Florida Gulf · Tampa Bay
Spanish Mackerel: size limit, bag limit & season
Checked against FWC · July 1, 2026
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches (fork length) to keep. The bag limit is 15 per harvester. Season: Open year-round.
The rules
| Size limit | 12" minimum (fork length) |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | 15 per harvester |
| 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 Spanish mackerel are most active
Spanish mackerel are most active around the Gulf Coast in March–May and September–November.
Spanish mackerel are most active in roughly 68–82°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).
Check it on the water
Log a Spanish 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 Spanish mackerel actually bite in. Logging is free.
Get Newbreeds — free All Florida Gulf limits
Questions
What is the size limit for Spanish mackerel in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches (fork length) to keep.
How many Spanish mackerel can I keep in Florida?
The Gulf-zone bag limit is 15 per harvester.
When is Spanish mackerel season in Florida?
Spanish mackerel are open year-round in Florida's Gulf waters.
When is the best time to catch Spanish mackerel around Tampa Bay?
Spanish mackerel are most active around the Gulf Coast in March–May and September–November.
What water temperature do Spanish mackerel like?
Spanish mackerel are most active in roughly 68–82°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).