Fishing enthusiasts from across the country come to the Sunshine State to enjoy its unparalleled fishing opportunities. After all, Florida wasn’t named the Fishing Capital of the World for nothing.
Whether you’re into saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, or exploring the mangroves, Florida offers a prime fishing destination with several different spots to satisfy anglers of all skill levels and preferences.
So, which top fishing spots in Florida should be on your must-visit list?
Pack your fishing gear, hop on your boat, and begin your adventure!
1. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys is a stunning, top saltwater fishing spot in Florida with crystal clear blue waters spanning over a 100-mile stretch of small islands. This spot gives you access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico with multiple fisheries that you can explore.
This fishing spot is located next to the Florida Reef — the only living coral barrier reef in the country — and boasts of diverse wildlife with species like redfish, sea trout, snappers, groupers, mackerel, mahi mahi, tuna and billfish being popular.
Florida Keys is quite large and there are multiple saltwater fishing spots you can explore.
Key West
Key West is the most populous city in the Florida Keys and you can find all kinds of saltwater species here, from marlin to Spanish mackerel. In other words, it’s the definition of a good time.
Islamorada
Located in the middle of the Florida Keys, Islamorada is a sportfishing town where you can try different spots. There is everything from flats to reef fishing.
Key Largo
Key Largo is the biggest Key and you can try both shallow and deep sea fishing spots here.
Marathon
If you’re into deep sea fishing, Marathon boasts of very deep waters and is great for catching species like tuna.
Cudjoe Key
Cudjoe Key doesn’t get as crowded as other Keys, so it’s a relaxing spot that’s great for families or if your fishing group wants more privacy.
Big Pine Key
Small fishing town with lots of bonefish and mahi mahi. Simply awesome.
Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas is a remote spot for fishing enthusiasts who want to experience something different.
Whether you decide to stay in one Key or stick around for a few days to try out different spots during your fishing trip, the Florida Keys have something for everyone.
2. Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is a fantastic inshore fishing spot with over 200 species of fish, such as tarpon, redfish, and sea trout.
There’s plenty of fish to catch inshore, but you can also venture out into the deep waters, adventuring in the Florida Middle Grounds or even exploring the Gulf of Mexico.
Here are some great Tampa Bay fishing spots.
St. Petersburg
you have an option of fishing on the eastside for redfish, sea trout, and sharks or go west to the Gulf of Mexico.
Tampa
you can find both freshwater and saltwater spots here — just grab your cooler top with a non-slip surface for when you need a break.
Hillsborough Bay
an awesome saltwater fishing spot with an abundance of bluefish, mackerel, and more.
Clearwater
a great spot if you want to have a choice of either staying inshore or going offshore to the Gulf.
3. Palm Beach to Miami
Being one of the most populated fisheries in Florida, Palm Beach to Miami barely needs an introduction. With gorgeous nature reserves and numerous sandy beaches, you can catch all different types of fish right offshore like Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Black fin Tuna, Wahoo and Kingfish. Travel inshore and you'll catch big snook and other species like snapper and jacks.
4. Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee — the largest lake in Florida — is a fishing spot you don’t want to miss.
It’s a prime freshwater spot with a largemouth bass fishery that extends up to 730 square miles and averages 17 feet deep. Not bad, right?
Navigating Lake Okeechobee by boat will give you the best experience. There are a few spots you can start from, such as Clewiston and Fish Eating Creek.
Here are some top fish species you can expect to catch at Lake Okeechobee.
Largemouth Bass
exceptional bass fishing is one of the reasons why Lake Okeechobee consistently ranks as one of the best fishing spots in Florida. This carnivorous freshwater fish has a large lower jaw and loves live bait.
Crappie
also known as the black crappie or speckled perch, this fish loves shoreline waters and is relatively small, but still fun to catch. Crappie is a great fish to try to catch with your kids.
Bluegill
you can find bluegills in abundance in Lake Okeechobee. Use crickets or worms as bait for the best catch!
When you’re out on the water, making sure that your boat flooring is up to the task is a top priority. Here are the 5 most important things that your boat flooring needs for more style and functionality.
5. Destin/Panama City
The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village — otherwise known as Destin — has the perfect balance between inshore and offshore fishing and is a great spot for both beginners and fishing pros.
You can find an abundance of species here, with mangrove snapper, amberjack, tuna, marlin, and mahi mahi being the most popular.
If you’re into exploring your competitive side, Destin holds fishing competitions, such as the Destin Fishing Rodeo and Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, where you can win big cash — or at the very least have a ton of fun.
One of the top fishing spots in Florida, Panama City is great for families and there is always something good in season.
You can stay inshore in the flat waters and go after the mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, and redfish or venture offshore for a deep sea fishing experience. Before you start cruising, make sure that your boat decking is up to the challenge.
Top Fishing Spots in Florida: Your Boat Essentials
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Yeti Cooler Top
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DEKit Ruler
Easily measure your catch with this 6mm thick ruler. 36 inches, pressure sensitive adhesive, long-lasting material. Get yours.
Foam Boat Flooring
Protect your deck with a custom non-skid flooring overlay for better aesthetics and comfort. UV-resistant, oil-resistant, anti-slip, exclusively cross-linked PE/EVA. Designed to withstand spills, dirt, fish blood, and pretty much anything under the sun. Contact your dealer now.
