Fishing in Florida
Your complete guide to 200+ fishing spots across Florida: lakes, rivers, reservoirs and more.
Interactive Map
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Top Venues
Top Fishing Spots in Florida
The best-rated fishing venues across Florida.
- 1
Lake Okeechobee
Premier bass fishing destination with legendary 10 lb+ largemouths year-round
- 2
Mosquito Lagoon
World-famous sight-fishing for redfish and speckled trout on crystal-clear flats
- 3
Everglades National Park
Backcountry fishing for snook, tarpon, and redfish in pristine mangrove-lined waters
- 4
Tampa Bay
Inshore hotspot with year-round action for snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout
- 5
Florida Keys
Legendary tarpon, bonefish, and permit flats fishing plus offshore reef and wreck action
- 6
Lake Tohopekaliga
Central Florida trophy bass lake consistently producing 8-12 lb fish
- 7
Biscayne Bay
Flats fishing for bonefish and permit within sight of the Miami skyline
- 8
Destin
Deep-sea fishing hub with offshore access to red snapper, grouper, and pelagics
- 9
St. Johns River
Florida's longest river with excellent bass, crappie, and catfish fishing
- 10
Homosassa River
Crystal-clear spring-fed river famous for giant tarpon and redfish
Species Guide
Species You Can Catch in Florida
Learn about the fish you’ll find across Florida.
Largemouth Bass
May–October · Soft plastics (Zoom Trick Worm
Crappie
March–May · Small jigs (1/16–1/32 oz) in chartreuse or white
Redfish
September–November · Gold spoons (Johnson Silver Minnow)
Snook
May–September · Live pilchards (scaled sardines)
Mahi Mahi
April–September · Live ballyhoo
Tarpon
April–July · Live crabs
Getting Started
Fishing License & Tips for Florida
License Information
A Florida freshwater or saltwater fishing license is required for residents and visitors aged 16 and older. Resident annual licenses start around $17, while non-resident annual licenses cost approximately $47. Licenses are issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and can be purchased online, at county tax collector offices, or at licensed retailers. Shoreline saltwater fishing is free for residents.
Read the full fishing license guideQuick Tips
- Target largemouth bass early morning or late afternoon on Florida's famous lakes like Okeechobee, Toho, and the Harris Chain using plastic worms and topwater frogs.
- For inshore saltwater, fish the flats around Tampa Bay, Mosquito Lagoon, and the Indian River Lagoon on incoming tides with live shrimp or soft plastics.
- Florida's snook season has specific slot limits and closed seasons, so always check FWC regulations before you go, as rules vary by coast.
- Use the GilledIt app to find nearby fishing spots with species filters and log your catches with GPS coordinates to track your personal best records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing in Florida
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Florida fishing license issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Resident annual freshwater licenses cost about $17 and non-resident licenses around $47. Florida residents can fish from shore in saltwater without a license. You can purchase licenses online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or through the GilledIt app's resource links.
Florida offers excellent fishing year-round thanks to its subtropical climate. Spring (March-May) is prime for bass spawning and tarpon migration. Summer brings offshore action for mahi mahi and snapper. Fall is peak redfish season, and winter offers great crappie and speckled trout fishing. Track seasonal patterns using the GilledIt app to plan your trips.
The Florida Keys, Boca Grande Pass, and Homosassa are the top three tarpon destinations. The annual migration runs from April through July, with Boca Grande Pass being the most famous spot during May and June. The Keys offer tarpon from March through November. Many anglers book charters for their first tarpon experience.
Florida has a statewide 5-bass daily bag limit with no minimum size on most waters. However, some trophy lakes like Lake Okeechobee and the Harris Chain have special regulations, including slot limits. Always check the FWC website or the GilledIt app for the latest rules on your specific water body.
Absolutely! Florida has excellent shore-based fishing from beaches, piers, and jetties. Popular options include surf fishing for pompano and whiting, pier fishing for king mackerel and snapper, and bridge fishing for snook and sheepshead. Many state parks and public piers offer great access with no boat required.
The GilledIt app features over 200 verified fishing spots across Florida with species filters, GPS coordinates, and community reports. Whether you are looking for a local bass pond, a public saltwater pier, or a kayak launch near the coast, GilledIt helps you discover and share spots with fellow anglers.
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