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Rules by state · Florida (Gulf)

Weakfishin Florida (Gulf)

Cynoscion regalis

Also called Gray trout, Squeteague.

Recreational rule, FWC 2026, checked Sep 20, 2026. The official rulebook is the final word.

Studio photograph of a Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), side view, on a white background

The rule in Florida (Gulf)

Florida (Gulf)’s own rule for weakfish in state waters, out to 9 nautical miles.

Size12 in TL min in NE management zone
Bag1 per person in NE zone; 100 lb per person elsewhere
SeasonOpen year-round

Zone rule applies FL-GA line to south end of Amelia Island (Nassau County); includes sand seatrout hybrids.

Measured as total length (TL): snout to the tip of the tail, with the tail lobes squeezed together.

FWC 2026· checked Open

Often mistaken for, and their Florida (Gulf) rules

Keep the wrong fish and the rule that applies is the other one’s.

FishSizeBagSeason
WeakfishThis page.12 in TL min in NE management zone1 per person in NE zone; 100 lb per person elsewhereOpen year-round
Spotted seatroutBigger scattered spots reaching the tail.Tell them apart15-19 in TL slot3 per person (Big Bend region: 5)Open year-round (Panhandle region closed February)

Florida (Gulf) state record

10 lb, Port Canaveral, 1987. FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23

How to tell it

Small spots in diagonal rows along the back, yellow-tinged fins, sea-trout body. More on the weakfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.

Weakfish in other states

Florida (Atlantic)North CarolinaEvery state

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Weakfish in Florida (Gulf): the questions

What is the size limit for weakfish in Florida (Gulf)?

12 in TL min in NE management zone. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, with the tail lobes squeezed together.

How many weakfish can you keep in Florida (Gulf)?

1 per person in NE zone; 100 lb per person elsewhere.

When is weakfish season in Florida (Gulf)?

Open year-round.

What is the Florida (Gulf) record weakfish?

10 lb, Port Canaveral (1987).

How current is this Florida (Gulf) weakfish 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.