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The use of angler-based tagging programs in recreational fisheries is on the rise, as they provide managers with effective, inexpensive means of collecting information. However, such programs are rarely evaluated for efficacy during the course of the program. Our study tagging program was the recreational permit Trachinotus falcatus (Linnaeus) fishery in the Florida Keys, which began in 2010. We evaluated the program for potential improvements using two complimentary approaches: an email-based survey of anglers and an advection-diffusion simulation model. Survey respondents reported potential fish stress and poor access to tags as the biggest obstacles to tagging permit. Respondents also cited poor data feedback from scientists as a potential area for improvement. According to the advection-diffusion simulation, the current level of tag returns is insufficient for accurately and precisely estimating movement parameters. The Florida permit tagging program could be greatly improved with greater communication between scientists and anglers. Data feedback and angler rewards could each increase angler buy-in. Tag retention could have a strong effect on the tag return rate and deserves more attention. Tag reporting could also have a strong impact on the tag return rate. The Florida permit tagging program needs more work to become a success, but has the potential to provide benefits for scientists and anglers.

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Angling nesting Florida Bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus may influence the survival of the brood and could negatively affect bass populations. Our objectives were to estimate daily nest survival for Florida Bass and to examine factors that influence nest survival to the swim‐up fry stage. Snorkelers examined a total of 259 nests in a small, mesotrophic lake in north‐central Florida from 2010 to 2012. We compared nest survival rates with accumulated degree‐days, largest temperature drop following nest discovery, nest score, presence of a guarding male bass, and size of the guarding male. The most important factor in determining nest survival was the presence of a male bass. However, guarding male fish were only observed on 66% of active nests despite multiple visits to each nest, indicating a lower tendency to remain with the brood than has been reported in other Micropterus species. Florida Bass have displayed lower nest guarding behaviors in other studies; a prolonged spawning season and the presence of top predators in southern bass populations may influence decreased nest fidelity and nest guarding behavior. Individual nesting attempts may be less important for successful Florida Bass recruitment.Received September 28, 2016; accepted February 28, 2017 Published online May 12, 2017