ILLEGAL ACTIVITY

1. If the shark caught is a prohibited species and they remove the shark from the water. Prohibited shark species must be released without delay when fishing from the shore. A person may not remove a prohibited species from Florida Waters. Prohibited shark species must remain in the water with the gills submerged when fishing from shore or from a vessel, and prohibited shark species must be released without delay when fishing from the shore. If hook removal will delay the release, cut the hook or the leader as close to the hook as possible. Click here to see prohibited sharks.
    

2. If they use chum. Chumming is prohibited when fishing for any species from the beach.
    

3. ​If they don't have a cutting device capable of cutting the hook or leader (such as a bolt or cable cutter). A person targeting or harvesting sharks from Florida Waters must have in his or her possession at least one device capable of quickly cutting either the leader or the hook used. A person catching but not retaining a shark must quickly remove the hook or use such a cutting device to quickly remove tackle and fishing gear as possible to release the shark immediately without unnecessary harm.
    

4. If they don't use non-offset circle hooks. This means a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point is not offset and is turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a general circular or oval shape.
    

5. If they are using a treble hook or any other multiple hooks (any hook with two or more points and a common shaft) in conjunction with live or dead natural bait. Non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are required when targeting or harvesting sharks when using live or dead natural bait.
    

6. If they have not completed the FWC’s shore-based shark fishing course and are without a permit. A shore-based shark fishing permit is required for all shore-based shark anglers age 16 and older, including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license.