Florida is a paradise for anglers, boasting an extensive coastline, diverse ecosystems, and an array of fish species that make it one of the world’s top fishing destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a casual weekend fisher, Florida offers something for everyone. From saltwater adventures in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean to freshwater escapes in the state’s many lakes and rivers, this guide explores everything you need to know about fishing in Florida. Read on for more information including popular fish species, regulations, the best fishing spots, and seasonal insights.
Fishing Hotspots Across the Sunshine State
Florida’s diverse fishing locations cater to every type of angler. In the Florida Keys, you’ll find world-class sportfishing opportunities to catch sailfish, marlin, and mahi-mahi – a bucketlist destination for many! For a taste of freshwater fishing, head to Lake Okeechobee, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S., renowned for its largemouth bass. The state’s many inshore waterways, like Tampa Bay and Biscayne Bay, are ideal for catching redfish, snook, and tarpon. Offshore fishing enthusiasts can venture into the deep waters off the coasts of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where trophy-sized fish await.
Seasonal Fishing and Regulations
Fishing in Florida is a year-round activity, but different seasons bring opportunities for different species. For example, spring and summer are prime for tarpon and snook, while fall and winter are great for sailfish and kingfish. Anglers must also stay informed on local fishing regulations, which vary based on species, location, and season. Ensuring compliance with size limits, bag limits, and licensing requirements is crucial for preserving Florida’s marine ecosystem.
Plan Your Fishing Adventure
From fly-fishing on tranquil lakes to battling massive game fish offshore, Florida’s fishing scene is unmatched. Prepare for your next adventure and explore the best fishing spots, techniques, and seasons to make the most of your Florida fishing experience.
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Do you need a fishing license in Florida?
Yes, you need a license to go fishing in the sunshine state. However, it’s important to know that there are actually two fishing licenses. Both residents and guests to Florida are required to have a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license if planning to fish in the state. In addition, if you want to keep the fish you catch, you need this license; however, if you just want to catch and release, a simple fishing license will do. Even if you are not planning on fishing yourself, but you are actively helping someone else fish, you still require a license.
For more details, check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
How much is a Florida fishing license?
The cost of your Florida fishing license will depend on the length of the license, what you want to fish, and whether you are a Florida resident or not.
What age do you need a fishing license in Florida?
Once you reach the age of 16, you legally need a fishing license in the sunshine state. Up until that age, you can fish without a license, however, you do need to abide by all other fishing rules and regulations under the age of 16.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Florida?
If you are a resident in Florida, you do not require a license to fish if you are over the age of 65. All you will need is a Florida driver’s license and identification card to prove your age and residence.
If you are a visitor to Florida and over 65 however, you will still require a non-resident fishing license.
Who is exempt from a Florida fishing license?
As seen above, youth and children under the age of 16, as well as resident seniors over the age of 65 are exempt from carrying a Florida fishing license.
How much is a FL non-resident fishing license?
Non-resident fishing licenses are available in a few different formats, regardless of whether you want a saltwater or freshwater fishing license:
- Non-Resident 3-Day: $17.00
- Non-Resident 7-Day: $30.00
- Non-Resident Annual: $47.00
What fish are in season in Florida?
With temperate weather year-round and an abundance of fish species and locations, it’s no wonder you can fish a variety of species year-round in Florida.
A sample of fish you’re likely to find in Florida includes bass, bluefish, bonefish, flounder, snapper, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, sailfish, snapper, trout, swordfish, tarpon and wahoo.
What saltwater fish are in season in Florida right now?
The fall is when saltwater fish really come into season in Florida. Blackfin and bluefin tuna, as well as mahi-mahi are popular to catch offshore during the autumn months, as well as sailfish, snook, and king mackerel
What fish can you keep in Florida right now?
Almost all fish you catch in Florida can be kept, as long as you follow the rules on how many you can catch and carry at one time. However, the following fish species are illegal to carry:
- Goliath Grouper (Jewfish)
- Nassau Grouper
- Atlantic Angel Shark
- Basking Shark
- Bigeye Sand Tiger Shark
- Bigeye Sixgill Shark
- Bigeye Thresher Shark
- Bignose Shark
- Caribbean Reef Shark
- Caribbean Sharpnose Shark
- Dusky Shark
- Galapagos Shark
- Great Hammerhead
- Largetooth Sawfish
- Lemon Shark
- Longbill Spearfish
- Longfin Mako Shark
- Manta Ray
- Mediterranean Spearfish
- Narrowtooth Shark
- Night Shark
- Roundscale Spearfish
- Silky Shark
- Sand Tiger Shark
- Sandbar Shark
- White Shark
- Florida Queen Conch
- Stony, Hard, and Fire Corals
- Sea Fans
- Bahama Starfish
- Long spine Urchin
Where are the best Florida fishing spots?
Depending on what type of fishing you want to do – saltwater or freshwater – the sunshine state has a number of destinations to choose from. Some of our top fishing spots include:
Where are the best saltwater fishing spots in Florida?
There’s a plethora of saltwater fishing spots to choose from. Some not-to-be-missed destinations include:
- Cape Coral
- Destin
- Florida Keys
- Fort Myers
- Miami
- Panama City Beach
- Sanibel Island
- Sarasota
Where are the best saltwater fishing spots in South Florida?
