Fishing in Florida: Top Species & Where to Find Them

Florida is unquestionably the fishing capital of the United States. With more than 7,700 lakes, 11,000 miles of rivers, and 2,276 miles of coastline, the variety of fishing opportunities is unmatched. Here's your guide to the top species and where to find them.

Largemouth Bass

Florida is famous for its trophy largemouth bass. The warm climate and abundant forage allow bass to grow to enormous sizes — Florida-strain bass regularly exceed 10 pounds.

Top Locations:

• Lake Okeechobee — The big bass capital of the world. Massive grass beds, lily pads, and bulrushes hold trophy fish year-round.
• St. Johns River — One of the few rivers in the US that flows north. Excellent bass fishing with diverse habitat from marshes to deep channels.
• Rodman Reservoir — Known for producing trophy bass over 15 pounds. The flooded timber and grass beds create excellent cover.
• Harris Chain of Lakes — A series of interconnected lakes near Orlando offering consistent bass fishing.

Snook

Snook are one of Florida's most popular inshore game fish. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps.

Top Locations:

• Indian River Lagoon — The most diverse estuary in North America, holding good numbers of snook year-round.
• Peace River — Excellent snook fishing in the river's lower reaches and around Charlotte Harbor.
• Everglades National Park — Remote, pristine snook fishing in the maze of mangrove islands and creeks.

Redfish (Red Drum)

Redfish are a favourite among Florida inshore anglers. They're powerful fighters and excellent table fare. They're often sight-fished in shallow water.

Top Locations:

• Tampa Bay — Huge bay system with extensive grass flats, mangroves, and oyster bars.
• Mosquito Lagoon — World-famous for sight-fishing for redfish in crystal-clear shallow water.
• Florida Panhandle — Destin, Panama City, and Apalachicola Bay offer excellent redfish fishing.

Tarpon

Tarpon are known as the "silver king" for their spectacular aerial displays. They're one of the most sought-after game fish in Florida.

Top Locations:

• Florida Keys — The tarpon fishing capital of the world. Key West to Islamorada offers world-class tarpon fishing from April to July.
• Boca Grande Pass — Famous for its tarpon migration in May and June when thousands of fish gather in the pass.
• Charlotte Harbor — Excellent tarpon fishing in the passes and around the barrier islands.

Speckled Sea Trout

Speckled trout are one of Florida's most popular inshore fish. They're abundant, cooperative, and excellent eating.

Top Locations:

• Sebastian Inlet — Excellent trout fishing on the Atlantic coast, particularly around the inlet and Indian River Lagoon.
• Apalachicola Bay — Productive trout fishery in the Panhandle with good numbers of quality fish.

Florida Fishing Tips

• Get a licence — All non-residents 16+ need a Florida fishing licence. Residents 16-64 need one too. Purchase online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
• Know the seasons — Snook, redfish, and trout have closed seasons. Check FWC regulations before you go.
• Stay hydrated — Florida heat is intense. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses.
• Log your catches — Use the CatchTales app to track your Florida fishing, from bass on Okeechobee to tarpon in the Keys.

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.