Fishing in Everglades National Park and its surrounding sloughs, canals, and coastal bays offers an incredible variety of angling experiences—from freshwater bass in marl prairies to trophy snook in tidal creeks. To protect this fragile ecosystem and ensure sustainable fish populations, both National Park Service (NPS) regulations and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) statutes apply. Whether you’re casting from the boardwalk at Anhinga Trail or drifting over backcountry mangroves, understanding the rules is essential.
Licensing Requirements
A valid fishing license is the foundation of legal angling in Florida’s waters.
All anglers aged 16 and older must carry a Florida license appropriate for the water they fish:
- A freshwater license covers inland lakes, rivers, canals, and freshwater sloughs.
- A saltwater license covers estuaries, bays, and coastal waters.
Youth under 16 are exempt from licensing but must follow all gear, bag, and size regulations. Licenses may be purchased online at the FWC website, via the FWC mobile app, or at bait shops and tackle stores. Always carry proof—paper or digital—while fishing.
Special permits include the Snook Permit, required to harvest snook, and a free Backcountry Camping Permit for multi-day trips to remote campsites, obtainable at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or via the NPS online portal.
Gear and Method Restrictions
To minimize habitat damage and bycatch, the park allows only low-impact fishing methods.
- Hook-and-Line Only: Under federal regulation (36 CFR § 7.45), you must actively manage any hook-and-line gear. Unattended trotlines, nets, traps, and spear weapons are prohibited.
- Allowed Nets: Dip nets, cast nets, and landing nets are permitted only for landing fish caught on hook-and-line.
- Commercial Gear Ban: Crab pots, lobster traps, and any commercial apparatus are strictly forbidden.
- Invasives Encouraged: Non-native fish—tilapia, oscars, walking catfish—have no possession limits and should be humanely dispatched to reduce their ecological impact.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Freshwater zones include sloughs, canals, lakes, and ponds within the park—but some areas are off-limits.
Fishing is allowed in all interior freshwater bodies except:
- Lakes at Ernest F. Coe and Royal Palm Visitor Centers
- Chekika Lake
- Shark Valley Tram Road canals
- Taylor Slough and the first three miles of Main Park Road after Homestead entrance
Bag and Possession Limits
Anglers may possess no more than two days’ worth of freshwater game fish. Species-specific daily limits—such as one largemouth bass or 50 sunfish—are detailed in FWC Rule 68A-23.005.
Size Restrictions
Minimum lengths protect juveniles (e.g., largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches). Some zones impose maximum-slot limits to safeguard breeding stock.
Saltwater Fishing Regulations
Saltwater anglers must understand the distinction between state and federal boundaries.
- State Waters: From shore to 3 nautical miles offshore in the Atlantic, and 9 miles in the Gulf.
- Federal Waters: Beyond state boundaries, regulated by regional Fishery Management Councils.
Combined Bag Limits
In state waters, anglers may take up to 20 saltwater fish and invertebrates per day, with no more than 5 of any single species, and possess twice the daily limit for a two-day trip.
Key Species Rules
- Snook: One per person per day; closed Dec 15–Feb 1; Snook Permit required.
- Red Drum (Redfish): One per person per day; 18–27″ slot limit; closed May 1–Sep 24 in federal waters.
- Spotted Seatrout: Three per person; 15″ minimum.
- Tarpon: Catch-and-release only; barbless circle hooks required.
- Grouper & Snapper: Aggregate bag limits; seasons and sizes vary—consult FWC Saltwater Regulations.
Seasonal and Area Closures
Natural and management-driven closures safeguard both anglers and wildlife.
- Wet-Season Flooding (May–Nov) can submerge ground trails and boat ramps. Check conditions at visitor centers.
- Habitat Restoration Zones may close temporarily for nesting shorebirds or mangrove restoration. Notices are posted onsite and online.
- Boundary Lines: Reef fish rules change at the 20-fathom break line. Boaters should carry charts or GPS to know when they cross from state to federal waters.
Protected Species and Invasive Removal
Respecting protected wildlife is critical; removing invasives is encouraged.
Protected Species
- American crocodile and manatee may not be harassed or harmed.
- Endangered fish (e.g., smalltooth sawfish) must be released immediately and unharmed.
Invasive Species
- Non-native fish have no bag or size limits; anglers should remove and humanely euthanize to reduce competition with natives.
Enforcement and Penalties
Both NPS and FWC enforce regulations, often jointly.
- NPS Rangers: Patrol backcountry sites, boardwalks, and boat launches.
- FWC Officers: Enforce state rules from boats, shore, and air.
- Penalties: Fines range from $100 for minor infractions (e.g., no license) to $10,000+ for severe violations. Repeat offenders may face license suspension or criminal charges.
Best Practices for Responsible Angling
- Stay Informed: Review rules on the Everglades Park Fishing page before every trip.
- Measure and Weigh: Use a certified ruler and scale; photograph fish alongside measurement tools.
- Use Barbless Hooks: Simplifies releases and reduces injury.
- Anchor Responsibly: Choose sand or mud flats—avoid seagrass beds and coral.
- Pack Out All Trash: Even bait scraps and discarded line can harm wildlife.
- Share Knowledge: Teach regulations to friends and newcomers.
Guided Trips and Local Resources
For a turnkey Everglades fishing experience, consider professional guides:
- Everglades Tours: Airboat, kayak, and hike-fish combo trips led by naturalists at Wide Angle Tours’ Everglades Tours.
- Transportation Services: Shuttle vans and boat transfers to remote fishing grounds at Wide Angle Tours Transportation Services.
- Trip Planning Articles: Seasonal tips and species guides on the Wide Angle blog at Wide Angle Tours Articles.
