Ladyfish Fishing in Florida
When ladyfish are caught across Florida, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Ladyfish 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 ladyfish in Florida
Ladyfish catches in Florida run hardest around Nov-Dec, with the strongest two-month windows in Nov-Dec and Mar-Apr. Anglers keep about 12% 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 ladyfish in Florida?+
Catches peak around Nov-Dec (November and December). The strongest two-month windows are Nov-Dec and Mar-Apr. 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 ladyfish in Florida?+
Across Florida, about 12% of the ladyfish caught are kept and 88% are released. That works out to roughly 1.5M kept and 11M released in 2024.
How many ladyfish are caught in Florida?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 12M ladyfish caught by recreational anglers in Florida in 2024, making it the #8 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this ladyfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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