Mangrove snapper to 10 pounds, triggerfish, kingfish, cobia and sailfish can be caught on the reefs in 70-100 feet of water. For complete fishing regulations in Florida go to. Shrimp is probably one of the most popular live baits used for mangrove snapper fishing, but they will also eat them frozen. Book a trip with Captain Jim here. Snapper Fishing in the Pensacola, Florida Area. At its July meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a final rule, effective January 1, 2023, modifying the recreational season for gag grouper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Give Bryan over at Stuart Live Bait a call to reserve your live baits the night before, 772-985-0425. . Here’s a run-down of when to fish in both federal and state waters to make sure you fill up on fine-dining fillets this summer: Federal Red Snapper Season 2023: The federal Red Snapper season for 2023 in the Gulf of Mexico will start on June 1 and end on August 25. This trip is for experienced anglers who want to master inshore fishing techniques and have a shot at the famous "inshore slam" (snook, redfish, trout) or to fill the cooler with fish to eat. m. Snapper also congregate around underwater structures like rocks, piers, and bridges, where they can easily find cover. Offshore they can reach a size of over 20 pounds, but in shore, a fish over 3-4 pounds is very rare. Another fish people get mixed up with the mangrove is the dog snapper. Discover the size limits and regulations for Florida’s mangrove snapper to ensure a responsible and enjoyable fishing experience. (2) The Legislature finds that mangroves play an important ecological role as habitat for various. WE have a summer season for red snapper. Red Snapper Prices. (1) The Legislature finds that there are over 555,000 acres of mangroves now existing in Florida. By Chelsie Dzbanski. 1: At Big Pier 60 in Clearwater, decent numbers of mangrove snapper have been caught this week. Best Seasons for Florida Snapper (by Region) included within snapper aggregate bag limit. Snapper, Gray (Mangrove, Black) 12 inch FL: 10 fish per person: Alabama state waters open and close along with federal regulations. (1) The Legislature finds that there are over 555,000 acres of mangroves now existing in Florida. 1 day ago · Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Flounder: Harvest re-opens Dec. Grouper. Signing up for the designation is easy, no-cost and helps the FWC paint a clearer picture of how many people are targeting. Related Links. By FAX:. Snook are favoring late afternoon but once you catch one, let it go! News Sports Business Restaurants Opinion. The descending device must be readily available for use and attached to at least 16 ounces of weight and at least 60 feet of line. Range in size from 1 - 13 lbs. Mangrove Snapper. Trout fishing was slow, or it may be that few were targeting them this week. Bag limit: 4 fish per person daily. Of this total, over 80 percent are under some form of government or private ownership or control and are expressly set aside for preservation or conservation purposes. 1 of 2. 1. 2) Add onions and garlic and saute for several minutes, until onions are translucent. Red snapper anglers can keep fish that measure at least 20 inches in length. In the Atlantic reef fish fishery, gear rules require dehooking tools, and. 4, with Capt. Snappers, triggerfish, Mackeral, and Mahi are still actively chasing baits. l. Back Bay Fishing. PCB Light Tackle Fishing. m. Offshore: The winds will be increasing the next few days, but when weather allows, the snapper bite on the reefs. com. Online booking; 4. Remember proper catch-and-release techniques when fishing. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505. on July 16, anglers. The best methods for catching Mangrove snappers are bottom bouncing, drift fishing and jigging just offshore around reefs and shipwrecks using a #3-#1 J hook or 1/0 – 3/0 circle hook baited with small piece of shrimp. As of press time (6/10/2014) Mangrove Snapper Limits in Florida are: 10” Minimum Length 5 Total Fish. This catch is a worthy battling opponent, a noticeably eye-catching species, and provides for an excellent table dish. Deep-water Species (queen snapper, silk snapper, and blackfin snapper) The final rule removes the 12-inch total length minimum size limit for queen snapper, silk snapper, and blackfin snapper. Their color palette is largely determined by their environment. One fish per angler per day. Recreational Regulations. How big do mangrove snapper get? Mangrove snapper can grow up to 35 inches in length and weigh up to 20 pounds, although most caught are considerably smaller. 