Welcome to the Regulation & 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

Gulf of Mexico Descending Device Mandate

Washington, D.C. – October 1, 2020 – The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5126, the Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices Act (DESCEND Act), requiring recreational and commercial fishermen to have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready for use while fishing for reef fish in Gulf of Mexico federal waters. The bill was championed by Congressmen Garret Graves (R-La.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), and Steve Palazzo (R-Miss.).

Update — November 2025: The original DESCEND Act regulations were set to expire January 13, 2026. To ensure no lapse in the mandate, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted at its November 2025 meeting to permanently require commercial and recreational fishermen to possess a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready for use when fishing for reef fish in federal Gulf waters. This Council action replaces the expiring statute with a permanent regulatory requirement, and is pending final approval by the Secretary of Commerce. The direction is clear: the mandate is not going away.

The requirement remains unchanged: a venting tool or descending device must be rigged and ready any time you are targeting reef fish in Gulf federal waters.

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Florida State Waters — FWC Descending Device Rule

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved a rule requiring anglers in Florida state waters to carry a descending device or venting tool rigged and ready for use.

Florida's rule goes a step further than the federal mandate: if a fish is showing signs of barotrauma prior to release, use of the descending device or venting tool is required — not just having it on board.

Between the Gulf federal waters requirement and this FWC state waters rule, anglers are now covered from shore to 200 miles offshore with no gap in coverage.

For the most current FWC regulations, visit FWC's Saltwater Fishing page.

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.

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

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
SeaQualizer Descending Device

Middle Depth Setting

Plug pushed in halfway for Middle Depth Setting

50' - Shallow Water SeaQualizer

100' - Standard SeaQualizer

200' - Deep Water SeaQualizer

SeaQualizer Descending Device

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