Scaled Sardine Fishing in Florida
When scaled sardine are caught across Florida, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Scaled Sardine 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 scaled sardine in Florida
Scaled Sardine catches in Florida run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 65% 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 scaled sardine in Florida?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Jul-Aug. 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 scaled sardine in Florida?+
Across Florida, about 65% of the scaled sardine caught are kept and 35% are released. That works out to roughly 9.0M kept and 4.8M released in 2024.
How many scaled sardine are caught in Florida?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 14M scaled sardine caught by recreational anglers in Florida in 2024, making it the #7 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this scaled sardine data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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