In June, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) increased the snook minimum size limit to 27 inches total length from 26 inches.

FWC also changed the way that snook should be measured. You should now determine 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.

Increasing the minimum size limit by one inch compensates for a slight increase in length some anglers may achieve when measuring snook this way. And, biologists hope the new rules will increase snook spawning stocks by, “decreasing snook harvest by 22 percent on Florida’s Gulf Coast and by 12 percent on the Atlantic Coast.”

A recent FWC stock assessment for snook indicates that more anglers are catching and killing snook, and consequently, the management goal is falling short.

The maximum size limit for snook remains unchanged at 34 inches total length.

During the open seasons, the recreational daily bag limit on the Atlantic Coast is two snook per person. Anglers may possess one snook in the slot along the Gulf Coast, in waters of Monroe County and in Everglades National Park.

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.