A wide array of saltwater fish species can be found in Estero Bay. Below are some of the most common species that call southwest Florida home and their corresponding regulation seasons and size limits. Regulations are subject to change – check the FWC’s website for the most up to date rules and regulations.

Redfish | Fish of SWFL | Bonita Boat Rentals

Red Drum

Sciaenops ocellatus

Closed Season: None
Size Limit: Slot 18" – 27" total length
Bag Limit: 1 fish per person per day

Snook

Centropomus undecimalis

Closed Season: Dec. 1 – Feb. 28; May 1 – Aug. 31
Size Limit: Slot 28" – 33" total length
Bag Limit: 1 fish per person per day

Black Drum

Pogonias cromis

Closed Season: None
Size Limit: Slot 14" – 24" (may possess one over 24" included in bag limit)
Bag Limit: 5 fish per person per day

Gray Snapper | Fish of SWFL | Bonita Boat Rentals

Gray (Mangrove) Snapper

Lutjanus griseus

Closed Season: None
Size Limit: Minimum 10" total length
Bag Limit: 5 fish per person within the 10 snapper aggregate bag limit

Cobia

Rachycentron canadum

Closed Season: None
Size Limit: Minimum 33" fork length
Bag Limit: 1 fish per person per day or 2 per vessel, whichever is less

Florida Pompano

Trachinotus carolinus

Closed Season: None
Size Limit: Minimum 11" fork length
Bag Limit: 6 fish per person per day

Spotted Seatrout

Cynoscion nebulosus

Closed Season: None
Size Limit: More than 15" and less than 20" total length (may possess one over 20" included in bag limit)
Bag Limit: 4 fish per person per day