Trout Limit in Florida

The spotted sea trout catch limit for the state of Florida varies by region ranging from two to five fish per person, if fishing from shore, or per vessel if fishing from a boat. All caught trout must be at least fifteen inches and no more than nineteen inches in length. The type of gear used to catch spotted sea trout includes cast nets and hook and line. 

In this article, we’ll break down the spotted sea trout bag limits. We’ll also tackle the fishing seasons for the five different regions of Florida. This includes the Northeast, Central East, South, Big Bend, and Western Panhandle areas. We’ll also address the exceptions that include Sarasota Bay and Tampa Bay in the Southern Florida region. 

What is the Trout Limit in Northeast Florida?

For the Northeast region, which ranges from Nassau County south to Flagler County, five spotted sea trout per day is the bag limit. The season is open all year round.

What is the Trout Limit in Central East Florida?

For the Central East region, which ranges from Volusia County south to Palm Beach County, two spotted sea trout per day is the bag limit. The season is open from January 1 to October 31.

What is the Trout Limit in South Florida?

For the South region, which ranges from the Pinellas/Pasco County line on the west side of the state south through Broward County on the east side of the state, three spotted sea trout per day is the bag limit. In Collier County from Sarasota Bay to Gordon Pass, the bag limit is six spotted sea trout per day. 

The season is open year-round except for the Sarasota Bay to Gordon Pass area and Tampa Bay. These areas can be closed periodically. 

What is the Trout Limit in the Big Bend of Florida?

For the Big Bend region, which ranges from the eastern half of Gulf County southeast to the Pinellas/Pasco County line, five spotted sea trout per day is the bag limit. The season is open year-round.

What is the Trout Limit in the Western Panhandle of Florida?

For the Western Panhandle region, which ranges from Escambia County east to the western half of Gulf County, three spotted sea trout per day is the bag limit. The season is open from March 1 to January 31. 

References

https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spotted-seatrout/

https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68B-37