Fishing – Gulf of Mexico – Species
Guide to Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations
The Gulf of Mexico is a popular fishing vacation destination. The Gulf waters are home to hundreds of fish species. The waters of the Gulf are regulated and fishing regulations are subject to change.For the very latest local fishing regulations be sure to check with the state agencies (listed below). Be advised that some local species of Grouper have special regulations. We suggest fishing with a professional fishing guide. A licensed fishing guide will be aware of current fishing species regulations and limits. Contact us to feature your FL Fishing Business in Marco Island’s Internet Magazine.Daily bag limits are in effect for Dolphin, Warsaw Group, Wahoo and others. A special permit may be required to fish certain species. Some of the most sought after fish in the Gulf include; Flounder, Amberjack, King Mackerel, Snook, Spotted Seatrout, Swordfish, Tarpon and Yellowfin Tuna.
Fishing License Requirements
Fishing licenses are no required in federal waters, but vessel permits are required for highly migratiory fish species like billfish, certain sharks, and tuna. Fishing Licenses are required by each of the five Gulf of Mexico states. Current fishing fees vary, check with the agency(s) listed below for more information.
Federal Waters
Federal waters begin beyond 9 miles off the Gulf coast of Florida and Texas; beyond 3 miles off the Gulf coast of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. State Waters include estuaries and coastal waters out to the boundary of federal waters.
Fishing Regulation Resources
National Marine Fisheries Service – Tel. 888-872-8862
Gulf of Mexico State Fishing Resources & Regulation Agencies
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Tel. 850-487-0554
- Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources – Tel. 334-242-3486
- Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries – Tel. 225-765-2800
- Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources – Tel. 228-374-5000
- Texas Parks and Recreation Department – Tel. 800-792-1112
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Gulf of Mexico Fish Species |
Unregulated Species; Pinfish, Atlantic Crocker, Great Barracuda, Blue Runner, sand Seatrout, Little Tunny, Lookdown, Ladyfish, Atlantic Spadefish, Southern Kingfish, Gulf Kingfish.
Regulated Species; Snapper, Cubera, Gray Snapper, Yellowtail, Dog Snapper, Schoolmaster, Mahogany, Hogfish, Sheepshead, Bluefish, Pompano, Gray Triggerfish, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Spotted Seatrout, Red Snapper, Tripletail, Scamp, Bonefish, Goliath Grouper, Nassau Grouper Red Drum, Gag Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Black Grouper, King Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna, Swordfish, Sailfish, White Marlin, Snook, Tarpon, Blue Marlin, Greater Amberjack, Cobia.
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