New rules for shore-based shark fishermen going into effect July 1st

LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- There are several new laws going into effect on Monday, including new shark fishing requirements.

Florida Fish and Wildlife approved several shore-based shark fishing changes, which will now include mandatory permits and education.

As of July 1^st, 2019, Florida Fish and Wildlife will require you to complete an online course before casting your line for sharks from the shore.

All shore-based shark anglers 16-years and older -- including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license -- will need to complete the Shore-based Shark-Smart Fishing educational course in order to get a permit.

Anyone under 16 is not required to take the course if they are fishing with a permitted adult.

Other regulations going into effect on July 1st will include:
-The banning of chumming for any species from the beach
-Anglers will need to release any prohibited shark immediately; this may require you to cut the leader or hook to prevent delaying the release
-Sharks will also need to stay in the water at all times
-Anglers will be required to use non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks

The education course is free and available online at MyFWC.com/SharkCourse.

Getting your Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit

• If you are under 16, keep your Certificate of Completion with you to fish for sharks from shore without someone who already has the shark fishing permit.
• If you are 16 or older, keep the unique identification code on your Certificate of Completion and sign in at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
• Click “Purchase a License.”
• Navigate to the Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit (Unless exempt, a valid saltwater fishing license is required to get this permit.)
• Click “Add to Cart.”
• When prompted, type in the unique identification code from your Certificate of Completion.
• Complete the process of obtaining this no-cost permit by confirming the selection.
• Print a copy of the permit to carry with you or store your permit on the Fish|Hunt FL mobile app.

Shore-based #Shark #Fishing permit/educational component now available online, required by July 1: https://t.co/hxpopyWjam #Florida pic.twitter.com/0IdYPmURzA

— MyFWC (@MyFWC) June 26, 2019