Ever wish your weekend fishing trips could help pay for your fuel—or better yet, a whole new set of gear? If you’re a recreational angler in the Tampa Bay area, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has a new way for you to contribute to science while padding your wallet.

The FWC is officially kicking off “Cast for Cash: It Pays to Fish for Science,” a pilot research program designed to gather high-quality data on released reef fish.

The Hook: Earn Up to $1,500

This isn’t just a volunteer gig. FWC is looking for dedicated anglers to help them bridge the data gap on catch-and-release fishing.

• Per-Trip Pay: Selected participants earn $250 per recorded trip.
• The Limit: You can record up to six trips per three-month research period.
• Total Potential: That’s a maximum of $1,500 for doing what you already love.

How the Program Works

The goal is to help scientists understand exactly what happens to reef fish after they’re released. Instead of relying on memory or manual logs, the FWC is going high-tech.

1. Selection: FWC will randomly select 16 private anglers for each three-month study block between July 2026 and September 2027.
2. The Tech: FWC will temporarily install a camera system on your boat to record your fishing activity.
3. The Data: You’ll coordinate your trips with FWC biologists, maintain records of your releases, and let the cameras do the heavy lifting of data collection.
4. The Result: This data helps evaluate if onboard cameras are a reliable way to manage our fisheries for the future.

Do You Qualify?

To keep the data consistent, the FWC is looking for a specific group of anglers. To apply, you must:

• Be Licensed: Hold a valid Florida recreational fishing license with the State Reef Fish Angler designation.
• Have a Boat: Live in a household that owns a vessel.
• Location: Launch your trips from the Tampa Bay region (specifically Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, or Sarasota counties).
• The Basics: Be at least 18 years old with a clean record (no resource violations).

Ready to Cast?

Applications are currently being accepted for the upcoming research periods. Don’t miss the chance to help protect Florida’s reef fish populations while earning some serious gas money.

• Apply Now: Click here to fill out the online application
• Learn More: Visit MyFWC.com/Cast-Cash for full program details.
• Questions? Reach out to the team directly at fishstats@myfwc.com.