shark fishermen going into effect July 1st

There are new regulations for those who do shore based shark fishing those changes go into effect on July 1, 2019.
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LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- There are several new laws going into effect on Monday, including new shark fishing requirements.

Florida Fish and Wildlife approved several shore-based shark fishing changes, which will now include mandatory permits and education.

As of July 1st, 2019, Florida Fish and Wildlife will require you to complete an online course before casting your line for sharks from the shore.

All shore-based shark anglers 16-years and older -- including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license -- will need to complete the Shore-based Shark-Smart Fishing educational course in order to get a permit.

Anyone under 16 is not required to take the course if they are fishing with a permitted adult.

Other regulations going into effect on July 1st will include:
-The banning of chumming for any species from the beach
-Anglers will need to release any prohibited shark immediately; this may require you to cut the leader or hook to prevent delaying the release
-Sharks will also need to stay in the water at all times
-Anglers will be required to use non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks

The education course is free and available online at MyFWC.com/SharkCourse.

Getting your Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit

  • If you are under 16, keep your Certificate of Completion with you to fish for sharks from shore without someone who already has the shark fishing permit.
  • If you are 16 or older, keep the unique identification code on your Certificate of Completion and sign in at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
  • Click “Purchase a License.”
  • Navigate to the Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit (Unless exempt, a valid saltwater fishing license is required to get this permit.)
  • Click “Add to Cart.”
  • When prompted, type in the unique identification code from your Certificate of Completion.
  • Complete the process of obtaining this no-cost permit by confirming the selection.
  • Print a copy of the permit to carry with you or store your permit on the Fish|Hunt FL mobile app.

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