Catching Redfish in Florida: Size Limits and License Add-Ons
Florida’s redfish (also known as red drum) fishery offers some of the most exciting inshore angling opportunities in the United States. With distinctive copper coloration and characteristic black tail spots, these popular gamefish present both a thrilling fight and excellent table fare. However, before heading out to target these prized fish, it’s essential to understand Florida’s specific regulations, licensing requirements, and management approaches that help sustain this valuable resource.
Current Florida Redfish Regulations (2025)
Florida’s redfish management underwent significant changes in September 2022 when the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) established nine distinct management regions with specific regulations for each area. These regulations remain in effect through 2025 and include:
Size Limits: Throughout Florida, the slot size limit for redfish is between 18-27 inches total length. This slot limit helps protect both juvenile fish and larger breeding-sized specimens that are vital for population sustainability.
Bag Limits: Most regions allow just one fish per person per day. This conservative approach helps maintain healthy redfish populations while still providing recreational opportunities.
Vessel Limits: The maximum number of redfish allowed per vessel varies by region:
- Panhandle, Big Bend, Northeast: 4 fish maximum per vessel
- Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Southwest, Southeast: 2 fish maximum per vessel
Special Region Restrictions: The Indian River Lagoon region is designated as catch-and-release only due to conservation concerns. No harvest is permitted in this area regardless of fish size.
Additional Regulations:
- Captains and crew cannot retain a bag limit when on for-hire trips
- The off-the-water transport limit is four fish per person
Florida’s Nine Redfish Management Regions
Understanding which management region you’re fishing in is crucial for compliance with regulations. The nine regions established by FWC are:
- Panhandle: 1 fish per person, 4 fish boat limit, 18-27 inch slot
- Big Bend: 1 fish per person, 4 fish boat limit, 18-27 inch slot
- Tampa Bay: 1 fish per person, 2 fish boat limit, 18-27 inch slot
- Sarasota Bay: 1 fish per person, 2 fish boat limit, 18-27 inch slot
- Charlotte Harbor: 1 fish per person, 2 fish boat limit, 18-27 inch slot
- Southwest: 1 fish per person, 2 fish boat limit, 18-27 inch slot
- Southeast: 1 fish per person, 2 fish boat limit, 18-27 inch slot
- Indian River Lagoon: Catch and release only
- Northeast: 1 fish per person, 4 fish boat limit, 18-27 inch slot
These regional distinctions allow for more targeted management approaches based on local population health and fishing pressure.
Florida Fishing License Requirements for Redfish
To legally target redfish in Florida waters, anglers must possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license unless exempt. License options include:
For Florida Residents:
- Annual Saltwater License: $17.00
- Five-Year Saltwater License: $79.00
- Annual Saltwater Shoreline License: No cost (for shoreline fishing only)
For Non-Residents:
- Annual Saltwater License: $47.00
- Three-Day License: $17.00
- Seven-Day License: $30.00
Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, from county tax collectors’ offices, license agents, or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). For more information on license exemptions, visit https://teenfish.com/florida-fishing-license-exemptions/.
Non-residents planning a short fishing trip should check https://teenfish.com/3-day-saltwater-fishing-license-in-florida/ for detailed information on short-term licenses.
Understanding License Exemptions
Several categories of anglers are exempt from needing a Florida saltwater fishing license, including:
- Youth under 16 years of age
- Florida residents age 65 or older with proof of age and residency
- Florida residents fishing within their county of residence with live or natural bait using simple poles without retrieval mechanisms
- Persons with disabilities who qualify for a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License
- Those fishing from a licensed pier or on a for-hire vessel with a valid charter boat license
To determine if you qualify for an exemption, visit https://teenfish.com/do-you-need-a-fishing-license-in-florida/ for comprehensive information.
Prime Seasons for Florida Redfish
While redfish can be caught year-round in Florida, certain seasons offer better fishing opportunities:
Spring (March-May): As waters warm, redfish become more active in shallow flats. March is particularly productive as fish emerge from deeper winter haunts.
Summer (June-September): August and September represent peak spawning season when redfish are most aggressive and active. Focus on early mornings and late afternoons during hot summer months.
Fall (October-November): October is considered prime time for redfish along much of Florida’s coast as water temperatures moderate and fish actively feed post-spawn.
Winter (December-February): Redfish tend to move to deeper channels and holes during colder periods but remain catchable throughout Florida’s mild winters.
Regional peak seasons vary slightly:
- Gulf Coast: October
- Southern Florida: August and September
- Florida Keys: October
- Central Florida: July through October
Best Locations for Targeting Florida Redfish
Redfish thrive in various coastal habitats throughout Florida:
Shallow Flats: Redfish are perfectly designed for feeding in water less than a foot deep. They’re often found tailing (feeding with tails breaking the surface) over grass flats and mudflats during high tides.
Structure Areas: Oyster bars, mangroves, docks, and seawalls provide both protection and feeding opportunities. During lower tides, focus on deeper pockets adjacent to these structures.
Beach and Surf Zones: Along both Gulf and Atlantic coastlines, redfish can be found in the surf zone, particularly during their annual migrations. Gulf beaches typically offer easier fishing conditions due to less wave action.
