Best Fishing Spots in Florida – Iconic Destinations for Anglers

best fishing spots in florida

Sunshine State offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Its vast coastline, saltwater wetlands, and inland waters offer a multitude of options to catch fish. Florida offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities, from largemouth bass in freshwater lakes to the redfish along the coast. This article will explore the best fishing spots of Florida where you can make some unforgettable catches and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Panhandle Beaches

Panhandle beaches in Florida are ideal for fishing. You can fish from the shore or on any of the piers. Pensacola Beach is a popular fishing destination in this area, as are Santa Rosa Beach and Panama City Beach. Apalachicola bay is also a popular fishing destination. You can expect to catch a wide variety of fishes including redfish, spotted trout, and shearshead.

2. Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is an internationally renowned fishing destination where you can catch trophy-sized fish. The bay is home to a variety of species, such as snooks, tarpons, and redfish. You can either fish from the shore, or hire a guide to take you into some of the best locations in the bay.

3. Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee, a vast freshwater lake in Florida, offers some of Florida’s best largemouth bass fishing. It is more than 730 sq. miles in size and hosts a variety of fishing tournaments all year. You can fish either from the shore, or you can use a boat to travel around the central and southern parts of the lake.

4. Pine Island Sound

Pine Island Sound is an estuary system with a large number of fish species. Fly fishermen can target tarpons, snooks and redfish in this shallow water body. Pine Island is a great place to try offshore fishing.

5. Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a group of islands located in the southernmost part the state. It is a destination that is world-renowned for fishing. You can catch big game species like marlin, tuna, and sailfish. Bonefish and permit can also be caught on the flats around the islands.

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6. Indian River Lagoon

Indian River Lagoon is an estuary system of more than 150 miles in length. The lagoon is home to a variety of fish species including snooks, tarpons, redfish and spotted sea trout. You can explore the different habitats in the lagoon by fishing from the shore, or using a boat.

7. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park has a vast wetland eco-system that is home to many fish species including snook and tarpon. You can enjoy a rewarding fishing experience in the park by exploring the various water bodies.

8. St. Johns River

The St. Johns River in Florida is the longest and has a diverse fish population. Explore the different stretches of river to catch bass, crappie, and catfish. There are also springs along the river, where you can catch tilapia or bluegill.

9. Destin Harbor

Destin Harbor is a bustling village that attracts anglers all over the United States. There are a number of fishing charters in Destin Harbor that offer trips offshore to catch large game fish such as marlin, mahi-mahi, and tuna. You can fish from the shore or rent a pontoon for an inshore tour.

10. Lake Kissimmee

Lake Kissimmee, a large freshwater lake in Central Florida, is located on the Gulf Coast. It is home to many fish species including largemouth bass and crappie. You can fish on the shoreline or explore the lake by boat.

11. Mosquito Lagoon

Mosquito Lagoon, a shallow body of water located on the Atlantic Coast of Central Florida, is a popular fishing destination. Fly fishermen will love this place, as you can catch tarpons, redfish and sea trout. You can also use a canoe or kayak to explore the different channels and creeks within the lagoon.

12. Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities with many different species of fish. You can fish for red snapper and grouper in the deep sea or for tarpon, sea trout, and amberjack near shore. The region is also known for its bottom-fishing, which involves catching triggerfish and porgy.

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13. Lake Harris

Lake Harris is an enormous freshwater lake located in Central Florida. This is a great place to go bass fishing. You can catch both largemouth and stripe bass. You can fish on the shore, or rent a boat to explore different parts of the lake.

14. Sebastian Inlet

Sebastian Inlet is popular with anglers who enjoy fishing for snooks, redfish and tarpons. The inlet connects Indian River Lagoon with the Atlantic Ocean. It hosts a variety of fish species all year round. You can rent a kayak or fish from the shore to explore different parts of the inlet.

15. Lake George

Lake George, the second largest freshwater lake in Florida, is home to a variety of fish species including largemouth bass and catfish. You can explore the different habitats in the lake by boat or fishing from the shore.

16. Amelia Island

Amelia Island offers excellent inshore fishing opportunities. You can catch redfish and flounder as well as speckled trout. The island is located on the Atlantic Coast of Northeast Florida and offers great fishing opportunities all year round.

17. Biscayne Bay

Biscayne Bay, a shallow body of water located adjacent to Miami, is home to a variety of fish species. You can explore the bay’s different habitats by kayaking or paddleboarding or fishing from the shore.

18. Lake Toho

Lake Toho, a large freshwater lake in Central Florida that offers some of Florida’s best bass fishing opportunities. You can fish for largemouth and stripe bass and other freshwater species from the shore, or you can use a boat to explore different parts of the Lake.

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19. Choctawhatchee bay

Choctawhatchee Bay, a vast estuary located in the Florida Panhandle offers excellent fishing. Redfish, trout and flounder can be caught all year round. Offshore trips can produce cobia and kings.

20. Suwannee River

The Suwannee River has a beautiful landscape and is home to many freshwater fish species. While exploring the different stretches, you can catch bass, catfish, and panfish. There are also springs along the river that are ideal for catching bluegill and tilapia.

21. Lake Seminole

Lake Seminole, a large freshwater lake in Florida’s Panhandle Region, is located in a vast area of freshwater. You can catch both largemouth and stripe bass all year round. You can fish either from the shore, or you can use a boat to explore different parts of the Lake.

22. Charlotte Harbor

Charlotte Harbor is an estuary system located on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. The harbor is home to a variety of fish species including snooks, redfish and trout. You can fish either from the shore, or you can use a boat.

23. Apalachee Bay

Apalachee bay is a shallow body of water located on the Gulf Coast, in the Florida Panhandle. It is known for its excellent inshore fisheries for redfish, flounder, and trout. You can either fish from the shore, or hire a guide to take you the best spots in the bay.

24. St. Lucie River

The St. Lucie River, located on the Atlantic Coast of Southeast Florida, is a scenic waterway. The river is home to a variety of fish species including snooks, tarpons, and redfish. You can fish either from the shore, or you can use a boat to explore different stretches of river.

25. Crystal River

Crystal River is one of the most popular destinations for inshore fishing. You can catch redfish and trout as well as sheepshead.

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