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Fishing regulations at Pilot 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
Northern red snapper
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.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
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.
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.
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
The federal for-hire season opens June 1, 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.
For more information about Red Snapper regulations in Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico, see Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
The 2025 Gulf red snapper season is open to those fishing from private recreational vessels or charter vessels. The summer season will begin over Memorial Day Weekend, from May 22 – July 31, and reopen September 1 through October 4. The fall season will include the following dates:
- October 9 – 11, 16-18, 23-25
- October 30 through November 1
- November 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 26-29
- December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 25-27
- January 1-4, 2027
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.
Red grouper
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.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
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.
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.
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
Recreational harvest of red grouper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will close on July 1, 2024. The seasonal closure is expected to be effective through the end of the red grouper fishing year on December 31, 2024. For more information, see MYFWC/Groupers.
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.
State: Open year-round
Federal: Closed Feb. 1-March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms
- "The Edges" closed from Jan. 1 - April 30.
Mangrove snapper
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.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
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.
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-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
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.
FAQ about Pilot Cove fishing
- Northern red snapper - 7 members reported to have caught this fish
- Red grouper - 2 members reported to have caught this fish
- Mangrove snapper - 2 members reported to have caught this fish
- @brysonsackett reported a nice Common snook.
- @wyattleigh reported a nice Northern red snapper.
- @wyattleigh reported a nice Northern red snapper.
- @zzikuan1 reported a nice Northern red snapper.
- @raevynmiller reported a nice Spanish mackerel.
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