However, note that the redfish has to be a minimum of 18 inches long. Black Sea Bass Whiting Shark (Non-prohibited species) Prohibited Species: Goliath Grouper (without permit), Nassau Grouper, Queen Conch, Prohibited Sharks, Sturgeon, Spotted Eagle Ray. The summer is a great time to fish. For over slot redfish, we recommend a 4500 size reel paired with a 7-foot, medium-heavy strength, fast-action rod. The daily bag limit for redfish in Florida is one fish per person, with a minimum size limit of 18 inches and a maximum size limit of 27 inches. The new rules and regs are set to begin Sept. Reduce the vessel limit in each of the management regions to be:Today, Georgia regulators limit five Redfish per person (with the slot size between 14”-23”) and no limit for a boat. Note: Filleting at. Summer fishing for red drum is slower than during the spring and fall. The forearm (propodus) is the largest section of the claw assembly that has both a moveable and immovable finger and is located farthest from the body of the crab. 352-212-8327. Size Limits: 1/1/1989: 68B-22. Therefore, redfish are sought after in the waters of Florida by many anglers from various regions. This may be taken in addition to the daily bag limit. 1. Only 1 fish can be gag or black. Open year roundThese free launches will get you close to the best spots in a hurry. In 2023, Saltwater Fishing License-free Days are: June 5 and 6, 2023. No daily creel limit for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass less than 14 inches, and only 5 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in combination may be greater than 14 inches. The fish must be between 18 and 27 inches in size. Trophy redfish weigh much more, and the largest redfish on record measured 57 inches and weighed 94 pounds, 2 ounces. Recruitment and movement ecology of red drum. The. Florida - Sunday, July 17, 2022: At its July meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new management regions and regulation changes for redfish in state waters following the final rule hearing. Increase the bag limit for the Big Bend region from one to two fish per person. The limit will be 4 fish in the Panhandle, Big Bend and Northeast; and 2 fish in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte. 2 oz. 12-inch TL. November 26, 2023. Bag limit: Two fish per vessel. Size limit: 36 inches fork length. The river has many rocky structures and several bridge pylons to target. According to the FWC, the approved regulation changes will: Establish nine redfish management regions. 1, 2022. Bag limit: Two fish per vessel. This presentation provides a summary of proposed rules to modify redfish (red drum). Some of the methods we use: • Aerial surveys (spawning. These declines in catches occurred while both states protected red drum with a 14-inch minimum size limit and a creel limit of two fish per day 32 inches or longer. Florida has the Atlantic and Gulf coast where top-notch redfish can be caught throughout the year. Neither of these fish has barbells on the lower jaw. Commercial harvest from Florida state waters and all harvest from federal waters are prohibited. Atlantic Croaker. Only recreational limits may be kept during tournaments. Tarpon. Trout are also being considered for a slot limit management system, as is used for redfish. FWC will. Most big fish in Central Florida are caught while fishing for redfish in shallow water. Snook and redfish will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022. Hook and line gear only: Shark : 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less: Protected species. Florida Red Drum Fishing. Only go about 1/2″ deep. Florida Red Snapper Season lengths vary depending on where the fish is caught with a 2 per person daily bag limit (included in the 10 per harvester per. The size limit minimum length is 14 inches, and the size limit minimum length of 30 inches. During theThe daily bag limit for redfish in Florida is one fish per person, with a minimum size limit of 18 inches and a maximum size limit of 27 inches. Weakfish. ”. Keep-Whole Keep-Whole. By. Flordia. For Texas, there is a five-fish limit for recreational fishing. Bag limit: Two fish per vessel. 36″ FL: Limit 1,200 pounds (gutted weight) per trip (Jan 1-Feb 28, Apr 1-Apr 30, Sep 1-Dec 31) 1/Day or trip (Jan 1-Mar 31, May 1. For bag limits and sizes see the chart of Saltwater Species Quick Chart. Florida fishing: Snook, redfish, dolphin top Treasure Coast catch report. The daily bag limit is one redfish per person per day. