How many amberjack can you keep in Florida?

Answered by Michael Wilson

In Florida, the regulations for keeping amberjack are quite specific. The number of amberjack that you can keep depends on their size and the location where you are fishing. Generally, there is a minimum size requirement and a daily bag limit.

Firstly, let’s talk about the minimum size requirement. In the Atlantic, amberjack must be at least 28 inches in length to be harvested, while in the Gulf of Mexico, they must be at least 34 inches. This size requirement helps ensure that the amberjack have had a chance to reach maturity and reproduce before they are harvested.

Now, let’s discuss the daily bag limit. Regardless of the size, the daily bag limit for amberjack in Florida is 1 fish per person. This means that you are only allowed to keep one amberjack per day, regardless of its size. This limit is in place to prevent overfishing and to ensure the sustainability of the amberjack population.

It is important to note that these regulations may change, so it is always a good idea to check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or refer to their official regulations before going fishing. They provide up-to-date information on fishing regulations, including size limits and bag limits, to help protect the fish populations and maintain sustainable fishing practices.

In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to fish for amberjack in Florida. It is a thrilling experience to hook into one of these strong and powerful fish. However, it is crucial to follow the regulations and practice responsible fishing. By adhering to the size limits and bag limits, we can contribute to the conservation efforts and ensure the long-term health of the amberjack population.

To summarize, in Florida, you can keep 1 amberjack per person per day. The minimum size requirement is 28 inches in the Atlantic and 34 inches in the Gulf of Mexico. These regulations are in place to protect the amberjack population and maintain sustainable fishing practices. Always check with the FWC for the most up-to-date information before going fishing.