09/27/2023 Gag Grouper, Hogfish,. Red snapper season will be short and sweet along the U. A RMF is where mangroves growing along the shoreline of the property owner do not extend more than 50 feet waterward. The gray snapper commonly occurs in the westen Atlantic from the northern coast of Florida to Rio de Janeiro. Inshore: There is a good mangrove snapper bite at night at Sebastian Inlet on shrimp or cut bait, and cubera snapper up to 10 pounds will bite. June and July. Florida’s 2022 recreational red snapper season will open June 17 and run consecutively through July 31. Thick, heavy lips Strong canine teeth found in both jaws, one pair visible when mouth closed. 9322 Legislative findings. Check real-time availability on 122 Florida yellowtail snapper fishing trips today. Join us on an adventure for Mangrove Snapper along Florida's Nature coast. 09/27/2023 Mangrove Snapper. Meanwhile, the Mangrove snapper is also found with red, gray, or yellow hues on the bottom half. One fish bag limit, 28-32 inches, snook stamp required. Size limit: 15-in minimum. 00 lbs. For complete fishing regulations in Florida go to. The optimum water temperature for fishing mangrove snapper is 58 – 62°F. Website by. Snapper are common on the nearshore and offshore reefs and wrecks in the St. In Florida, bag limits, sizes and regulations vary greatly from month to month. State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record. Code Ann. Mangrove snapper caught in the Gulf of Mexico must measure 10 inches, measured in the same way. Behavior Spawn June through August. The most popular season for mangrove. 9325 (7), F. Bait casting, spinning and even light spin casting gear can work, but here is a list of suggest gear:. 3. F. 1 - May 31. State and federal regulations require all commercial fishers and recreational anglers fishing for any reef fish species to. Mangrove snapper become sexually mature at around 2 years old which is roughly 7-13 inches in total length. Indian River County. Mangrove snappers can be spotted in springs/spring fed rivers near the coast including Homosassa, Chassahowitzka. 2023 Red Snapper Season and Regulations can be found here. Note: In Florida, there are a wide range of places to fish and we could not possibly list them all. com. m. Lobster: 48-hour sport season (mini-season) open July 26-27, 2023. m. Also, for all Gulf of Mexico reef fish, anglers. Both restricted and protected species require a restricted species endorsement. The snapper will move into the inlets around the state from offshore. Offshore they can reach a size of over 20 pounds, but in shore, a fish over 3-4 pounds is very rare. Regular season reopens Aug. His operation is family-owned and. To book a Mangrove Snapper Fishing Charter in Florida today, CALL or TEXT (305) 942-0832. The reefs are close to shore here in the Fort Pierce area, so you can get out to target snapper and a variety of other bottom fish. Lake Ida is a very unique fishery, nothing else like it in Florida or anywhere else. FWC approved rule to require the possession of a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest reef fish in state waters. THE ANGLER’S OUTLOOK: MANGROVE MANIA. Hogfish: Harvest opens May 1, 2023. Additional Information. Everglades City Fishing Seasons. 74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. July 14 until 12:01. The Mangrove Snapper is one of the few snappers that can be caught from the shore in Florida. 0:21. Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Red snapper: July 14-15. m. 1. The state allows you to bag 5 per angler as long as they are 10″ TL. The gray snapper commonly occurs in the westen Atlantic from the northern coast of Florida to Rio de Janeiro. If you are looking to get into the Permit, fishing live crabs will be your best bet either on a jig head or free. What’s more, reeling in extra-large fish, weighing between 20–40 pounds, isn’t a rare occurrence. Mutton snapper and mangrove snapper just as big have been biting. 9322 Legislative findings. For complete fishing regulations in Florida go to. Inshore Snapper do not frequently get over 14” so most inshore equipment will work. You’ll be fishing from a 2022 Skeeter sx2250 that accommodates up to 6 guests. 81 / 5 stars; guides from $300. Anglers can target mangrove snappers in the morning and afternoon. Fish move and behave differently based on various factors such as weather, temperature, tide, moon phase, salinity, time of year and more. Mangrove snapper, lane snapper, Key West grunts and black sea bass are in season this winter for offshore fishing. The red snapper season is short, but plenty of anglers will take advantage of it in the summer. Instead, we used chunks of cut ladyfish. Bag limit: One fish per person. No minimum or maximum size limits. 