NEW SNOOK MINIMUM SIZE LIMIT TAKES EFFECT
CONTACT: Lee Schlesinger (850) 487-0554

Snook season reopens Sept. 1, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued a reminder today that it has added an inch to the snook minimum size limit.

The FWC approved a rule in June to increase the snook minimum size limit to 27 inches total length. Previously, the minimum size allowed for snook harvest was 26 inches.

The FWC passed the new rule to complement another new regulation, which took 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.

Increasing the snook minimum size limit by one inch compensates for a slight increase in length some anglers may achieve when measuring snook this way and likely 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.

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

Snook harvest 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.

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

To address the problem, the FWC is working with a stakeholder group to review snook management issues, and the Commission will consider further adjustments to regulations if the group recommends them.