J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

• Driving, biking and walking on the Wildlife Drive in accordance with state law. The speed limit is 15 mph on this one-way road for all modes of transportation for your safety. Seat belts and safety helmets (for children) must be worn. 
• Paddling (kayak/canoe) from the right side of the Drive only.  Paddling from the left side is prohibited. There are 2 designated launch sites for your ease.
• Hiking on designated trails only.
• Fishing or crabbing from Wildlife Drive
• Nature photography, wildlife observation, and nature study.
• Dogs under control and on a 6-ft leash. All dog feces must be collected and disposed of properly.
• While boating obey No-Motor and Pole/Troll Zones in Refuge. Motors must be up out of water in No-Motor Zones
• Keep 100 ft. distance from nesting birds.

ALL federal, state, and local laws and regulations are applicable on Refuge lands and waters, including the following Refuge-specific regulations:

Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated areas of the Refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions: 

1. We prohibit fishing and crabbing in all waters of the Bailey Tract except for Smith Pond and Airplane Canal.
2. We allow fishing and crabbing in all other Refuge waters except in areas designated as “closed to public entry”.
3. We prohibit the taking of horseshoe crabs, stone crabs, and spider crabs.
4. We allow the take of blue crab with the use of dip nets only.
5. The daily limit of blue crab is 20 per person (including no more than 10 females).
6. We prohibit kite surfing, kite boarding, wind surfing, sail boarding, and any similar non wildlife-oriented activities.
7. We allow vessels propelled only by polling, paddling, or floating in the post “No-Motor Zone” of the "Ding" Darling Wilderness Area. All motors, including electric motors, must be in a nonuse position (out of the water) when in the “No-Motor Zone.”
8. We prohibit camping on all Refuge lands and overnight mooring of vessels on all Refuge waters.
9. We allow anglers to launch canoes and kayaks anywhere on the north side of Wildlife Drive. We prohibit launching motorized vessels over 14 feet (4.2 m) in length from Wildlife Drive. We allow launching of motorized vessels only 14 feet (4.2 m) or less in length from designated launch site #2.
10. We allow public access to Wildlife Drive, except on Fridays, when we close Wildlife Drive to all public access. See hours posted at the front gate, or call 239-472-1100.
11. All visitors (e.g., anglers and photographers) must exit refuge lands and waters no later than ¹⁄₂ hour after legal sunset.
12. We allow fishing and crabbing from the bank on both sides of Wildlife Drive, but we prohibit all public entry into the impoundments on the left side.
13. We prohibit commercial fishing and crabbing (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
14. We prohibit the possession or use of seines or trot lines.
15. We prohibit the use of cast nets from Wildlife Drive or any structure structure
    Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
    
    Learn more about structure affixed to shore.
16. All fish must remain in whole condition.
17. We prohibit the use of bows and spears from Wildlife Drive or any structure affixed to shore.
18. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners).
19. Vessels must not exceed slow speed/minimum wake in refuge waters.
20. We prohibit public entry on all islands (including rookery islands) except for designated trails.