Florida Circle Hook Regulations: New Law & Dehooking Device Requirements

Question
Has the law for circle hooks been establised yet?

Answer
Yes the law actually went into affect here in Florida Gulf Areas on June 1st. It also requires every boat fishing offshore or in gulf waters for "reef" fish to have a Dehooking Device and a Venting Tool. These will be written up by offshore FWC Officers. They are hitting this hard since it just went into affect JUNE 1st many people are getting hit with tickets. Check out this article that provides some good information. http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/pdfs/Discard%20Mortality%20FAQ.pdf