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Spanish mackerel: Florida size, bag and season

As of / last verified: against official sources · Source: FWC: Spanish mackerel

Spanish mackerel limit in Florida: in Gulf and Atlantic state waters the minimum is 12 inches fork length and the bag is 15 per harvester, open year-round. Legal gear is beach or haul seine, cast net, hook and line, and spear. FWC notes port meetings that may affect future management.

Quick answer

Rules in flux
SAFMC port meetings under way that may affect future management.
Size
12" fork length
Bag
15 per harvester
Season
Open year-round
Waters
Gulf and Atlantic state waters
Gear
Beach or haul seine, cast net, hook and line, spear
Spanish mackerel: side view for identification
Spanish mackerel. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory, Brandi Noble collection). 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. Spanish mackerel are measured in fork length. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

Spanish mackerel limits

WatersSizeBagSeason
Gulf and Atlantic state waters12" fork length15 per harvesterOpen year-round

FWC says the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting port meetings on the king and Spanish mackerel fisheries, and that the input will affect future management.

Rules in flux. SAFMC port meetings under way that may affect future management.

How do you identify Spanish mackerel?

Look-alikes

Where and when to catch Spanish mackerel in Florida?

Spanish mackerel are found inshore, nearshore and offshore throughout Florida, frequently over grass beds and reefs, and they are absent from north Florida waters in winter. Schools move north in spring and return south when the water drops below 70 degrees F. They spawn offshore from spring through summer and eat small fish and invertebrates. FWC says birds diving on bait often mark a school, and that a heavy monofilament leader is needed because the teeth are sharp. The profile lists 30 to 60 pound leader and 10 to 15 pound line.

Piers and bridges

Regions

Frequently asked questions

What is the Spanish mackerel size limit?

12 inches fork length in Gulf and Atlantic state waters.

What is the Spanish mackerel bag limit?

15 per harvester.

Is Spanish mackerel open year-round?

Yes. FWC lists the state-waters season as open year-round.

How do you tell Spanish mackerel from king mackerel?

Spanish mackerel have golden-yellow spots, a blotch on the front of the first dorsal fin, and a gently sloping lateral line. King mackerel do not.

Official sources

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

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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.