Florida Gulf · Tampa Bay
King Mackerel: size limit, bag limit & season
Checked against FWC · July 1, 2026
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a king mackerel must be at least 24 inches (fork length) to keep. The bag limit is 3 per harvester (Gulf, incl. Monroe). Season: Open year-round.
The rules
| Size limit | 24" minimum (fork length) |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | 3 per harvester (Gulf, incl. Monroe) |
| Season | Open year-round |
Not legal advice. These are Florida's Gulf-zone limits (Tampa Bay region where FWC sets regional rules), checked against FWC on July 1, 2026. Limits change by region, gear and date — confirm on MyFWC.com before you keep a fish.
When king mackerel are most active
King mackerel are most active around the Gulf Coast in April–May and October–November.
King mackerel are most active in roughly 70–84°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).
Check it on the water
Log a king mackerel in Newbreeds and the size check compares your length against these limits — keeper or release — with a link to FWC to confirm. Every catch also records the tide, pressure trend, water temperature and moon automatically, so over time you see which conditions your king mackerel actually bite in. Logging is free.
Get Newbreeds — free All Florida Gulf limits
Questions
What is the size limit for king mackerel in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a king mackerel must be at least 24 inches (fork length) to keep.
How many king mackerel can I keep in Florida?
The Gulf-zone bag limit is 3 per harvester (Gulf, incl. Monroe).
When is king mackerel season in Florida?
King mackerel are open year-round in Florida's Gulf waters.
When is the best time to catch king mackerel around Tampa Bay?
King mackerel are most active around the Gulf Coast in April–May and October–November.
What water temperature do king mackerel like?
King mackerel are most active in roughly 70–84°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).