Fishing from the shore is very limited. However, park waters provide thousands of acres of shallow water flats, channels, and mangrove keys in which to fish. Before leaving shore, think safety! Be aware of local boating information.
Also please remember that collecting plants and animals in Everglades National Park is prohibited. This includes such things as orchids, airplants, seahorses, starfish, conch, tropical fish, coral, sponges, and driftwood (except for fuel). One quart of non-occupied sea shells may be collected per person.
Fishing
Regulations
Freshwater or Saltwater?
All waters from, and including, Nine Mile Pond northward along the Main
Park Road are considered fresh water. Interior rivers in the northern part
of the park, such as the Turner River, are fresh water.
Commercial Fishing
All commercial fishing is prohibited in Everglades National Park.
Filleting Fish
Anglers may have four (4) fillets per person for immediate consumption at
designated campsites or on board vessels equipped with cooking facilities.
All other fish must remain whole while on park waters.
Prohibited Recreational Fishing Gear
Except for dip nets, cast nets, and landing nets, all other seines and nets
are prohibited. The use and possession of spear guns and spear poles are
prohibited.
Freshwater
License
A Florida freshwater fishing license is required to fish in freshwater or to
possess fresh water species.
Bait
Live or dead fish (including minnows and shiners) or amphibians, and
non-preserved fish eggs or roe, are prohibited. Digging for bait inside the
park is not permitted.
Closed to Fishing
No fishing is allowed at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center lakes, Taylor
Slough, Royal Palm Visitor Center area and trails, Chekika Lake and
along the Shark Valley Tram Road.
Warning!
High levels of mercury have been found in Everglades bass. Do not eat
bass caught north of the Main Park Road. Do not eat bass caught south of
the Main Park Road more than once a week. Children and pregnant
women should not eat any bass.
Saltwater
License
A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish in saltwater or to
possess saltwater species.
Bait
Bait is not included in bag limits. Saltwater bait: shrimp, minnows,
pilchards, pinfish, mullet, mojarras (shad), or ballyhoo. Bait may be taken
with hook and line, dip net (not wider than 3 feet / 0.9 m), and cast net.
Closed to Fishing
No fishing is allowed in Eco and Mrazek ponds at any time, from the
boardwalk at West Lake, or at the Flamingo Marina during daylight hours.
Manatee Etiquette
Areas frequented by manatees have been posted. Keep an eye out for
manatees. Slow to an idle if observed, but do not approach or molest.
Lobster and Queen Conch
The taking and possession of lobster and queen conch is prohibited.
Recreational Crabbing
Stone crabs, during open state season, and blue crabs may be taken by
recreational fishermen using attended gear (for example: star trap, baited
line, landing net, etc.). Crabbers are limited to five (5) traps. Unattended
gear, including traps, is prohibited.
Shrimp
Shrimp may be taken by dip net (not wider than 3 feet / 0.9 m) or cast net,
personal use only, not for sale.
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