American shad in Florida
Where to catch American shad, plus limits and records.
- 5.19 lbrecord
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
Fishing for American shad in Florida
American shad (Alosa sapidissima) is managed by FWC as a freshwater species. FWC’s Big Catch program recognizes American shad from 18 inches or 3 lbs. The Florida record American shad weighed 5.19 pounds (St. Johns River, 1990).
FWC hatcheries stocked 8,000 American shad in the fiscal years on file.
Know your American shad
Home water for American shad
“In Florida, it occurs only in the northeast, mostly in the St.”
“Johns River and Nassau River when it returns from the ocean to spawn, typically between late December and early April.”
How American shad feed and spawn
“Plankton feeders, but strike small bright spoons and flies.”
“They are anadromous, meaning they mature in salt water, but return to fresh water rivers to spawn.”
Seasons for American shad
“They are anadromous, meaning they mature in salt water, but return to fresh water rivers to spawn.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida American shad limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 50 a day | none | Open year round |
| Statewide | 10 a day | none | Open year round |
50 panfish including bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocker), warmouth and redbreast sunfish, individually or in total.
10 Alabama shad, American shad, hickory shad, and blueback herring (individually or in total), which may only be taken with hook and line gear.
FWC freshwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record American shad
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | 5.19 | St. Johns River | 1990 |
| Freshwater | 5.19 | St. Johns River | 1992 |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Where FWC stocks American shad
| Water | County | Fish | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karick Lake FMA | Okaloosa | 8,000 | 2021-22 |
FWC Completed Stockings reports, fiscal years 2021-22 to 2023-24.
Other Florida freshwater fish
Before you target American shad
What are the Florida rules for keeping American shad?
50 a day (Statewide), size: none.
What does the Florida record American shad weigh?
It went 5.19 pounds, set in 1990.
Which Florida waters hold American shad?
See the bays and reef counties listed for American shad above.
Are American shad stocked in Florida?
FWC stocked 8,000 in recent fiscal years.
What size American shad counts for a Big Catch certificate?
18 inches or 3 lbs.
What is the taxonomic name of American shad?
Alosa sapidissima.
Can I fish for American shad without a license?
Yes, a Florida freshwater license from age 16 unless exempt.
Can I keep American shad year round?
FWC lists no closure for American shad.
What sources cover American shad here?
FWC, which sets Florida fishing rules.