Top fish species at Melbourne Tillman Canal
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Melbourne Tillman Canal fishing reports
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Fishing regulations at Melbourne Tillman Canal, 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
Largemouth bass
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.
Max size16" (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.
Aggregate limit5
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
Memorable / trophy limits1 > 16
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.
RequirementKeep 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.
Special gear
FL FW Game Fish
Freshwater game fish may only be taken with pole-and-line or rod-and-reel. There is no limit on the number of rods an angler may use.
Restrictions & requirements
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.
Additional information
No minimum length. Only 1 bass may be 16-inches or longer in total length. Black Bass or any part thereof may not be used as bait.
Regulations are the same for both Florida Bass and Largemouth Bass throughout Florida, so there is no need for anglers to distinguish between the two species for regulations purposes.
Catch a largemouth bass 8-pounds or heavier, check out our TrophyCatch for some amazing prizes.
An angler participating in the TrophyCatch Program may temporarily possess in live condition one largemouth bass, 8 pounds or greater, over the legal length limit and bag limit in order to obtain photographic or video documentation of the fish. All largemouth bass retained for this purpose must be released alive into the waterbody in which it was caught immediately after documentation.
An angler may possess one largemouth bass 16.5 pounds or greater, per day over the legal length or bag limit when submitting for the certification of a potential state record provided they contact the Commission at this link MYFWC-Potential state record largemouth bass. Largemouth bass maintained in live condition may only be possessed on the waterbody or adjacent shore from which the fish was caught and may only be released alive in the same waterbody, unless otherwise directed by Commission staff.
Edibility
Synonyms
Tarpon
Restrictions & requirements
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.
Catch and Release Only
Daily Creel Limit = 0 (Catch and Release Fishing Only)
Required licenses
Additional information
Tarpon is a catch-and-release only fishery. Hook and line only. Snagging, snatch hooking, spearing and the use of a multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.
One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when in pursuit of an International Game Fish Association (IGFA) record. Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish.
Anglers are allowed to temporarily possess a Tarpon for photography, measurement of length and girth and scientific sampling. Tarpon more than 40 inches long MUST REMAIN IN THE WATER.
For more info, see MyFWC Tarpon FAQs
This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Synonyms
Mayan cichlid
Additional information
No minimum size limit. No bag limit. No closed season. It is illegal to introduce any nonnative fish or any other nonnative organism into the waters of the state. No live nonnative fish, except variable platys and fathead minnows (aka Missouri minnows), may be transported to or between waters for use as bait. Catch a Mayan cichlid over 1-pound, and you qualify for the Big Catch Angler Recognition Program, which rewards anglers who catch a memorable-sized fish.
Edibility
Synonyms
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