Fish Kill hotline

Looks like the cold weather has had a bad impact on fishing in florida.

January 7th, 2010 09:27pm
FWC Asks Anglers To Report Fish Kills

by Michael "SnookMook" Wilson
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking anglers to report any fish kills they might see while out fishing.
Snook will be especially vulnerable to these extreme temeratures we’ve been having this week. The forecast calls for even harsher conditions this coming weekend. This has been the longest stretch of sustained cold temperatures reported in the state for many, many years.

Anglers who frequent the various internet fishing forums are asked not to publicly post the location of the fish kills so as to not encourage poaching.

The FWC realeased this press release today.
The FWC Fish Kill Hotline has received several reports of cold-related fish kills over the past few days. Extended periods of unusually cold weather can kill fish outright by cold stress or make fish more susceptible to disease. Warm-water species, including the popular game fish snook, are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. Fish affected by the cold may appear lethargic and may be seen at the surface where the water may be warmer from the sun. Recreational regulations still apply with these fish.
The FWC monitors fish disease and mortality events around the state. The FWC asks the public to report dead and dying fish to the Fish Kill Hotline at 800-636-0511.

http://forshorefishing.blogs.theledg...rt-fish-kills/

They have a ban on snook until September 1st.

Don't look for snook: Cold snap forces fishing ban

TBO.com Staff
Published: January 16, 2010

State wildlife regulators have closed fishing for snook, bonefish and tarpon because of damage to fish stocks caused by last week's freezing temperatures.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on Friday banned fishing for snook until Sept. 1. The commission also banned fishing for bonefish and tarpon until April 1. All three are popular game fish.
The bans are intended to let fish populations recover from cold-related fatalities. It will also give researchers time to assess the scope of damage caused by the weather, FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said in a written statement.

Last week's freezing temperatures caused widespread fish kills in rivers, Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The order also lets people remove cold-killed fish from the water and from shorelines without buying a permit. The fish can't be eaten and must be disposed of properly.