Fishing the Florida Everglades
There is only one Everglades in the World.
One third of Everglades National Park is covered by water, creating excellent boating and shing opportunities. Snapper, sea trout, red sh, bass, and bluegill are plentiful. Saltwater shing includes Florida Bay, Ten Thousand Islands, and elsewhere in the park's coastal zone. Freshwater and saltwater shing require separate Florida shing licenses.
Fishing from the shore is very limited. However, park waters provide thousands of acres of shallow water ats, channels, and mangrove keys in which to sh. 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, star sh, conch, tropical sh, coral, sponges, and driftwood (except for fuel). One quart of non-occupied sea shells may be collected per person.
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 F. Coe (Main) Visitor Center lakes, Royal Palm Visitor Center area and trails, Chekika Lake, along the first 3 miles of the Main Park Road, including Taylor Slough, or along the Shark Valley Tram Road.
Mercury Warning!
High levels of mercury have been found in Everglades bass and in some fish species in northern Florida Bay. 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. The following salt water species caught in northern Florida Bay should not be consumed more than once ber week by adults or once per month by women of child-bearing age and children: spotted seatrout, gafftopsail, catfish, bluefish, crevalle jack, or ladyfish.
Saltwater License
A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish in saltwater or to possess saltwater species.
Bait
Bait, except for mullet and shrimp, 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, Mrazek or Coot Bay Ponds at any time. No fishing is allowed 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, for personal use only, not for sale.
