Are Red Fish Still Closed In Tampa Bay?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Tampa Bay (NEW):


Snook, redfish and spotted seatrout have reopened to harvest in Tampa Bay

.

Can you keep redfish in Tampa Bay right now?


There is no closed season for redfish in Florida so they are open to harvest year-round

. The best time of year to catch redfish in Florida is in the fall.

Can you keep redfish in Pinellas County right now?


Snook, redfish and spotted seatrout will reopen to harvest in Tampa Bay on Oct. 12

. This change includes all waters in Manatee County north of State Road 64, as well as Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. The Braden River and all tributaries of the Manatee River are also included.

Can you still fish in Tampa?

The main allure of Tampa is that it's an incredibly diverse fishery, not only when it comes to fish species, but also because

anyone can go here and catch something

. There's plenty of access for shore fishing, and even more professional fishing guides ready to take you out.

Where are the redfish in Tampa Bay?

In the north end of Tampa Bay, the redfish bite is good at

Weedon Island and along the west shore all the way to the far upper bay

. A lot of sheepshead and a few snook are around the bridge. Snook are also biting in the canals and creeks. The trout bite is decent on the edge of the flats.

Where can you find redfish in Florida?

Specifically, the

Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Banana River

are most known for their redfish fishing and big bull redfish fishing in New Smyrna. Almost all the coastal water on West Central Florida makes for good flats fishing for redfish. Specifically, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, St.

What fish are in season in Tampa Bay right now?

The best fishing times for Tampa & St. Petersburg are from May through early September for

king mackerel, grouper, permit, tarpon, snook, and redfish

. Winter is typically the slowest fishing season in these coastal waters. Available year-round; summer until early September is the best time.

What fish can you keep in Tampa Bay right now?

Anglers in Tampa Bay will once again be allowed to keep

snook, redfish and seatrout

when in season starting June 1 after wildlife officials voted Thursday to end restrictions implemented after a past Red Tide bloom.

What is the best month to catch redfish?

Summer is the best time to catch redfish on topwater. The best time to fish for redfish is

early mornings in summer

because high temperatures shut down the redfish bite after the morning hours.

What fish are in season right now in Florida?

Fish Season Best Dolphin April-September May-June Tarpon Year Round June – October Grouper Jan 1 – May 31 November – March Kingfish September-April December – March

Is redfish banned in the US?


Today the redfish is banned outright in all U.S. states except Mississippi

. Because it is native to North America, most states will allow fishing for redfish for personal use, but strictly regulate the practice.

Is redfish good eating?

In short,

Yes, Redfish are good to eat

. But, you may want to focus on Redfish smaller than 24 inches or so. Redfish are a very popular with anglers across the Southeast. Overall, It's a great food fish and can be prepared in many different ways.

What does redfish taste like?

What does redfish taste like? Is it fishy, steak texture, flaky, white, or fishy tasting? Redfish or Red drum will have a

mild, sweet flavor

with a medium-firm texture. Not a steak texture like Shark or Swordfish and not as flaky as say a Flounder.

Can you keep redfish and trout in Florida?

(WWSB) –

Fishermen across the Suncoast will once again be allowed to keep snook, redfish and sea trout when in season starting June 1

. This comes after wildlife officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission voted Thursday to end restrictions implemented after a recent red tide bloom.

Is snook season open in Tampa?

The season runs from

March 1 to April 30

, north of State Road 64 in Manatee County. This means one snook can be kept per person if measured between 28 and 33 inches. This area includes all of Tampa Bay, the Braden River and the Manatee River and its tributaries. One exception is the Anclote River.

What is the slot for redfish in Florida?

In Florida, a slot size redfish is one measuring

18 to 27 inches in total length

and that means you can keep it. The current bag limit is one fish per person per day with no boat limit. Sight fishing is one technique that can be very productive during the winter months because the water is usually super clear.

Can you eat redfish in Florida?

Is Redfish Safe To Eat? Generally redfish, or red drum, is

safe to eat as long as it is cooked thoroughly

. However, it's not recommended for you to eat it raw, such as in sushi, because it's an ocean fish that could contain parasites.

What is a slot redfish Texas?

The Texas redfish limit is a 3-fish daily limit and a slot size of

20 to 28 inches

, with the option to keep one fish over 28 inches long with a red drum tag.

What is the best bait for redfish?

During the spring, the best baitfish to use are

mullet, pilchards, greenies or pogies

. Although redfish also eat shellfish and crabs, they'll eat the prey that's easiest. If you're not able to get some live bait, you also can use dead bait too. Use a 7/0 hook and put some mullet fillet on it.

How many redfish can you keep in Florida?

Redfish Season: All year redfish are in season. Redfish must be between 18 and 27-inches (slot limit). * In the northeast section of Florida (see map below) by Georgia, you can take two fish per day. Everywhere else is

one redfish per day

.

What is the best time of day to catch redfish?

The best time of day to catch redfish is

in the morning before the sun heats up the shallows and in the afternoon off in deeper water features like jetties, wrecks, and bridges

. Redfish funnel back into deeper water in the afternoon because it is both cooler and holds more bait than the shallows.

What is the best eating fish in Florida?

  • #1: Grouper. It doesn't matter what species of grouper you catch, this is a must have on your table! …
  • #2: Snapper. This is another species of fish that no matter what kind you catch it is going to taste good! …
  • #3: Mackerel. …
  • #4: Dolphin fish. …
  • #5: Snook. …
  • #6: Flounder. …
  • #7: Mullet. …
  • #8: Pompano.

What fish are being caught in Tampa Bay?

Anglers commonly catch

Sheephead, Snapper, Grunt, Black Drum, Lady Fish and occasionally Trout, Snook, and Redfish

. Ruskin Reef is located just off Bahia Beach. Tampa Bay now possesses the World's longest fishing pier.

What fish is in season Clearwater FL?

Fish found year round in Clearwater, Fl

We have Snook, Redfish Trout, Tarpon, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Permit, Cobia, Black Drum, Gag Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Hog Snapper and several different species of sharks.

Can you keep redfish in SW Florida?

Starting June 1, 2021, the following changes will take place in southwest Florida: Pasco County and Tampa Bay: Normal regulations will resume for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in all state waters in Pasco County and Tampa Bay north of State Road 64 in Manatee County plus the Braden River and its tributaries.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.