- Miami City Tour: Urban sightseeing before or after your wilderness trip at Miami City Tour.
- Key West Excursions: Extend your adventure to the Keys at Key West Tour.
- Contact & Booking: Customize your itinerary and group trips via Wide Angle Tours Contact.
Angling Responsibly
Angling in the Everglades is a privilege and a responsibility. By obtaining proper licenses, using only approved gear, respecting bag and size limits, observing closures, protecting endangered species, and removing invasives, you contribute directly to the health and resilience of the River of Grass. Whether you’re targeting freshwater bass at sunrise or redfish at dusk, responsible fishing ensures this extraordinary ecosystem endures for future generations. Tight lines, safe travels, and happy fishing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What licenses do I need to fish in Everglades National Park and surrounding waters?
You must carry a valid Florida fishing license if you are 16 or older. A freshwater license covers lakes, rivers, canals, and freshwater sloughs, while a saltwater license covers estuaries, bays, and coastal waters. Youth under 16 are exempt from licensing but still must follow all bag, size, and gear rules. Special permits—such as the Snook Permit for harvesting snook—are required if you target regulated species. Always carry either a paper or digital copy of your license and permits on you.
Where can I fish freshwater inside Everglades National Park?
You can fish inland freshwater bodies such as marl prairies, canals, lakes, and ponds, except in restricted areas. Off-limits freshwater zones include lakes at Ernest F. Coe and Royal Palm Visitor Centers, Chekika Lake, Shark Valley Tram Road canals, and Taylor Slough (and the first three miles of Main Park Road after the Homestead entrance). Consult park maps or visitor centers for exact boundaries. Outside restricted zones, you’re free to enjoy bass, sunfish, and occasional gars under FWC fish limits and size regulations.
What are the daily bag and size limits for freshwater game fish?
In most freshwater areas of the park, you may possess up to two days’ worth of freshwater game fish. Common freshwater limits include one largemouth bass (minimum 12 inches) or 50 sunfish (no size restriction). Some locations impose slot limits on certain fish to protect breeding stock (for example, stained bass). Always check the most current FWC Rule 68A-23.005 for precise species-by-species limits before you cast your line.
What rules apply if I fish in saltwater inside Everglades National Park’s boundaries?
Saltwater anglers must follow FWC regulations in state waters (shore to 3 nautical miles off the Atlantic coast, and shore to 9 nautical miles off the Gulf). Bag limits generally allow up to 20 saltwater fish and invertebrates per person per day, with no more than 5 of any single species. You can possess twice the daily limit if on a multi-day trip. Species-specific rules apply: snook require a permit and are closed from December 15 to February 1; red drum (redfish) have an 18–27” slot limit and season closures; spotted seatrout require a 15” minimum. Tarpon are catch-and-release only with barbless circle hooks. Always carry your saltwater license and any needed permits.
Am I allowed to use nets, traps, or spears in Everglades National Park?
Under federal regulation (36 CFR § 7.45), only hook-and-line fishing is permitted in the park. You must actively manage all lines; unattended gear is prohibited. Dip nets and landing nets are allowed only to bring aboard fish caught on hook-and-line. All other commercial or trapping gear—such as trotlines, crab pots, lobster traps, or spearfishing equipment—is strictly banned. These restrictions help prevent habitat damage and protect non-target wildlife.
Can I legally remove invasive fish species when I’m fishing?
Yes—removing invasive species is encouraged. Non-native fish such as tilapia, oscars, and walking catfish have no bag or size limits, and anglers should humanely dispatch them to reduce ecological harm. Always use approved hook-and-line methods to catch invasive fish, then follow local guidance for euthanization or disposal. By targeting invasives, you help native populations thrive and maintain the Everglades’ fragile balance.
How do seasonal closures and habitat restoration zones affect fishing access?
During the wet season (May–November), rising water levels can inundate trails and boat ramps, temporarily limiting access. Additionally, certain areas—especially nesting bird sites and mangrove restoration zones—may close for short periods. You’ll see posted notices at visitor centers, boat ramps, and trailheads when closures occur. Reef fish regulations change at the 20-fathom break line; anglers crossing from state to federal waters should use GPS or nautical charts to avoid unintentional legal violations.
What are the penalties for violating Everglades fishing rules?
Enforcement is handled jointly by NPS rangers and FWC officers. Fines start around $100 for minor infractions, like fishing without a license, and can exceed $10,000 for severe violations—such as possessing endangered species or using prohibited gear. Repeat or egregious offenders may face license suspension or even criminal charges. Always carry your fishing credentials, know bag and size limits, and adhere closely to both state and federal regulations to avoid penalties.
How do I know boundary lines between state and federal waters for saltwater fishing?
State waters extend from the shoreline out to 3 nautical miles in the Atlantic and 9 nautical miles in the Gulf. Federal waters lie beyond those lines and follow specific fishery management council rules. The most common boundary marker offshore is the 20-fathom contour line. Use a reliable GPS, nautical chart, or marine mapping app to confirm when you cross into federal waters. This distinction matters because seasons, size limits, and bag limits (especially for grouper, snapper, and reef fish) often differ.
Are there recommended best practices for responsible fishing in the Everglades?
Yes. Stay informed by reviewing the National Park Service’s Everglades fishing page and the latest FWC regulations before each trip. Measure fish with a certified ruler and photograph them for verification. Use barbless hooks to make catch-and-release easier and minimize injury. Anchor on sand or mud flats, avoiding fragile seagrass beds and coral. Bring a trash bag for all litter, including bait scraps and discarded line—these items quickly harm wildlife. By following these guidelines, you help preserve the Everglades’ unique ecosystem for futur