Martin County commissioners are rewriting the rules on fishing from public beaches after complaints that shark fishermen are using drones and remote-controlled boats to drop chum offshore and lure sharks closer to swimming areas.

Protecting Swimmers

The county banned fishing from public beaches years ago, but local fishermen have recently pushed back, arguing the rule amounts to government overreach. County attorneys told commissioners that Florida law allows fishing from public beaches and takes precedence over conflicting county ordinances.

Commissioners now plan to repeal or rewrite portions of the county’s existing law and replace them with restrictions based on public safety. Shark fishing has grown increasingly popular in Martin County, according to residents who addressed commissioners. Some said they are concerned fishermen are putting swimmers at risk by attracting sharks close to shore.

Chumming directly from the beach is already prohibited under Florida law. Chumming involves placing bloody fish parts or bait in the water to attract sharks and other fish. But commissioners heard complaints that some fishermen are using drones or remote-controlled boats to carry bait offshore before dropping it into the water, potentially allowing them to skirt the state restriction.

Commissioners agreed the county needs a legally enforceable solution. The revised ordinance would prohibit fishing from county beaches during lifeguard hours, when swimmers are most likely to be in the water. The revised ordinance would also prohibit fishing from boat docks while boats are being launched or returning to shore.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.