Sheepshead

Sheepshead Fishing in Florida

Sheepshead live in coastal waters near structure such as oyster bars, seawalls and tidal creeks. FWC notes their prominent teeth, including incisors, molars and rounded grinders.

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

  • 15.13 lb Homosassa · January 29, 1981 · Eugene Lechler

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 36 inches. Common to 13 inches
Where it livesNear structure: oyster bars, seawalls and tidal creeks
What it eatsMostly crustaceans and small fish

FWC says they move nearshore in late winter and early spring to spawn, typically in March and April.

From FWC's species profile, checked Sep 2026.

Which rules apply to your trip

  • One set of FWC rules covers Gulf and Atlantic state waters, and FWC says state regulations extend into federal waters, so the limits do not change offshore.
  • The only seasonal rule is the boat limit: 50 per vessel per trip in March and April, which FWC says is typically when they spawn.

Statewide: when you can keep one

Florida state waters on both coasts, and adjacent federal waters.

  • All anglersOpen year roundFWC.
12 inches total lengthSize limit
8 per personDaily limit. Plus a vessel limit of 50 per trip during March and April.

Gear rules

Hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig. Multiple hooks with natural bait are prohibited, and so is snatching.

Questions about sheepshead

What size sheepshead can I keep?

12 inches total length.

How many can I keep?

Eight per person per day.

Is there a boat limit?

Yes, in March and April: 50 per vessel per trip.

Is there a closed season?

No. FWC lists sheepshead as open year round.

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