You’ll find some of the finest and most diverse spots for fishing in Florida. They include mangroves, flats, deep water trenches, reefs, and wrecks. Florida is surrounded by two of the major bodies of water. With the presence of freshwater and saltwater sources, this American state offers plenty of fishing opportunities.
There are many different lakes and rivers in Florida. This would certainly make it difficult for you to choose a particular destination for fishing. So, we’ve picked some of the best places for fishing in the state:
1. Jacksonville
Situated on the mouth of the St. Johns River, this city can be a perfect destination for anglers. With endless freshwater and saltwater sources, anglers will have unlimited opportunities to get their catch. Some of the places worth checking out are Nassau Sound, Mill Cove, and Amelia Island State Park. You can enjoy an entire day of fishing action in Jacksonville.
Cobia, King Mackerel, and Redfish are some of the fish species found in the water bodies of the city. Jacksonville also hosts one of the largest Kingfish tournaments in the country every year in July. This event has more than 300 boats hitting the water and thousands of dollars are offered in prize money.
2. Boca Grande
Known for its historic downtown, this residential community on Gasparilla Island offers world-class fishing opportunities. The white sand beaches touched by the blue waters would make your fishing trip even more exciting. Boca Grande is known worldwide as the ‘Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World’. It also hosts the ‘World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament’ every year.
The village of Boca Grande has no gas stations except the street pump at the Boca Grande Marina. The residents use golf carts as their primary mode of transportation. Boca Grande is also a favourite destination for high-profile weddings owing to its beautiful natural surroundings.
3. Sarasota
This gorgeous city is located on the southwestern coast of Florida. It is the best place for inshore fishing with its vast networks of sandbars, flats, and seagrass meadows. You can get to the mangrove tunnels or explore the shallows for Redfish, Tarpon, Seatrout, and Snook.
Some of the popular fishing spots in Sarasota include Big Sarasota Pass, Stephen’s Point, and Siesta Key. If you like bottom fishing, check out the reefs. It has some fantastic species like Grouper, Bluefish, Snapper, and Sheepshead. You’ll also find the beaches in this city ideal for relaxation after a busy day of fishing.
4. Destin
This city in Florida has been nicknamed the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’. It is situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay. You’ll find an amazing mix of offshore and inshore fishing in this city. The best way to explore the pelagic and bottom species is to book a charter. It takes you out to the 100-Fathom Curve, which has a floor located at 600 feet below sea level.
The best fish to target include Snapper, Amberjack, Tuna, Grouper, and Billfish. This city also hosts the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic and Destin Fishing Rodeo. Hundreds of anglers from different corners of the country participate in these events.