SOUTH FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISH LICENSE

These records are updated as soon as they are verified.Ĭertified state record fish must be legally caught using an active hook-and-line method (including a proper license or exemption) by sport fishing methods. Uncertified state records (indicated below by an asterisk) are believed accurate based on reliable witnesses and other evidence but are not certifiable, or they were caught by other than legal sport fishing methods. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at /contact by clicking on “Contact Regional offices.” If you cannot contact the Regional Office you may leave a message for Doris Swain at 85. The angler must then CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE REGIONAL OFFICE HERE. To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species, and an FWC employee - usually but not necessarily the same individual - must witness its weighing on a certified scale.

These methods will ensure the fish maintains a weight similar to the time of the catch. If the fish is no longer alive, the angler can keep the fish in a cooler on ice and remove the drain plug. This is encouraged to promote conservation of these large, rare individuals. Keep native species in a well-aerated livewell. Next, weigh the fish on a scale, take clear photos of the fish with the scale weight legible, and be prepared to text or email the photos for initial verification. If an angler believes they have caught a state record fish, they should check the current state records listed below.

South florida freshwater fish