7 Best Places to Go Fishing in Florida (2025 Guide for All Anglers)

Florida’s known as the Fishing Capital of the World for good reason. With over 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers, and 2,276 miles of coastline, the options for dropping a line are nearly endless. I’ve spent countless early mornings and long afternoons exploring these waters, and I’m ready to share some of the spots that have consistently delivered memorable experiences.

Fishing in Florida offers something for every angler – from peaceful freshwater lakes to heart-pounding saltwater battles. Whether you’re a complete beginner hoping to catch your first fish or a seasoned pro looking for your next trophy, these seven locations should be on your bucket list.

Fishing in Florida’s Top Destinations for Anglers

I’ve been fishing these waters for over a decade now, and I’m still discovering new hotspots. That said, some locations consistently rise to the top. These seven destinations represent a mix of accessibility, fish diversity, and pure excitement that make Florida such a remarkable fishing paradise.

Before we dive in, remember that Florida fishing regulations change frequently. Always check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for the most current license requirements and fishing regulations before heading out.

1. The Florida Keys

If you’re after a truly iconic Florida fishing experience, the Keys deliver in spades. This 125-mile stretch of islands connecting the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico creates one of the most diverse fisheries I’ve ever encountered.

The flats around Key West and Big Pine Key offer incredible sight fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Deeper waters hold everything from mahi-mahi to marlin. I remember my first trip here – I was completely unprepared for how clear the water was. You could see every fish, every movement. It was like fishing in an aquarium.

Spring and early summer bring the legendary tarpon migration, where thousands of silver kings move through the area. I hooked into a 120-pounder near Bahia Honda Bridge a few years back. That fish took me on a 45-minute sleigh ride that left my arms shaking for days. Worth every second.

Best times to fish here are April through June for tarpon and July through September for bonefish and permit. Charter operations are abundant, but they book up fast during peak season. Try Florida Keys Outfitters if you want an exceptional guided experience.

Possible image placement: Aerial view of the Florida Keys showing the contrast between the Atlantic and Gulf sides

2. Lake Okeechobee

They don’t call it the “Big O” for nothing. Lake Okeechobee is Florida’s largest freshwater lake and one of the most productive bass fisheries in the country. Covering about 730 square miles, this massive lake offers endless fishing opportunities.

I fish Okeechobee at least three times a year, usually launching from Clewiston or Roland Martin Marina. The vegetation here is thick – massive fields of hydrilla, eelgrass, and lily pads create perfect ambush points for largemouth bass. During spawning season (January through March), you can legitimately target trophy bass in the 8-10 pound range.

A local guide once told me, “Fish where the birds are working,” and that advice has never steered me wrong on Okeechobee. Wading birds like egrets and herons often point to areas where baitfish are concentrated. Those spots typically hold plenty of bass.

The lake’s vastness can be intimidating. My first trip here was a disaster – I spent more time lost than fishing. If you’re unfamiliar with the lake, consider hiring a guide or at least studying maps beforehand. The South Florida Water Management District provides useful information on access points and conditions.

Best baits here? In my experience, nothing beats a wild shiner for trophy bass, but artificial lures like flukes, swim jigs, and topwater frogs produce consistently too.

Possible image placement: Photo of a large bass caught among lily pads

3. Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay might be my favorite overall fishing destination in Florida. This massive estuary system offers incredible variety and accessibility. You can target everything from snook and redfish in the backwaters to kingfish and cobia in the deeper areas.

The bay’s bridges, especially the Sunshine Skyway, create artificial structures that concentrate fish. I’ve spent countless nights working these bridge lights for snook. There’s something magical about watching these silver predators materialize from the darkness to smash your lure.

Last spring, I fished the flats near Fort De Soto with my son Tommy. The tide was low, exposing grass flats dotted with potholes. We could see redfish tailing – their copper backs gleaming in the morning sun as they rooted through the grass for crabs. Tommy made a perfect cast with a small jig, and the water erupted as a 26-inch redfish took off with his lure. The smile on his face was worth more than any fish I’ve ever caught myself.

Spring and fall offer the most consistent action in Tampa Bay, though you can catch fish year-round. When cold fronts push through in winter, the power plant outflows attract huge numbers of fish seeking warmer water.

For bait and local knowledge, I always stop by Gandy Bait & Tackle – they’ll steer you right on what’s biting and where.

Possible image placement: Sunrise over Tampa Bay with fishing boats heading out

4. Mosquito Lagoon

They call it the “Redfish Capital of the World,” and for good reason. Located on Florida’s east coast near Titusville, Mosquito Lagoon offers some of the best sight fishing for redfish you’ll find anywhere.

