Florida Gulf · Tampa Bay
Spotted Seatrout: size limit, bag limit & season
Checked against FWC · July 1, 2026
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a spotted seatrout must be between 15 and 19 inches (total length) to keep. The bag limit is 3 per harvester (Tampa Bay and most Gulf regions). Season: Open year-round.
The rules
| Size limit | 15–19" slot (total length) |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | 3 per harvester (Tampa Bay and most Gulf regions) |
| Season | Open year-round |
| Rules & notes | May keep 1 over 19"/vessel (or /harvester if fishing from shore), except NE & Indian River Lagoon. Big Bend: 5/harvester. Panhandle closed Feb. 1–end of month. |
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 spotted seatrout are most active
Spotted seatrout are most active around the Gulf Coast in October–April.
Spotted seatrout are most active in roughly 58–78°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too). Below about 48°F they're at risk of cold stress, and Florida cold snaps have caused cold-stun kills.
Check it on the water
Log a spotted seatrout 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 spotted seatrout actually bite in. Logging is free.
Get Newbreeds — free All Florida Gulf limits
Questions
What is the size limit for spotted seatrout in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a spotted seatrout must be between 15 and 19 inches (total length) to keep. May keep 1 over 19"/vessel (or /harvester if fishing from shore), except NE & Indian River Lagoon. Big Bend: 5/harvester. Panhandle closed Feb. 1–end of month.
How many spotted seatrout can I keep in Florida?
The Gulf-zone bag limit is 3 per harvester (Tampa Bay and most Gulf regions).
When is spotted seatrout season in Florida?
Spotted seatrout are open year-round in Florida's Gulf waters.
When is the best time to catch spotted seatrout around Tampa Bay?
Spotted seatrout are most active around the Gulf Coast in October–April.
What water temperature do spotted seatrout like?
Spotted seatrout are most active in roughly 58–78°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too). Below about 48°F they're at risk of cold stress, and Florida cold snaps have caused cold-stun kills.