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Best Fishing Spots

Fishing
A fishing boat offering a private tour of in the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise ocean water in Florida, April 2021, Key West. Florida is a haven for anglers of all levels, offering a wide range of fishing environments and species. File photo: Artiom Photo, ShutterStock.com, licensed.

Florida is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World,” offering a variety of fishing experiences that range from freshwater lakes to deep-sea adventures. With its expansive coastline, countless lakes, and intricate networks of rivers and estuaries, Florida caters to every type of angler, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Below is a comprehensive guide to the best fishing destinations in Florida, covering both freshwater and saltwater options.

1. Florida Keys – The Ultimate Saltwater Fishing Destination

  • Location: Southernmost part of Florida
  • Best for: All types of saltwater fishing, including offshore, reef, and flats fishing
  • Target Species: Tarpon, bonefish, permit, sailfish, mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper
  • Best Time to Fish: Year-round, but spring and summer are best for tarpon and sailfish.

The Florida Keys are one of the premier fishing destinations not only in Florida but in the entire world. Whether you’re looking to fish inshore on the flats or venture offshore for pelagic species, the Keys have it all. The shallow waters around Islamorada, often called the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” are renowned for flats fishing, where you can target tarpon, bonefish, and permit. For those seeking bigger game, deep-sea fishing charters can take you out to the Gulf Stream for sailfish, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.

Fishing in the Keys is as much about the environment as it is about the catch. The crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty make this an angler’s paradise. The best months for tarpon fishing are March through June, while sailfish are most plentiful from November to March.

2. Lake Okeechobee – The Freshwater Giant

  • Location: Central South Florida, near Clewiston
  • Best for: Freshwater fishing, especially bass fishing
  • Target Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish
  • Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with the best bass action from January to April.

Lake Okeechobee, often referred to as “The Big O,” is Florida’s largest freshwater lake and one of the most famous bass fishing destinations in the country. Covering more than 730 square miles, it offers plenty of space for anglers to find their perfect fishing spot. The lake’s vast expanses of marshes, lily pads, and grassy flats make it an ideal habitat for largemouth bass, with trophy-sized bass frequently caught here.

In addition to bass, Lake Okeechobee is home to crappie and bluegill, providing a well-rounded fishing experience. The winter months are typically the best for crappie, while the early spring is prime time for bass fishing, when spawning occurs.

3. Destin – The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village

  • Location: Florida Panhandle
  • Best for: Deep-sea fishing and inshore fishing
  • Target Species: Red snapper, grouper, king mackerel, cobia, amberjack
  • Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with peak fishing from May to September.

Destin, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast in the Panhandle, has earned the nickname “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” thanks to its abundant marine life and easy access to deep-sea fishing. Destin boasts the closest deep-water access in the continental United States, meaning anglers can reach deep-sea fishing grounds quickly, often within a few miles offshore.

Popular species here include red snapper, king mackerel, grouper, and cobia, especially during the warmer months. For a more family-friendly experience, inshore charters around Choctawhatchee Bay offer opportunities to catch trout, redfish, and flounder. Destin also hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, adding to its appeal as a top fishing destination.

4. Everglades National Park – Untouched Wilderness Fishing

  • Location: South Florida
  • Best for: Backcountry fishing, fly fishing, and light tackle fishing
  • Target Species: Snook, redfish, tarpon, sea trout, snapper
  • Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with peak fishing in spring and fall.

The Everglades is one of Florida’s most unique fishing locations, offering a mix of freshwater and saltwater fishing in a pristine, natural setting. The vast mangrove forests, tidal rivers, and shallow flats create an ideal habitat for species like snook, redfish, and tarpon. The Everglades is also perfect for anglers who enjoy fly fishing or light tackle fishing, thanks to its shallow waters and abundant flats.

Fishing in the Everglades offers a true wilderness experience, far from the hustle and bustle of Florida’s cities. While fishing, you’re likely to encounter dolphins, alligators, and a variety of bird species, adding to the adventure. Kayak fishing is also popular in the Everglades, providing access to areas that boats can’t reach.

