Tarpon (also known as Silver King, Sabalo) in Florida. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the FWC guide, 2026.
In Florida, Tarpon has no minimum legal size and the daily bag limit is Catch-and-release only — no harvest (a tag is required only to pursue a state or world record). A slot limit applies: none — catch-and-release only (0 harvest). Tarpon over 40" MUST remain in the water (cannot be removed/landed) unless pursuing a state/world record under a purchased tarpon tag. There is no closed season in FL.
none — catch-and-release only (0 harvest). Tarpon over 40" MUST remain in the water (cannot be removed/landed) unless pursuing a state/world record under a purchased tarpon tag.
No closed season
No Atlantic/Gulf difference — statewide catch-and-release. Additional gear/line restrictions apply in Boca Grande Pass (no weighted hook rigs where weight hangs below the hook; Apr–Jun max three lines per vessel, no breakaway gear). State and federal waters; tarpon is a catch-and-release fishery statewide. Same rules throughout.
These limits are pulled from the FWC recreational saltwater size and bag limits. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Florida requires a recreational saltwater fishing licence to take saltwater species (residents can get a no-cost Resident Saltwater Shoreline licence for shore fishing). A snook or tarpon permit is needed for those species. Florida saltwater licences.
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