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Red Drum - Life History. Currently, there are short-term regulations for a portion of the South Region that were implemented in response to the prolonged 2017-2019 red tide. Florida Keys. Johns River, but you've got to know a few tricks to take them. Redfish: Harvest of redfish has been banned in the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon. Females become mature at about age 3 and most are mature by age 5. 1, 2022. Minimum size: 9 inches. Reduce the eight-fish vessel limit in. License & permit information, season dates, size & creel limits and more. A 7- or 7. Snook: Harvest opened Feb. Fork length (FL) is measured from tip of snout to middle of fork in tail. 2 oz. Joined. Upon a first or second conviction, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. How to Catch Redfish: A Beginners Guide to Fishing for Redfish in Florida. These fish are often called sub-adults. The average Redfish caught during our Redfish Fishing Charters in the Keys are between 12″ and 30″. Only 1 fish can be gag or black. Daily Bag Limit: 4 – Summer flounder. Possession Limit: 3 per person. 14 when the fishery is closed (bag limit 0). The proposed final rule would reduce the recreational bag limit in the Northwest red drum management zone. Reduce the off-the-water transport limit from. Although it seems as if the majority of saltwater anglers these days are using live bait, that certainly is not a requirement to catching good redfish. 8 billion recreational fishing industry. It is a great one-stop location for state and federal regulations for Marine species and the spiny lobster rules for FL are on there. This link includes redfish size and bag limit with methods you may not use when catching redfish in Destin FL. Read Next: Catch Jumbo Florida Redfish. Reduce the off-the-water transport limit from six to four fish per person. Tarpon. Daily Limit: 1*. Henry McMaster signed a bill that has moved between the. This will provide the strength and sensitivity you need to detect the fish's (sometimes) subtle bites and set the hook. Eugene L. Redfish Size Limit Florida: Incredible Best Practices for Staying Legal. Meanwhile, northeast Florida allows two redfish catches per person each day, with a maximum of eight in a vessel. The slot limit on harvestable redfish remains the same, as it has for many years, at 18 to 27 inches. The Florida record for redfish is 51 pounds. Spread the love. Keep in mind the redfish limit in Texas of three redfish per day, with a length range of 20-28 inches. Redfish: Harvest of redfish has been banned in the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon since Sept. Snook and redfish will remain catch-and. One black drum per person per day over 25” TL is allowed. 3-4 inch-long slices into the flesh of the redfish on each side – go about 1/2-inch deep. Redbreast reach. They also inhabit the Gulf of Mexico, from southern Florida to northeastern Mexico. 775. 1, 2023. 10 (Not to exceed 60 per boat, except for headboats which are allowed 10 per paying customer. Red Drum Equipment Grant. Size Limit Bag Limit : Cobia (Ling) 33” min. The Florida record for redfish is 51 pounds. Minimum Size Limit: None. Grouper Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) p t l Minimum Size Limits: Atlantic and Gulf - 10" Redfish limits in Florida. 1:30 – Making sense of POTENTIAL New Redfish Regulations in Florida; 3:09 – Quick background of the current harvest regulations; 4:28 – FWC Decisions & Meetings; 5:16 – Separation of zones in Florida; 7:08 – Captain/Crew Bag Limit; 9:35 – Redfish Sportfishing; 10:48 – Bass Fishing Tournament Lessons Learned; 12:35 – Panhandle Region The regulation changes go into effect on September 1, 2022, the FWC has announced. In Florida, a slot size redfish is one measuring 18 to 27 inches in total length and that means you can keep it. Best Overall: Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ. Catch and Release Only. Latitude line or Cape Sable . For four years Southwest Florida has been closed to redfish harvest due to a devastating red tide in 2018 that nearly wiped-out redfish, snook, trout and other species in the area. Lucie, Martin & Palm Beach counties. • Establishing a maximum size limit of 27 inches or less in all red drum fisheries. Prohibit captain and crew from retaining a bag limit when on a for-hire trip. SCIENCE-BASED STRATEGIES TO CATCH REDFISH (WITH CAPT. Redfish must be between 18 and 27-inches (slot limit). Fish up to 10-12 pounds. Length: These fish grow up to 67″ in length. Jun 3, 2022 Jun 3,. Red drum found inside South Carolina estuaries are typically juvenile fish; meaning they have not yet reached sexual maturity. The fish must be between 14 and 24 inches in size. 54” min fork length. A one-year-old red drum will grow on the average to be approximately 10 to 17 inches in length. Redfish