reef

Banded Rudderfish

Seriola zonata

Smallest of the FL AJ family. Often mixed with lesser AJ on wrecks; same slot limit. Light tackle fun.

Preferred water temp65–82°F

Preferred depth30–150 ft

Holds onwrecks, reefs, ledges

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfBig Bend — GulfNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)South Carolina CoastGeorgia CoastAlabama GulfMississippi GulfLouisiana GulfTexas Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 5 of 5 regulations

STATE

FL Atlantic — State waters (0–3 nm)

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Slot: 14″–22″ FL (fork length)

14-22" FL slot, 5 aggregate with lesser amberjack.

FL Atlantic banded rudderfish: 14-22" slot, aggregate 5.

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Slot: 14″–22″ FL (fork length)

14-22" FL slot, aggregate 5 with lesser AJ.

FL Gulf banded rudderfish: 5/day aggregate, 14-22" slot.

AL_GULF

Alabama — State waters (0–3 nm) · AL CNR-MRD

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Slot: 14″–22″ FL (fork length)

14-22" FL slot.

Alabama banded rudderfish: in reef fish aggregate.

LA_GULF

Louisiana — State waters (0–3 nm) · LDWF

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Slot: 14″–22″ FL (fork length)

14-22" FL slot, aggregate with lesser AJ.

Louisiana banded rudderfish: 14-22" slot.

STATE

All Florida — State + Federal

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Slot: 14″–22″ FL (fork length)

Slot 14-22" fork, 5/person within lesser-jacks aggregate. Often misidentified as juvenile AJ — check the distinct dark bar across the eye.