6. The water in the ICW is a full 10 degrees warmer than this time last year. Last year the maximum harvest for red. When is Sarasota-Manatee Mangrove Snapper Season 2023? Mangrove snapper season here on the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida started June 16th and runs through. Lane snapper, or candy snapper, is a popular fish in the Gulf waters. Bag limit is now five fish per. 1) In a large pot or pan, heat butter and olive oil on medium heat. Lutjanus cyanopterus. This fish is native to the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Vessel limit is 30 fish per day. For complete fishing regulations in Florida go to. Regular season opens Aug. (2) The. Key West. Red snapper: July. Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates:. Marine Life Code: 658 - Snapper, other. This species is believed to live up to 25 years in age. By using cut bait instead of shrimp. Red snapper fishing is open year-round in state waters. Dolphin: New fishing regulations began May 1, 2022 for state waters. Gulf - 10 per harvester, not included within the snapper aggregate bag limit. John Raffo with a typical red snapper landed on a public reef site. Hogfish: Harvest opens May 1, 2023. What is the 2021 red snapper season in Florida? The Gulf federal red snapper for-hire season will reopen at 12:01 a. The waters are excellent for Amberjack, Sunshine Bass, Red, Black, and Gag Grouper, Kingfish, and Lane Snapper. Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Snook: Harvest closes June 1. How big do mangrove snapper get? Mangrove snapper can grow up to 35 inches in length and weigh up to 20 pounds, although most caught are considerably smaller. Mutton snapper and mangrove snapper just as big have been biting. 4. Reminder: 10-inch minimum, daily. Size limit: 14 inches. 24 ft 1 - 5 People From $95 per person. Cut bait such as mullet or. This is excellent news because mangrove snappers are delicious! We have a few places in Marathon, Florida, that will vacuum seal your catch and even ship it to your home. It is the smallest of the major species, maturing by the time it is 6 inches long. m. June Now we are right in the middle of the peak Tarpon season; Tarpon can be found everywhere. There are several species of snappers, including the mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper, red snapper, cubera snapper, and yellowtail snapper. Lobster: Season closed April 1. Absorb runoff, sediment, and nutrients. Frank Orio. Best Spots for Mangrove Snapper: Mangrove Snapper spend the majority of their juvenile life inshore and move offshore when they reach maturity. Previously: Southwest Florida Fishing Report for Nov. To use this technique, attach a sinker to the end of the line and then tie a hook to the other end. 1 day ago · Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Flounder: Harvest re-opens Dec. It lives in shallow waters and makes its home in seagrass beds and coral reefs. The mangrove snapper is active in the area during low tides. For the most part, only the bigger snapper will eat these big chunks and get hooked, so you’ll catch a lot. 0036 : Recreational Bag Limits: Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Black Sea Bass, Red Porgy, Amberjacks, Tilefish, Exception. Red snapper: July. Cubera, gray (mangrove), and yellowtail snapper: 12 inches minimum total length: 10 per person per day within the 10 snapper aggregate; the 10 snapper aggregate is all snappers (gray, mutton, yellowtail, cubera, queen, blackfin, silk, and wenchman) except red. Details. License and Endorsements Required for Commercial harvest: SPL - Saltwater Products License. Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Flounder: Harvest re-opens Dec. Lobster: Season closed April 1. By Chelsie Dzbanski. They have been photographed to grow up to 30 inches in length, and weigh up to 20 pounds. Recreational bag limit is one fish per person per day. 83-pounder (1992). The difference is oversight — the Gulf season is determined. June 17, 2021 By Florida Sportsman Editor. Beyond 120 ft produced amberjacks, almaco jacks, grouper, vermillion snapper, mahi, black fin tuna, triggerfish, sailfish and tunas. 