Regulations & Resources

Welcome to the Regulations & Resource hub!

Here you'll find everything you need to stay informed and compliant on the water—from state and federal fishing seasons and regulations to gear requirements. We’ve also included step-by-step instructions on how to use SeaQualizer products, plus expert tips and tricks to help you get the most out of every fishing trip.

For the most up-to-date information, visit FWC's website.

Red Snapper

NOAA Fisheries Announces Gear Modifications for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery

NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Regulatory Amendment 29 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Regulatory Amendment 29).  This final rule modifies gear requirements for the fishery and encourages best fishing practices.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

Regulations will be effective July 15, 2020.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR SNAPPER-GROUPER:

The final rule:

  • Requires descending devices be on board and readily available for use on commercial, for-hire, and private recreational vessels while fishing for or possessing snapper-grouper species;
  • Requires the use of non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing for snapper-grouper species with hook-and-line gear and natural baits north of 28º north latitude;
  • Requires all hooks be non-stainless steel when fishing for snapper-grouper species with hook-and-line gear and natural baits south of 28º north latitude; and
  • Allows the use of powerheads in federal waters off South Carolina.
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Red Grouper

U.S. House Passes Descending Device Bill to
Conserve Gulf Reef Fish

Washington, D.C.– October 1, 2020 – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed without objection H.R. 5126, Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices Act of 2020 (DESCEND Act). The bill requires recreational (including charter boats) and commercial fishermen to have on board a venting tool or descending device that is rigged and ready for use while fishing for reef fish in Gulf of Mexico federal waters. The recreational fishing and boating community strongly supports the DESCEND Act, led by Congressmen Garret Graves (R-La.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Steve Palazzo (R-Miss.), to combat wanton waste of Gulf of Mexico reef fish.

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Trigger Depths

  • Shallow Water SeaQualizer

    30, 50, or 70 feet

  • Standard SeaQualizer

    50, 100, or 150 feet

  • Deep Water SeaQualizer

    100, 200, or 300 feet

Setting the Trigger Depth

To set the trigger depth, simply turn the plug so that the split ring aligns with the screw head, push the plug into the body of the device, and turn the plug back to its original position. You should feel the plug fall into it's locked position.

The illustrations below show the plug in the locked position of each depth setting.

Shallowest Depth Setting

The plug is all the way out in the Shallow Depth Setting

30' - Shallow Water SeaQualizer
50' - Standard SeaQualizer
100' - Deep Water SeaQualizer

Middle Depth Setting

Plug pushed in halfway for Middle Depth Setting

50' - Shallow Water SeaQualizer

100' - Standard SeaQualizer

200' - Deep Water SeaQualizer

Deepest Depth Setting

Plug pushed all the way in for the Deepest Depth Setting

70' - Shallow Water SeaQualizer

150' - Standard SeaQualizer

300' - Deep Water SeaQualizer

Device is currently in the SHALLOWEST depth setting. Scroll down or click the RIGHT arrow to move to the MIDDLE depth setting.