The Florida fishing industry is one of the largest in North America. The state’s diverse geography provides a wide variety of species and habitats for sport fishermen to explore, with some of the best fishing spots being found off its coastline. Whether you’re looking for fresh-water lakes or saltwater bays, there are plenty of options available to catch your favorite fish. Let our list guide you on your next trip to Florida!
Why Florida Has Become A Great Fishing Spot
Florida has long been a popular spot for fishing, and with good reason. The state is home to an abundance of fish species, making it a great place to reel in a big one. In addition, the climate in Florida is perfect for fishing year-round.
One of the best things about fishing in Florida is the variety of fish you can catch. While many people think of Florida as a place for saltwater fishing, the state also has plenty of great freshwater fishing opportunities. You can catch bass, catfish, crappie, and other types of fish in both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
If you’re looking for saltwater fishing opportunities, Florida has you covered. You can go deep-sea fishing for tuna, wahoo, and other large fish off the coasts of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and many other cities. Near the Everglades in South Florida, there is also some excellent alligator gar fishing to be had.
Another great thing about fishing in Florida is that you can do it all year round. Even in the winter, Florida’s climate is quite mild, with average daily high temperatures in the mid-60s (Fahrenheit). Fishing in Florida is best during spring and summer when fishing action tends to peak.
The best time of day to go fishing in Florida depends on what you’re targeting. If you’re fishing for bass, catfish, or other freshwater fish, morning is generally the best time to go. For saltwater fishing, the evening is a better time to go since fish tend to feed more at night.
If you’re looking for a great fishing destination, Florida should definitely be on your list. From freshwater to saltwater fishing, you can find it all in the sunshine state.
Top 10 Florida Fishing Spots
Fishing in Florida is world-class and there’s something for everyone. From the gorgeous coastal waters to deep ocean trenches, this state has it all! We’ve created a list of our favorite spots that will help you decide where next time you’re looking to take advantage on some fresh-caught seafood:
1. Lake Okeechobee
Situated on the north side of Palm Beach County is Lake Okeechobee. As the state’s largest lake, it is the most well known. It has plenty of shallow areas for shore fishing and can be explored by boat. One highly recommended fishing spot in Lake Okeechobee is Pahokee, where the water level sometimes drops to almost 10 feet deep. Another popular location is Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, a town situated on the lake’s southwest side.
2. The Inland Waterway – In South Florida
There are some great spots for fishing in canals and rivers just yards from shore. One of those is the main canal that runs through downtown Fort Lauderdale. It is brimming with all kinds of wildlife, including manatees and even dolphins. This is a great place for fishing, but you’ll need a kayak or canoe to get there. Another great spot is the Caloosahatchee River in southwest Florida (by Fort Myers and Cape Coral ). It’s also nice because it runs right by the Gulf of Mexico, where there is plenty of other fish.
3. The Atlantic Ocean
There are a number of popular spots along Florida’s East Coast, and one of them is Flagler Beach. This place has plenty of mangroves and other secluded areas that make for great fishing. Another fantastic spot is Canaveral National Seashore, which offers miles of beachfront where you can find redfish, flounder, and other saltwater fish.
4. The Gulf of Mexico
As one would expect, the Gulf of Mexico is a great place to fish. One spot that’s especially popular is Pensacola Beach. This area is known for its variety of fish, including red snapper, grouper, and even amberjack.
5. Florida Bay
No list of the best fishing spots in Florida would be complete without mentioning Florida Bay. This is a large body of water (in between the Keys ) that’s off the coast of Everglades National Park. It features lots of creeks and other smaller bodies of water, and it has a growing population of tarpon and bonefish.
6. Tarpon Springs, Florida
This small town (located on the Gulf Coast ) is famous for its sponge docks and its annual sponge-fishing tournament. However, it also has some fantastic fishing spots around it, such as the Anclote River. One great place to fish for bass is at Fred Howard Park.
7. Crystal River, Florida
This small town (near the Gulf of Mexico ) is known for its great scuba diving and snorkeling. However, it’s also a great place to fish for largemouth bass and catfish. One spot that’s especially popular is Kings Bay, which features a spring-fed river that’s brimming with largemouth bass.
8. Homosassa Springs
This small town (near the Gulf Coast ) is known for its manatees, scallops, and great fishing. The best place to fish in this area is Crystal River, which is just north of Homosassa Springs. This river is known for its fantastic largemouth bass fishing.
9. St. Petersburg, Florida
This city (on Tampa Bay ) is a great place to fish for a variety of saltwater fish, including redfish, flounder, and trout. One popular spot is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, where anglers love to fish off both sides of the bridge.
10. Charlotte Harbor, Florida
This is another great spot on the Gulf Coast, and it features plenty of fishing for redfish, trout, black drum, and tarpon. Other popular spots in this general area include Punta Gorda (near Fort Myers ), Sarasota, and Fort Myers Beach.
Do I Need a License for My Florida Fishing Trip?
Fishing is a popular sport in Florida. If you’ve never gone fishing before, then it can be confusing to know what licenses are required for different types of fish and where they need this license or not. The simple answer: All the fish that live off the land (in saltwater) require special paperwork when caught so make sure your guide knows which one he needs!
Conclusion
With the Florida fishing spots on this list, you’re sure to find some of the best places in the state for your next great adventure. We hope that these 10 locations will help get you started with planning an unforgettable day or weekend of fishing. Don’t forget to share your story when it’s over!