403. It’s a little further west, but still easy to reach on a bike or by car. on July 14 to 12:01 a. Florida Snapper Seasons by Region Florida Gulf Coast Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Red snapper: Harvest open July 14-15. SNAPPER, GRAY (Mangrove) Minimum size limit: 10" total length Closed season: None Daily recreation bag limit: 5 per harvester per day Remarks: Included within 10 per harvester per day snapper aggregate bag limit. Season. Included within 10 per harvester per day snapper aggregate bag limit. In this part of the Gulf mangrove snapper must be at least 12 inches in length to keep, but we had no problem catching legal-sized fish. Young fish are sometimes found as north as Massachusetts. 25. Reopens Sept. Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Snook: Harvest closes June 1. This provides a food source for marine life including economically important shrimp, crabs, and fish. Florida Fishing Regulations for Catching Snappers. t. NOAA Fisheries announced recently there will be two days in the Atlantic red snapper season for recreational anglers. About Captain Greg. Size, Age, and Growth. Size limit: 36 inches fork length. The season for federally permitted for-hire vessels will begin at 12:01 a. Catches must follow program rules and fishing regulations. 24. Regulation Update. Best explored by kayak, you can enjoy the mangrove forests and beaches. In 2021, there was over 800,000, and 2020 showed over 1 million pounds. 22 ft 1 - 4 People From $175 per person. April-December is great for Gag Grouper fishing, although regulations in 2023 will only allow us to harvest these guys from September 1st- November 10th. 30, 2023 After the closure, no Red Snapper shall be landed or possessed in Mississippi state territorial waters. com said the fishing after dark on Monday was really good. Lets first talk about our ever so generous 4 day red snapper. Bag limit: Two fish per vessel. 08/03/2023 Triggerfish, Yellowtail Snapper. Reopens Sept. (134 reviews) Pensacola • 43 ft • 6 persons. Fish must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads, fins, and tails intact). Confidently book your next day on the water. This fish is the largest snapper in its geographical distribution. Live pinfish, casted lures, jigs over rocky structure in 8 to 100’ of water. Redfish. This year, more. Mangroves snapper do not get extremely big like their cousin the red snapper. There are other types of snapper available offshore and mangrove snapper are a popular to fish to target in the. Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) p. This means that the hook will be embedded into the side of the mangrove snappers’ mouth. 8 / 5 stars; guides from $400. Mangrove snapper grow large and healthy in the Gulf waters off of Crystal River, Florida, and fight hard. This snapper has the same shape as mangrove, mutton, and lane snapper. The closure is due to the 2002 stock annual catch limit of 1,028,973 pounds. In Florida, the season is typically announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and runs for a limited time during the summer months. Commercial Regulations. They are known for their reddish-pink color with faint blue lines on the back. Leader: 20-30 lb fluorocarbon, which is less visible underwater. Lake Talquin. The Florida Keys and the Gulf Coast are ideal places to target these species. Mutton snapper to 14 pounds and mangrove snapper to 7 pounds are being caught on dead sardines and cut bait. Mangrove snapper and lane snapper have been biting off Port Canaveral on the reefs in 70 to 90 feet of water. The lower sides and belly are grayish with a reddish tinge, while the back and upper sides are dark gray to gray-green. These solitary reef fish are large, almond-shaped carnivores that average 3 feet long but can grow to 5 feet long. 1. Captain and crew may not be included in limit. On average they will reach a length of 14-16". Typically, the snapper season in Florida spans from May to August, with certain species having additional mini seasons throughout the year. Use the lightest leader possible if the water is clear. Gray snapper, also called mangrove snapper or “mangoes,” are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Mangrove Snapper> The mangrove snapper can be caught around the docks of Jupiter especially in the Summer months. 2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife. Although the Atlantic season has gotten notably shorter over the years, the reefs in Ponce Inlet are consistently productive. A Riparian Mangrove Fringe (RMF) is a term used in the mangrove act (403. Kingfish are biting in 25 to 60 feet of water. 