Florida Fishing Seasons Calendar 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

The Importance of Knowing the Fishing Seasons

For many fishing enthusiasts, Florida is the ultimate fishing destination. With its vast coastline, numerous rivers, and abundant marine life, the state offers a wide range of fishing opportunities throughout the year. However, to make the most out of your fishing trip, it is important to know the fishing seasons in Florida.

Fishing seasons are periods when certain fish species are more active and abundant. During these seasons, the chances of catching your desired fish are higher, and you can also avoid penalties for catching fish during their closed season. Knowing the fishing seasons also helps you plan your fishing trip, so you can choose the best time and location to maximize your catch.

The Florida Fishing Seasons Calendar

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) publishes an annual fishing regulations guide that includes a fishing seasons calendar. The calendar outlines the open and closed seasons for different fish species and provides information on size and bag limits, gear restrictions, and other fishing regulations.

The fishing seasons calendar for 2024 in Florida is as follows:

January

– Black Drum: Open year-round, bag limit of 5 per person per day, slot limit of 14-24 inches

– Sheepshead: Open year-round, bag limit of 8 per person per day, no size limit

February

– Spotted Seatrout: Open year-round except for November-December in some areas, bag limit of 4-6 per person per day depending on location, slot limit of 15-20 inches

– Red Drum: Open year-round except for September-October in some areas, bag limit of 1 per person per day, slot limit of 18-27 inches

March

– Snook: Open year-round except for December-February and May-August in some areas, bag limit of 1 per person per day, slot limit of 28-32 inches

– Grouper: Open year-round except for January-April in some areas, bag limit and size limit vary depending on species and location

April

– Tarpon: Open year-round except for November-December in some areas, catch-and-release only, no bag or size limit

– Cobia: Open year-round, bag limit of 1 per person per day, minimum size limit of 36 inches

May

– Mahi Mahi: Open year-round, bag limit of 10 per person per day, no size limit

– Red Snapper: Open for a limited season in June-July in some areas, bag limit and size limit vary depending on location

June

– King Mackerel: Open year-round, bag limit of 3 per person per day, no size limit

– Tripletail: Open year-round, bag limit of 2 per person per day, minimum size limit of 18 inches

July

– Lobster: Open for a limited season in July-August, bag limit of 6 per person per day, minimum size limit of 3 inches

– Swordfish: Open year-round, bag limit of 1 per vessel per day, minimum size limit of 47 inches

August

– Blue Marlin: Open year-round, catch-and-release only, no bag or size limit

– Yellowfin Tuna: Open year-round, bag limit of 3 per person per day, no size limit

September

– Flounder: Open year-round, bag limit of 10 per person per day, no size limit

– Spanish Mackerel: Open year-round, bag limit of 15 per person per day, no size limit

October

– Blackfin Tuna: Open year-round, bag limit of 2 per person per day, no size limit

– Wahoo: Open year-round, bag limit of 2 per person per day, no size limit

November

– Amberjack: Open year-round except for June-July in some areas, bag limit of 1 per person per day, minimum size limit of 34 inches

– Gag Grouper: Open year-round except for January-April in some areas, bag limit and size limit vary depending on location

December

– Hogfish: Open year-round except for May-August in some areas, bag limit of 1 per person per day, minimum size limit of 12 inches

– Yellowtail Snapper: Open year-round, bag limit of 10 per person per day, no size limit

Question and Answers

Q: Can I fish for any species year-round in Florida?

A: No, some fish species have closed seasons or bag limits that vary depending on location. It is important to check the fishing regulations guide and fishing seasons calendar before planning your fishing trip.

Q: What is the slot limit for black drum?

A: The slot limit for black drum is 14-24 inches.

Q: Can I catch and keep a tarpon?

A: No, tarpon is catch-and-release only in Florida.

Q: What is the minimum size limit for lobster?

A: The minimum size limit for lobster is 3 inches.

Q: Are there any bag limits for blue marlin?

A: No, blue marlin is catch-and-release only in Florida.

Conclusion

Knowing the fishing seasons in Florida is crucial for any fishing enthusiast who wants to make the most out of their fishing trip. With the comprehensive fishing seasons calendar for 2024, you can plan your trip ahead and choose the best time and location to catch your desired fish. Remember to follow the fishing regulations and bag limits, and always practice catch-and-release for endangered or protected species.