Backwater Creeks and Estuaries: These protected waters provide excellent redfish habitat with abundant food sources and protection from larger predators.
Effective Tackle and Techniques for Florida Redfish
Successful redfish angling requires appropriate gear and techniques tailored to specific fishing environments:
Recommended Equipment:
- Rod: 7-foot medium-action spinning rod paired with a 3000-4000 series reel
- Line: 10-20 lb test, with heavier leader material for structure fishing
- Hooks: 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks depending on bait size
Productive Baits and Lures:
- Live Bait: Shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and crabs are excellent natural offerings
- Cut Bait: Fresh-cut mullet or ladyfish chunks work well, especially for larger specimens
- Artificial Lures: Soft plastic shrimp imitations, swimming mullet lures, gold spoons, and jigs with grub bodies
Specialized Techniques:
- Sight Fishing: In clear shallow waters, visually locating fish and presenting lures directly to them
- Structure Fishing: Positioning baits near oyster bars, mangroves, and docks where redfish ambush prey
- Bottom Fishing: Using weighted rigs to present cut bait near channel edges and deeper water
Understanding tide cycles is crucial for redfish success, as their feeding behavior and location are heavily influenced by tidal movements.
Florida Redfish Conservation Initiatives
Florida’s redfish population faces several challenges, including habitat loss and water quality issues. Several conservation initiatives are underway to ensure sustainable populations:
Restocking Programs: Organizations like Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida), Duke Energy Mariculture Center, and the FWC have collaborated to release hundreds of thousands of hatchery-reared redfish along Florida’s coasts.
Habitat Restoration: Efforts to improve water quality and restore critical habitats like seagrass beds and mangroves support healthy redfish populations.
Regulatory Management: The FWC’s nine-region management approach allows for targeted conservation measures based on regional population health. Regular assessments guide potential regulation adjustments.
For anglers interested in contributing to conservation efforts, practicing careful catch-and-release techniques when not harvesting fish helps ensure survival of released specimens.
Understanding the “Slot Limit” Concept
The term “slot limit” is essential for redfish management and refers to the legal size range of fish that can be harvested—between 18 and 27 inches in Florida. Fish smaller or larger than this range must be released.
This management approach serves several important purposes:
- Protects juvenile fish that haven’t yet reproduced
- Preserves larger breeding specimens that contribute disproportionately to spawning
- Maintains genetic diversity by protecting the most successful individuals
- Provides recreational anglers with opportunities to harvest medium-sized fish for consumption
Understanding and following slot limit regulations is crucial for the long-term health of Florida’s redfish fishery.
Penalties for Violating Redfish Regulations
Florida takes fisheries conservation seriously, and violations of redfish regulations can result in significant penalties:
- Violations of size or bag limits may be classified as second-degree misdemeanors
- Penalties can include up to 60 days in jail
- Substantial monetary fines
- Potential permanent bans on fishing privileges
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers actively patrol Florida waters and check anglers for compliance with fishing regulations. Always verify current regulations before fishing, as they may change based on new population assessments or environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special permit for redfish in Florida?
No special permit is required specifically for redfish beyond a standard Florida saltwater fishing license. However, other species like snook do require additional permits.
Are there any closed seasons for redfish in Florida?
According to the most recent information from March 2025, there are no statewide closed seasons for redfish. However, the Indian River Lagoon region is designated catch-and-release only year-round.
Can I use any fishing method to catch redfish in Florida?
No. Redfish in Florida are only allowed to be caught using rod and reel. Other methods are prohibited.
How do I measure a redfish to ensure it’s legal?
Measure total length from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail with the fish laid flat and the tail in a natural position. Legal harvest size must fall between 18 and 27 inches.
What if I accidentally catch a redfish outside the slot limit?
Fish outside the legal slot limit must be immediately released. Use proper catch-and-release techniques to maximize survival chances.
Where can I find updates to redfish regulations?
The most current regulations can be found on the FWC website at MyFWC.com/Marine under “Recreational Regulations” and “Redfish”.
Do charter captains follow different redfish regulations?
Yes. Captains and crew members cannot keep a personal bag limit of redfish while on a for-hire trip with paying customers.
What saltwater fishing license is best for a Florida resident who only fishes occasionally?
The annual resident saltwater license ($17) offers the best value for occasional anglers. Those who only fish from shore may qualify for the no-cost shoreline license.
Conclusion
Florida’s redfish provide exceptional angling opportunities for both residents and visitors throughout the state’s diverse coastal waters. By understanding and following the current regulations regarding size limits, bag limits, and required licenses, anglers can enjoy this resource while helping ensure its sustainability for future generations.
Remember that regulations may change based on new population assessments and environmental conditions, so always verify current rules before your fishing trip. For more information on saltwater fishing licenses in Florida, visit https://teenfish.com/saltwater-vs-freshwater-fishing-licenses-in-florida/ or learn about license renewal at https://teenfish.com/how-to-renew-your-florida-fishing-license/.
With the right knowledge, equipment, and approach, targeting redfish in Florida can provide memorable angling experiences while contributing to the conservation of this iconic saltwater species.
