Florida Fishing Seasons Chart: Your Guide to Angling Opportunities Year-Round

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Florida is a fishing enthusiast’s paradise, offering a diverse array of saltwater and freshwater species throughout the year. Whether you’re targeting trophy-sized game fish or seeking a relaxing day on the water, understanding the Florida fishing seasons chart is crucial for a successful and enjoyable angling experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key fishing seasons, regulations, and regional hotspots to help you plan your next fishing adventure in the Sunshine State.

Saltwater Fishing Seasons in Florida

Snook

  • Gulf and Monroe County: Minimum size limit of 28 inches, closed season from December 1 to February 28.

Red Drum

  • Panhandle Zone: Daily recreational bag limit of one fish per person, with a minimum size limit of 18 inches and a maximum size limit of 30 inches.

Tarpon

  • Atlantic: Closed season from September 1 to November 30.

Freshwater Fishing Seasons in Florida

Florida Fishing Seasons Chart

Largemouth Bass

  • Peak fishing times vary by region, but generally occur from January to May and September to November.

Crappie

  • Peak fishing times vary by region, but generally occur from January to April and September to November.

Regional Fishing Calendars

Florida Keys

  • Snapper Season: Year-round, with the best times from April to July.
  • Marlin Season: March to October, with the best times from April to July.
  • Wahoo Season: April to August, with the best times from June to August.

Northwest Florida

  • Amberjack: January to October, with the best times from April to July.
  • Red Drum: Year-round, with the best times from March to October.

Southeast Florida

  • Amberjack: January to October, with the best times from April to July.
  • Barracuda: Year-round, with the best times from March to October.

General Fishing Tips and Resources

Fish Rules App

The Fish Rules App is a valuable tool for staying up-to-date with saltwater and freshwater fishing regulations, including location-specific rules.

FWC Atlantic EFP Project

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is collaborating on the Atlantic EFP Project to reduce Atlantic red snapper discards and improve angler satisfaction.

Florida Fishing Seasons Guide

The Florida Fishing Seasons Guide is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on fishing seasons for various species and regions across the state.

References

  1. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (2024). Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations. Retrieved from https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/

  2. Fishing Booker. (2024). Fishing Seasons in Florida: The Complete Guide for 2024. Retrieved from https://fishingbooker.com/blog/florida-fishing-seasons/

  3. Hawks Cay Resort. (n.d.). Florida Keys Fishing Calendar. Retrieved from https://www.hawkscay.com/florida-keys-fishing/fishing-calendar

  4. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (n.d.). Seasonal Fishing Calendar. Retrieved from https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/fishing-tips/seasons/

  5. Florida Go Fishing. (n.d.). Fish Species Seasonal Calendar. Retrieved from https://www.floridagofishing.com/species/species-seasonal-calendar.html

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