The lagoon’s shallow, clear waters make it perfect for spotting fish. On calm days, you can see redfish tailing from surprising distances. I’ve spent hours poling through these waters, scanning for the telltale wakes and tails of feeding redfish. It’s like hunting – requiring patience, stealth, and quick, accurate casts when opportunities present themselves.

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a redfish track down your lure and inhale it. My favorite approach is using small, weedless soft plastics on light tackle. The strikes aren’t always violent – sometimes just a subtle “tick” as they pick up your lure.

But Mosquito Lagoon isn’t just about redfish. The area holds impressive numbers of spotted seatrout, and during cooler months, you might encounter schools of black drum that can exceed 30 pounds.

Access can be tricky without a shallow-draft boat. Even with proper equipment, navigation is challenging due to vast shallow areas. I learned this lesson the hard way after getting stranded on a flat during an unexpectedly low tide. Had to wait four hours for enough water to float my skiff. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge manages much of the area and provides valuable information for visitors.

Possible image placement: Photo of a tailing redfish in shallow water

5. Destin – Panama City Beach

The Florida Panhandle offers fishing opportunities that sometimes get overlooked by anglers focused on South Florida. The Destin-Panama City Beach area features emerald-green waters and sugar-white beaches that are as productive as they are beautiful.

What makes this area special is how quickly you can reach deep water. Within minutes of leaving Destin Pass, you’re in hundreds of feet of water with access to pelagic species like mahi-mahi, wahoo, and various billfish. The area’s nickname “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” isn’t just marketing hype.

I remember fishing here during a family vacation a few summers ago. We booked a half-day charter, not expecting much. Within two hours, we’d already landed several king mackerel and a decent-sized mahi-mahi. As we were about to head in, we stumbled across a weedline holding tripletail – odd-looking fish that hover near floating structure. They put up an incredible fight on light tackle and taste amazing on the grill.

Closer to shore, the area offers excellent fishing for Spanish mackerel, redfish, and flounder. The jetties at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach consistently produce sheepshead and mangrove snapper.

One thing to know about this region – it gets incredibly busy during tourist season. If possible, plan your fishing trips for weekdays or during shoulder seasons. The Destin Fishing Fleet can help arrange charters if you don’t have your own boat.

Possible image placement: Fishing boats passing through Destin Pass with emerald waters visible

6. Everglades National Park

There’s nowhere else quite like the Everglades. This vast “River of Grass” offers fishing experiences that feel prehistoric. Meandering through mangrove tunnels and across vast flats, you can’t help but feel you’ve traveled back in time.

I’ve been making an annual winter pilgrimage to the Everglades for eight years now. The fishing is consistently excellent, but it’s the wildness of the place that keeps drawing me back. On my last trip, I watched an osprey plunge into the water and emerge with a mullet while a thirteen-foot alligator sunned itself nearby. These moments of connection with nature are as valuable as any fish I catch.

Flamingo, at the park’s southern tip, offers access to both Florida Bay and the backcountry. During winter’s lower water levels, the backcountry concentrates fish into deeper creeks and holes. Snook, redfish, juvenile tarpon, and largemouth bass can all be caught within minutes of each other – something few other fisheries can claim.

My approach here has evolved over the years. I used to bring way too much gear, only to find myself constantly switching between rods as I encountered different species. Now I keep it simple – a medium-weight spinning rod with 15-pound braided line handles most situations. A small box with a few proven lures (plastic jerkbaits, gold spoons, and topwater plugs) is usually all I need.

Getting around requires knowing the waters. Many areas look identical to the untrained eye, and GPS is essential. The National Park Service provides excellent resources for first-time visitors, including required permits and regulations.

Possible image placement: Photo of a mangrove-lined creek in the Everglades backcountry

7. Sebastian Inlet

Few spots in Florida concentrate fish like Sebastian Inlet. This narrow passage connecting the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic creates powerful currents that attract predatory fish in impressive numbers.

Located on Florida’s east coast between Melbourne and Vero Beach, Sebastian Inlet State Park provides excellent shore-based fishing opportunities – a rarity in many prime Florida fishing spots. The jetties extending into the inlet offer anglers shots at snook, redfish, bluefish, and during winter months, Spanish mackerel and flounder.

I’ve spent many nights fishing the outgoing tide at Sebastian. There’s something special about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other anglers as snook crush baitfish against the jetty rocks. The camaraderie that develops, even among strangers, reminds me why I love fishing.

