Florida algae crisis: Snook, redfish off limits for anglers due to red tide

The state has made redfish and snook catch-and-release only species for Southwest Florida from the Sarasota area south to Naples. 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials say the red tide has impacted redfish and snook. 

Typically licensed anglers are allowed to keep one redfish measuring between 18 and 27 inches per day. 

But now anglers won't be able to keep redfish again until FWC's next commission meeting. 

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“We will continue working with our partners and will evaluate next steps at our Commission meeting the end of September," said FWC chairman Bo Rivard in a press release. 

The decision is the latest indication of how devastating the toxic algae bloom has been this summer.

Fish kills have been widespread, littering beaches with tons of small fish but also larger mammals including sea turtles, dolphins and manatees.

Snook season for Southwest Florida typically starts Sept. 1 and is a highly anticipated by many anglers. 

Prized table fare, snook have to be released as well until at least the next FWC commission meeting, which is Sept. 26. 

Connect with this reporter: Chad Gillis on Twitter.