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Gulf of America

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

4.9·1320 catches

Top fish species at Gulf of America

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Check which species have trophy potential in Gulf of America

Gulf of America fishing reports

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Blacktip shark

length · weight

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Ladyfish

length · weight

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Common snook

length · weight

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Common snook

length · weight

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Great barracuda

length · weight

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White grunt

14 in · 2 lb

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General info

Gulf of America is a part of an ocean located in Sarasota County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Red grouper, Northern red snapper, and Mangrove snapper.

Location

27°01′6.2″N 82°41′54.6″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Gulf of America, 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

Season open: year-round
Red grouper

Red grouper

Regulation boundaryGulf of America Federal Waters
Bag limit2

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.

Min size20" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

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.

Aggregate limit4

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Special gear

GOM Reef Fish

Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks.

Restrictions & requirements

Zero Bag for Captain

Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.

Descending Device/Venting Tool

Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.

Required licenses
Anglers intending to land this species in Florida are required to sign up as a Florida State Reef Fish Angler if they fish from a private recreational boat and are 16 years of age and older. To sign up, call 1-888-347-4356.
Additional information
Bag limit for captain and crew on vessels operating as a charter or headboat is zero. Closed Feb. 1 thru Mar. 31 when fishing beyond the 20-fathom break. Location Specific InformationAnglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to useGet the required release gear by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right at: http://returnemright.org/ Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions. To see commercial regulations, download Fish Rules Commercial App for iOS devices or Android devices.
Edibility
Excellent, but large individuals may contain ciguatera toxin and elevated mercury levels. Here's an excellent Red Grouper Catch, Clean, Cook by Deer Meat for Dinner
Synonyms
Epinephelus morio
Season closed: November 9 - November 13
Northern red snapper

Northern red snapper

Regulation boundaryGulf of America Federal Waters FL
Bag limit2

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.

Min size16" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

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.

Special gear

Circle Hooks

The use of a dehooking device is required when fishing for reef fish. All persons aboard a vessel harvesting reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico must possess and use non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when using natural baits.

Restrictions & requirements

Zero Bag for Captain

Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.

Descending Device/Venting Tool

Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.

Required licenses
Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler if they fish from a private recreational boat for any red snapper. To sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler, call 1-888-347-4356.
Additional information
Private Anglers and State Licensed For-Hire Vessels: Each Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) state will set the private angling season for state and federal waters. The Florida private recreational regulations apply in state and federal waters off the state of Florida. State Licensed For-Hire Vessels may only fish in FL State Waters (out to 9 nm). Federal For-Hire Vessels: The federal for-hire season opens June 1, 2026 - 12:01 a.m., local time, October 26, 2026. Anglers fishing from federally-permitted for-hire vessels in federal waters may retain 2 fish per person with a 16-inch minimum size limit. Bag limit for captain and crew on vessels operating as a charter or headboat is zero. For more information about Florida's Red Snapper seasons, see MyFWC Snapper. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information. Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org. For more information about Red Snapper regulations in Federal Waters of the Gulf, see Gulf Council. Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions.
Edibility
Excellent, but may contain ciguatera toxin.
Synonyms
Lutjanus campechanus
Season open: year-round
Mangrove snapper

Mangrove snapper

Regulation boundaryGulf of America Federal Waters
Bag limit10

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.

Min size12" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

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.

Aggregate limit10

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Special gear

GOM Reef Fish

Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing with natural baits. At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks.

Restrictions & requirements

Descending Device/Venting Tool

Anglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to use. Take a short 15‑minute training to learn how to properly use required release gear and access it at a discounted price through returnemright.org.

Additional information
Location Specific InformationAnglers fishing for reef fish must have a venting tool or descending device rigged and ready to useGet the required release gear by completing a 15-minute training from Return 'Em Right at: http://returnemright.org/ Contact the Gulf Council with federal regulations questions. To see commercial regulations, download Fish Rules Commercial App for iOS devices or Android devices.
Edibility
Excellent. Here's a fun and tasty mangrove snapper Catch, Clean, Cook by Deer Meat for Dinner!
Synonyms
Lutjanus griseus, Mangrove Snapper
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Gulf of America

4.9
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42 ratings

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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

South Venice

17.5 miles away

Laurel

17.6 miles away

Osprey

18.0 miles away

Venice

18.8 miles away

Siesta Key

20.1 miles away

Palmer Ranch

20.3 miles away

Gulf Gate Estates

20.4 miles away

Englewood

21.6 miles away

Manasota Key

22.2 miles away

Southgate

23.0 miles away

Sarasota

24.1 miles away

Grove City

24.2 miles away

Sarasota Springs

24.2 miles away

Lake Sarasota

25.1 miles away

Fruitville

26.1 miles away

Warm Mineral Springs

26.4 miles away

Rotonda

27.4 miles away

Desoto Acres

27.5 miles away

Desoto Lakes

27.8 miles away

North Port

30.9 miles away

Old Miakka

33.2 miles away

Port Charlotte

36.0 miles away

Charlotte Harbor

39.7 miles away

Punta Gorda

40.8 miles away

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FAQ about Gulf of America fishing

📍 Where is Gulf of America located?
Gulf of America is a part of an ocean located in Sarasota County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
27°01′6.2″N 82°41′54.6″W
.
🎣 Where on Gulf of America is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Gulf of America by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Gulf of America?
The most common species in Gulf of America are:
📢 What are the latest Gulf of America fishing reports?
The latest Gulf of America fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Gulf of America right now?
According to fishing regulations at Gulf of America, some of the species in season this November include: Common snook, Fat snook, Lane snapper, Black grouper, and Grey triggerfish. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Gulf of America?

Fishing in Florida requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Freshwater, saltwater, or combination licenses are available for residents and visitors, purchasable online, by phone, or at authorized retailers.

In Florida, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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