Last updated: February 28, 2022
Thing to Do
Fishing at Gulf Islands
NPS Photo/Doggrell
The Fort Pickens ferry pier is closed to fishing and netting.
All fishing regulations for national seashore waters in Florida correspond with Florida fishing regulations as determined by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Information on what's in season, as well as size and take limits, are provided by the Florida recreational fishing limits and Mississippi recreational fishing limits webpages. Some commonly caught species within the park include pompano, sheepshead, ladyfish, and red drum.
In the Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, and Santa Rosa Areas the national seashore boundary extends on the north to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and on the south one mile from the low tide line of the island. At Naval Live Oaks the national seashore boundary extends 100 yards from the low tide line.
Visitors wishing to fish within the park must possess a fishing license. Florida and Mississippi fishing licenses are sold at all county tax collectors' offices and at many bait and tackle shops. You may also purchase a license online on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's website, or the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.
If fishing off a boat, please be aware of the seagrass beds located within the seashore's boundaries. Seagrass forms important habitat and food supply for many species of fish and marine invertebrates, can can be severely impacted by physical impacts from boat groundings, propellors, and anchors. Please use caution when fishing and do not walk through seagrass beds, and do not anchor your boat in these areas.
Commercial fishing, including shrimping and crabbing, is prohibited within seashore waters. Visit our Laws and Policies page to download a copy of the Superintendent's Compendium for a full listing of regulations.
Fishing is prohibited in the following locations when lifeguards are on duty: the designated swim beaches located at Johnson Beach, Langdon Beach, Opal Beach, and Ship Island (formerly known as West ship & East Ship Islands).
All spearfishing activity is prohibited in the following areas:
National Park Service Fishing Regulations
Fishing Opportunities in the National Parks
All fishing regulations for national seashore waters in Florida correspond with Florida fishing regulations as determined by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Information on what's in season, as well as size and take limits, are provided by the Florida recreational fishing limits and Mississippi recreational fishing limits webpages. Some commonly caught species within the park include pompano, sheepshead, ladyfish, and red drum.
In the Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, and Santa Rosa Areas the national seashore boundary extends on the north to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and on the south one mile from the low tide line of the island. At Naval Live Oaks the national seashore boundary extends 100 yards from the low tide line.
Visitors wishing to fish within the park must possess a fishing license. Florida and Mississippi fishing licenses are sold at all county tax collectors' offices and at many bait and tackle shops. You may also purchase a license online on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's website, or the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.
If fishing off a boat, please be aware of the seagrass beds located within the seashore's boundaries. Seagrass forms important habitat and food supply for many species of fish and marine invertebrates, can can be severely impacted by physical impacts from boat groundings, propellors, and anchors. Please use caution when fishing and do not walk through seagrass beds, and do not anchor your boat in these areas.
Commercial fishing, including shrimping and crabbing, is prohibited within seashore waters. Visit our Laws and Policies page to download a copy of the Superintendent's Compendium for a full listing of regulations.
Fishing is prohibited in the following locations when lifeguards are on duty: the designated swim beaches located at Johnson Beach, Langdon Beach, Opal Beach, and Ship Island (formerly known as West ship & East Ship Islands).
Fort Pickens Fishing Pier
You do not need a license if you are fishing for recreational purposes from a pier that has a valid pier saltwater fishing license. The Fort Pickens Area Fishing Pier is a licensed pier. There is a two pole limit on the pier.Spearfishing
There are specific rules and regulations for spear fishing within national seashore waters. In all areas of the seashore the use of bow and/or arrow or spear guns, or Hawaiian slings is prohibited. Pompano, red drum, spotted seatrout, and families of ornamnetal reef fish are prohibited from harvest by spearfishing. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's for spearfishing page for the full list of prohibited species.All spearfishing activity is prohibited in the following areas:
- In the Fort Pickens Area: From the first rock jetty west of the fishing pier to the end of the concrete seawall 200 feet east of the Ferry Pier.
- Within the designated swim beaches at Opal Beach, Langdon Beach, and Johnson Beach.
Learn more...
What's in Season?National Park Service Fishing Regulations
Fishing Opportunities in the National Parks
Details
Duration
1-6 Hours
Activity
Fishing
Fishing is a great way to enjoy the waters of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Anglers may enjoy casting from shore, a pier, or off a boat.
Age(s)
Children under 16 years of age do not require a license.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Visitors may bring their pet aboard their fishing vessel as long as they are allowed to access the launch area. Dogs are not allowed on any of the beaches in Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see park Fees & Passes page.
Location
Florida and Mississippi
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Different fish are available for harvest during different seasons. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's saltwater fishing page for more information on what is currently in season.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
The Fort Pickens and Mississippi fishing pier is accessible via wooden ramp and pavement. All shore fishing locations on the beach will require a short walk on the beach from the parking lot.