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Big Carlos Pass

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

4.7·624 catches

Top fish species at Big Carlos Pass

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Check which species have trophy potential in Big Carlos Pass

Big Carlos Pass fishing reports

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Summer flounder

10 in · 1 lb

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Gag grouper

21 in · 5 lb

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Atlantic goliath grouper

23 in · 10 lb

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Atlantic spadefish

length · weight

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Mangrove snapper

length · weight

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Bonnethead shark

26 in · 2 lb

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General info

Big Carlos Pass is a part of an ocean located in Lee County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Common snook, Mangrove snapper, and Crevalle jack.

Location

26°24′4.3″N 81°53′0.1″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Snook biting on Big Carlos Pass?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Big Carlos Pass. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Big Carlos Pass, 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: October 1 - November 30
Common snook

Common snook

Regulation boundaryFL Snook Charlotte Harbor
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 size28" (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 size33" (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.

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.

Hook & Line Only

Allowable gear: hook and line.

Keep-Whole

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

Required licenses
Snook permit and recreational fishing license.
Additional information
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.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Centropomus
Season open: year-round
Mangrove snapper

Mangrove snapper

Regulation boundaryFL Gulf State Waters
Bag limit5

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 size10" (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

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

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

Additional information
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. Here's a fun and tasty mangrove snapper Catch, Clean, Cook by Deer Meat for Dinner!
Synonyms
Lutjanus griseus, Mangrove Snapper
Season open: year-round
Crevalle jack

Crevalle jack

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
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.

Additional information
No minimum size limit Bag limit = 100 pounds If you catch a Crevalle jack over 36" fork length for adults (or 27" fork length youth), enter it into the Saltwater Reel Big Fish program to be recognized. For more information or to register your catch, visit Catch a Florida Memory. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Large individuals may contain elevated mercury levels. Most people think Jack Crevalle are not good to eat, but check out this Catch, Clean, Cook video of Jack Crevalle by DMFD
Synonyms
Caranx hippos, River tuna
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Big Carlos Pass

4.7
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36 ratings

5
4
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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Fort Myers Beach

2.8 miles away

Estero

5.8 miles away

San Carlos Park

6.5 miles away

Bonita Springs

6.8 miles away

Iona

9.2 miles away

Cypress Lake

9.6 miles away

Punta Rassa

10.1 miles away

Villas

10.4 miles away

Naples Park

10.6 miles away

Pelican Marsh

11.8 miles away

Sanibel

14.0 miles away

Island Walk

14.9 miles away

Gateway

15.0 miles away

Fort Myers

15.4 miles away

Heritage Bay

15.9 miles away

St. James City

16.8 miles away

Cape Coral

18.2 miles away

Tice

19.4 miles away

Matlacha

19.7 miles away

Palmona Park

19.9 miles away

Captiva

20.7 miles away

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FAQ about Big Carlos Pass fishing

📍 Where is Big Carlos Pass located?
Big Carlos Pass is a part of an ocean located in Lee County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
26°24′4.3″N 81°53′0.1″W
.
🎣 Where on Big Carlos Pass is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Big Carlos Pass 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 Big Carlos Pass?
The most common species in Big Carlos Pass are:
📢 What are the latest Big Carlos Pass fishing reports?
The latest Big Carlos Pass fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Big Carlos Pass right now?
According to fishing regulations at Big Carlos Pass, some of the species in season this October include: Common snook, Northern red snapper, Fat snook, Atlantic bluefin tuna, and Lane snapper. 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 Big Carlos Pass?

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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