Gafftopsail Catfish Fishing in Florida
When gafftopsail catfish are caught across Florida, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Gafftopsail Catfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Florida by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching gafftopsail catfish in Florida
Gafftopsail Catfish catches in Florida run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 6% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Florida fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch gafftopsail catfish in Florida?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release gafftopsail catfish in Florida?+
Across Florida, about 6% of the gafftopsail catfish caught are kept and 94% are released. That works out to roughly 301K kept and 5.1M released in 2024.
How many gafftopsail catfish are caught in Florida?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 5.4M gafftopsail catfish caught by recreational anglers in Florida in 2024, making it the #19 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this gafftopsail catfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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