Top fish species at Mud Bay

Red drum
Red drum
Gag grouper
Gag grouper
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Mud Bay fishing reports

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Red drum

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Gag grouper

length · weight

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General info

Mud Bay is a part of an ocean located in Collier County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Red drum and Gag grouper.

Location

25°49′8.3″N 81°19′35.8″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at Mud 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

Season open: year-round
Red drum

Red drum

Regulation boundaryFL Southwest (Redfish)
Bag limit1

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 size18" (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.

Max size27" (Total Length)

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.

Vessel limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally possessed aboard any vessel.

Restrictions & requirements

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.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Additional information
Off-the-water transport limit is four fish per person.Legal Gear: hook and line, cast nets
Edibility
Very Good
Synonyms
Channel Bass, Redfish, Sciaenops ocellatus, Spottail Bass
Season closed: October 1 - August 31
Gag grouper

Gag grouper

Regulation boundaryFL Gulf State 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 size24" (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

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.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

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

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 gag grouper. To sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler, call 1-888-347-4356.
Additional information
The 2025 season has not yet been determined. If you plan to fish for gag grouper or other specific reef fish species in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation (annual renewal is required). As a State Reef Fish Angler, you could be selected to receive a mail survey component of the State Reef Fish Survey. For more information, see myFWC Gulf Grouper.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.
Edibility
Excellent (10 out of 10), but large individuals may contain ciguatera toxin and elevated mercury levels. Catch, Clean, Cook Gag Grouper by DMFD
Synonyms
Charcoal belly, Mycteroperca microlepis
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Cities nearby

Chokoloskee

2.1 miles away

Everglades

4.6 miles away

Goodland

21.3 miles away

Marco Island

24.5 miles away

Winding Cypress

27.6 miles away

Lely Resort

29.9 miles away

Lely

31.8 miles away

Golden Gate

34.4 miles away

Ave Maria

35.4 miles away

Orangetree

36.3 miles away

Naples

36.9 miles away

Island Walk

38.2 miles away

Heritage Bay

38.3 miles away

Pelican Marsh

41.5 miles away

Immokalee

42.3 miles away

Naples Park

42.9 miles away

Bonita Springs

46.8 miles away

Estero

51.1 miles away

San Carlos Park

54.7 miles away

The Hammocks

55.6 miles away

Fort Myers Beach

55.8 miles away

Lehigh Acres

58.1 miles away

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FAQ about Mud Bay fishing

📍 Where is Mud Bay located?
Mud Bay is a part of an ocean located in Collier County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
25°49′8.3″N 81°19′35.8″W
.
🎣 Where on Mud Bay is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Mud Bay 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 Mud Bay?
The most common species in Mud Bay are:
  • Red drum - 1 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Gag grouper - 1 members reported to have caught this fish
📢 What are the latest Mud Bay fishing reports?
The latest Mud Bay fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Mud Bay right now?
According to fishing regulations at Mud Bay, some of the species in season this November include: Common snook, Fat snook, Atlantic bluefin tuna, Lane snapper, 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 Mud Bay?

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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