Species notes — see FWC for enforceable rules.
Common Snook
Mangrove shorelines, inlets, passes, bridges
Peak months (planning): 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Atlantic vs Gulf seasons, slot limits, and closures differ. Snook stamp may be required.
Regulation detailRed Drum (Redfish)
Flats, oyster bars, mangroves, passes
Peak months (planning): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Slot and bag limits; one over-slot “bonus” fish rules vary by zone — check FWC.
Regulation detailSpotted Seatrout
Grass flats, deeper potholes, creek mouths
Peak months (planning): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Slot and regional closures apply in some years.
Regulation detailTarpon
Beaches, passes, backcountry (Boca Grande, Keys)
Peak months (planning): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mostly catch-and-release; harvest rules are strict — confirm before keeping.
Regulation detailKing Mackerel
Nearshore reefs, trolling lanes, wrecks
Peak months (planning): 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11
Minimum size and bag limits; HMS permit if fishing federally regulated waters.
Regulation detailMahi-Mahi (Dolphin)
Gulf Stream, weed lines, offshore structure
Peak months (planning): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Size and bag limits — confirm federal vs state.
Regulation detailGrouper (various)
Offshore ledges, wrecks, deeper reefs
Peak months (planning): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Many species have seasonal closures — use FWC species list.
Regulation detailSnapper (various)
Reefs, wrecks, hard bottom
Peak months (planning): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Red snapper and others often have limited seasons in Gulf federal waters.
Regulation detailPermit
Channels, wrecks, flats (Keys)
Peak months (planning): 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11
Special regulations in some areas — verify.
Regulation detailBonefish
Keys flats, Biscayne Bay
Peak months (planning): 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12
Generally protected from harvest; handle carefully.
Regulation detailPeacock Bass
South Florida canals (Miami-Dade, Broward)
Peak months (planning): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Freshwater regulations; only in specified south counties.
Regulation detailLargemouth Bass
Lakes, rivers, farm ponds statewide
Peak months (planning): 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11
Bag and length limits vary by water body — check FWC Freshwater.
Regulation detailSheepshead
Bridges, pilings, oyster bars
Peak months (planning): 1, 2, 3, 11, 12
Minimum size and bag limits apply.
Regulation detailTripletail
Channel markers, floating structure, inlets
Peak months (planning): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Minimum size — verify current rule.
Regulation detailCobia
Nearshore wrecks, rays, spring migration
Peak months (planning): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Size and bag limits; sometimes confused with protected species.
Regulation detailStriped Bass
Atlantic & Gulf inshore, bays, and rivers
Peak months (planning): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Highly regulated; rules differ by state and season — verify before keeping fish.
Regulation detailBluefish
Western Atlantic nearshore
Peak months (planning): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Federal and state bag and size limits apply.
Regulation detailPacific Salmon
Pacific Northwest ocean, bays, and rivers
Peak months (planning): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Complex tribal, state, and federal rules — check WDFW / ODFW / ADFG.
Regulation detailWalleye
Great Lakes and northern inland waters
Peak months (planning): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Inland regulations vary by state — seasons, slots, and special waters.
Regulation detailWhite Sturgeon
West Coast large rivers and estuaries
Peak months (planning): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Many areas are catch-and-release only — confirm for your fishery.
Regulation detail