Saltwater Fishing

Welcome to Florida's Saltwater Fishing!

News Updates:

The recreational red snapper season in Gulf federal waters has been set to 26 days. This season will start June 1. The state Gulf season is 44 days and also starts June 1. Learn more.
Several workshops are planned to discuss South Florida marine fisheries management issues. These workshops are planned for July and August. Learn more about these workshops.
Gray triggerfish 2-fish bag limit effective June 10 in Gulf state waters. Season closure starts June 10 and runs through July 31.
Goliath grouper survey being conducted by University of Florida. Take this survey. Or learn more about the Goliath Grouper Stakeholder Project.

Fish of the Week - Weakfish

Cynoscion regalis

Features:

Dark olive or blue-green back
Sides covered in tones of blue, purple, lavender, gold and copper
Irregular diagonal rows of dark spots above the lateral line
One to two prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw
Pelvic and anal fins yellow
Pectoral fins olive on outside, yellow underneath

Similar Fish: Other seatrouts

Size: To 6 pounds

Habitat: An Atlantic coast fish, possibly found in the extreme southeastern Gulf. Adults move inshore and north during warm months inhabiting surf, inlets, bays, channels and estuaries. Adults move offshore and south during cold months. Juveniles inhabit estuaries, which serve as nurseries.

Notes: May mature as early as one year. Spawns nearshore or in estuaries between April and October. Schooling fish, feeds primarily on shrimp and other fish.

Art by Diane Rome Peebles

From mangroves to salt marshes, Florida is the "Fishing Capital of the World." We hope you'll find the information below handy for planning your next Florida fishing trip, be it commercial or recreational.