OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The recreational harvest season for snook in Florida begins on Sept. 1 bringing opportunities to catch one of the most prized inshore game fish in the region.

Florida’s management regions oversee the harvest season for snook. The east coast regions, including Southeast, Indian River Lagoon, and Northeast, open their seasons on Sept. 1 and close on Dec. 14. Meanwhile, the west coast regions, including the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay, keep their season open until Nov. 30.

These regional management zones are part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) comprehensive management strategy for enhancing the sustainability of Florida’s inshore fisheries. By using seven key metrics to assess each fishery regionally, the FWC can effectively address local concerns and ensure the long-term health of the snook population.

PANHANDLE
  • Open season: March 1 – April 30, and Sept. 1 – Nov. 30
  • Closed season: Dec. 1 – end of Feb., and May 1 – Aug. 31
  • Bag limit: One fish per person per day
  • Slot limit: 28–33 inches total length
  • Boundaries: From Florida-Alabama border to east coastal boundary at 84°20.800ꞌ west longitude.
BIG BEND
  • Open season: March 1 – April 30, and Sept. 1 – Nov. 30
  • Closed season: Dec. 1 – end of Feb., and May 1 – Aug. 31
  • Bag limit: One fish per person per day
  • Slot limit: 28–33 inches total length
  • Boundaries: From Franklin County near Alligator Point to Fred Howard Park
TAMPA BAY
  • Open season: March 1 – April 30, and Sept. 1 – Nov. 30
  • Closed season: Dec. 1 – end of Feb., and May 1 – Aug. 31
  • Bag limit: One fish per person per day
  • Slot limit: 28–33 inches total length
  • Boundaries: From Pasco and Pinellas counties to State Road 64 in Manatee County
SARASOTA BAY
  • Open season: March 1 – April 30, and Sept. 1 – Nov. 30
  • Closed season: Dec. 1 – end of Feb., and May 1 – Aug. 31
  • Bag limit: One fish per person per day
  • Slot limit: 28–33 inches total length
  • Boundaries: From State Road 64 in Manatee County to near the Venice Municipal Airport.
SOUTHEAST
  • Open season: Feb. 1 – May 31, and Sept. 1 – Dec. 14
  • Closed season: Dec. 15 – Jan. 31, and June 1 – Aug. 31
  • Bag limit: One fish per person per day
  • Slot limit: 28–32 inches total length
  • Boundaries: From Martin-Palm Beach County line to Miami-Dade/Monroe County line
INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
  • Open season: Feb. 1 – May 31, and Sept. 1 – Dec. 14
  • Closed season: Dec. 15 – Jan. 31, and June 1 – Aug. 31
  • Bag limit: One fish per person per day
  • Slot limit: 28–32 inches total length
  • Boundaries: From New Smyrna Beach to Martin-Palm Beach County line
NORTHEAST
  • Open season: Feb. 1 – May 31, and Sept. 1 – Dec. 14
  • Closed season: Dec. 15 – Jan. 31, and June 1 – Aug. 31
  • Bag limit: One fish per person per day
  • Slot limit: 28–32 inches total length
  • Boundaries: From Florida-Georgia border to New Smyrna Beach

Check MyFWC.com/Snook for detailed information on snook regulations in each region.