The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is launching a new pilot research program that pays recreational anglers to help scientists collect valuable data on released reef fish.
The program, called "Cast for Cash: It Pays to Fish for Science," invites private recreational anglers in the Tampa Bay region to record fishing trips using a temporary camera system installed on their boat. In exchange for providing this data, selected anglers can earn $250 per trip for up to six trips, or as much as $1,500 during a three month research period.
The project will help scientists better understand how many fish are caught and released during recreational fishing trips and evaluate whether onboard camera systems can provide accurate data for fisheries research.
How the program works
FWC will randomly select 16 private recreational anglers for each three-month research period between July 2026 and September 2027. Fishing trips will be recorded using a camera system FWC temporarily installs on the participant's boat. Anglers will also communicate with FWC biologists, plan trips in advance and maintain records of released fish.
Participants must meet these requirements:
- Hold a recreational fishing license with the State Reef Fish Angler designation.
- Live in a household that is in possession of a boat.
- Launch from the Tampa Bay region (Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee or Sarasota counties).
- Be 18 years or older and have no resource violations.
Applications are open:Click to apply online
Learn More:MyFWC.com/Cast-Cash
Program/Application contact:fishstats@myfwc.com
