If ever you get the chance to travel to Florida, don't forget to go to these must-visit fishing spots in the Sunshine State.
Florida is one of the best places to go fishing in the world. You would be
hard-pressed to find another place where there is so much variety in the
amount of fishing that happens. It offers options for beginners to
expert-level anglers and a plethora of different types of fish. Because of
this, it is impossible to put everything into one list, but there are a few
spots that stand out for everyone.
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| Source: Unsplash |
An Angler’s Guide to Exploring the Must-Visit Fishing Spots in Florida
Here are our top picks.
1. Sarasota
Sarasota is most well-known for inshore fishing. It has a variety of flats,
sand bars, and gorgeous seagrass meadows. It is a haven for fly fishers as
well as sight casters.
You can choose whether you want to spend your day wading through the shallows
or make your way across beautiful mangrove tunnels while you look for Snook,
Tarpon, Redfish, and Mangrove Snapper. According to
fishanywhere.com there
are plenty of different Snapper breeds to look out for.
Make your way to Siesta Key, Stephen’s Point, and Big Sarasota Pass for some
of the best spots in this area. If you enjoy bottom fishing, there are plenty
of reefs for you to check out in the area, too.
2. Daytona Beach
If you’re looking for an abundance of different fishing opportunities Daytona
Beach is the place to go. In the morning you might find yourself fishing in
the calm waters of the Halifax River and by afternoon find yourself offshore,
deep-sea finishing some Wahoo. You can bring the whole family along as there
are a variety of things to do in the city itself.
3. Naples
The next spot on our list is Naples. Located along Florida’s
Paradise Coast, its filled to the brim with pristine beaches and its turquoise waters make
it a great destination for the whole family. When it comes to fishing Naples
has something all year long.
If you’re interested in backcountry fishing you can hire a guide to take you
through the mangroves and over some flats where you can catch some Blacktip
Shark or Spotted Seatrout. If flyfishing is for you, there are plenty of
inshore species you should keep an eye out for. It even has some bucket list
big game fish if you’re willing to do a few deep-sea charters.
It has a bit of something for everyone. This is the perfect fishing location
for someone who wants a bit of everything.
4. Fort Myers
Located in the Southwest of Florida, Fort Myers is another one of the state's
most famed fishing spots. It is also the best place if you’re looking for a
bit of backcountry fishing. The waterways between Fort Myers and Cape Coral
are filled with an abundance of fish - an inshore anglers haven.
You have access to countless fishing opportunities. The area caters to all
kinds of fishing styles, which makes it perfect for those wanting to give
something a go for the first time. Practice your fly fishing in the morning
and enjoy some bottom fishing in the afternoon.
5. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is another family fishing vacation spot. Its waters are full
of life, both inshore and offshore, making it another one of Florida’s best.
The crystal-clear water means that you can see the fish coming up to the boat
when you cast your line, which can be great fun for kids.
You also have access to plenty of shallow flats, making it the perfect spot
for sight casting. You can also charter a deep-sea boat and enjoy a deep-sea
fishing experience. Be sure to set aside an entire day for deep-sea charters,
as you need to travel out quite a distance, and this cuts into the time you
can spend fishing.
6. Destin
You’ve probably heard people refer to Destin as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing
Village” and for good reason. Destin of the most appreciated fishing spot in
Florida and has the perfect mix of inshore and offshore fishing.
Beautifully situated between Choctawhatchee Bay (another spot you should check
out) and the Gulf of Mexico, Destin has so much to offer its thousands of
annual visitors. While you’re there, take a charter out to the 100-Fathom
Curve.
The floor drops 600 feet below sea level meaning that you can expect to
see all sorts of deep-sea big game fish. You can even explore the edge of the
continental shelf
from here! Destin is also home to one of the most famous fishing competitions,
the “Destin Fishing Rodeo.”
You could compete along with hundreds of other anglers from all over the
country for your share of thousands of dollars in cash, as well as some really
big bragging rights. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler,
there’s something for everyone in Destin.
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| Source: Unsplash |
As you can see, Florida is full of different fishing opportunities. You have
your pick of the crop when it comes to fishing at any of the places on this
list.
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Wow, most of these are within driving distance of me. One day soon I'll get around to visiting.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this guide. I live in Florida and my dad will be visiting next month and he really loves fishing. I’ll surprise him by going to Sarasota!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to go to Sarasota. I need to head there and explore!
ReplyDeleteI have to show this to my husband. We're planning a trip to Florida this year, and he's an avid fisherman.
ReplyDeleteMy husand and I both love to fish, and we visit Florida all the time. We know these spots well, and we love them.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that there a lot of fishing spots in Florida. Will try to include a fish ing trip during our next visit perhaps in Naples. Getting a guide would certainly be helpful too. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDelete