Fishing in Florida

The Fort Pickens ferry pier is closed to fishing and netting.

All fishing regulations for national seashore waters in Florida correspond with Florida fishing regulations. In the Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, and Santa Rosa Areas the national seashore boundary extends on the north to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and on the south one mile from the low tide line of the island. At Naval Live Oaks the national seashore boundary extends 100 yards from the low tide line.

Florida fishing licenses are sold at all county tax collectors' offices and at many bait and tackle shops. You may also get a license over the telephone by calling 1-888-347-4356 or online on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's website.

Within the seashore boundaries are thriving seagrass beds. Threats to these important resources include: degraded water quality, dredge and fill projects, physical impacts from boat groundings, and boat propellers and anchors. Please use caution when fishing and do not walk through seagrass beds. Please do not anchor your boat in these areas.

Commercial fishing, including shrimping and crabbing, is prohibited within seashore waters. Visit our Laws and Policies page below to download a copy of the Superintendent's Compendium for a full listing of regulations.

Fishing is prohibited in the following locations when lifeguards are on duty: the designated swim beaches located at Johnson Beach, Langdon Beach, Opal Beach, and Ship Island (formerly known as West ship & East Ship Islands).

 

Fort Pickens Fishing Pier

You do not need a license if you are fishing for recreational purposes from a pier that has a valid pier saltwater fishing license. The Fort Pickens Area Fishing Pier is a licensed pier. (There is a two pole limit on the pier)

 

Spear Fishing

There are specific rules and regulations for spear fishing within national seashore waters. In all areas of the seashore the use of bow and/or arrow or spear guns, or Hawaiian slings is prohibited.

All spear fishing activity is prohibited in the following areas:

• In the Fort Pickens Area, the shore and waters adjacent to the Pensacola Bay shoreline adjacent to the fishing pier from the first rock jetty west of the fishing pier to 200 feet east of the Ferry Pier designated by the east end of the concrete sea wall.
• Within the designated swim beaches at Opal Beach, Langdon Beach, and Johnson Beach.

For more information regarding spear fishing regulations, please consult the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's website.

 

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  Emerald Water, White-sand Beaches

  Visit Florida Areas

  This page provides information about Florida Areas of Gulf Islands.

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  Know Before You Go

  Park Rules & Regulations

  You are responsible to know the rules and regulations of the national seashore prior to your visit.

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  Gone Fishing

  Mississippi Fishing

  Fishing information rules, and regulations for the park's Mississippi Areas.