ULTIMATE FLORIDA FISHING EXPERIENCE

Top Florida fishing spots: An Angler’s Guide

​Fla has the world’s best fishery with an abundance of species. Whether, it is a flat, mangrove, reef, wreck, deep water trench, or river, there is something for everyone in the Sunshine State all year round. We have chosen some of Fl’s favorite fishing sites for you to explore next. Truth be told, this doesn’t really cover the entire Florida fishing area. It would be impossible for Fla to cover all of its best fishing destinations in a single article. No matter where you go there will be no mistake there.

Fl fishing has the world’s #1 reputation among anglers from around the world. Anglers know it as “The Fishing Capital of the World,” which is nothing less than an angler’s paradise for Florida bass fishing which is known as freshwater fishing and the popular saltwater fishing. Fl quite simply has the fisheries with the most trophy bass fishing opportunities. Below are a few of our favorites voted by valid customers.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FLORIDA FLORIDA

Fishing in Florida

Do you love saltwater fishing and freshwater? Whether you prefer to fish from a boat or the shoreline, like saltwater fishing, Florida freshwater fishing has so many options for you, largemouth, Snakehead, Clownfish, Peacock bass, and more.

Florida serves as the fishing capital of bass when it comes to choosing the ultimate freshwater destination. Why so? Because its geography offers access to over a thousand lakes, canals, and rivers. Add all these together; they afford the chance to fish for everything from Clown Knife fish to Asian Snakehead – all on the same day if desired. Here’s a rundown of these popular angling opportunities and successful techniques for what you might encounter. When it comes to landing a trophy bass, wild-caught live shiners are the way to go.

If you are looking to trophy catch bass on artificial lures, the getaway ideas are endless, written up by many travel writers who have written about trophy catch, and lunker club activities in destinations all around Florida. The fishing experience is yours, bass anglers will have the ability to choose from Baitcasting, spinning, and fly fishing on each freshwater lake. Use techniques to catch world records, that you can’t read about on Facebook. The secrets to Pitching, Flipping or chugging along a topwater lure to get the explosions. The diversity of trying your luck in North, Central Florida, or South on a lake with water lettuce, eelgrass, pepper grass, or lily pads!

What can you fish in Florida?

Where do we start? Over a million people visit Florida the Fishing Capital of the World to fish each year, and every angler is drawn by something different reports the FWC wildlife conservation commission. Big trophy Florida bass in unique places or a lake with colorful hard fighting peacock bass which is mainly caught and release. Maybe, you like the exotics? The Ariel Clown Knife fish known for its jumps, Florida’s got something for you. It’s no wonder over 900 IGFA records currently stand by Florida residents — that’s around 7% of all records globally.

So it’s all hardcore sportfishing and competitive tournaments? Not at all! Family and friends’ fishing trips are the backbone of most Floridian charter companies, and captains love helping little ones land their first fish. Whatever you’re after, you’ll find experienced guides willing and able to give you that trip of a lifetime.

Opportunities to Fish in Florida

You can wet your lines pretty much anywhere in Florida, and you can head home with a trunkful of fish. If you’re looking to take things to the next level, a few places have earned legendary status for being good even by Florida standards. There’s a lot of ground (or water) to cover, so forgive us if we forgot your favorite body of water.

What part of Florida has the best fishing?

Central Florida
A hub for visiting Florida, Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Kissimmee are the attraction. And the area has some 5000 fisheries, with Lake Toho on top of the trophy bass list, followed closely by Lake Kissimmee. Truly a big bass lake on every corner. Another trophy catch lake is Lake Istokpoga just South of Sebring Fl, not as popular presently, but lake Istokpoga is still producing trophy bass. Visit Florida also considers the Big O “Lake Okeechobee” as a Central Florida lake.

South Fla

South Florida is really known for a couple of things, South Beach, Key West and all the exotic fish like peacock bass in the urban areas and the number one rated everglades water conservation areas with incredible catch ratio. The Big O is so large it touches Central and South Fl.

North Florida

Why the density of the lake is not as great, the quality is off the charts. Many think it is the lower water temperature, the lake, or the Facebook photo that makes it look 10lbs, but the Visit Florida trophy catch program information proves the area lake like Rodman Reservoir, Lake Rousseau, Orange Lake, and St Johns River are outstanding and maybe it’s just the water!

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FL FISHING?

