At Florida Bowfishing Adventures, we’re all about fun—but also about staying within the law and respecting our waters. Whether you’re a seasoned bowfisher or new to the sport, this guide will help you understand what’s legal to shoot, where you can go, and how to fish responsibly.
Legal Saltwater Species for Bowfishing in Florida
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), bowfishing is considered a form of spearing—which includes bows, gigs, and spearguns used to harvest fish by piercing. Many species are legal to take by bow, but some are off-limits.
Permitted Saltwater Species:
- Flounder: 14″ minimum, 5 per harvester/day
- Sheepshead: 12″ minimum, 8 per harvester/day
- Black Drum: Slot limit 14–24″, one over 24″ allowed; 5 per harvester/day
- Cobia: 33″ fork length minimum, 1 per harvester/day
- Mullet: No minimum size; bag limit varies by region/season
- Gag Grouper: 24″ minimum, 2 per harvester/day (within 4-grouper aggregate)
- Snapper (e.g., Mangrove): 10″ minimum, 5 per harvester/day
- Southern Stingray & Cownose Ray: Unregulated species; default bag limit applies
- Other Unregulated Species: Spadefish, hardhead catfish, ladyfish, jack crevalle
- Default bag limit: 2 fish or 100 lbs per person/day (whichever is more)
Prohibited Species
You may not harvest the following species using bowfishing or any spearing method:
- Billfish (all species)
- Spotted Eagle Ray
- Sturgeon
- Manta Ray
- Sharks
- Bonefish
- Tarpon
- Goliath Grouper
- Snook
- Nassau Grouper
- Spotted Seatrout
- Red Drum
- Weakfish
- Tripletail
- Lobster
- Ornamental reef fish families (e.g., angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish)
Legal Freshwater Species for Bowfishing in Florida
Bowfishing in freshwater is allowed—but only for non-game fish species.
Legal Freshwater Species Include:
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead)
- Gar (longnose, spotted)
- Bowfin
- Tilapia (e.g., blue tilapia)
- Suckers (e.g., redhorse)
Prohibited: Largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and grass carp. These species may only be taken by rod and reel.
Always confirm current regulations at myfwc.com, as rules may change by region or season.
Ethical Considerations for Responsible Bowfishing
Being legal is only half the equation. Ethical bowfishing keeps the sport sustainable and respectful.
Proper Fish Carcass Disposal:
- Never dump fish at boat ramps or public access points
- Use fish cleaning stations or approved trash receptacles
- Compost or use carcasses as fertilizer where allowed
Light Management:
- Avoid shining lights into homes or residential areas
- Install switches to turn off individual lights when needed
- Dim lights when passing other boats to avoid impairing vision
Fish Identification:
- Study FWC identification guides before trips
- Use waterproof charts or mobile apps on the water
- If you’re unsure—don’t shoot
Licensing Requirements
A valid Florida fishing license is required for bowfishing.
- Freshwater License: Required for freshwater bowfishing
- Saltwater License: Required for saltwater bowfishing
- Both: Needed if you plan to fish both types of water
If fishing on a charter like Florida Bowfishing Adventures, a group license is provided, so no personal license is needed.
Prohibited Areas and Restrictions
Freshwater Spearfishing:
- Spearfishing (spearguns) is illegal in freshwater
- Bowfishing is legal in freshwater for non-game species
Restricted Zones:
- Volusia County Inland Waters: Spearing allowed only for flounder and sheepshead with a barbed spear having three or fewer prongs
Spillways/Canals Off-Limits:
- Eureka and Rodman Dams on the Oklawaha River
- Jim Woodruff Dam on the Apalachicola River
- Canals in Dade County south of the C-4 and east of the L-31N and L-31W
Proximity Restrictions:
Bowfishing is not allowed within:
- 100 yards of any public swimming beach
- 100 yards of any commercial or public fishing pier
- 100 yards of any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed
- 100 feet of any part of a jetty that is above the surface of the sea, except for the last 500 yards of a jetty that extends more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline
Always check with FWC for posted signage or local ordinances, as regional restrictions may vary.
Harvest Limits and Commercial Rules
Unregulated Species:
- Default recreational limit: 2 fish or 100 lbs per person/day (whichever is more)
Commercial Harvest:
- Taking fish in excess of recreational limits is considered commercial fishing
- A Saltwater Products License and commercial vessel registration are required
- It is illegal to sell recreationally harvested fish
Equipment Regulations
Prohibited Gear:
- Powerheads
- Bangsticks
- Rebreathers
- Spearfishing Equipment (like spearguns) is not allowed in freshwater, even if not used
Tips for a Safe and Responsible Trip
- Stay Updated: Always check FWC’s latest rules
- Use Legal Gear: Maintain and inspect your equipment
- Educate Others: Share best practices with new bowfishers
- Report Violations: Help protect our waters by reporting illegal activities to FWC
Bowfishing in Florida is an exciting and rewarding sport, but it comes with responsibilities. When you follow the law and practice ethical harvesting, you’re helping to protect Florida’s waterways, maintain public trust, and preserve the sport for future generations.
Have questions or want to book a guided trip? Contact Florida Bowfishing Adventures and we’ll get you on the water—legally, ethically, and ready for action.