Fishing is one of the most popular activities in Florida- for both native Floridians and visitors alike. For a hundred years or more, visitors have been coming to Florida just for the fishing-even before Mickey graced the Sunshine State. Teddy Roosevelt, a great outdoorsman and fanatic fishermen, loved to visit Florida and try his hand at fishing. With hundreds of miles of coastline and coasts that border both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean no matter what kind of fishing you’re into you’re sure to find the perfect spot to meet your style. Florida is rich in varieties of game fish: snook, sailfish, tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snapper, Kingfish, trout, bass-you name it and it can probably be found in Florida’s waters. If trophy fishing is more your style, there’s plenty of huge bass to be found to keep any fisherman happy.
Although just about anywhere in the Sunshine State is likely to produce good fishing opportunities and results there are a few places that just seem to naturally attract everyone from amateur fishermen to the pros. The Florida Keys, angling out toward the Atlantic Ocean on the southern tip of Florida are one of the most highly prized fishing locations in the country. The Keys are particularly well known for game fishing opportunities, with more than 225 game fish species making their home in crystal waters off this stretch of islands.
One of the most sought after fish in the Keys is the Blue Marlin, weighing in at an average 200 pounds or more. These fish usually make their way around offshore, in the open ocean and Gulf Stream, more prevalent in the spring and summer. Rather tricky to catch, bonefish are also a popular game fish. These fish prefer to home in around the flats surrounding the Keys area. King Mackerel troll around in the offshore waters, reaching up to 50 pounds in size. If you’ve a mind to head down to the Keys during winter, King Mackerel are usually plentiful.
If you want a game fish that will put up a fight, the Silver King Tarpon will give you a showdown to write home about and are prized by the many game fishermen that flock to the Florida Keys. These fish are migratory in nature and you can expect them to begin arriving in the warmer waters off the Keys in winter and remain until spring. These incredible fish, known for their strong endurance and incredible runs, easily average well over 100 pounds.
Although snook are not particularly large game fish, they’re still an exciting catch, delivering a good fight. These fish usually make their homes in the mangrove islands off the Florida Keys, with the best times to catch these game fish ranging from November to February.
The trophy fishing around Lake Okeechobee is world renowned.
If you would like to try your hand at fishing Florida style but don’t have much experience, there are innumerable professional fishing guides who will gladly show you the ropes. It’s easy enough to combine a fishing guide tour with an eco tour or a sunset tour to please everyone and you’ll probably pick up some excellent fishing tips along the way.