usually have a reddish, copper-bronze color. Texas Redfish Limits A redfish must be at least 20″ but no more than 28″ in length to be legally harvested. FL = fork length, TL = total length (see “How to Measure a Fish” below) 1 per angler, max 6 per boat. The area is full of beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants and numerous entertainment options for you and your family. Published: Sep. Florida has the Atlantic and Gulf coast where top-notch redfish can be caught throughout the year. As red drum develop, they utilize different habitats. Changes effective July 1, 2022, include: Increasing the minimum size limit from 33 inches to 36 inches fork length for all state waters. Maximum Length: 25 inches. World Record Size: The biggest one caught in Florida waters was by These drum have a life expectancy of. For the first time in nearly 4 years, you’ll soon be. 775. All other saltwaters: no bag limit. Tripletail Dolphin, Mahi Redfish (Red Drum) White Grunt Hogfish Except south of the 25’03 North . Equally important to having a fishing license is making sure you’re staying within size and bag limits. the important questions, such as: What, exactly, are the best ways to bait a hook for Redfish? She first cast a line in Florida as a teenager, and it took her a while to circle back to. 0. Florida anglers have to figure out Florida’s extensive laws before fishing for red drum, or any fish. River reds typically weigh over 20 pounds, but Dingman has caught them to 54. The spring action ignites when water temps reach 72 to 73 degrees. The regulation changes, which go into effect Sept. " But the fishery has been closed to. Spotted Seatrout: 15″ – 22″ Slot Size, Possession Limit: 6 fish per person per day. According to the FWC website, these regulation changes include: · Establishing nine redfish management regions. State slot-size limits (the size of fish you’re allowed to keep) vary from 23 to 30 inches, meaning that most redfish reaching adulthood are protected. 084. C. com for gear rules pertaining to reef fish. Seatrout will be under new, more restrictive regulations that took effect in 2020, including a recreational size limit of 15-to-19 inches total length, a one seatrout over 19 inches per vessel allowed limit, a daily commercial limit of 50 per harvester, and a zero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip. License Requirements: Snook permit and recreational fishing license. The slot size limit. See full list on roguerods. 5 million red drum were caught each year in Florida waters from 2005 to 2009 (NOAA 2008). Redfish: Harvest of redfish has been banned in the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon since Sept. 15. Juveniles are found inshore, and migrate offshore to spawn, usually from August to October. Spotted Seatrout 14" min TL 10 per person Red Drum (Redfish) 16" min TL 26" max TL 3 per person Cobia (Ling) 33" min FL 2 per person King Mackerel 24" min FL 2 per personRedfish eat a varied diet of marine organisms like shrimp, crabs, pinfish, pigfish, croakers, and mullet. 8 from 6–8 p. Daily Posession Limit: 10. The redfish must be between 16 and 27 inches in size. Unlawful to gig, spear, or gaff red drum. Located on 503 North First Street, the pier offers great opportunities to catch Redfish, Kingfish, and plenty of other. At one year old, they will range from 10 to 17 inches long, averaging 14 inches. Harvest Limitations: State waters only; From March 16, 2022 through Aug. Open year-round . NOTE: Prior to purchasing a snook permit, check. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the size and possession limits for Alabama’s top game fish: Red Drum (Bull Red): 16″ – 26″ Slot Size, Possession Limit: 3 fish per person per day. Remember, just as the reds go off-limits in the Indian River Lagoon, snook come back on line all over, but with a limit of one per day and a needle-threading slot of 28-32 inches — beginning. CCA. – 27″ Max, Possession Limit: 5 fish per person per day. l. Federal waters are closed to taking redfish of any size. If a redfish measures between 18 and 20 inches, it. Harvest Limitations: State waters only; From March 16, 2022 through Aug. red drum are10-12 inches long, and weigh just under one pound. Home;. Changes effective July 1, 2022, for cobia in state waters include: Increasing the minimum size limit from 33 inches to 36 inches fork length for all state waters. September 3, 2023. Thanks to the slot size limits and the demise of commercial fishing for this species, the red drum has made a. The off-the-water transport limit has been reduced from six to four fish per person. composting, fertilizer or oil. Male red drum mature at age three (27-30 inches long), females