Keith Lusher 12.26.25
As 2025 comes to a close, Florida anglers are looking back on a year that felt almost old-school by Sunshine State standards. Fewer major hurricanes meant more consistent fishing conditions, more days on the water, and ultimately more opportunities for anglers to chase memorable catches.
The result was a standout year for the Florida Saltwater State Records program, which approved 18 new records across adult and youth divisions.The 2025 season underscored just how diverse Florida’s saltwater fishing has become. Records were set across multiple regions, species and techniques, from shallow inshore waters to deep offshore grounds.
The breadth of those catches reflects not a single standout moment, but a year in which anglers of all ages were able to capitalize on Florida’s wide range of fisheries and fishing opportunities.
That consistency also translated into strong participation in the state’s angler recognition programs, especially among young anglers. Youth competitors once again accounted for the majority of records in 2025, a trend that reflects both growing interest and increased access to the water during a relatively storm-free season.
Rather than one or two headline catches, the year was defined by variety. Records were set across a wide range of species, fishing styles and regions, underscoring Florida’s reputation as the Fishing Capital of the World.
Approved Florida saltwater state records in 2025 included:
• Yellow jack, All-Tackle – 27.6 pounds
• Red drum, Adult Length – 38.75 inches
• Snook, Adult Length – 36 inches
• Snook, Adult Length (updated) – 40 inches
• Red porgy, All-Tackle – 6.74 pounds
• Atlantic bonito, All-Tackle – 9.56 pounds
• Permit, Youth Length – record length approved
• Vermilion snapper, Youth All-Tackle – record weight approved
• Crevalle jack, Youth All-Tackle – record weight approved
• Blackfin tuna, Youth All-Tackle – record weight approved
• Mutton snapper, Youth All-Tackle – record weight approved
• Mutton snapper, Youth All-Tackle (updated) – 15.7 pounds
• Spotted seatrout, Youth All-Tackle – 3.49 pounds
• Spotted seatrout, Youth All-Tackle (updated) – 3.7 pounds
• Sheepshead, Youth All-Tackle – 3.98 pounds
• Black sea bass, Youth All-Tackle – 5.4 pounds
• Tripletail, Youth All-Tackle – 18.4 pounds
• Spanish mackerel, Youth All-Tackle – 3.31 pounds
“It has been so exciting to see anglers of all ages taking advantage of these opportunities in the Fishing Capital of the World,” said Jessica McCawley, director of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “The participation we have seen from both adults and youth really emphasizes the passion Florida has for fishing.”
Even after a productive year, officials say there is still room for anglers to make their mark. Several categories remain open, including two Adult Length records and multiple Youth All-Tackle slots. With another calm season, Florida anglers may be poised to keep the momentum rolling into the new year.
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