The August Bulletin states that Florida invites anyone between the ages of 16 and 65 to purchase a recreational freshwater fishing license. One can take fish from fresh water for consumption or to use as bait, provided you know and follow the rules. It is very easy to obtain a recreational freshwater fishing license is easy just a phone call.
Fishers can take turtles; frogs; crustaceans, such as crayfish and grass shrimp; and mollusks, such as mussels and clams recreationally or for personal use, without having a professional fishing license. However, it is very important to understand that specific regulations apply.
It is told that the recent reports of large harvests of several species of freshwater turtles, promoted by demand in Asian and other foreign markets, caused the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to prohibit all commercial take or sale of wild native freshwater turtles, of which there are 18 species in Florida.
Mollusks, which include mussels and clams, are filter feeders and live on or in the sand at the bottom of rivers and lakes. Certain species of freshwater mussels may be collected for personal use. There are more than 50 species of freshwater crayfish in Florida; many are imperiled and may not be taken. However, there are no seasons, gear, bag or size limits on the more abundant “crawdads.”
