Here's what you need to know about Florida's new shark fishing rules, free permit

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — New, stricter rules for shark fishing go into effect in Florida Monday.

FWC says they aim to keep families safe, while increasing the survival rate of sharks released into the ocean.

Alicia Freay says her 9- and 10-year-old daughters love the beach.

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“Every day, if they had a option to be out here, they’d be out here,” she said.

Freay says her one worry – sharks. Video shows several large sharks caught along Jacksonville’s coast during the last three months.

“It’s a big concern. That’s why I’m not in the water,” Freay said.

FWC started considering changes in 2018 after families shared concerns about chumming and fishing attracting sharks to shore.

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Beginning Monday, shore-based shark fishermen age 16 and older will be required to have a permit. It’s free after the completion of a 30-minute online training course.

FWC says the education and permit requirements also apply if you plan to fish from shore for any species of fish and will be using with a metal leader more than 4 feet long, using a fighting belt or harness or deploying bait by any means other than casting (kayaking for example) while using a hook that is 1.5 inches or larger at its widest inside distance.

FWC is also banning chumming when fishing for any species from the beach.

Several other rule changes go into effect July 1, including:

• Requiring immediate release of prohibited shark species when fishing from the shore and requiring anglers to cut the leader or hook to prevent delaying release of prohibited species.
• Requiring that prohibited shark species remain in the water (when fishing from shore or from a vessel).
• Requiring the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks to target or harvest sharks when using live or dead natural bait (when fishing from shore and from a vessel).
• Requiring the possession/use of a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook when targeting sharks (when fishing from shore or a vessel).

FWC says the new rules aim to keep families safe, and increase the survival rate of sharks released back into the ocean.

Violators could face up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail.

“Be mindful, be safe. Just let the kids be kids and the families be able to enjoy the kids and the beach,” Freay said.

FWC said officers will be educating fishermen about the requirements. The goal is to help them understand how to give sharks the best chance at survival.

More than 2,000 people have already taken the course. Click HERE for more information from FWC.

Cox Media Group