Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel Fishing in Florida

Spanish mackerel are schooling fish found inshore, nearshore and offshore, frequently over grass beds and reefs. They migrate north in spring and return south when the water temperature drops below 70 degrees F.

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

  • 12.00 lb Ft. Pierce · November 27, 1984 · John F. Colligan

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
Where it livesInshore, nearshore and offshore, often over grass beds and reefs
What it eatsSmall fish and invertebrates

FWC says they head north in spring and return south when the water drops below 70 degrees.

From FWC's species profile, checked Sep 2026.

Which rules apply to your trip

  • One set of Florida limits for both coasts.
  • FWC does not say whether its Spanish mackerel limits extend into federal waters, so this page does not claim they do.

Statewide: when you can keep one

Gulf and Atlantic state waters.

  • All anglersOpen year roundFWC.
12 inches fork lengthSize limit
15 per harvesterDaily limit. FWC lists no vessel limit.

Gear rules

Beach or haul seine, cast net, hook and line, or spear.

Questions about spanish mackerel

What is the size limit?

12 inches fork length in Gulf and Atlantic state waters.

How many can I keep?

15 per harvester per day in Gulf and Atlantic state waters.

Is there a boat limit?

FWC's page lists none, only the 15 per person.

Is there a closed season?

Not in Gulf and Atlantic state waters: FWC lists the season as open year-round. The fish are absent from north Florida waters in winter.

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