Florida Pursuit: Reef Fish

Reef fishing in Florida offers a blend of both natural and artificial reef experiences, each teeming with diverse marine life and unique fishing opportunities.

Reef fishing in Florida is an exhilarating experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners. The state's diverse marine ecosystems offer a rich variety of fishing opportunities.

Best Seasons for Reef Fishing:

The best times for reef fishing in Florida are typically year-round due to the state's warm climate. Specifically, the Florida Keys are a prime destination for reef fishing, offering over 130 miles of living coral reefs and consistent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Variety of Species:

The State Reef Fish Angler designation is required for recreational anglers and spear fishers who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish species in Florida. This designation makes you eligible for selection to receive the mail survey component of the State Reef Fish Survey. Recreational anglers and divers fishing from a private boat anywhere in Florida who intend to harvest, attempt to harvest or possess one or more of the following reef fish species:

• mutton snapper

• yellowtail snapper

• hogfish

• red snapper

• vermilion snapper

• gag red grouper

• black grouper

• greater amberjack

• lesser amberjack

• banded rudderfish

• almaco jack

• gray triggerfish

Here are some general guidelines based on information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and eRegulations:

Grouper:

Gag Grouper: Open July 1 to December 31 in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Black Grouper: Open year-round in Atlantic state waters.

Snapper:

Red Snapper: Season varies yearly based on federal regulations. Typically opens for a short period in the summer.

Mangrove Snapper: Open year-round in both Gulf and Atlantic state waters.

Other Reef Fish:

Amberjack (Greater): Open May 1 to July 31 in Gulf state waters.

Hogfish: Open May 1 to October 31 in Gulf state waters; open year-round in Atlantic state waters.

Triggerfish (Gray): Open March 1 to May 1 and August 1 to December 31 in Gulf state waters.

These are just a few examples, and the seasons can vary based on management decisions and conservation needs. Additionally, regulations may differ between state and federal waters, and there are specific size and bag limits for each species. It's essential to check the current regulations on the FWC website or the eRegulations website before planning your fishing trips. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can visit the FWC's Recreational Regulations page here and the eRegulations' Florida Saltwater Fishing Seasons & Rules page here. Remember, regulations are in place to ensure sustainable fishing practices and the long-term health of fish populations, so it's crucial to adhere to them for the conservation of Florida's marine resources.

Notable Natural Reef Fishing Locations:

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: This area is North America’s largest natural coral reef system and includes notable fishing spots like Sand Key and Looe Key.
Biscayne National Park: Located south of Miami, it offers natural reefs and shipwrecks for fishing.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Found in the Florida Keys, this park is known for its beautiful natural coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Dry Tortugas National Park: Situated 70 miles west of Key West, it's known for its concentration of shipwrecks.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Marine Protected Areas: These areas, such as the North Florida MPA, protect varieties of snapper and grouper.

Artificial Reef Developments:

Florida boasts one of the most active artificial reef programs in the United States. Since the 1940s, over 3,800 planned public artificial reefs have been placed in state and federal waters off Florida’s coast. These reefs enhance recreational and diving opportunities, provide socio-economic benefits, increase reef fish habitat, and assist in oyster reef regeneration and shoreline protection.

Significant Artificial Reef Locations:

Northeast Florida: Includes notable reefs like the Lady Philomena and the Tug Everglades in Volusia County, offering new nearshore reef experiences.
East Central Florida: Focused on deep-water, offshore reefs, this region includes Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties.
Southeast Florida: Known for its diversity of artificial reefs, including reef darts and art-centric reefs for diving, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties are prominent in this region.
Southwest Florida: Features memorial reefs mixing art and commemoration, with a focus on shallow-water, inshore reefs in counties like Collier and Sarasota.
Big Bend Florida: Known for its natural habitat, this region has seen recent deployments off Taylor County, including additions to the Steinhatchee Fisheries Management Area and Buckeye Reef.
Northwest Florida: Home to a large number of artificial reefs funded by NRDA, FWC, and private funding, particularly in Bay and Escambia counties. Notable for the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and snorkeling reefs.

In summary, reef fishing in Florida is an adventure filled with the thrill of catching a wide variety of species in some of the most scenic and biodiverse locations in North America. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the Florida reefs are a fishing paradise waiting to be explored. From the abundance of species to the variety of locations, Florida stands out as a premier destination for anglers and marine enthusiasts.