nearshore

Spanish Mackerel

Scomberomorus maculatus

Spring + fall blitz species. Trolled spoons, gotcha plugs, small live baits. Birds working = fish underneath.

Preferred water temp65–78°F

Preferred depth5–60 ft

Peak monthsMar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Holds onbait pods, nearshore reefs, beaches, passes

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 GulfBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaBahamas — Abaco & Andros

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 26, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 3 of 12 regulations for FL Gulf

STATE

All Florida — State + Federal

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 15 / angler / day
Minimum: 12″ FL (fork length)

15/person, 12" fork minimum. No vessel limit.

FEDERAL

Federal Gulf (9–200 nm) — GMFMC

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 15 / angler / day
Minimum: 12″ FL (fork length)

Federal Gulf: 15/angler/day, 12" FL min.

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 15 / angler / day
Minimum: 12″ FL (fork length)

FL Gulf spanish: 15/day, 12" FL.