Top fish species at Alligator Bay
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Fishing regulations at Alligator Bay, FL
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Florida can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Atlantic goliath grouper
It is unlawful to harvest, possess, land, purchase, sell, or exchange this species.
Descending Device/Venting Tool
Descending device or venting tool rigged and ready is required when fishing for reef fish, and use such device if releasing a fish that suffers from barotrauma. Get descending device gear for FREE by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right. Get started here: returnemright.org
Goliath grouper is a protected species. FWC rules stipulate that harvest and possession of Goliath Grouper is prohibited. Goliath Grouper that are caught but immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed are not harvested. The taking of photographs after removal of hooks and posing for pictures with Goliath Grouper is not considered an immediately release of the fish. So, you should NOT remove a Goliath Grouper from the water to take pictures. If you want pictures, take them with the fish still in the water.
Location Specific Information
Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use
Get the required release gear by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right at: http://returnemright.org/
In March 2022, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a limited, highly regulated recreational harvest of Goliath grouper in state waters beginning Spring 2023. This approved recreational harvest of Goliath grouper includes:
A recreational harvest of up to 200 goliath per year, with a maximum of 50 from Everglades National Park.
A required recreational goliath harvest permit and tag, issued via a random-draw lottery, to legally harvest a goliath ($150 for residents, $500 for non-residents).
Limiting harvest to one fish per person per open season with permit and tag, non-transferable.
A March 1 through May 31 season.
Allowable gear will be hook-and-line only.
A slot limit of 24 to 36 inches total length.
Harvest would be permitted in all state waters except those of Martin County south through the Atlantic coast of the Keys, all of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, and Dry Tortugas National Park.
Post-harvest requirements, such as proper utilization of the harvest tag, reporting harvest data and submitting a fin clip for genetic analysis.
Common snook
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.
Total length means the straight line distance 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.
Gigging
Harvest by gigging prohibited.
Snagging
Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.
Spears
Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.
Multiple Hooks
Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.
Zero Bag for Captain
Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.
Hook & Line Only
Allowable gear: hook and line.
Keep-Whole
Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.
No commercial harvest or sale of snook is permitted.
Regulations apply to state and adjacent Federal Waters. For more information, see MyFWC Snook.
This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com. Visit their website for more information.
FAQ about Alligator Bay fishing
- Atlantic goliath grouper - 1 members reported to have caught this fish
- Common snook - 1 members reported to have caught this fish
- Sea trout - 1 members reported to have caught this fish
- @sammyguerrero100 reported a nice Ruddy bowfin.
- @2Fine.hoots reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
- @EduardoRumbos reported a nice Atlantic goliath grouper.
- @_CaptainRicky reported a nice Common snook.
- @jreilly5717 reported a nice Sea trout.
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