Fishing Opportunities in Florida
Providing exciting fishing opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, Florida is one of the hottest tropical destinations for adventurous fishers. From pier fishing to boat fishing to exploring Florida’s famous swamps and lagoons, this state provides fishers with some of the best fishing trips and experiences in the country. No wonder the Sunshine State has become a must-go!
We have compiled information from some of the top fishing guides in Florida to help you prepare for your next fishing trip.
Common Fish Species in Florida
The state’s diverse landscape is home to a variety of fish, both saltwater and freshwater species. This state has more than 7,700 lakes, 2,276 miles of shoreline, and 10,550 miles of rivers to choose from – that’s a lot of water for fish to live in!
Common species of fish that you can catch in Florida include:
- Snapper: Found in shallow shore waters.
- Red drum: Found in shallow salt and brackish waters, also known as redfish.
- Largemouth bass: Known as Florida’s official freshwater fish.
- Mackerel: Found in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Tarpon: A highly prized sportfish found in lagoons, rivers, estuaries, and in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Snook: Found in warm waters.
- Spotted sea trout: Found in shallow bays and estuaries.
- Sailfish: Known as Florida’s official saltwater fish, found in tropical and subtropical waters.
- Grouper: Found in cold, deep waters.
Other popular freshwater fish in Florida include bonefish, sheepshead, and permit. Other varieties of marine fish in Florida include barracuda, marlin, swordfish, tuna, wahoo, and various species of shark.
Best Fishing Spots in Florida
Florida is home to famous and abundant fishing spots in both freshwater and saltwater environments. From tropical marine fishing to exploring the depths of a ’gator-infested swamp, Florida provides exciting and diverse landscapes for fishers to explore.
Some of Florida’s top fishing spots for freshwater fish include:
- Disney World: Surprisingly, the famous theme park is home to two lakes full of enormous quantities of bass.
- Tamiami Canal and other South Florida canals: Home to large quantities of bass and other species.
- Lake Alfred, Lake Talquin, and Lake Istokpoga: More bass hotspots.
- Bienville Plantation: Home to large quantities of trophy bass, bluegill, and crappie.
Florida’s tropical climate and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it a hotspot for exciting, new varieties of marine fish. Saltwater fishing is popular among Florida’s piers, Gulf streams, bays, jetties, bridges, shorelines, rivers, bays, flats … if it’s got water, it’s got fish, and Floridian fishers love their tropical marine fish!
Some of Florida’s top fishing spots for saltwater fish include:
- The Everglades and Florida Keys: A prime destination for catching sea trout, redfish, snook, and tarpon.
- St. John’s River: Located in Jacksonville, this river provides ample opportunity to catch redfish.
- Banana River Lagoon: Perfect for catching sea trout and snook.
- Tampa Bay: A prime location for sea trout.
- Destin: This city offers Gulf of Mexico beaches and prime tropical fishing excursions.
Choose Florida for Your Next Fishing Trip
With diverse fishing opportunities in both salt and fresh waters, Florida is a prime destination for the avid fisher. Explore tropical fish species in the Gulf of Mexico, dodge gators in local swamps and lagoons, and enjoy adventurous, exciting, and unique fishing environments throughout the Sunshine State.
Florida is the perfect destination for your next fishing trip – make sure you get a chance to check it off your fishing bucket list!
CTA Title: Ready to Plan Your Florida Fishing Trip? Connect With a Top Fishing Guide Today!
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Sources:
https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/florida-fishing.html
http://myfwc.com/fishing/
https://www.floridagofishing.com/fishing.html
http://fishingbooker.com/blog/best-fishing-in-florida/
https://shopkarls.com/blog/best-florida-saltwater-fishing-destinations/