FISHING TIPS AND TRICKS 1. Basic knowledge know what kind of fish you want to catch, and learn about their habits and habitat. Time of day is important; some fish will bite best in the morning, while others are hungrier in the afternoon. Some like cold water and others stick to the warmer shallows. Be sure to check the weather report before you head out on the waterways. 2. Proper equipment for simple fishing off a dock, rowboat or shoreline, you need a basic fishing set that includes a rod, reel, line and hooks. Tackle boxes are ideal for carrying and sorting small equipment like sharp hooks, lures, extra line and a knife. Fill your tackle box with a flashlight, adjustable wrench, pliers, first aid supplies, spare hooks and rod tips, glue stick and a lighter. 3. Bait even fish have different preferences when it comes to food. Use bait that your target fish enjoy. Cover the hook with the worm or other bait, so the fish gets set on a good hook when they chomp down on the tempting bait. Some artificial and electronic baits appeal to certai n types of fish but not others. Don t go looking for perch with bait designed to attract salmon. Shiny reflective lures can sun blind certain fish; use matted metal lures instead. 4. Get maps and local reports check at the nearest bait shops for local topographical maps and fishing activity reports before you head out for the day fishing. Maps that show the contour bottom of lakes and rivers help you find the drop-offs and other locations that certain fish prefer, like deep holes or mossy areas near the shoreline. Other fishermen can advise you (if they will) about where the fish are biting that day. 5. Peace and patience keep noise to a minimum, but bring along something to help you pass time; be patient. Keep a close watch for any fishing line movement; a quick hard tug is a chance to hook a fish if you are ready.
Where is the fish in FLORIDA? Amelia Island Anna Maria Apalachicola Banana River Big Pine Key Biscayne Bay Boca Grande Bonita Beach Boynton Beach Bradenton Butler Chain Cape Coral Carrabelle Cedar Key Charlotte Harbor Chokoloskee Clearwater Cocoa Beach
Crystal River Daytona Beach Destin Englewood Estero Bay Everglades City Fernandina Beach Flagler Beach Flamingo Fort Lauderdale Fort Myers Fort Pierce Government Cut Grayton Beach Haulover Inlet Hernando Beach Homosassa Indian River Lagoon Islamorada Jacksonville Johns Pass Jupiter Key Biscayne Key Largo Key West Kissimmee Chain Lake Jackson Lake Okeechobee Lake Panasoffkee Lake Tohopekaliga Lake Walk-in-Water Little Torch Key Marathon Marco Island Matlacha Melbourne Miami Miami Beach Mosquito Lagoon Naples Navarre New Port Richey New Smyrna Beach Orlando Osbourne Chain Oyster Bay Palm Beach Palm Coast Palm Harbor Panama City Pensacola Pine Island Sound Pompano Beach Ponce Inlet Port Canaveral Port Orange Port St. Joe Port St. Lucie Sanibel Sarasota Sebastian Singer Island St. Augustine St. Johns River St. Petersburg Steinhatchee Stick Marsh-Farm 13 Stuart Sugarloaf Key Tampa Bay Tarpon Springs Ten Thousand Islands Titusville Venice
Florida Fishing Grouped by Region 1. Florida Keys and Florida Bay 2. Southeast Florida (Miami to Palm Beach) 3. East Florida (Jupiter to Canaveral) 4. Northeast Florida (New Smyrna Beach to Jacksonville) 5. Southwest Florida (Cape Sable to Boca Grande) 6. West Florida (Englewood to Cedar Key) 7. Panhandle and Big Bend (Suwannee to Pensacola) 8. Freshwater What kind of fishing is done in FLORIDA?
Whether you're on a quest for a 500-pound bluefin tuna off the coast of Maine or a 1,000- pound blue marlin while on vacation in the Florida Keys, a deep-sea fishing trip can provide a real adrenaline rush considering the hard fighting, big game species you are likely to encounter. Deep-sea fishing is best suited for intermediate or advanced anglers if you plan to go without a charter or guide, although new technology in boats, motors, electronics, safety equipment and fishing tackle has made it more accessible than ever before. If you welcome a challenge, get ready to venture out into the deep blue sea! SALTWATER FISHING TACKLE FOR DEEP-SEA FISHING o Due to the number of deep-sea game fish species and fishing techniques for catching them, there are many different types of fishing tackle and gear that can be used. Offshore fishing may involve trolling with artificial fishing lures or live baits, jigging with lures or bottom fishing with baits. If you were deep-sea trolling for sailfish, you might use the following tackle and gear as an example: A 6 to 7-foot medium action offshore fishing rod o Heavy or large saltwater-specific baitcaster reel with high line capacity o 20-pound test monofilament line o 6 to 10 feet of 40 to 80-pound test monofilament leader o Live baits such as goggle eyes or threadfin herring o 5/0 to 7/0 sized hooks If you would prefer trying your luck at deep-sea bottom fishing for grouper, here is an example tackle set up you can use: o 6-foot medium-heavy bottom fishing rod
o Heavy duty baitcaster reel o 50-pound test monofilament line o 80 to 100-pound test monofilament leader line o Fish finder rig using a 7/0 circle hook and 3 to 16-ounce sinkers o Cut bait such as squid or grunts SALTWATER DEEP-SEA FISHING AREAS/WHERE TO FIND FISH Once out into the ocean with your necessary fishing tackle, look for the suggested areas below to find fish. To locate some areas you may need a fishfinder, GPS or a nautical map. ROCKS, REEFS AND WRECKS Rocks, reefs and wrecks are great places to start looking for fish when offshore fishing. These types of structures provide a haven for every species in the food chain and offer a place for fish to hide from the strong ocean currents. When deepsea fishing near artificial or natural reefs, consider that fish may be living in the structure or patrolling the outer edges as far as 100 yards from the reef. Reef dwelling fish can usually be enticed to bite by sending a vertical jig to the bottom and quickly working it back to the boat. TIP: For reef dwelling species such as blackfish, grouper or snapper, consider anchoring the boat in place with the engines and then drop baits down to the structure. For high-speed predatory fish such as tuna, wahoo and billfish, try fasttrolling fishing lures and slow-troll live baits.
