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Common snook: Florida size, bag and season

As of / last verified: against official sources · Source: FWC: Common snook

Snook limit in Florida: one fish per person per day. Gulf regions use a slot of not less than 28 inches or more than 33 inches total length. Southeast, Indian River Lagoon and Northeast use 28 to 32 inches. Closed seasons differ by region and are listed in the table. FWC requires a snook permit and a recreational fishing license.

Quick answer

Bag
One fish per person per day
Gulf slot
Not less than 28" or more than 33" total length
Atlantic slot
Not less than 28" or more than 32" total length
Permit
Snook permit and recreational fishing license
Gear
Hook and line only
Common snook: side view for identification
Common snook. Photo: Bob Care, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary/NOAA. Public domain
Total length vs fork lengthTotal length runs from the tip of the closed mouth to the tip of the squeezed tail. Fork length runs from the tip of the snout to the center of the tail fork.How FWC measures fishTOTAL LENGTH: mouth closed → tip of squeezed tailFORK LENGTH: snout → center of tail forkTL species include: red drum, snook, spotted seatrout, weakfish, snappers, groupers, flounder, sheepsheadFL species include: pompano, permit, Spanish & king mackerel, cobia, amberjacks, hogfish, dolphin
Measure in a straight line with the fish on its side; don't follow its curve. Snook are measured in total length. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

Common snook limits

WatersSizeBagSeason
PanhandleNot less than 28" or more than 33" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31
Big BendNot less than 28" or more than 33" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31
Tampa BayNot less than 28" or more than 33" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31
Sarasota BayNot less than 28" or more than 33" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – August 31
Charlotte HarborNot less than 28" or more than 33" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – September 30
SouthwestNot less than 28" or more than 33" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – September 30
SoutheastNot less than 28" or more than 32" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31
Indian River LagoonNot less than 28" or more than 32" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31
NortheastNot less than 28" or more than 32" total lengthOne fish per person per dayClosed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31

Regulations apply in all inland, state and adjacent federal waters. Special regulations apply in Biscayne National Park. Fish must remain whole until landed. On a for-hire trip, captain and crew may not retain a bag limit. No commercial harvest or sale.

How do you identify Common snook?

Look-alikes

Where and when to catch Common snook in Florida?

Snook live inshore in coastal waters, including mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, beaches and structure. They face into moving water and wait for prey. They cannot tolerate water colder than 60°F, and they can tolerate freshwater. Between 18 and 22 inches, some males become females. FWC lists live pinfish, small mullet, shrimp or sardines, free-lined or fished off the bottom. The gill covers are razor sharp.

Piers and bridges

Regions

Related rules on this site

Frequently asked questions

What is the snook slot limit?

Not less than 28 inches or more than 33 inches total length in the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor and Southwest. Not less than 28 inches or more than 32 inches in the Southeast, Indian River Lagoon and Northeast.

What is the snook bag limit?

One fish per person per day in every region.

Do you need a snook permit to catch and release snook?

FWC lists a snook permit and a recreational fishing license as license requirements for snook. See the snook-permit page for the catch-and-release rule and the fee already published there.

What gear is legal for snook?

Hook and line only.

Which snook regions close through September?

Charlotte Harbor and the Southwest region stay closed from May 1 through September 30. Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay reopen September 1. Atlantic regions close June 1 through August 31.

Official sources

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

Related guides

Disclaimer: This page is a plain-English summary for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules, seasons and boundaries can change at short notice, including by emergency order. Always check the current regulations on MyFWC.com before you fish.