mature at age four (32-36 inches). The best month is October as water begins cooling. Redfish: Harvest of redfish has been banned in the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon since Sept. Redfish Season: All year redfish are in season. Stone Crab Measurement. South Florida: three fish (was four). Season: Open. yield (OY) in th e red drum fishery can be obtained. One. The fish are all born males, and a small minority of the males reverse sex to become females once they reach a certain age and/or size--somewhere around 22 inches. In addition to safety, it's important to also prioritize conservation when fishing for redfish. Limit of 10 per person per day or 54 per trip, whichever is less. Redfish fishing regulations. Harvest. You are not allowed to keep any oversized fish. Fishermen/women can use rod/reel or cast nets to bag their daily limit. or gaff red drum. Spotted seatrout: Harvest open as of Jan. Tripletail. Bag limit is now five fish per day per angler; Vessel limit is now 30 fish per day. 12-inch TL. Size limits for Redfish are not less than 18 inches and not greater than 27 inches (overall length). This means that a redfish measuring 20 inches from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail is considered a legal size fish. age 5. The state’s fisheries experts did not recommend how to change current regulations on redfish limits, but say a 35% reduction in catch is needed. Slot Limit: Not less than 18" no more than 27" total length. Size limit: 36 inches fork length. Black Sea Bass Whiting Shark (Non. Redfish Regulations in Florida. 775. Tuna8,14. In addition to regional bag limits (see• Implementing bag and size limits projected by bag and size limit analysis to achieve the minimum 40% sSPR. Sometimes confused with: large Atlantic croakerWhat is the slot size for redfish in Florida? Florida Redfish Limits For the entire state, redfish must be between 18″ and 27″ in length to be harvested. Size limit: 36 inches fork length. During the open season, anglers possessing a Florida saltwater fishing license and snook stamp may keep one fish per day, as long as it is between 28 and 32 inches in length, measured from the chin to the tip of the tail (total length). From March 16, 2022, to August 31, 2023, recreational anglers may keep up to five speckled trout per day, with a slot size between 15-25 inches. Harvest Limitations: Remains Catch-and-release only south of state road 64 (Manatee County) to Gordon Pass (Collier County); Snook permit required for harvest; No snatch hooks and spearing. Federal waters are closed to taking redfish of any size. Gigging. 1. 1 per person per day. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has decided to increase the recreational bag limit for red drum or redfish in the northeast and northwest portions of the state, citing what it calls “successful red drum management. Trout Season: Open all year. Anywhere past that is considered Federal waters. we wanted to collect fish to tag from these schools which were longer than Florida’s recreational maximum length limit (27” total length) to prevent these tagged fish from being harvested. The Texas speckled trout size regulations allow for a five-fish limit per day and a slot size of 15 to 25 inches, with the option to keep one fish over 25 inches long. The slot limit on harvestable redfish remains the same, as it has for many years, at 18 to 27 inches. All other saltwaters: no size limit. e. The bag limit for redfish is one fish per person daily. Redfish Tag: A red drum on the specified maximum length can be retained if it is marked with a finished red drum tag. One fish over 19″ per boat per day is allowed. Establish nine redfish management regions. Table of Contents show. How many inches does a redfish have to be to keep?Florida State 2021 Red Snapper Limit The 2021 Florida daily red snapper bag limit was 2 fish per angler (not including the guide or crew) at 16 inches minimum. Some areas have special restrictions and it’s important to check the. Anglers are allowed to harvest one redfish per day that measures 20 inches or greater in total length. Bag limit is now five fish per day per angler; Vessel limit is now 30 fish per day. You want to make sure you’re following the law when you’re out fishing. Redfish Fishing Regulations in Florida. Size Limit: Redfish must be between 18-27 inches to keep. Black Drum Facts. Locals give FWC feedback on proposed redfish rules: No bag-limit increase. Redfish take limits have been increased from 1 fish to 2 fish per person. On head boats, limit is 10 per person per day. The redfish restrictions vary by region in Florida, so it is important to know where you are fishing and what regulations apply. One redfish over the maximum length can be kept each year with a red drum tag that comes with a fishing license. Fisherman come from everywhere for a chance to sight fish schools of trophy size bull redfish on the Lagoon’s deep flats. 