Boating & Fishing Insiders

Tarpon may soon enjoy added protection. Credit: Terry Tomalin

Tarpon, often referred to as the silver king of game fish, could become a catch-and-release-only if new rules under consideration by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are adopted. But first, state officials must establish what constitutes a "game fish."

Florida has game fish rules for several species of freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, but no similar designation for saltwater species. In most states, game fish status means no commercial sale or harvest.

Florida officials are thinking about having two levels of protection for several recreationally important species: "game fish" and "sport fish."

Tarpon, one of the most important recreational species in Florida, currently enjoy an advanced degree of protection. State law requires that anglers who want to "possess or harvest" a tarpon must buy a tag for $50. During the 2011-12 fiscal year anglers purchased 375 tags but, according to the FWC, kept just six tarpon.

Game fish laws vary from state to state along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Texas lists 12 species of game fish, including red drum, sailfish, marlin and tarpon. Louisiana, however, lists just three species: red drum, sailfish and marlin.

Anglers who come to Florida in search of a world record need not worry about new regulations. The International Game Fish Association has developed rules for anglers who want to release fish yet have their catches considered for world records. For example, measurements of length and girth can be calculated to give an estimated weight. To learn more, click here.