What Fish Do You Need to Throw Back?

Several freshwater and saltwater fish are subject to bagging, length, and other limits.

Generally, if the fish is on a protected species list, you need to throw it back. Weight and amount limits sometimes apply as well. State and local endangered species lists, along with weight and catch limits, if applicable, change frequently. Additionally, these regulations can vary depending on the time of year. This information in this post is current as of February 2025. Some anglers don’t go by lists and throw back all the fish they catch. They prefer the sport and ambiance of fishing over fresh bass for dinner.

Many first-time anglers get in trouble with game wardens because they are not aware of the limits or cannot distinguish one kind of fish from another one. At Angler 360, we do more than provide top-notch fishing supplies. Our experts also help anglers prepare for their fishing trips. We point them toward productive spots, offer lessons and expert advice, and empower them with knowledge. This combination helps us make your next fishing trip your best fishing trip ever.

Freshwater Fish

Striped, largemouth, Suwannee, spotted, Choctaw, shoal, and mottled bass are the primary freshwater species on the state’s mandatory catch-and-release list.

In 2016, the Florida Wildlife Commission passed catch-and-release rules that protect breeding bass and maintain stock levels. The 2016 rules also simplified the state’s complex harvesting rules.

The bag limit for these kinds of bass is five in any 24-hour period. Additionally, except for largemouth bass, no fish can be longer than sixteen inches. Temporary possession is the biggest exception. Many anglers must temporarily possess an illegal bass for state record certifications or TrophyCatch submissions.

A few other freshwater species are also subject to catch-and-release rules. Bag limits for freshwater fish in Florida include:

• 50 panfish,
• 25 crappie,
• 20 striped, white, and sunshine bass,
• Two butterfly peacock bass, and
• 25 American eels.

Many local municipalities, as well as specific bodies of water, have additional catch-and-release rules. All anglers are responsible for knowing all these rules. As the old saying goes, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Saltwater Fish

These catch-and-release rules are much more complex and, as mentioned, subject to change at any time. We will do our best to break down these rules.

Goliath Groupers are an endangered species in Florida. As the name implies, these fish are incredibly big. They’re often bigger than the anglers who snare them. Subject to the aforementioned temporary possession exception, anglers must immediately release the fish.

All sturgeon and Atlantic sawfish are also on the endangered species list. Like goliath groupers, these fish are somewhat common in the deep waters off the Atlantic coast of central Florida.

Several other saltwater fish are subject to state and/or local bag and/or size limits. These fish include:

• Red snappers,
• Snooks,
• King mackerels,
• Spiny lobsters, and
• Tarpons.

We recommend that anglers verify the size and/or bag limits in effect at the time immediately before they cast off.

Reach out to Angler 360 to learn more about catch-and-release, licensing, and other legal issues.