1 as the beginning date for a whole new, much larger and detailed plan for guiding anglers targeting reds. Fill the spool with a 15-pound braided line and use a 20-pound leader. Daily Bag Limit: 1. Changes effective July 1, 2022, include: Increasing the minimum size limit from 33 inches to 36 inches fork length for all state waters. You might’ve heard the recent talk about new redfish rules statewide, beginning Sept. In south and northwest Florida, redfish bagging is limited to one per day per person, with a maximum of eight in a vessel. At 2 years old they will range from 18 to 24 inches, and weigh 3 to 6 pounds. Weakfish. Posted: (2 days ago) Jun 03, 2021 · Florida anglers have to figure out Florida ’s extensive laws before fish in g for red drum, or any fish. FL 2/person : Florida. In addition to these techniques, anglers should be mindful of Texas’s speckled trout limits. You can keep one fish over 52 inches. SCUP (PORGY) Scup (Porgy) Regulation 4 VAC 20-910-10 et. Capture Citation: RELEASE ONLY. Florida Redfish Limits For the entire state, redfish must be between 18″ and 27″ in length to be harvested. Redfish, also known as red drum, are a popular game fish in Florida. The change, approved at a November 16 FWC meeting, will take effect on February 1, 2012. These regulations may change, so check the SCDNR website before heading out. M in imum size: 18″ to 27″. Florida anglers have to figure out Florida’s extensive laws before fishing for red drum, or any fish. With some strong scissors, cut off all the fins and the soft part of the tail. “Most of the time, I’m catching slot-size -redfish from 18 to 27 inches,” says Perez, who also catches seatrout, black drum and. Redfish Proposed Rule May 4, 2022 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Version 2 . The current all-tackle world record redfish weighed over 94lbs and was caught along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. May only be taken by rod & reel. The daily pocket. Redfish are a protected species in Florida, and there are regulations in place regarding catch limits and size restrictions. The temporary Lower Laguna Madre restrictions, effective March 16, 2022, to August 31, 2023, drop the per-day bag limit to three fish and the slot size limit to 17-23 inches. What Is The Florida Redfish Size Limit? The Florida redfish limit is: NE Zone Bag Limit: 2 red drum per person per day; NW and S Zone Bag Limit: 1 red drum per person per day; Off Water Bag Limit: 6 red drum per person per day; Manatee County: Catch and release; harvest prohibited; Slot Size: 18 inches to 27 inches statewide 4200 Smith School Rd. Minimum Size Limits: Not less than 15" or more than 36" fork length. The current all-tackle world record redfish weighed over 94lbs and was caught along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Florida Redfish Regulations. Minimum Length: 15 inches. TL Daily Creel Limit: 3 per person - 1 oversized fish allowed in the 3 fish creel limit. Except from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County, which is catch-and-release through May 31, 2021. FWC redfish regulation changes take effect Sept. Redfish. While the daily recreational bag limit remained five per person, the slot limit tightened slightly to 15 to 19 inches; one trout over 19 inches can be kept per vessel. c Flounder daily bag limit is 5 fish EXCEPT Nov. Best Non-Weedless Searchbait: MirrOlure MirrOdine. Catch limits and size restrictions have increased the average weight of redfish caught in. Fillets must have some skin left on, and be consistent in size as that taken from legal size fish. • & how the above traits compare for red drum with other iconic FL species • Spawning & nursery habitat around the state • Series of studies on redfish space use & resilience in SW Florida Outline. It's important to always follow these regulations and practice responsible fishing practices. Redfish of 40+ pounds are somewhat common. ALL OTHER SHARK SPECIES: For other sharks not listed above, the size limit is 54" min. Whiting. “For slot-limit-size fish, I target depths of 3 feet or less. 8:44 PM EDT, Tue July 19, 2022. Starting June 1, 2021, the following changes will take place in southwest Florida: Normal regulations will resume for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in all state waters in Pasco County and Tampa Bay north of State Road 64 in Manatee County plus the Braden River and its tributaries. Daily Limit: 1*. 