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Head Cove

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Florida, United States

4.0·9 catches

Top fish species at Head Cove

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Head Cove fishing reports

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Common snook

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Common dolphinfish

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Southern stingray

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Common snook

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Common snook

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Crevalle jack

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General info

Head Cove is a stream located in Indian River County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Common snook, Spotted seatrout, and Common dolphinfish.

Location

27°34′42.8″N 80°20′16″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Snook biting on Head Cove?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Head Cove. 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 Head 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

Season open: September 1 - December 14
Common snook

Common snook

Regulation boundaryFL Snook Indian River Lagoon
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 size32" (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 required when saltwater fishing license required
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: January 1 - October 31
Spotted seatrout

Spotted seatrout

Regulation boundaryFL Seatrout Indian River Lagoon
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 size15" (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 size19" (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.

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.

Additional information
Indian River Lagoon RegionRecreationalSlot limit: 15–19 inches total lengthBag limit: 2 per person/dayClosed season: Nov. 1 – Dec. 31Open season: Jan. 1 – Oct. 31Over-slot allowance: May not possess fish over 19 inches StatewideIllegal Gear: cannot harvest using any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or deadnatural bait; snatching prohibitedAllowable Gear: hook and line and cast netZero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip Indian River Lagoon: All Florida waters and adjacent federal waters lying south of a line extending dueeast from a point located at 29°01.755'N, 80°54.160'W in Volusia County and north of the Martin-PalmBeach county line, all waters of the counties highlighted in yellow, all inside waters of Volusia Countysouth of Lytle Avenue/South Causeway (State Road A1A), all waters of Volusia County south ofState Road 44 and east of I-95, including all waters of the Kissimmee River, Cypress Lake,Lake Hatchineha, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Okeechobee, excluding all waters of the Loxahatchee River and its tributaries and all waters of the St. Johns River and its tributaries.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Cynoscion nebulosus, Speckled Trout
Season open: year-round
Common dolphinfish

Common dolphinfish

Regulation boundaryFL Atlantic 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 size20" (Fork Length)

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.

Vessel limit30

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

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.

Additional information
Vessel limit does not apply to for-hire vessels. Changes Effective May 1: Recreational daily bag limit = 5 dolphin per person. Private recreational daily vessel limit = 30 fish per vessel. Captain and crew bag limits are prohibited statewide.This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Excellent, and they are considered a very sustainable fishery. Catch, Clean, Cook Mahi Mahi by DMFD
Synonyms
Coryphaena hippurus, dorado, mahi mahi
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Reviews of Head Cove

4.0
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1 ratings

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Cities nearby

South Beach

0.8 miles away

Florida Ridge

2.9 miles away

Lakewood Park

4.0 miles away

Vero Beach South

5.3 miles away

St. Lucie Village

5.7 miles away

Vero Beach

5.8 miles away

Fort Pierce North

7.4 miles away

Gifford

8.6 miles away

Indian River Shores

9.4 miles away

West Vero Corridor

9.8 miles away

Fort Pierce

10.6 miles away

Winter Beach

10.7 miles away

Wabasso Beach

12.9 miles away

Wabasso

13.4 miles away

White City

14.3 miles away

Windsor

15.1 miles away

Indian River Estates

15.5 miles away

Vero Lake Estates

16.5 miles away

Sebastian

16.9 miles away

River Park

17.8 miles away

Fellsmere

18.8 miles away

Roseland

20.0 miles away

Port St. Lucie

20.9 miles away

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FAQ about Head Cove fishing

📍 Where is the Head Cove located?
the Head Cove is a stream located in Indian River County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
27°34′42.8″N 80°20′16″W
.
🎣 Where on the Head Cove is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the Head Cove 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 the Head Cove?
The most common species in the Head Cove are:
📢 What are the latest Head Cove fishing reports?
The latest Head Cove fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at the Head Cove right now?
According to fishing regulations at the Head Cove, some of the species in season this October include: Spotted seatrout, Common snook, Red grouper, Fat snook, and Atlantic bluefin tuna. 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 the Head Cove?

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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