Fla charters have had a long time to perfect their service, equipment, and gear. Usually provides all the essential things for a charter. On saltwater charters, you don’t need to buy fishing licenses. However, you will need to purchase one for freshwater as it has different fishing license requirements in Florida. All tackle and bait are normally provided, but you may need to bring your fly fishing gear and get great fishing tips. The most important things for you to pack are sunscreen, a hat, shades, and several clothing layers, just in case.

Many species have strictly closed seasons, which can change year on year. Fishing with a guide on a charter is the easiest way to stay within the rules while also catching a fish boatload. The seasons also vary depending on whether you’re in the Gulf or the Atlantic and fishing in state or federal waters.

There’s so much going on in Florida Saltwater fishing; it’s impossible to cover it all. We’ve done our best to highlight some of our favorite parts of Florida’s fishing scene, and you can find a month-by-month breakdown below. The truth is that the entire state has incredible angling, and each town can offer something unique. Discovering every aspect of Florida sport fishing would take a lifetime, but it would be a life well spent. There’s no time like the present, so come on down to the Sunshine State and start your fishing adventure!

Top Fish Species in Florida

Are there bass in Florida?

Bass are freshwater fish that are native to Florida and can not be caught while Saltwater fishing. Found throughout the state in lakes and rivers, it is often found near vegetation and underwater structures, although schooling bass are found in a lake near water.

Where is the best bass fishing in Florida?

1. Lake Okeechobee

That three of the biggest bass tours fish Okeechobee says volumes about how well it is fishing. You can also find accommodations for fishing packages and fishing captains based on which part of the lake you visiting!

2. Rodman Reservoir

Recently, an angler reeled in a 17.2-pound bass from this freshwater fishing reservoir, nearly tying the state record. Located southwest of Palatka and is a navigation hazard. It has enhanced critical habitats, and water levels that concentrate bass. The biggest fish are commonly caught with local fishing guides. One that has a reputation for trophy-size bass is rodmanreservoirfishing.com.

3. Headwaters Lake

The Fellsmere Reservoir is in Central Florida, and is the home of the newest fishery in Florida which was stocked with 1 million fish.  Many believe this has become the greatest fishing in the state. It consistently produces 6 to 10lb bass.

4. Harris Chain of Lakes

The Harris Chain of Lakes, in Central Florida, is the home lake for “The Villages” and a great fishing spot that links to Lake Apopka.  This chain amounts to some of the greatest fishing in the state. It consistently produces 8 to 12lb bass.

5. Florida Everglades

More than 1,100 acres of Everglades marsh and 200 miles of canals offer urban anglers launching out of Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami to explore. April estimated a whopping 4.1 bass per hour average and is one of the prime months. It is a favorite area for many because of the alligators and abundant wildlife you see why catching bass.

Frequent Asked Question of Fishing in Florida

What is the best time to fish for bass in Florida?

Late winter-early spring is the best time of year to catch Florida bass. This is when fish move shallow to start spawning. Spawning may occur as early as December in parts of Miami Beach Florida and as late May for locations in the panhandle of Florida. Without a doubt, March and April are peak months for all freshwater species in Florida.

How do you fish for bass in Florida?

Start by getting Florida fishing licenses for everyone, it’s required on land or by boat. Bass in Florida always feeds early morning, especially when the water is coolest and almost exclusively in the summertime. The two most common techniques to catch bass are artificial lures or live-bait, both effectively work around underwater vegetation or moving water.

Common artificial lures are, that topwater baits like poppers, swimbaits, and buzz-baits can be particularly successful. In breezy conditions, cast and quickly retrieve lures such as spinnerbaits, chatter baits, and lipless crankbaits which are all popular on lakes like Okeechobee, and Lake Kissimmee, and the entire chain of waterways.

How much does a fishing trip to Florida cost?

Deepwater charter boats in FL can range between $150 to $225 an hour, not per person, and typically require four to six hours on all trips.

What part of Florida has the best fishing?

Destin is considered to be the luckiest fishing community on the globe. The best fishing town in Florida. It is also a great spot for fishing. Between Choctawhatchee Bay and Gulf, Destin offers the perfect mix of inshore and offshore fishing.

Can you catch bass mid day?

Largemouth bass must feed every 3 days, and there is no set time when to do so. Why morning and evening are the easiest for them to catch prey. The good news is that bass can still be caught well during the middle of the day. The keep is they are less active, so the angler needs to slow down and get in deeper and cooler water.

Where is the best bass fishing in Florida?