FWC has new saltwater fishing record categories coming in 2024

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Marine Fisheries Management and its saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory, will begin accepting applications for three new record categories starting Jan. 1, 2024.  

In addition to the current All Tackle and Fly-Fishing Weight categories, the FWC will add a Youth Weight category for anglers aged 15 and under, and Youth and Adult Length categories to allow for catch-and-release records.  

The species eligible for records in the Youth and Adult Length categories include red drum, bonefish, permit and snook. To qualify for a Length Record, the fish must be caught on or after Jan. 1, 2024, measure at least 10 inches and be measured using a flat length measuring device with photographs showing measurement increments clearly visible. Once a record is approved, all subsequent records must be at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) greater than the previous record.