Tripletail: Florida size, bag and season

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

Tripletail limit in Florida: the minimum is 18 inches and the bag is 2 per person in Gulf and Atlantic state waters. The FWC page does not say whether those 18 inches are total length or fork length. The season is open year-round, state rules apply in federal waters, and the only legal gear is hook and line.

Quick answer

Size: 18" (the page does not say total length or fork length)
Bag: 2 fish per person
Season: Open year-round
Federal: State regulations apply in federal waters
Gear: Hook and line only

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

Tripletail limits

Waters	Size	Bag	Season
Gulf and Atlantic state waters, and federal waters	18"	2 fish per person	Open year-round

Special regulations apply in Biscayne National Park. Harvest with a multiple hook and live or dead natural bait is prohibited, and snatching is prohibited.

How do you identify Tripletail?

The upper profile is concave at the nape. Long dorsal and anal fins give the look of three tails.
The head and body usually have blotches of tan, yellow or dark brown. The edge of the cheek is very serrated.
FWC lists size up to 42 inches. The state record is 40.8 lbs.

Where and when to catch Tripletail in Florida?

Tripletail are found from bays and estuaries out to offshore water, and they associate strongly with floating objects such as buoys and channel markers. FWC says they are in Florida primarily during spring, summer and fall. When hooked they head for shelter. Gear is hook and line only.

Regions

Frequently asked questions

What is the tripletail size limit?

18 inches. FWC's recreational page does not say total length or fork length.

What is the tripletail bag limit?

2 fish per person.

Is tripletail open year-round?

Yes. The season is open year-round, and state regulations apply in federal waters.

Can you spear or net a tripletail?

No. Legal gear is hook and line only. The page says no nets or spearing.

Official sources

FWC: Tripletail

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.