Fishing is great on Florida beaches.
All public beaches allow fishing from the shore
and it is quite common to see people with their poles and cast nets working the calm surf. You can catch most inshore fish from the beach such as snook, pompano, shark, snapper, and redfish.
How do you fish from the shore in Florida?
Can you fish anywhere in Florida?
Any Florida resident can get a free shoreline fishing license
, which allows you to fish for saltwater species from land or from structures attached to land.
Who is exempt from Florida fishing license?
Resident seniors age 65 or older with proof of age or residency
(such as a valid Florida Driver's License or ID Card) or possessing an optional Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate (available at no-cost online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at county tax collectors' offices)
How much is a Florida saltwater fishing license?
| Florida resident saltwater licenses | Saltwater licenses cover both watercraft and shoreline fishing. | Annual Saltwater License $17.00 | Youth Saltwater Fishing License — valid until 17th birthday $17.00 | Five-Year Saltwater License $79.00 |
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How much is a Florida lifetime fishing license?
| Type of License Cost | Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License 4 years and below: $126.50 5 to 12 years old: $226.50 13 years and above: $301.50 | Lifetime Saltwater Fishing License 4 years and below: $126.50 5 to 12 years old: $226.50 13 years and above: $301.50 |
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Can you fish off a pier without a license in Florida?
You can fish from a pier for recreational purposes, but
you still need a valid pier saltwater fishing license
. You don't need a Florida freshwater fishing license if….
Can you fish all year round in Florida?
The weather in Florida typically stays pretty mild throughout the winter, which
allows local anglers to continue fishing all year round
. If you plan on fishing in Florida during the winter, however, you'll need to take a slightly different approach than you would in the summer.
Can you keep a shark if you catch it in Florida?
Many species of sharks are prohibited from harvest, possession, or landing in Florida waters
. Prohibited shark species must remain in the water with the gills submerged when fishing from shore or from a vessel.
Do you need a fishing license in Florida to fish from shore?
Residents and non-residents are required to carry a valid Florida fishing license to fish in freshwater
, whether you are fishing from the shore, from a boat, from a dock, jetty or from a pier. Exceptions are for anglers under 16, resident or non-resident, and Florida residents 65 and over.
What you need for beach fishing?
Can you fish on Clearwater Beach?
Year-Round Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Unlike many destinations in the United States where the fishing is seasonal,
you can catch fish in Clearwater every day of the year
.
What is the penalty for fishing without a license in Florida?
You need a license to catch a fish and if you cast a line or catch and release. fishing without a license is a non-criminal offense that is penalized by paying the
licensing fine & an additional $50
. The penalty fine increases to $100 if you are charged more than once within a 36 month period.
How much is a Florida fishing license at Walmart?
The cost of obtaining a fishing license from a Walmart in Florida is
$17.50
. This is the price for a one-year license for fishing in freshwater or saltwater. A one-year combination license, however, costs $30.50. A “shoreline” license is also available to residents for free.
Can you buy a Florida fishing license online?
Licenses and permits are available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
, in person at a license agent or tax collector's office or by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356). Check what qualifies for Florida residency and if you are eligible for exemptions.
Do you need a license to beach fish?
The short answer to this question is no –
sea fishing does not require a licence
.
Where is the best saltwater fishing in Florida?
- Big Lagoon State Park.
- Fort Pickens fishing pier & beaches.
- Johnson's Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore.
- Old 3 mile bridge fishing pier.
- Oriskany Artificial Reef (22.5 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass)
- Palafox Pier.
- Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier.
What fish are in season 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 |
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At what age do you not need a fishing license in Florida?
You do not need a freshwater fishing license if…
You are a child under 16 years of age
. You are a Florida resident 65 years of age or older and you possess proof of age and residency, such as a Florida driver's license or ID, or an optional no-cost Resident 65+ Hunting and Fishing Certificate.
Are treble hooks legal in Florida?
A treble hook considered a “multiple hook” and is
illegal on regulated and catch-and-release saltwater species in Florida when used in conjunction with live or dead natural bait
. Many anglers choose not to use treble hooks with bait at all because you cannot be sure which species of fish will bite.
What are the free fishing days in Florida?
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April.
- Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June.
How many rods can you fish with in Florida?
There is
no limit
on the number of rods an angler may use. Freshwater fish may not be taken by use of any free-floating, unattached device, or by taking of fish or wildlife with firearms, explosives, electricity, spear gun, poison or other chemicals.
What is the best time to go fishing?
- One hour before and one hour after high tides, and one hour before and one hour after low tides. …
- During the “morning rise” (after sunup for a spell) and the “evening rise” (just before sundown and the hour or so after).
- During the rise and set of the Moon.
- When the barometer is steady or on the rise.
Can you keep catfish in Florida?
These are the
non-game fish that are native to Florida
: Channel Catfish. White Catfish. Brown Bullhead.
Is night fishing legal in Florida?
It's legal to fish in many places at night in Florida
. To determine where you can, and can't cast a line at night, it's always best to defer to local rules and regulations. It may not always be clear where you can or cannot fish, so we recommend doing your homework before you head out.
