The short answer is Yes Both residents and non-residents need to have a license in order to surf fish in Florida The general saltwater fishing license is paid, but residents can obtain a free shore-only license that they can use only for shore fishing
Who does not need a fishing license in Florida?
The exemptions that apply most frequently: Any angler (resident or non-resident) under the age of 16 does not need a fishing license, and Florida residents who are 65 or older do not need a fishing license If you are exempt from needing a fishing license, you also do not need a snook permit or lobster permit
Where can you surf fish in Florida?
Areas offering quality surf-casting opportunities on the east coast include the Florida Keys, the Indian River Lagoon system and St Johns River; on the west coast, Estero Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Tampa Bay and Steinhatchee
Do you need a license to fish from the beach in Florida?
The short answer is Yes Both residents and non-residents need to have a license in order to surf fish in Florida The general saltwater fishing license is paid, but residents can obtain a free shore-only license that they can use only for shore fishing
How much is a Florida saltwater fishing license?
The shoreline saltwater fishing license is available to Florida residents only Nonresident saltwater anglers must purchase a regular nonresident saltwater fishing license at $17 for three days, $30 for seven days or $47 for one year, regardless of whether they fish from shore or a vessel
What do you need for beach fishing?
For a typical surf fishing excursion on the beach, you will need the following gear: Saltwater Fishing Rod and Feel Cast Net Tackle and Bait Surf Fishing Rigs (Fish-Finder and Drop) Marine Hook and Rig Holder (for tool organization) Knife Bait Bucket and Air Pump Spare Spool of Line
Can you surf fish at night in Florida?
It is legal to surf fish on most beaches along the Florida coasts Local fishing tackle shops are another great resource to ask about local rules and regulations around night fishing from the beach Licensing and permits are typically no different when fishing during daytime hours or night
Is surf fishing better at high tide?
Simply put, high tide is the best tide for surf fishing because it allows you to fish the deep waters where fish are more comfortable to feed So before your next surf fishing trip, try to recognize the tides in your area, and plan your journey around high tide hours
What’s the fine for fishing without a license in Florida?
You need a license to catch a fish and if you cast a line or catch and release fishing without a license is a non-criminal offense that is penalized by paying the licensing fine & an additional $50 The penalty fine increases to $100 if you are charged more than once within a 36 month period
What fish can you catch from shore in Florida?
Fishing is great on Florida beaches All public beaches allow fishing from the shore and it is quite common to see people with their poles and cast nets working the calm surf You can catch most inshore fish from the beach such as snook, pompano, shark, snapper, and redfish
Can you fish off a pier without a license in Florida?
You can fish from a pier for recreational purposes, but you still need a valid pier saltwater fishing license You don’t need a Florida freshwater fishing license if…
Where is the best saltwater fishing in Florida?
Popular Fishing Locations: Big Lagoon State Park Fort Pickens fishing pier & beaches Johnson’s Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore Old 3 mile bridge fishing pier Oriskany Artificial Reef (225 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass) Palafox Pier Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
How much is a Florida fishing license at Walmart?
The cost of obtaining a fishing license from a Walmart in Florida is $1750 This is the price for a one-year license for fishing in freshwater or saltwater A one-year combination license, however, costs $3050 A “shoreline” license is also available to residents for free
How do I set up surf fishing?
Surf Fishing Setup and Strategy Have one pole rigged with a heavier rig for cut bait and one pole sporting a smaller rig for shrimp or squid Use the larger rig to target larger species, and use the smaller rig to target smaller species When it’s time to cast, walk into the water to maximize your casting distance
How much line do you need for surf fishing?
When surf fishing, you need around 250-300 yards of line in order to target the most rewarding spots Therefore, your pound test should allow having this amount of line on whatever reel you use
Is surf fishing at night any good?
Surf fishing at night is a great way to up your game and catch more fish It is often much more productive than fishing in the same areas during the day, and much predatory fish found in the surf feed and are most active during the nighttime hours
What do you use to surf fish at night?
You can use mole crabs, shrimp, bloodworms, and a lot more for your live bait You may also use your extra surf rod for fishing if there’s no more bait In addition, equipping dual drag systems on good surf rods can help anglers avoid losing reels and rods in the water Be careful not to bring too many rods, though
What is a fish finder rig?
Fish-Finder Rig The most simple rig is the fish-finder rig It consists of a leader with a hook, and a barrel swivel is tied to the mainline behind a fish-finder weight slide The fish-finder rig is ideal for large pieces of bait because an angler can “drop back” to a biting fish, and give it time to ingest the bait