Tarpon: Florida catch-and-release rules

As of / last verified: October 14, 2026 against official sources · Source: FWC: Tarpon

Tarpon limit in Florida: catch-and-release in Gulf and Atlantic waters, with no minimum size. A fish over 40 inches must stay in the water unless you are pursuing a state or world record with a tarpon tag. One tag is allowed per person per year. The vessel limit is one fish, and gear is hook and line only.

Quick answer

Harvest: Catch-and-release only
Size: No minimum. Over 40 inches must stay in the water unless a record is being pursued with a tarpon tag
Tag: One tarpon tag per person per year
Vessel: Transport and shipment limited to one fish
Gear: Hook and line only

Tarpon: side view for identification — Tarpon. Credit: NOAA. Public domain

Tarpon limits

Waters	Size	Bag	Season
Gulf and Atlantic, state and federal	None. Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless pursuing a state or world record with a tarpon tag	Catch-and-release only. One tarpon tag per person per year. Vessel, transport and shipment limited to one fish	Not listed as a closed season

Snagging, snatch hooking, spearing, and a multiple hook used with live or dead natural bait are prohibited. In Boca Grande Pass, year-round, gear with a weight that hangs lower than the hook is prohibited for any species. In April, May and June in the Pass, no more than three fishing lines may be deployed from a vessel, and breakaway gear is prohibited.

How do you identify Tarpon?

FWC's tarpon rules page does not list fin or color marks. It calls tarpon an iconic saltwater fish and uses the name silver kings.
The size split in the rule is 40 inches. A tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water unless you already have a tarpon tag and are pursuing a state or world record.
FWC says a tarpon smaller than 40 inches, if removed from the water, should be held with wet hands and supported horizontally under the belly.

Look-alikes

Common snook. Snook have a slot limit and a snook permit. Tarpon are catch-and-release, with a 40-inch handling rule.

Where and when to catch Tarpon in Florida?

The rules apply in state and federal waters of the Gulf and Atlantic. FWC says sharks often prey on tarpon during the fight, and it recommends against fishing for tarpon from bridges or piers: only a tarpon under 40 inches may be removed from the water, so a larger fish would be cut off with line still trailing. Boca Grande Pass has its own gear rules all year, and tighter line limits in April, May and June. If you are unsure whether a jig is legal in the Pass, FWC lists the regional office at 863-648-3200.

Piers and bridges

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay

Regions

Frequently asked questions

Can you keep a tarpon in Florida?

Tarpon is catch-and-release only. One tarpon tag per person per year may be purchased when pursuing a Florida state or world record. The vessel, transport and shipment limit is one fish.

Can you lift a tarpon out of the water?

Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless you are pursuing a state or world record and using a tarpon tag. FWC says to keep the gills in as much water as is safely possible.

What gear is legal for tarpon?

Hook and line only. Snagging, snatch hooking, spearing, and multiple hooks with live or dead natural bait are prohibited.

What are the Boca Grande Pass rules?

Year-round, a weight that hangs lower than the hook when the line hangs straight down is prohibited for any species, and that gear must be stowed if it is on the boat. In April, May and June, no more than three lines may be deployed from a vessel, and breakaway gear is prohibited.

Official sources

FWC: Tarpon

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.