How do you find out if kayak fishing is permitted?

[fronty]

There are a lot of small ponds and lakes here in Orlando. What are the regulations on non-motorized kayak fishing? Some of them have small county or city run parks. Do I contact the county or FWC to determine if kayak fishing is permitted? What about launching from public land?

[Bluebasser86]

I'd start by contacting a ranger or game warden. 

[Dens228]

If it's not posted I just go. 

The only time I was approached it was a police officer that asked me how I did as I was loading my kayak in my truck.

During the conversation he told me boats weren't really allowed but I wasn't bothering anyone so not to worry about it. 

[Bankbeater]

If it's a city or county park the regulations will probably be posted online.  That's what they do here.

[MIbassyaker]

I assume that if there aren't signs posted somewhere, and that public access to the shoreline is permitted, then it is also ok to launch a kayak. If there are any exceptions to that rule in my area, I'm not aware of them.  The catch is, the signage may not always be at the water's edge -- it may be at the park entry, or parking lot, or trailhead.

[Glaucus]

If there's no sign I put the kayak in. Worst thing that ever happens is someone tells me it isn't allowed, and I respectfully apologize and get to land ASAP. I don't worry about any legal problems if there's nothing posted.

[TnRiver46]

Ask for forgiveness

[fishwizzard]

I tend to follow the “If they don’t want me to launch there would be a sign” system and have never had a problem.  

 

Down where you are I would more more worried about the gator population then getting a ticket tgough

[fronty]

Thanks for the replies.

 

You guys were spot on. I contacted FWC. It is permitted if there is legal access and no signs to the contrary. The FWC does not keep records on the regulations for each body of water.

 

It would be obvious that it is legal public access if it is a park, but I wonder about other areas. I noticed people fishing on the side of the road or where large utilities run by a body of water.