When is snook season in the Florida Keys?
The Keys sit in FWC’s Southwest snook region, which is closed from December 1 to the end of February and from May 1 to September 30. That leaves March and April, and October and November, open: one snook per person, 28 to 33 inches total length. Charter captain and crew keep none.
What snook are
FWC describes snook as an inshore fish of mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, beaches and structure, up to 48 inches and 50 pounds, that faces into moving water and waits for prey to drift by. They cannot tolerate water below 60°F, which is why cold snaps matter. The Florida Museum says they live to about twenty years. FWC calls them excellent table fare; no commercial harvest or sale is allowed.
Who fishes for snook out of Key West
Only two of the twenty operators on the operator list name snook on their own pages. Key West Fishing Deals lists snook among the backcountry species of the mangrove channels and flats north of Key West, fished from light-tackle skiffs; Charter Boat Linda D says snook hide in mangroves and roots and need stealth. The Keys tourism council puts snook in Key Largo’s Florida Bay backcountry: see Key Largo fishing.
Can you keep snook?
On a for-hire trip, FWC says captain and crew may not keep a bag limit of snook. Careful handling matters: FWC’s research notes it dramatically reduces post-release deaths.
Every limit for every common Keys fish is on what fish you can keep.
| Rule | FWC, Keys state waters |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 28–33 in TL slot |
| Bag limit | 1 per person |
| Season | Closed Dec 1 to end of Feb and May 1 to Sep 30 |
| Source | FWC: Snook |
Which trip to book for snook
A backcountry trip in an open month, with a guide who names snook. Private half days ran $650–$1,199 per boat in the October 2026 scan. See flats and backcountry fishing.
Read for this page on 6 October 2026: FWC: snook profile ; FWC: snook rules ; FWC research: snook ; Florida Museum: common snook .
Check it at the source
- FWC — Recreational saltwater fishing regulations Current state size limits, bag limits and seasons, species by species. Link checked 6 September 2026
Snook: questions
When can you keep snook in the Florida Keys?
In FWC’s Southwest region, which runs through the Keys, snook is closed December 1 to the end of February and May 1 to September 30. It is open in March and April and from October 1 to November 30: one per person, 28 to 33 inches total length.
Are there snook in Key West?
Yes, in the backcountry mangroves, though few Key West operators feature them: Key West Fishing Deals and Charter Boat Linda D are the two that name snook on their own pages. Florida Bay, behind the Upper Keys, is better known for them.
Can a charter captain keep snook?
No. FWC says that on a for-hire trip the captain and crew may not keep a bag limit of snook; customers may, in season and within the slot.
Next step
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