Some of the best places to fish in Florida

Snook in ocean chasing lure

Florida is renowned for its excellent fishing spots, offering a wide variety of experiences for anglers of all levels. Here are some of the best places to fish in Florida:

1. Florida Keys
– **Species:** Bonefish, tarpon, permit, sailfish, marlin, snapper, grouper.
– **Highlights:** The Keys are famous for their clear waters and diverse marine life. Popular spots include Key West, Islamorada, and Marathon.

2. Lake Okeechobee
– **Species:** Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie.
– **Highlights:** One of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S., it’s a prime spot for freshwater fishing.

3. Everglades National Park
– **Species:** Tarpon, snook, redfish, sea trout.
– **Highlights:** Offers a unique fishing experience amidst a vast and diverse ecosystem.

4. Tampa Bay
– **Species:** Snook, redfish, sea trout, tarpon.
– **Highlights:** Known for its inshore fishing, Tampa Bay provides both quantity and quality of fish.

5. St. Johns River
– **Species:** Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish.
– **Highlights:** This long river flows through central Florida and offers great freshwater fishing opportunities.

6. Destin
– **Species:** Red snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, cobia.
– **Highlights:** Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin is excellent for deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

7. Sebastian Inlet
– **Species:** Snook, redfish, bluefish, tarpon.
– **Highlights:** Famous for its surf fishing, especially during the snook run.

8. Mosquito Lagoon
– **Species:** Redfish, sea trout, black drum.
– **Highlights:** Located within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, this lagoon is known for its pristine waters and abundant redfish.

9. Charlotte Harbor
– **Species:** Snook, redfish, tarpon, sea trout.
– **Highlights:** One of the largest estuaries in Florida, offering excellent inshore and nearshore fishing.

10. Apalachicola Bay
– **Species:** Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, tarpon.
– **Highlights:** Known for its oyster beds and diverse fish population, this bay provides a rich fishing experience.

11. Fort Lauderdale
– **Species:** Sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo, kingfish.
– **Highlights:** Deep-sea fishing is popular here, with the Gulf Stream located just a few miles offshore.

12. Cedar Key
– **Species:** Redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, tarpon.
– **Highlights:** Offers excellent inshore fishing and is known for its serene, small-town atmosphere.

13. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
– **Target Species:** Snook, redfish, pompano, and flounder.
– **Details:** The park’s jetties and beaches are ideal spots for shore and surf fishing. The nearby Fort Pierce Inlet provides deep-water access for larger game fish.

14. St. Lucie Inlet
– **Target Species:** Snook, tarpon, kingfish, and grouper.
– **Details:** This inlet is a gateway to both inshore and offshore fishing. The surrounding reefs and wrecks are teeming with marine life, attracting sport fishermen.

15. Jensen Beach Causeway
– **Target Species:** Snook, redfish, trout, and mangrove snapper.
– **Details:** This area offers both bridge and shoreline fishing. It’s a great spot for catching a variety of species, especially during the snook season.

16. Port St. Lucie River
– **Target Species:** Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
– **Details:** Ideal for freshwater fishing, the river provides a different experience from the saltwater spots and is known for its bass fishing.

More Florida fishing here

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