Gulf menhadenin Florida (Gulf)
Brevoortia patronus
Also called Pogy.
The rule in Florida (Gulf)
Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for Gulf menhaden in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.
Unregulated baitfish for recreational cast-netting.
FWC 2026· checked · likelyOpen
Often mistaken for, and their Florida (Gulf) rules
Keep the wrong fish and the rule that applies is the other one’s.
| Fish | Size | Bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf menhadenThis page. | No size limit | No bag limit for bait | Open year-round |
| Atlantic menhadenAtlantic-side twin.Tell them apart | Not listed by Florida (Gulf): the default applies (No size limit, 2 fish or 100 lb per person per day, whichever is greater) | ||
| Atlantic thread herringTrailing dorsal thread.Tell them apart | No size limit | 2 fish or 100 lb per person per day (whichever is more) | Open year-round |
How to tell it
The Gulf's bunker — shoulder spot trailed by smaller spots, keeled belly, tight flipping schools. More on the Gulf menhaden page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
In the app
Point the camera at a Gulf menhaden in Florida (Gulf) and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the appGulf menhaden in Florida (Gulf): the questions
What is the size limit for Gulf menhaden in Florida (Gulf)?
No size limit.
How many Gulf menhaden can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?
No bag limit for bait.
When is Gulf menhaden season in Florida (Gulf)?
Open year-round.
How current is this Florida (Gulf) Gulf menhaden rule?
Source: FWC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.