Night fishing during the summer new moon phase can be particularly productive for snook. I’ll never forget hooking into what was certainly the largest snook of my life here about five years ago. That fish used the current to its advantage, making a blistering run toward the ocean before breaking me off on the rocks. Heartbreaking, but those “one that got away” stories keep us coming back.

The tricky part about Sebastian is timing. Fish activity is highly dependent on tide movements, and the currents can be dangerous during peak flow. Check the Sebastian Inlet District website for current conditions before planning your trip.

Possible image placement: View of the Sebastian Inlet jetties with anglers fishing

Tips for Fishing in Florida

When planning your Florida fishing adventure, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Timing matters: Dawn and dusk are nearly always the most productive times, but tide changes can be even more important in many areas
• Stay hydrated: Florida heat can be brutal, especially during summer months
• Sun protection: Invest in quality sun protection including long sleeves, hat, and high SPF sunscreen
• Bug spray: Especially important in areas like the Everglades
• Be weather-aware: Florida thunderstorms develop quickly and can be dangerous on the water
• License requirements: Florida requires fishing licenses for most situations. Buy yours online through the Florida FWC

Seasonal Fishing Calendar for Florida

Florida’s fishing seasons shift throughout the year. Here’s a quick reference for when to target specific species:

Season	Best Saltwater Species	Best Freshwater Species
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Sheepshead, Black Drum, Sailfish	Largemouth Bass, Speckled Perch (Crappie)
Spring (Mar-May)	Tarpon, Cobia, Kingfish	Largemouth Bass (spawning), Bluegill
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Snook, Mangrove Snapper, Mahi-Mahi	Catfish, Bluegill
Fall (Sep-Nov)	Redfish, Flounder, King Mackerel	Largemouth Bass, Crappie

Conservation Considerations

As much as I love fishing in Florida, I’ve seen concerning changes over the years. Increased fishing pressure, habitat degradation, and water quality issues threaten some of our most precious fisheries.

When fishing anywhere in Florida, please:

• Follow bag and size limits strictly
• Practice catch and release when appropriate (especially for breeding-sized fish)
• Use circle hooks when fishing with live bait to reduce deep hooking
• Properly dispose of fishing line and other tackle
• Support organizations like Coastal Conservation Association Florida that work to protect these resources

Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing in Florida

Do I need a fishing license in Florida?

Yes, most anglers need a Florida fishing license. However, there are exceptions including Florida residents over 65, children under 16, and fishing from licensed piers or charter boats. Check the complete requirements at the Florida FWC licensing page.

When is the best time of year to fish in Florida?

Florida offers excellent fishing year-round, but many anglers prefer spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and many species are actively feeding. That said, each season offers unique opportunities.

What’s the best bait to use when fishing in Florida?

Live shrimp is perhaps the most versatile bait in Florida waters, catching everything from snook to redfish to trout. For freshwater, wild shiners are excellent for largemouth bass. However, bait preferences vary dramatically by species and location.

Can I fish at night in Florida?

Yes, night fishing is allowed and often productive in most Florida waters. Some public areas like state parks may have closed hours, so check specific regulations for your location.

What’s the biggest fish I can catch from shore in Florida?

Surprisingly large fish can be caught from Florida shores. Sharks exceeding 6 feet, tarpon over 100 pounds, and large snook are all possible from beaches, bridges, and jetties with the right approach and equipment.

How do I find a good fishing guide in Florida?

Look for guides who are Coast Guard licensed, well-reviewed online, and belong to professional organizations like the Florida Guides Association. Personal recommendations are valuable, so ask at local tackle shops.

What should I do if I catch a tagged fish?

If you catch a fish with a tag, note the tag number, fish species, length, and location caught. Report this information to the Florida Fish Tag Return program before releasing the fish with the tag intact if possible.

Fishing in Florida offers some of the most diverse angling opportunities you’ll find anywhere. From the peaceful backwaters of the Everglades to the offshore grounds of the Panhandle, there’s something for every skill level and interest. I hope this guide helps you discover your own special connection to Florida’s incredible waters.

Remember, the value of a fishing trip isn’t measured just in numbers or size of fish caught. Some of my most memorable days on Florida waters involved modest catches but extraordinary experiences – manatees swimming under my kayak, dolphins herding baitfish against shorelines, or perfect sunrises over mirror-calm flats.

Take time to appreciate these moments. They’re what make fishing in Florida truly special.