17: Offshore enthusiasts have plenty to pick from More: Southwest Florida Fishing Report: Hurricane Nicole could hamper red snapper mini-season Therefore, good stewardship when reeling in, landing and handling red grouper and lane snapper should be embraced by. 10″ minimum size limit for Gray (Mangrove), 8″ minimum size limit for Lane, 16″ minimum size limit for mutton, 15″ minimum size limit (Gulf side) and 20″ minimum size limit (Atlantic side) for Red, 12″ minimum size limit for Yellowtail; no closed season; 10 per person per day aggregate limit of all snapper species with. Media contact: Emily Abellera, 850-404-6100 Release Date: 07-13-2022 All Articles Tags: Fishing Saltwater Regulations Commission. On the reefs, mangrove snapper and lane snapper are biting on the reefs in 60-100 feet of water. Florida's two-day spiny lobster mini-season is July 26-27. Gray Triggerfish. Located just west of Tallahassee, this 8,850-acre Ochlockonee River impoundment boasts a stellar crappie fishery that produced the state. State Reef Fish Anglers help improve recreational data for several reef fish species such as snapper, grouper, and hogfish. Mangrove snapper can be found widespread throughout the region’s inshore arena. Florida spiny lobster season closes April 1. None Closed season: None Daily recreation bag limit: 5 per harvester per day Remarks: Participation in FWC's Gulf Fish Reef Survey will be mandatory after Arpil 1, 2015. Or inshore for snook , tarpon , mangrove snapper or Goliath grouper, lemon sharks and more . Snapper have been on the reefs in 60-90 fee of water. , local time, on October 15, 2021,. 5. in Pensacola, Florida . Lane snapper have a state-wide distribution but tend to leave the northern half of Florida during the colder months of the year. Applies to: Private recreational anglers in state waters. 0:32. Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates:. Mangrove snapper range from mangrove and salt marsh fringed back bays to offshore hard bottom areas, wrecks, and coral reefs. The Florida Wildlife Commission is thinking about opening up the season on these groupers because they are taking over many reefs and wrecks around Florida. Adults are usually 12 inches or longer, with the heaviest reaching 25 lbs. You can bag up to 5 to 10 per person with a minimum length of 10 to 12 inches depending on where you are. Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) Snapper, Mutton Minimum Size Limits: • Atlantic and Gulf - 10" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • •Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester Snapper (Gulf reef fish anglers — see page 8) General Snapper Regulations: • Within state waters of the Atlantic and Gulf, the snapper aggregate bag limit is 10 fishThe mangrove snapper are there as well. This design minimizes gut-hooking, making. The FWC seems pointed toward creating 10 new zones, similar to what they’ve done for. Slow trolling live baits and kite fishing will get the job done as well. 5. Mangrove snapper and lane snapper have been biting off Port Canaveral on the reefs in 70 to 90 feet of water. S. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets these regulations to maintain sustainable fish populations and protect the ecosystem. m. The first stop in 120 feet found some hungry fish but also quite a few break-offs from gag grouper. Regular season opens Aug. (147 reviews) Placida • 23 ft • 5 persons. Minimum Size Limits: • Atlantic and Gulf - 10" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester u. in weight. There is some variation in their coloring, but in general, the top part of the fish is a dark gray and brown hue, while the bottom half of the fish has coloring that is pink and orange. Mangrove Snapper (aka Gray Snapper)Locations: common both inshore and offshore up to 80 FOW Description: dark diagonal band through the eye on smaller individuals, fades in adults. Now that the mercury. Mangrove snapper grow to about 15 to 18 pounds, while most of the other snapper species, including the more popular Red snapper may grow to over 40 pounds. Offshore bottom fishing for Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Vermilion Snapper and more with Captain Brandy and Upper Hand Pensacola Fishing Charters. Red Snapper: Harvest season opens July 14-15. What is red snapper season in Florida? Recreational red snapper season starts June 17 in Gulf state and federal. Kingfish have been in shallower along the beaches in 25 feet of water taking slow. Occasionally the size of these fish will overlap so looking for more distinct features will be helpful. t Snapper, Muttonl Minimum Size Limits: • •Atlantic and Gulf - 10" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • •Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester pt. Live pinfish, casted lures, jigs