Fishing Everglades National Park

One third of Everglades National Park is covered by water, creating excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Snapper, sea trout, redfish, bass, and bluegill are plentiful. Saltwater fishing includes Florida Bay, Ten Thousand Islands, and elsewhere in the park's coastal zone. Freshwater and saltwater fishing require separate Florida fishing licenses.

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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