New rules and regs now in effect for Florida redfish and seatrout

New regulations on red drum and spotted seatrout were adopted last November by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Those new rules are now in effect as of February 1, 2012.

Spotted seatrout may now be taken year-round all over the state. The recreational bag limit is increased from five to six in Northeast Florida. The size limit remains at 15 to 20 inches, with one fish over 20 allowed.

The commercial seasons have been lengthening them from three months to five months in the Northwest and Southwest zones (June 1 - Oct. 31 for both) and in the Southeast region (May 1 - Sept. 30), and from three months to six months in the Northeast zone (June 1 - Nov. 30). Commercial anglers can now keep 150 trout per vessel when there are two commercially licensed fishermen on the boat.

Redfish are now managed in three designated regions. The Northwest region includes Escambia through Fred Howard Park Causeway near Pasco county. The Northeast region includes Nassau through Flagler counties; and the South region includes Pinellas through Monroe counties on the west coast and Miami-Dade through Volusia counties on the east coast.

Size limits remain at 18 to 27 inches, but the two northern regions have a new possession limit of 2 fish per angler.

Both species’ rule changes are the result of a successful management strategy.

“This is our version of having a listed, protected species and being able to take it off that list. This is a success story,” said Commissioner Brian Yablonski about the increased recreational fishing opportunities.

For complete information on redfish and spotted seatrout recreational fish visit

MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on Saltwater Fishing and then Recreational Regulations.

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