Tomtate Fishing in Florida
When tomtate are caught across Florida, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Tomtate 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 tomtate in Florida
Tomtate catches in Florida run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 15% 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 tomtate in Florida?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. 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 tomtate in Florida?+
Across Florida, about 15% of the tomtate caught are kept and 85% are released. That works out to roughly 794K kept and 4.6M released in 2024.
How many tomtate are caught in Florida?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 5.4M tomtate caught by recreational anglers in Florida in 2024, making it the #18 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this tomtate data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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