Snook anglers can get back on the water today, September 1, as recreational harvest season officially opens across all East Coast and most West Coast management regions in Florida.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the season is now open in the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Southeast, Indian River Lagoon and Northeast regions. The regulations apply to state and inland waters within each region.
In the Panhandle, Big Bend, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay regions, harvest will remain open through November 30. Anglers are limited to one snook per person per day, with a legal slot size of 28 to 33 inches total length.
In the Southeast, Indian River Lagoon and Northeast regions, the season will remain open through December 14. The daily bag limit is also one fish per person, with a slot size of 28 to 32 inches total length.
FWC manages snook through regional regulations designed to account for differences in the fishery throughout Florida. The agency uses seven management metrics to evaluate snook populations and conditions within each region. Anglers should verify which management region they are fishing in and review current regulations before harvesting snook.
SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