1 Bag Limit. During the Redfish populations in Florida are considered healthy, with the most recent stock assessment indicating that the population is not overfished and is not experiencing overfishing. Always keep an up to date copy of the Florida Fishing Regulations with your fishing gear for quick reference such as size limits and fish identification (most local's do). Johns River redfish taken by Jacksonville angler John Curtain prior to release. Allowing one seatrout over 19 inches per vessel (currently per harvester). Authors: Krista Shipley and Melissa Recks Report date: August 1, 2016 1. However, there are some exceptions to. [2] It is the only species in the genus Sciaenops . Minimum Size: 15″ to 19″ only. FL (30" dressed). Upon a third or subsequent conviction, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. With unparalleled stamina and a reel-smoking tenacity, Redfish is certainly the king of the Tampa Bay flats. 2020 Gulf of Mexico Regulations: Daily Bag Limit: 1 per person, Size Limit: minimum 34” fork length, Season: open May 1-31 and August 1- October 31, subject to change if the recreational annual catch target is metBig Red! Giant redfish are swarming into northeast Florida's St. Alabama Redfish Limits. This redfish, 22 inches, was caught at Homasassa on the west coast. Note: More restrictive seasonal bag limits apply to portions of Pinellas County, and seasonal night closures apply in portions of Charlotte County. For redfish fishing on Florida's West Coast, a medium to heavy action rod with a fast tip is ideal. (TL) is measured from tip of snout with mouth closed to top of compressed tail. 1 in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Latitude line or Cape Sable . Red Drum-Harvest Regulations (LAC 76:VII. The proposed rule changes would: Modify the redfish management regions. Redfish Bag and Size Limits. In the lower reach of the Savannah River: 27 inch TL. 850-375-2223. Gear Up. Daily Limit: 5 per angler. In south and northwest Florida, redfish bagging is limited to one per day per person, with a maximum of eight in a vessel. The fish must be 14 inches long or more. When you ask most experienced Florida inshore anglers what fish to catch in the fall, redfish is more than likely going to be the answer. The FWC strives to increase and diversify participation in fishing throughout Florida via an effort known as R3, which stands for Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation. Seatrout will be under new, more restrictive regulations that took effect in 2020, including a recreational size limit of 15-to-19 inches total length,. Atlantic Croaker. RED DRUM (REDFISH) Add to MyFLRules Favorites: View Chapter: 68B-22. The redfish season in Sarasota is open year-round, but there are specific regulations for bag limits and size limits. Reducing the commercial bag limit. Captain and crew may not be included in. Twitter 0. The Carolina rig is a more lightweight setup, and is ideal or inshore fishing for puppy red drum with a lightweight redfish tackle setup. Redfish can be caught year-round, but they are most active from May to. Redfish must be between 16” and 26” to be legally retained in Alabama. Dolphin: New fishing regulations began May 1, 2022 for state waters. Snook and redfish will remain catch-and-release. Top tips to catch redfish in Florida and landing bull reds by local experts. Trophy / Oversize Fish Allowed: 1 over 25 inches within daily bag. Starting June 1, 2021, the following changes will take place in southwest Florida: Pasco County and Tampa Bay: Normal regulations will resume for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in all state waters in Pasco County and Tampa Bay north of State Road 64 in Manatee County plus the Braden River and its tributaries. Northeast FL 2000 2010 2020 Slot size abundance trends Indian River Lagoon. The daily bag limits are 2 fish per person or 8 per vessel in the northeast zone and 1 fish per person or 8 fish per vessel in the northwest and south zones. Size limit: 36 inches fork length. New law has wide acceptance among guides, biologists. Table of Contents show. Florida maintains a "slot-limit” that permits anglers to harvest one redfish per-day that is between 18-27 inches in length. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC. RECREATIONAL SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS It is illegal to sell any seafood taken with a recreational license. Except from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County, which is catch-and-release through May 31, 2021. Summer heat limits the bite to early mornings and late afternoons, until fall cooling begins. Special Regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park.