Before you get on a boat to go fishing, there is a world of information that you need to know. The first thing that you need is a license to go fishing anywhere in the Keys. You have to understand, that more than million people visit this area every year for fishing. Reason for all these regulations is that we share our planet with lots of different life forms, and all of us are an integral part of our fragile ecology. These licenses and regulations allow the concerned agencies to keep a close look at the wildlife situation, which allows them to take measures for replenishing the resources. All of the money that people like you contributes through these licenses, helps in the conservation efforts in the area.
If you are new to the region, then you should know that you could find both fresh water and salt-water fish, in and around the Florida Keys. You need separate licenses for each type of fishing. Another very important thing to know is that you do not need any kind of license if you catch a fish and then release it without harming it in any way. The problem starts when you want to keep the fish that you have caught, accidentally or intentionally killed a fish, take out its eggs or destroy its nest. To do one or any of these things you need to have an appropriate license.
You can get a license for either fresh water fishing or salt-water fishing. You can also get a third kind of license, which allows you to fish both types of fish without any altercation with the law or the authorities. Actually, it is best that you take one of these mixed licenses if you are going to be fishing in an area where both kinds of fish are present.
Some people do not need to have a license for fishing. These people are:
* If you are a minor under 16 years of age
* You are on one of the fishing boat that already has a comprehensive license from the appropriate authority in Florida Keys, FL that allows all occupants to fish without any restrictions.
* You are fishing on private property, with its own independent fish farm. It means that the pond you are fishing in has no connection to any kind of public water and its total covered area should be less than 20 acres.
* You are fishing in a river that does not fall into the state boundary of Florida, but then you will need a license from the appropriate licensing authority of that region. You will still need the Florida license, if you want to fish in one of the tributaries that fall in Florida.
After knowing, all of these things and getting appropriate licenses, you are ready to board fishing boats in Florida Keys, FL. One more thing that you need to know is that even if you are a licensed salt-water angler with appropriate membership registration with “National Saltwater Angler Registry”. You still need a saltwater recreational fishing license to do any kind of saltwater fishing in the area of the Florida Keys. If you are interested in fishing, you can get your license from a tax collector’s office, or any of the sporting stores, and start fishing.
