Bonefish

Bonefish Fishing in Florida

Bonefish live inshore in shallow water, often less than a foot deep, usually over lush seagrass flats and occasionally over white sand. FWC made bonefish a catch-and-release-only species in 2013.

Florida rules from FWC, checked Sep 2026

Check before you keep a fish. Seasons and limits change, sometimes in the middle of a season, and a court or an agency can change them overnight. Everything here was copied from FWC in Sep 2026 and is listed with its source at the bottom of this page. We are not a regulatory authority. Confirm the current rule with your captain or with FWC before you keep a fish.

Florida state record

  • 16.19 lb Islamorada · March 19, 2007 · Robert Schroeder

From FWC Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle), checked Sep 2026. Records are certified by FWC and can be broken at any time.

About the fish

SizeUp to 18 pounds, rarely more than 10
Where it livesInshore shallow water, often less than a foot deep, usually over seagrass flats and occasionally over white sand
What it eatsShrimp, crabs and other invertebrates

FWC says bonefish may live longer than 23 years.

From FWC's species profile, checked Sep 2026.

Which rules apply to your trip

  • Bonefish are catch and release only. FWC's bonefish rules also extend into adjacent federal waters.
  • FWC's rule does allow you to hold one fish briefly, at the spot you caught it, to photograph, measure and weigh it.

Statewide: when you can keep one

State waters and adjacent federal waters.

  • All anglersCatch and release onlyFWC rule, in force since September 2013.
None may be kept (catch and release only)Size limit
Catch and release onlyDaily limit. FWC allows temporary possession of a single bonefish at the site of capture, to photograph, measure and weigh it.

Gear rules

Multiple hooks with live or dead natural bait may not be used to harvest or attempt to harvest bonefish.

Questions about bonefish

Can I keep a bonefish?

No. FWC made bonefish catch and release only in September 2013.

Can I photograph it first?

Yes. FWC allows you to hold one fish briefly where you caught it, to photograph, measure and weigh it.

When do people fish for them?

FWC says bonefish can be caught year round in the Keys, with the peak generally March through October.

What gear is prohibited?

Multiple hooks used with live or dead natural bait to harvest or attempt to harvest bonefish.

Seasons, sizes and bag limits on this page were copied from FWC, bonefish and FWC, saltwater rule history and FWC, bonefish profile in Sep 2026. Rules change, sometimes mid-season. Check the current rule with your captain or FWC before you keep a fish.