What's Biting FL
Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor

Bluefish in Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor

Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix · Photo: Duane Raver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain

Wintertime surf and inlet blitzes on the Atlantic coast. Metal spoons and plugs with a wire leader.

Next seven days

DayBiteWhy
Wed, Nov 119New Moon feeding boost. Light wind. Strong tide swing 2.3 ft
Thu, Nov 128Light wind. Strong tide swing 2.3 ft
Fri, Nov 138Strong tide swing 2.1 ft
Sat, Nov 147
Sun, Nov 157
Mon, Nov 167
Tue, Nov 177

Seasonal pattern

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Editorial baseline for Florida. Green months are prime, yellow fair, red slow. Preferred water temperature 55–75°F.

Regulations that apply here

Applies to: Atlantic state waters, Atlantic federal waters, Gulf state and federal waters

Species / zoneSeasonSizeBagNotes
Bluefish
Gulf state and federal waters
boundaryincludes Monroe County
open now
Open year-round
12" fork length10 per harvester (includes Monroe County)hook and line, spears, gigs, seine, cast net

Source: FWC, extracted 2026-10-29.

See all Bluefish rules statewide.