MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Martin County commissioners faced a wave of public pushback during Tuesday morning’s meeting as residents, local surfers, and marine experts urged local leaders to keep strict limits on beachside shark fishing.
The debate centers on potential language changes to local ordinances regarding land-based shark fishing, a practice where anglers deploy lines from the shore using heavy gear, kayaks, or drones to drop bait and chum into deeper waters.
Under current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules, shore anglers are required to hold a specialized permit, keep sharks in the water, and use non-offset circle hooks to prevent injury to the animals. However, local ordinances in coastal counties can set stricter safety boundaries near public swimming areas…