Fishing News: Regulation Changes Off Florida's Atlantic Coast

In recent days, NOAA Fisheries just announced several actions for recreational anglers in offshore federal waters of the Atlantic, beyond three miles from shore.

• Golden tilefish – For recreational anglers, the season closed for the popular fish March 21, 2025. It opens annually on Jan. 1. Landings have reached the annual recreational catch limit of 2,694. Blueline tilefish opens for recreational anglers in the Atlantic from May 1 to August 31.
• Black sea bass – The 2025-2026 recreational fishing season for anglers south of Cape Hatteras, NC, and including all of Florida, will open April 1, 2025, until March 31, 2026. Estimates are that the recreational annual catch limit of 366,510 whole weight will not be met.
• Gag grouper – The 2025 recreational fishing season for gag grouper will open May 1, 2025, and close June 26, 2025. For 2025, it is estimated the recreational annual catch limit of 176,665 pounds gutted weight will be reached. The 2026 fishing season is anticipated to open May 1, 2026, until further notice.
• Snowy grouper – The 2025 recreational fishing season for snowy grouper will open May 1, 2025, and close June 9, 2025. It is estimated the recreational annual catch limit of 1,713 fish will be reached.
• Great amberjack in Atlantic waters will close from April 1 to April 30 for a spawning season closure for recreational anglers, according to an announcement by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

For updates on all fishery management related issues and changes to regulations, go to fisheries.noaa.gov.

—Ed Killer, Florida Sportsman managing editor

License-Free Weekend Comping Up

April 5-6 is a license-free weekend for freshwater fishing in Florida. license-free freshwater fishing weekend

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says residents and visitors are welcome to explore the many freshwater opportunities the Sunshine State has to offer. All other rules, such as seasons, and bag and size limits apply.

Find some fishing tips here

Two family fishing events are scheduled:

April 5, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Tenoroc Fish Management Area, 3829 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, FL 33805

Pre-registration required and ends on Friday, April 4, at 5 p.m. Call the FWC at 863-648-3200 to register. There will be a casting contest, exhibitors and other outdoor activities for youth participants. A free lunch will be provided by Publix Supermarkets and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Bait and a limited number of loaner rods and reels will also be provided free of charge to youth aged 15 and younger. A parent or guardian must accompany youth participants.

April 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Florida Bass Conservation Center, 3583 County Road 788, Webster, FL 33597

Attendees should bring fishing gear and bait. A free lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided by Vital Fleet Services.

The next freshwater license-free fishing weekend is June 8-9.

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