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Fishing regulations at Big Cove, 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
Spotted seatrout
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gigging
Harvest by gigging prohibited.
Snagging
Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.
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.
Big Bend
Recreational
Slot limit: 15–19 inches total length
Bag limit: 5 per person/day
Season: Open year-round
Over-slot allowance:
May possess no more than one fish per person or per vessel, whichever is less,
that is greater than 19 inches total length, included in the bag limit.
Statewide
Illegal Gear: cannot harvest using any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead
natural bait; snatching prohibited
Allowable Gear: hook and line and cast net
Zero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip
Big Bend: All Florida Waters and adjacent federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico lying east of 84°20.800ꞌ West Longitude in Franklin County and north of a line running due east and due west from the westernmost point of Fred Howard Park Causeway (28°09.350'N, 82°48.398'W). Includes all waters of Pinellas County north of 28°09.350' North Latitude and all waters of the counties highlighted in yellow, as well as Ochlockonee Bay and the Ochlockonee, Withlacoochee, and Anclote rivers and their tributaries.
Red drum
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.
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.
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.
The maximum number of individual fish legally possessed aboard any vessel.
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.
Off-the-water transport limit is four fish per person.
Legal Gear: hook and line, cast nets
Florida pompano
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.
Fork Length means the length of a fish as measured from the most forward point of the head to the rear center edge of the tail.
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.
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.
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.
Must be landed in whole condition.
This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
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