Fishing in Florida

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Wherever you are in the Sunny State, you will find spectacular fishing in Florida. The state has so many diverse fishing spots including mangroves, reefs...

Wherever you are in the Sunny State, you will find spectacular fishing in Florida. The state has so many diverse fishing spots including mangroves, reefs wrecks, and deep water.

In Florida, fishing is almost a way of life, and because there is such an abundance of fish you won't go home empty-handed. This all combines to make Florida your next fishing holiday, and while you are fishing your family will be able to spend time enjoying the beautiful beaches and tourist spots, Zoos, and Gardens.

While in Florida some of the fish you can expect to catch are Cobia, Tarpon, Black Drum, Redfish and Marlin.

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Most popular fishing boats charters in Florida

Captain Ted Nesti Fishing Charter

4 23,00 ft

Saint Petersburg, Florida (USA)

From $450
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice

Catch 'Em All

6 29,00 ft

Marathon, Florida (USA)

From $800
Deposit non-refundable

Skinny Water Charters

3 21,00 ft

Clearwater, Florida (USA)

From $460
Deposit non-refundable

Tips & Tricks, bait and more

Inshore Fishing in Florida

In the back country, the flats and near the beaches you can fish for a wide range of exiting fish species. Depending on the season you can catch tarpon, permi, redfish, snook or black drum for example.

Wreck & Reef Fishing

If you're ready to go a little further, fish species such as red snapper, amberjack and grouper can be targeted over the wrecks and the reefs off the Florida coasts.

Offshore fishing in Florida

Florida fishing is also known for it's offshore and big game fishing. The IGFA headquarters are located in Miami. Trolling offshore, there's all kinds of pelagic fish including wahoo, dorado, swordfish, marlin, sailfish and tuna.

Some great Florida Fishing Destinations

You may decide on Jacksonville at the mouth of the St. Johns River, facing the Atlantic. Jacksonville offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Many people who go to Jacksonville take a charter, and there are several to choose from. If you are in a group of holiday fishermen this is a good way to find a perfect fishing spot.

St. Augustine will give you the opportunity for some inshore fishing for trout and flounder, it is only an hour's drive from Jacksonville making a good day out. Being on the water is a great way to hone your skills as an angler and enjoy the fishing opportunities. More information on fishing in St Augustine.

Sarasota is known for its inshore fishing and this is because it has sand bars, seagrass meadows, and flats making it good for fly fishing. If you have a flats boat on you can pole across the mangroves in search of some Seatrout or Redfish for example.

Naples is located on the Paradise Coast. This is a great place to take the family and this is a spot where you can all go pole fishing. There are mangroves where you should be able to catch some spotted seatrout. There are also inland canals where you can catch Tarpon, Snook, and Permit, as well as many others. If you have the time to go out to sea and offshore you will find Mahi Mahi, Dolphin, Wahoo, and Black Fin Tuna, a tempting proposition for all skilled fishermen.

If you are wreck and reef fishing, Red Snapper, Barracuda or Grouper may be found. When you go offshore into the Gulf Stream at times the area is teeming with fish, and here you will see Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, and Sharks.

Freshwater Fishing will bring you some Black Bass. 

Fishing in Clearwater
Fishing in Miami

Top sport fishing species in Florida

FISHING SEASON IN Florida

To find the best months for fishing in Florida, take a look at the fishing Calender. Depending on what you are looking for it varies, Cobia, November to April. Mutton Snapper and Blue Marlin, March Blue Gill and Bass in April. Blue Marlin, May Yellowtail, and Bass when they move into shallow water to spawn. April, May

Not all saltwater fish are around all year and the quietest months for most seem to be November, December and January, but Florida is the right place to catch something every month of the year.

TOURISM & OTHER ACTIVITIES

If you are in Tampa Bay Florida, take the children to Weedon Island Preserve, and spend the day in nature. What can You do at Weedon Island Preserve? Go to the visitors center for information. Arrange to go on a guided hike, this way you will get the best information. Attend a workshop at the center. Learn the history of the indigenous population.

Visit the Natural History Center to see an exhibit called 'Connecting People and Place'. This encourages visitors to reconnect with the environment.

Kayak in the mangroves, and go birdwatching along the boardwalk.

Have a picnic. Miami Wherever you are in Florida there are things to do, and if you are in Miami. Visit South Beach for a swim. Go cycling and or Visit some amazing restaurants in Miami. And... don't forget to go shopping.

LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS

Although anglers need a fishing license for their Florida fishing trips, licenses are covered if you go fishing with a licensed fishing charter.

Florida Fishing License

The State of Florida gives residents, tourists and seasoned anglers a variety of fishing licenses to choose from, ranging from short-term to annual ones.

You can get a Florida fishing license through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website. You can also buy one from authorized resellers or at local tackle shop in Florida.

Visitors can Fish Without a License in Florida

No saltwater Florida fishing license is required if you are a non-resident who fishes from a vessel whose operator has a fishing license. This means that if you go fishing with a fishing charter in Florida, no fishing license is required.

Bag Limits

In order to protect the local fish stocks, the State of Florida has strict rules on bag limits. For each species there are minimum sizes and daily recreation bag limits. Check the rules before you drop a line in the water in Florida.

Apply for a Fishing License online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Follow the links to learn more, this includes bag limits. Once you reach 16 years of age, you must have a fishing license, and an ID to prove where you live as you require proof of residency.

Key takeaways

Avg Capacity: 4 people
Popular fishing techniques: Jigging, Bottom Fishing, Fly fishing
Average price: $651 per day
Low season price: $569 per day
High season price: $1292 per day
Included: Fishing tackle, Fishing License, Bait & lures

Frequently asked questions about fishing in Florida

Depending on the boat, a fishing charter in Florida can accommodate up to 6 passangers, although most charters are for 4 people.

Typically in a charter in Florida, a fishing boat charter will include the use of the boat, Fishing tackle, Fishing License, Bait & lures. Some charters may also include Snacks and Drinks, while others may allow you to bring your own.

The cost of a fishing charter in Florida can vary depending on the duration of the trip and the size of the boat (number of people in your group), the fishing technique or the fish species you want to target. Prices can range from $449 for 4 hours and 4 people to $1292 for 8 hours and 6 people.

In Florida, you can fish:
Tarpon
King mackerel
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
Sheepshead
. Fishing regulations may vary, so make sure to check them before you go to Florida. We recommend Catch & Release, especially for undersized fish (for example using barbless hooks).

In Florida you can do a variety of fishing methods including Jigging, Bottom Fishing, Fly fishing, Spin Fishing, Shark Fishing, Live bait fishing. Regulations and restrictions vary depending on the species.

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