There seems to be a little confusion regarding this statement which in my opinion is good news. The ban means catch and release only on the specified species. With the exception of snook, bonefish and tarpon are rarely in anyone’s possession unless they are seeking a world record or weighing a fish for a tournament.

Jan 17, 2010 9:19 am US/Eastern State Bans Fishing For Tarpon, Bonefish & Snook

State wildlife officials have put snook, bonefish and tarpon off limits to fisherman after last week's cold spell damaged their populations.

On Friday the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission banned fishing for bonefish and tarpon until April 1st; the ban on fishing for snook extends until September 1st.

Under the ban, recreational fishermen are allowed to catch the fish as long they throw them back in the water.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto called the ban "a proactive, precautionary approach." He said it is warranted to preserve the state's population of snook, bonefish and tarpon, which are among Florida's most popular game fish species.