Top fish species at Lake Van
Check which species have trophy potential in Lake Van
Lake Van fishing reports
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When are Largemouth Bass biting on Lake Van?
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Fishing regulations at Lake Van, 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
Largemouth bass
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 greater than the maximum size except as permitted.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.
In waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits apply, game fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed until the angler has completed fishing for the day.
FL FW Game Fish
Freshwater game fish may only be taken with pole-and-line or rod-and-reel. There is no limit on the number of rods an angler may use.
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.
Keep Intact
In waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits apply, game fish may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed until the angler has completed fishing for the day.
No minimum length. Only 1 bass may be 16-inches or longer in total length. Black Bass or any part thereof may not be used as bait.
Regulations are the same for both Florida Bass and Largemouth Bass throughout Florida, so there is no need for anglers to distinguish between the two species for regulations purposes.
Catch a largemouth bass 8-pounds or heavier, check out our TrophyCatch for some amazing prizes.
An angler participating in the TrophyCatch Program may temporarily possess in live condition one largemouth bass, 8 pounds or greater, over the legal length limit and bag limit in order to obtain photographic or video documentation of the fish. All largemouth bass retained for this purpose must be released alive into the waterbody in which it was caught immediately after documentation.
An angler may possess one largemouth bass 16.5 pounds or greater, per day over the legal length or bag limit when submitting for the certification of a potential state record provided they contact the Commission at this link MYFWC-Potential state record largemouth bass. Largemouth bass maintained in live condition may only be possessed on the waterbody or adjacent shore from which the fish was caught and may only be released alive in the same waterbody, unless otherwise directed by Commission staff.
Mayan cichlid
No minimum size limit. No bag limit. No closed season. It is illegal to introduce any nonnative fish or any other nonnative organism into the waters of the state. No live nonnative fish, except variable platys and fathead minnows (aka Missouri minnows), may be transported to or between waters for use as bait. Catch a Mayan cichlid over 1-pound, and you qualify for the Big Catch Angler Recognition Program, which rewards anglers who catch a memorable-sized fish.
Common carp
Free trial available