Fishing

Residents, visitors can reel in fun on license-free fishing weekends

WGCU Staff

Save the dates for two upcoming license-free fishing weekends hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a perfect opportunity to try fishing with your friends and family.This summer's license-free fishing weekends are on June 7-8 for saltwater and June 14-15 for freshwater.

Environment

Florida to hold record 126-day Gulf red snapper season for 2025

WGCU Staff

Florida will have a record-breaking 126-day Gulf Red Snapper recreational season for 2025, the longest season since Florida assumed management of Gulf red snapper. The expanded season as announced Monday by Governor Ron DeSantis includes additional summer and fall fishing days from 2024, offering anglers more opportunities to fish over major holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.

Both red tide maps, current as of Dec. 12, 2024, show red tide about ten miles offshore Fort Myers, which is killing offshore anglers' chances to fish with live bait when they pass through the higher concentration of the red tide organism and the water gets in the live well

Environment

Water Quality Report: ‘The Mystery of the Dead Live Bait - The Red Tide Tales'

Tom Bayles

Red tide samples are coming up positive throughout Southwest Florida, but it's offshore where it's making an impact when anglers arrive to find out the organism got into the live wells and killed their bait.

Sports

Many hunting, fishing licenses at half price through the holidays

WGCU Staff

Gov. DeSantis signs order making many hunting and fishing licenses 50 percent off through Jan. 3

Kayakers on the Caloosahatchee river were looking for a siting of the manatee that were swimming just outside the park. The water at Manatee Park in Fort Myers was filled with manatees looking to stay warm in the warm water just down from the Florida Power and Light Power Plant across the street. The warm water is created as a byproduct of cooling off their equipment. Manatee Park is a seasonal location for viewing non-captive Florida manatees in Lee County. Manatees visit the park in search of warm water during the cooler days in winter when the temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is below 68° F (20° C). Winter months make for the best viewing.

Sports

Registration open for Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament

WGCU Staff

The 21st Annual Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament returns to Lee County on Saturday, Nov. 9, with proceeds benefiting the Candlelighters of Southwest Florida, a charity that supports children with cancer or blood disorders and their families.

“The Legislature recognizes that hunting, fishing, and the taking of game are a valued part of the cultural heritage of Florida and should be forever preserved for Floridians. The Legislature further recognizes that these activities play an important part in the state’s economy and in the conservation, preservation, and management of the state’s natural areas and resources. Therefore, the Legislature intends that the citizens of Florida have a right to hunt, fish, and take game, subject to the regulations and restrictions prescribed by general law and by s. 9, Art. IV of the State Constitution.” - 2024 Florida Amendment 2

Elections

Amendment 2 adds to Florida’s Constitution many protections already in state law

Tom Bayles

Amendment 2 is largely backed by hunting and fishing groups and charter captains. Amendment 2 is opposed by environmental groups. Some homeowners are worried about increased trespassing

Environment

Six Southwest Florida schools among 50 in state to get FWC School Fishing Club Program grant

WGCU Staff

The School Fishing Club Program is an annual educational grant program that teaches youth anglers about best fishing practices to help ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

Environment

Prized pink-tagged bass are swimming in Florida waters

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program has deployed bright pink research tags in bass across five waters throughout the state: the Northwest Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, Lake Lochloosa, Lake Beauclair, Lake Okeechobee and Porter Lake.

Environment

Clean-water advocacy group adds Capt. C.A. Richardson to the board of directors

Tom Bayles

Captains for Clean Water has added Captain C.A. Richardson to the nonprofit’s board of directors. Richardson has been a professional fisherman and television guide

Government & Politics

Lee County Manatee Park fishing pier closing temporarily for repairs

WGCU Staff

The fishing pier along the Orange River at Manatee Park, 10901 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, will close temporarily beginning July 31 for scheduled maintenance.