When looking to head to south Florida, you’ll find some excellent saltwater fishing spots. A few of the top picks by anglers include:
- Boca Grande
- Clearwater
- Florida Keys
- Punta Gorda
- Sarasota
Where is the best Florida bank fishing?
Bank fishing is for those who wish to fish but may not have a boat or way to head out on the water. In this case, there are plenty of fish to catch from the banks along Florida’s shorelines. A few Florida fishing spots to check out on the banks include:
- Causeway Park
- Fort Desoto Park
- Fort Myers Beach Pier
- Jacksonville Beach Pier
- Naples Pier
- Sebastian Inlet State Park
Where is the best inshore fishing?
They don’t call it the world capital of fishing for nothing – alongside the excellent open water fishing, freshwater fishing, bank fishing and saltwater fishing, Florida also benefits from great inshore fishing spots such as:
- Islamorada
- Longboat Key
- St. Augustine
- Tampa Bay
How to fish for bass
Freshwater bass is a very popular fish to catch in Florida. Thanks to an abundance of these fish species and the sport they can be to catch, people flock to Florida’s freshwater sources to try their hand at catching bass. The best place to catch bass is in Florida’s ponds and lakes. For ponds you’re going to look for vegetation like lily pads and reeds, and break out a heavier line for fishing. Worms, speedworms and jerkbait are your best bet to catch bass in these ponds. Lakes, on the other hand, will often have bass hiding deeper in the middle of the lakes. Brush and reeds around the shorelines may hide some as well so you’ll have to judge based on the vegetation around. Similar to the above, you’ll want to use similar lures like those you’d use on the ponds.
When is redfish season in Florida?
It is actually legal to fish redfish in Florida year-round – however, the best time to catch redfish in Florida is the fall.
Can you open carry in Florida while fishing?
According to the Florida Statute website, “Chapter 790, Florida Statutes, which states that if you have a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm, you are permitted to carry the weapon concealed on your person while in a state park. If you do not have a concealed weapons permit for your licensed firearm, you are permitted to ‘open carry’ that firearm while engaged in ‘fishing, camping, or lawful hunting or going to or returning from a fishing, camping, or lawful hunting expedition’ (Chapter 790.25, section 3, F.S.).”
YATCO Boating and Fishing Guides
- Types of Fish in Florida Guide: We’ve seen a number of fish that call Florida home and make this a bucket list fishing destination for many anglers in the world. If you’re wondering what fish are in season when or what types of fish can be found in a number of destinations across Florida, YATCO has a guide for that. For a complete run down on all the types of fish you can catch in Florida, check out YATCO’s guide.
- Sport Fishing Yacht Guide: Many recreational fishers will choose to use the best yacht for the job when it comes to fishing. And you can’t go wrong with a sportfishing yacht – specifically designed to hold all of your fishing gear, optimize space for maneuvering, and the power and stability to take you wherever the fish are. Explore YATCO’s Sportfishing Yacht Buying Guide.
- Flybridge Yacht Guide: Similar to the sport fishing yachts, flybridge yachts are also popular amongst anglers, thanks to their upper decks which offer the perfect height to explore the horizons and scan for fish activity. Learn more about flybridge yachts in our guide.
- Florida Deep Sea Fishing Florida: Deep sea fishing is a special type of fishing in which anglers head out to the depths of the ocean to pull out some really large game fish. You’ll want to look for water at least 100ft in depth, where you can discover fish like 1,000-pound marlin or hooking a big tuna! Learn more in YATCO’s Deep Sea Fishing Guide 2023.
- Boating in Florida Guide: Before you head out on the water for your next big catch of the day, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the water in Florida. Whether you are a resident, or someone looking to visit and do some fishing, you’ll want to be sure to heed the ways of the water. YATCO created a Boating in Florida Guide for this very reason.
- Boat Financing Guide: Maybe you want to make fishing more than just a charter once or twice a year, and instead invest in your own boat or yacht you can take out any time you want. And in a place like Florida, where the fishing season never ends, it’s the perfect place to buy your next yacht. Learn about Boat Financing in our Guide.
- Boat Maintenance Guide: Now you know the boat you want, it’s important to learn how to maintain it as well. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to improving the longevity and overall look and feel of your boat or yacht. Learn the proper ways to keep your vessel in good shape with YATCO’s Boat Maintenance Guide.
- Boating the Right of Way Guide: Just as we need to learn the rules of the road when we head out in our car, it’s important to learn the rules of the water as well. Whether you are a seasoned sailor, or new to boating, YATCO created a Boating Right of Way Guide to better understand some of the rules and buoys or signage you may come across on the water.
- Boat Insurance Guide: While certain states (including Florida) and countries around the world may not make boat insurance compulsory or a legal requirement before heading out on the water, it’s still a prudent idea to secure boat insurance before slipping off the dock. Learn more about the importance of boat insurance with our guide.
The world’s capital of fishing has a number of exciting fish species ready for you to catch. Whether you want to take in some inshore fishing, or wrangle in a big tuna off the Florida Keys, this region has a little bit of everything for you to explore.
