Top fish species at Howard Creek
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Howard Creek fishing reports
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Fishing regulations at Howard Creek, 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
Gag grouper
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 size24" (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 limit4
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
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
Required licenses
Additional information
The 2025 season has not yet been determined.
If you plan to fish for gag grouper or other specific reef fish species in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation (annual renewal is required). As a State Reef Fish Angler, you could be selected to receive a mail survey component of the State Reef Fish Survey. For more information, see myFWC Gulf Grouper.
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
Synonyms
Flathead catfish
Additional information
Edibility
Synonyms
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