Florida Gulf · Tampa Bay
Snook: size limit, bag limit & season
Checked against FWC · July 1, 2026
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a snook must be between 28 and 33 inches (total length) to keep. The bag limit is 1 per harvester. Season: Open Mar.–Apr. and Sept.–Nov. (Tampa Bay/Panhandle/Big Bend/Southwest regions).
The rules
| Size limit | 28–33" slot (total length) |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | 1 per harvester |
| Season | Open Mar.–Apr. and Sept.–Nov. (Tampa Bay/Panhandle/Big Bend/Southwest regions) |
| Rules & notes | Snook permit required. Snatch hooks and spearing prohibited. Zero bag for captain/crew of for-hire vessels. Southeast/Indian River Lagoon/NE regions: slot 28–32", open Feb.–May & Sept.–Dec. 14. |
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 snook are most active
Snook are most active around the Gulf Coast in March–November. That's when they bite best, not when harvest is open. Harvest season: Open Mar.–Apr. and Sept.–Nov. (Tampa Bay/Panhandle/Big Bend/Southwest regions).
Snook are most active in roughly 70–85°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too). Below about 60°F they're at risk of cold stress, and Florida cold snaps have caused cold-stun kills.
Check it on the water
Log a snook 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 snook actually bite in. Logging is free.
Get Newbreeds — free All Florida Gulf limits
Questions
What is the size limit for snook in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a snook must be between 28 and 33 inches (total length) to keep. Snook permit required. Snatch hooks and spearing prohibited. Zero bag for captain/crew of for-hire vessels. Southeast/Indian River Lagoon/NE regions: slot 28–32", open Feb.–May & Sept.–Dec. 14.
How many snook can I keep in Florida?
The Gulf-zone bag limit is 1 per harvester.
When is snook season in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters: Open Mar.–Apr. and Sept.–Nov. (Tampa Bay/Panhandle/Big Bend/Southwest regions).
When is the best time to catch snook around Tampa Bay?
Snook are most active around the Gulf Coast in March–November. That's when they bite best, not when harvest is open. Harvest season: Open Mar.–Apr. and Sept.–Nov. (Tampa Bay/Panhandle/Big Bend/Southwest regions).
What water temperature do snook like?
Snook are most active in roughly 70–85°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too). Below about 60°F they're at risk of cold stress, and Florida cold snaps have caused cold-stun kills.