5. Tampa Bay – Versatile Inshore Fishing

  • Location: West Coast, Central Florida
  • Best for: Inshore fishing, family fishing trips
  • Target Species: Snook, redfish, tarpon, sea trout, sheepshead
  • Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with the best tarpon fishing in the summer.

Tampa Bay is a prime destination for inshore fishing, with its vast estuaries and shallow flats that are home to a variety of prized fish. The bay’s warm, shallow waters are perfect for targeting snook, redfish, and sea trout. During the summer months, Tampa Bay becomes a hotspot for tarpon fishing, with the “Silver King” migrating through the area in large numbers.

The bay is great for family-friendly fishing trips, offering easy access and calm waters. Numerous fishing charters operate in the area, catering to both novice and experienced anglers. With a mix of residential canals, natural mangroves, and sandy flats, Tampa Bay provides a diverse and productive fishing environment.

6. St. Augustine – Rich History, Rich Waters

  • Location: Northeast Florida
  • Best for: Inshore and offshore fishing
  • Target Species: Redfish, flounder, tarpon, snapper, grouper, kingfish
  • Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with the best offshore fishing in summer.

St. Augustine, known for being the oldest city in the U.S., also offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Inshore, the creeks, flats, and estuaries around St. Augustine are teeming with redfish, trout, and flounder. These waters are ideal for light tackle fishing, offering exciting battles with a variety of species.

Offshore, anglers can target kingfish, snapper, and grouper, especially during the summer when the Gulf Stream moves closer to shore. St. Augustine’s rich maritime history and beautiful historic district also make it a great destination for combining a fishing trip with some sightseeing.

7. Islamorada – Sport Fishing Capital of the World

  • Location: Florida Keys
  • Best for: Saltwater fishing, both inshore and offshore
  • Target Species: Tarpon, bonefish, permit, sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo
  • Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with the best tarpon fishing in spring and early summer.

Islamorada, located in the Florida Keys, is often referred to as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” due to its incredible variety of species and fishing opportunities. Inshore, the flats offer world-class fly fishing and light tackle fishing for tarpon, bonefish, and permit. Offshore, anglers can target larger game fish like sailfish, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.

Islamorada also hosts several major fishing tournaments, adding to its reputation as a top destination for serious anglers. Whether you’re casting for tarpon in the backcountry or chasing sailfish offshore, Islamorada delivers an unforgettable fishing experience.

8. Jacksonville – Northeast Florida’s Fishing Gem

  • Location: Northeast Florida
  • Best for: Inshore, offshore, and surf fishing
  • Target Species: Redfish, trout, flounder, tarpon, kingfish, snapper
  • Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with peak offshore fishing in summer.

Jacksonville offers some of the best inshore and offshore fishing in Florida, with its proximity to the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. The inshore waters are excellent for catching redfish, trout, and flounder, while the surf along Jacksonville’s beaches offers opportunities to catch pompano, whiting, and even the occasional shark.

Offshore, anglers can head out to the Gulf Stream to target species like snapper, grouper, and kingfish. Jacksonville also hosts the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, one of the largest fishing tournaments in the Southeast.

Fishing Regulations and Tips for Anglers in Florida

  • Licenses: All anglers over 16 years of age will need a valid Florida fishing license. Separate licenses are required for freshwater and saltwater fishing, though a combination license is available.
  • Seasons and Limits: Each species has its own season and bag limits, so be sure to check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website for the most current regulations.
  • Guided Charters: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, hiring a local guide or booking a charter is a great way to ensure a productive fishing trip.

Final Thoughts

Florida is a haven for anglers of all levels, offering a wide range of fishing environments and species. Whether you’re looking to reel in a trophy bass from Lake Okeechobee or battle a giant tarpon in the Florida Keys, the Sunshine State has something for every fisherman. With warm weather year-round and some of the best fishing spots in the world, Florida is a must-visit destination for any angler.