Black Bass FWC Photo
Black Bass Regs Effective July 1
Following extensive input from the public, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved simplified regulations for black bass in February. These new regulations go into effect July 1.
Below is a summary of new black bass regulations. There are no longer separate zones, and more than 40 special regulations or specific Fish Management Area rules for black bass were eliminated.
Daily Bag Limit for Bass: All species (largemouth, Choctaw, shoal, Suwannee and spotted) are included in the five-fish daily aggregate black bass bag limit. This is the same as the previous statewide rule.
• Largemouth bass: Only one may be 16 inches or longer in total length per angler per day, with no minimum length limit.
• Suwannee, shoal, Choctaw and spotted basses: 12-inch minimum size limit, only one may be 16 inches or longer in total length.
Shoal Bass Conservation Zone: In the Chipola River between Peacock Bridge and Johnny Boy Landing, shoal bass must be released immediately. This conservation zone for shoal bass further protects this relatively rare species that depends on a limited area of unique habitat.
Tournament Fishing: The bass-tournament permit program will allow anglers participating in permitted tournaments temporary possession of five bass of any size. This program has been ongoing for more than 20 years and allows delayed-release bass tournaments to take place while ensuring proper care, handling and release of all bass caught during the tournament, including those that could otherwise be harvested legally.