Snook season ending

The recreational harvest on snook ends Thursday, April 1.

Snook between 28 and 33 inches can be kept on this coast.

Snook season re-opens Sept. 1.

Snook, widely regarded as Florida's premiere game fish, are under strict regulations to help protect their populations. That said, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute snook scientist Ron Taylor has recently said that snook populations are robust.

But don't expect any letting down on the regulations any time soon. The regulations on snook have steadily become tighter over the years, and although there have been talks from various FWC sources about possibly adding a month of open season, it could be at least a couple years.

Upcoming Fishing Tournament benefits firefighters

The Southern Manatee Volunteer Firefighter Association 2009 Fishing Tournament will be held Friday, April 17.

Half of the donations will go to support the SMFR Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Entry fee is $110 per boat with a four angler maximum.

Registrations forms are available at www. smvolunteerfire.org and at the SMVR administrative offices at 2451 Trailmate Dr. in Sarasota.

“Of course this being the fishing capital of the world it goes over very well,” said Thomas Hennessy, chief of the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue. “It attracts people of all different aegencies – police, fire and EMS.”