Bahamas Chatter: Bringing back fish from the Bahamas
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Bahamas Chatter: Bringing back fish from the Bahamas
Bringing back fish from the Bahamas
Posted: 11 Sep 2016 05:39 AM PDT
According to an article published in Sport Fishing magazine http://www.sportfishingmag.com/bahamas-fish-to-florida a new exception goes into place September 13, 2016 in Florida waters, allowing anglers to possess and land filleted dolphin, wahoo and reef fish that were caught in Bahamian waters. Similar allowances for dolphin and wahoo, as well as modifications to existing recreational regulations for reef fish managed as snapper-grouper being brought back from the Bahamas by water, went into effect in Atlantic federal waters in January 2016. These regulations apply to fish being transported by water only and do not apply to fish being transported or shipped by air.
Skin must remain on the fillet (to aid in identification by law enforcement).
Anglers must comply with Atlantic federal bag and vessel limits.
Two fillets count as one fish toward the bag limit.
Vessels must have valid Bahamian cruising and sport-fishing permits.
Passengers must possess a valid government passport with current Bahamian stamps and travel dates.
Travel through state waters must be continuous and gear must remain stowed. Fishing gear that is appropriately stowed means terminal tackle, such as hooks, leaders, sinkers, etc., must be disconnected and stowed separately from the rod and reel.
Fish landed under these exceptions cannot be sold.
Bahamian regulations may be different than those in U.S. state and federal waters. Before you return with your catch, make sure you comply with the more restrictive U.S. and Bahamian recreational bag and possession limits. For example, species that are prohibited from harvest in the U.S., such as queen conch, goliath and Nassau grouper, cannot be transported back into U.S. waters by boat. Spiny lobster must be in whole condition and can only be transported into U.S. waters during the recreational season (Aug. 6 through March 31).
The changes will allow more fishing freedom for Florida’s residents and visitors while creating consistency between state and federal regulations. For Bahamas sport fishing regulations go to http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/5ed780d9-7c7f-4a02-b8cf-70cbcb01d65c/SportsfishingRegulations.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=5ed780d9-7c7f-4a02-b8cf-70cbcb01d65c
Comments from Cruisers (2)
Can’t speak to the depth, but when we came through on 9/8/16, it appeared suitable for using the new dock for an alongside tie. Other sources say that there is 10′ at the eastern end of the new dock. We saw several manatee diving in the basin, but did not see any obvious obstructions.
Bill
M/Y Travis McGee
65′ Pacific Mariner
I think I know the little area you are referring to, Jerry. My most recent pass through here was about 6mo ago. There is a tiny cove near the parking for the boat ramp south of the Allenhurst bascule. You might be risking impacting an underwater obstruction to venture into that area with too much depth. There are old broken-off posts just under the surface and tree stumps and all manner of nasty things. And if you did get in there without incident, areas like these collect anchors faster than most other places on the ICW. Stay at Titusville if you’re looking for a good anchorage: from experience, it is VERY good. That being said, you’ll see a number of boats anchored about 10-15 miles farther north (from the Haulover cut) in the Mosquito Lagoon outside some of the fishing camps. I can’t speak to the holding or the conditions there, but people are doing it, even for long-stays.