How We Fish Florida

Get started fishing this license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

Mark your calendars for an opportunity to go freshwater fishing during the upcoming Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

This spring's license-free fishing weekend is on April 4 and 5 and invites residents and visitors to explore the many recreational freshwater fishing opportunities Florida has to offer. Whether you like to fish from the shore or your boat, there is a place to go fishing for everyone.

If you have not been fishing before or need a refresher, get started fishing with these tips for a great time on the water.

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Extremely Rare Harbor Seal Spotted on Central Florida Sandbar

Visitors and anglers along Florida’s east coast recently witnessed something you almost never see in our waters — a harbor seal resting on a sandbar in the waters of Mosquito Lagoon near Ponce Inlet on Florida’s east coast.

For a region known for dolphins, manatees, redfish, and giant tarpon, the appearance of a seal quickly caught the attention of locals and marine scientists alike.

The animal, identified as a harbor seal, was seen relaxing on a sandbar before eventually slipping back into the lagoon. Harbor seals are normally found much farther north along the Atlantic coast, making this sighting in Central Florida extremely rare.

A Long Way From Home

Harbor seals typically inhabit colder waters ranging from the northeastern United States up through Canada. Seeing one this far south in Florida is highly unusual and has only happened a handful of times over the past several decades.

Researchers believe the seal may have traveled south following food sources or ocean currents. Occasionally younger seals wander far outside their normal range, especially during seasonal changes.

The sighting occurred within the larger Indian River Lagoon system, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America and a place where anglers regularly encounter a wide variety of wildlife.

What To Do If You See It

Wildlife officials remind the public that seals are protected marine mammals. Anyone who spots the animal should give it plenty of space and avoid disturbing it.

If you encounter the seal:

Stay at least 100 yards away

Do not approach or touch the animal

Keep pets away

Report sightings to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Photographs taken from a safe distance can also help researchers track the animal’s movement and confirm its identity.

A Reminder of Florida’s Wild Waters

For anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who spend time exploring Florida’s lagoons and coastal waters, this sighting is a reminder that nature still has surprises waiting.

Most days you might see dolphins chasing bait or manatees cruising through the shallows. But every once in a while, the ocean sends us something completely unexpected — like a northern harbor seal taking a break on a Florida sandbar.

At How We Fish Florida, moments like this remind us why spending time on the water is so special. You never know what you might see next.

How We Fish Florida Blog
By Jim Reyes

A Historic Moment for Florida’s Forgotten Coast

After a five-year freeze, Apalachicola Bay has officially reopened for oyster harvesting — marking a powerful comeback for one of Florida’s most iconic waterways and the communities that depend on it.

At How We Fish Florida, we see this reopening as more than just a return to harvesting — it’s a reminder of what’s possible when science, conservation, and responsible management work together. The bay’s recovery brings renewed hope for local watermen, small businesses, and families whose livelihoods are deeply tied to these waters.

This moment also highlights the importance of protecting our marine ecosystems, educating future generations, and ensuring sustainable fishing practices so Apalachicola Bay can thrive for decades to come.

We’re proud to support stories like this — where conservation meets culture, and Florida’s waters get a second chance.

About 700 manatees huddle for warmth at Florida park on New Year's Day.

Recreational harvest of shallow water grouper in Atlantic state waters closes Jan. 1

Recreational harvest of shallow water grouper closes in Atlantic state waters (including all state waters of Monroe County) on Jan. 1. The shallow water grouper complex includes black, gag, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, red, coney, graysby, red hind and rock hind. This annual spawning season closure begins Jan. 1, each year to help protect species during spawning activities. Harvest for shallow water grouper will reopen to recreational anglers in Atlantic state waters (including Monroe County) on May 1, 2026.

For current recreational grouper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and then “Grouper”

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