Snook Season Opens September 1st!

The recreational harvest season for Florida’s premier game fish, snook, opens Sept. 1 statewide. Unique to the region, snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World.

While the fishery is already more than 90 percent catch-and-release, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages anglers to continue to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home. Gulf snook populations were negatively impacted by a 2010 cold kill. Gulf snook numbers currently exceed FWC management goals but are still rebuilding to pre-cold-kill levels, which is one of the reasons why it is important to handle fish with care in this region and use moderation when determining whether or not to harvest one.

When releasing a snook, proper handling methods can help ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about catch-and-release and the best way to handle a fish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater” then “Recreational Regulations.”

Regular season closures are designed to help protect the species during vulnerable times such as cold weather and spawning. Snook are closed to harvest Dec. 1 through the end of February and May 1 through Aug. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park. In Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, snook is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31.

Management measures such as the one-fish-per-person, per-day bag limit, annual closed seasons and size limits will help continue rebuilding snook populations on both coasts.

Minimum and maximum size limits help protect juvenile and older breeding fish within the population. In the Atlantic, snook must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. In the Gulf, they must be not less than 28 inches and not more than 33 inches total length.

A snook permit as well as a recreational saltwater license is required unless the angler is exempt from having a license. Snook may be targeted or harvested with hook and line gear only. Snagging is prohibited.

It is illegal to buy or sell snook.

Anglers can report their catch on the Snook & Gamefish Foundation’s website atSnookFoundation.org by clicking on the Angler Action link. Researchers also ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at aparticipating bait and tackle store. For the county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” then “Snook” (under “Saltwater Fish”) and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”  

These carcasses provide biological data, including the size, age, maturity and sex of the catch. This information is important to the FWC in completing stock assessments on species such as snook. If you see a snook fishery violation, please call the Wildlife Alert Program at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations” for more information on snook.

Posted in Uncategorized

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Charter Information
Half Day & Full Day charter fishing trips are available. Back Bay Charters are limited to 3-4 passengers per boat. Tarpon Fishing Charters are limited to 4-6 passengers per boat. Sorry, no pets.
Just Come Aboard! Everything is Provided

Our charters come complete! All equipment, bait, and licenses are provided by the Captain.

You are welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks if you'd like, and we certainly recommend sunscreen and protective clothing/hats.

We only ask that you please refrain from wearing dark soled shoes as they tend to mar the deck of the boat.

Confirm Your Trip Now!
Our Captains are now accepting credit card payments via PayPal for your convenience. You do not need a PayPal account to make your deposit; you only need a valid credit card. We are happy to send you an e-invoice through PayPal so that you can simply click one link to confirm your trip! Call us at 941-405-FISH for further details!
News from the Pass

Facebook Posts from GCCB

Unable to display Facebook posts.
Show error

Error: Error validating application. Application has been deleted.
Type: OAuthException
Code: 190
Please refer to our Error Message Reference.
Local Tides
Plan your trip! If you are knowledgeable about tides and moon phases, please feel free to check our area tide charts to get the best dates!

Check Tides Now