Going to the Keys, quick question.

[Baltimore Bryan]

I'm going to the Florida Keys in a few weeks and had a quick question. If I want to go snorkeling off any pier/ dock just for fun, do I need a permit to catch a fish just to observe it and release it? I wouldn't tamper with any live coral or anything, this would just be for small juvi fish that are hard to get up close and see in the ocean. They would be let go in just a couple minutes- after I get a couple pictures. I did some research and I would think I would need a non-residential Fl fishing license but on the website it says
"You do not need a hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license or a *Florida waterfowl, turkey, snook, spiny lobster, archery season, crossbow season, muzzle-loading season, or management area permit if...
* You are a child under 16 years of age. (Also exempt from federal duck stamp requirements.)"
I'm under 16, so then I wouldn't need one, right? But then it later again says
"You do not need a saltwater fishing license or a snook or spiny lobster *permit if..." and goes on to list several things but doesn't say child under 16 years. So do I need one? It seems contradicting, any help?
Thanks

 

[jdhuyvetter]

If you catch and release while you are still in the water....no
If you catch it put it in a tank for a day or two....yes.

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

Thanks for the response. I didn't think I would need one but wanted to check. I wouldn't take it and put it in a tank, it's really because I don't have an underwater camera so this would make pics easier. A little off topic, but it there a way to make an underwater housing for a camera? I have a dslr but it's not waterproof and the casings I saw online were 2x the camera itself!

 

[gsmXwsm]

check ebay- i got a dslr with waterproof housing for less than the cost of a new one alone

 

[JHemdal]

"If you catch and release while you are still in the water....no
If you catch it put it in a tank for a day or two....yes."

I disagree - in my experience, the Florida Marine Patrol are kind of grumpy. They have heard EVERY excuse in the book. Do you really think they are going to believe, "but officer, I was just about to release it, honest!". Possession is what counts. Every kid caught with pot in high school says they were just holding it for a friend.

I was once stopped by the FMP and they went through the entire boat because they suspected that I was spearfishing inside the limit from shore. Luckily, I didn't have a speargun on board.

Jay

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

Do you need the saltwater fishing license just to fish with a line and reel just off the dock?

 

[Baltimore Bryan]

I re-read the website and it still looks to me like I wouldn't need one since I'm under 16 and that's one of the things under the exemptions list, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I've heard that there is a Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, but I can't find a map of what areas are protected, can anyone tell me where I can and can't fish or snorkel or at least link to a site showing this? Thanks.

 

[ReefSparky]

To be sure, just ask law enforcement once you're in The Keys. Only in that way will you have your answer. You won't have any difficulty finding them in The Keys. As for the poster above--and me for that matter--you're just going to get opinions from here, but I think if you're not leaving the water with the fish, you're not in posession. And, FWIW--rarely if ever will a law enforcement official meet you wearing a mask and scuba tank. They've got their hands full boarding boats and checking game bags and cars in boat ramp areas.

If you're under 16, then you won't need any permits or licensing period--but that doesn't exempt you from following the applicable laws. I.E. if a fish is not legal to take, etc.

Be very careful around bridges, the current between the Gulf and the Atlantic is wicked strong in these areas during tide changes.

 

[newtank]

Hey ReefSparky, any suggested dive spots in the Keys? Coming down in August and reaaly want to see corals , fish that are in the aquarium trade in the natural habitiat. I'm looking at a couple resorts but no nothing if the area?
Thanks in advance for your insight.
Take care,