Florida anglers need to note the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has added an inch to the minimum size for snook starting in September, when snook season reopens.

The new snook minimum size limit to 27 inches total length. Previously, the minimum size was 26 inches. The Commission did not change the 34-inch maximum size limit for snook because that could increase the harvest of large spawning snook which are important to maintaining healthy stocks.

The FWC passed the new rule to complement another new regulation which takes effect July 1. That regulation requires snook to be measured by determining the straight-line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed together, while the fish is lying on its side.

A recent FWC stock assessment for snook indicates snook harvest has been increasing in Florida because more anglers are fishing for snook, and consequently, the management goal is falling short for this popular sport fish.

To address this shortfall, the FWC is convening a stakeholder group to review snook management issues, and the Commission will consider further adjustments to snook regulations if management changes are recommended.

The harvest of snook is prohibited from Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 statewide and from June through August on Florida’s Atlantic coast. On the Gulf Coast and waters of Monroe County and Everglades National Park, snook harvest is not allowed from May through August.

At all other times, a recreational daily bag limit of two snook per person applies on the Atlantic coast. The limit on the gulf coast and waters of Monroe County and Everglades National Park is one snook daily per person.

Licensed saltwater anglers must purchase a $2 permit to harvest snook. Snatch-hooking and spearing snook are prohibited, and it is illegal to buy or sell snook. Snook regulations also apply in federal waters.

--Fish & Wildlife Commission