over rocky structure in 8 to 100’ of water. Charlie Camp and Collin, 11, with mangrove snapper limit and trout caught on Friday, Aug. In 2023, snapper fishing in Crystal River is expected to be even more exciting. Alligator: Hunt season. They are on the beaches, in the passes and all. The best methods for catching Mangrove snappers are bottom bouncing, drift fishing and jigging just offshore around reefs and shipwrecks using a #3-#1 J hook or 1/0 – 3/0 circle hook baited with small piece of shrimp. Gray Triggerfish. com. Captain Greg has been fishing the waters of Port Canaveral and the Atlantic for over 30. Fish reefs in 70-90 feet of water to catch mangrove snapper up to 10 pounds. NOAA Fisheries announced there will be a two-day-long recreational red snapper fishing season in Atlantic waters. No minimum or maximum size limits. They are shaped like most other snappers, display coloring ranging from bronze to grey and have a mouth full of sharp teeth. Augustine, Florida area. Slowly jig the lure back in past the cover. General Snapper Regulations: Snapper Aggregate Bag Limit – Within state waters of the Atlantic and Gulf, all species of snapper are included in a 10 fish per harvester per day aggregate bag limit in any combination of snapper species, unless stated otherwise. In the Florida Panhandle between Destin and Pensacola, anglers have access to very deep water. on July 14 to 12:01 a. m. Online booking; 5 / 5 stars; guides from $350. The maps below detail important fishing boundaries and management zones. On your trip to Crystal River, anglers can expect to experience a robust fishing season with plenty of opportunities to fill. Use squid, pinfish or dead. Right now, Florida has two sets of snook regulations — one for the Atlantic coast and one for the Gulf. These fish are typically most commonly caught at depths of 5-200 feet. 31, 2022 in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. That only means there is season for harvesting these species of fish. Fishing report from Jason C. Anglers catch a variety of snapper in this area including red snapper, vermilion snapper, lane snapper, yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper and mutton snapper. It is the smallest of the major species, maturing by the time it is 6 inches long. Fishing for Mango Snapper; Mango SnapperFlorida’s inshore Mangrove Snapper season is about to begin, and it is time to start preparing to catch these tasty and feisty fish. Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Snook: Harvest closes June 1. Alligator hunting season opens Aug. It takes experience, knowledge, and flexibility to catch them consistently. The Mangrove Snapper is one of the few snappers that can be caught from the shore in Florida. Snapper Fishing in the Cedar Key, Florida Area. Lane snapper are in shallower. Red Snapper Season in State Waters. This measurement is taken from the most landward mangrove trunk to. 4) Mix in wild rice, sherry, and chicken broth. Offshore: Snapper fishing has been steady on the reefs and ledges off Stuart. Redfish, King Mackerel, Snook. Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) Snapper, Mutton Minimum Size Limits: • Atlantic and Gulf - 10" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • •Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester Snapper (Gulf reef fish anglers — see page 8) General Snapper Regulations: • Within state waters of the Atlantic and Gulf, the snapper aggregate bag limit is 10 fishNOAA Fisheries Announces Changes to Commercial Regulations for Snapper-Grouper Species in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Region. The laws surrounding snapper harvest can be very difficult to keep up with and identifying our snapper species can be even more daunting. R. Bring mixture to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Red. King mackerel, sailfish, mahi, cobia, wahoo, mangrove snapper, trigger fish, vermillion snapper and lane snapper from 60 ft to 120 ft. Flounder, speckled trout and pompano are also steady catches. Florida fishing regulations and fishing season opening and closing dates: Red snapper: July 14-15. Florida state waters are from shore to 3 nautical miles on the Atlantic and from shore to 9 nautical miles on the Gulf. The best time of day to fish in the Florida Keys is typically early morning or late afternoon with late afternoon being the recommendation for great fishing and legendary island sunsets. 94 / 5 Average Review Score. Lobster: Mini-season is July 27-28. Mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper and triggerfish can be caught with dead sardines.