APtravelnews-December 9, 2014-FL.-Compiled by Bob T. Epstein–For all you fishing enthusiasts who love Mr. and Mr.s Snook-The Snook harvest seasonal closure in Atlantic starts Dec. 15

The recreational harvest (commercial fishing for snook is always off season) season for snook closes Dec. 15 in Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, and will remain closed through Jan. 31, 2015, reopening to harvest Feb. 1. Snook can be caught and released during the closed season. Why are snook an important and excellent, mostly close to shore sport-fish? They taste terrific, are active jumpers, are a premier sport-fish with an attitude and there are few anglers who turn up their noses at this fabulous fish. Earlier in the 20th Century they were fished hard and so plentiful (similar to cod) that they were taken in huge numbers. They almost disappeared from Florida waters. Today they are regulated and have made a big comeback. But, that is due to regulations that have helped this happen.

Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park, closed Dec. 1 and will reopen to harvest March 1, 2015.

This and other regular season closures are designed to help protect the species during vulnerable times such as cold weather.

For more information on snook, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations.”