TOWERS AND NAVIGATIONAL AIDS Manmade structures including towers and navigational aids are valuable to both fish and anglers, but for different reasons. Some species seek refuge deep inside the structure while others prefer to patrol the perimeter. In order to best determine where the fish are holding, use a fish finder or recreational sonar. You'll also want to be sure to check into any local regulations that may limit access before fishing a tower or navigational aid. TIP: Troll natural baits or artificial fishing lures around a tower or buoy to get the attention of predatory fish. HILLS AND SEA MOUNTS Submerged mountain ranges and hills divert the current and create ideal spots for offshore fishing. Sea mounts can provide fish with more favorable water conditions as water temperature, light level or salinity may be out of the range for a particular species at the bottom of the sea mount, but just right at the top. When deep-sea fishing around these structures, always look for variations in the surface conditions such as ripples, rips or tide lines that may indicate changes in water temperature, salinity, clarity or current. TIP: Structures can stretch for miles, so the best fishing tackle for fishing sea mounts and hills is natural or artificial baits. Fish will often hold in the same area on a sea mount or hill, so try trolling; when you hook one fish, mark the spot on the GPS and return to the same spot to find more fish.
CANYONS AND THE CONTINENTAL SHELF The deep canyons, gorges and cliffs that mark the Continental Shelf would put any land-based mountain range to shame and are other good places to look for fish. Locate any variations in current or water temperature that intersect the shelf. When the variations in structure, current and temperature force nutrient-rich water up from the deep to fuel the entire food chain, pelagic sport fish like billfish and wahoo will hunt the upper half of the water column. Giants such as grouper, snapper and halibut linger at the bottom. Birds above and baitfish are generally good indicators of activity, but often the fish will be visibly feeding on the surface. TIP: The best deep-sea fishing techniques involve trolling natural or artificial baits. If bottom fishing, try using fishing lures such as large jigs or heavy-duty rigs to get the baits down deep. KELP FORESTS AND BEDS Kelp forests occur in temperate and polar coastal oceans around the world but in the United States they are commonly found along the California coastline. Large congregations of kelp plants are referred to as kelp forests whereas smaller patches are known as kelp beds. These underwater forests have an incredibly high density of kelp plants which are a type of rapidly growing brown macroalgae. The forests and beds created by the kelp provides one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on the planet. The large stature of each kelp plant creates a very broad, three-dimensional habitat for large fish to hide and seek shelter as well as ambush their prey. When fishing kelp forests, anglers should typically start by free lining live or dead baits from an anchored or drifting boat. If you don t get any bites by free lining your baits, then you should try to gradually add weight to your rig until you start to get the fish to bite. THE OPEN OCEAN Fishing in the open ocean is an endeavor that only confident and experienced anglers should attempt. To successfully and safely target pelagic fish species that live in the open ocean, specialized tackle and boats are typically required. The easiest way to experience offshore angling for those anglers who don t have larger boats is to book a fishing charter.
When researching charter boats that you re thinking of hiring, be sure to ask plenty of questions before booking your trip. Ask about the length of the trip, what species you ll be targeting, how may people can the boat hold, will the trip be private or open to other customers and anything else you may think of. If you would like to keep any of your catch for dinner, be sure to clarify what the boat s policy is on fish that are caught. Depending on where you re booking a charter, some charter crews have a policy of taking fish to local auctions to sell fish that the anglers catch. Always remember that you don t ever have to keep a fish in order to get it mounted. Exact replicas of fish can be made with only a few pictures. Open ocean fishing takes place all over the country but certain regions require a farther boat ride offshore in order to find good fishing grounds. Eastern states typically require a longer trip out to the fishing grounds (with the exception of Southern Florida) whereas states along the Pacific Ocean have steeper dropoffs and require a much shorter ride to find deeper waters. Open ocean pelagic species of fish include tunas, billfish, dolphin, wahoo and some shark species. ROCKY SEA FLOOR Out in the open ocean, there is very little structure. Consequently, many game fish congregate around underwater areas of relief or areas that provide shelter. While not as dense and diverse as a reef's ecosystem, the rocky bottom still provides protection for many species of baitfish and plankton. They also allow for places for predators to ambush prey. All of these factors make rocky areas a great place to fish. The best methods for fishing these areas include deep dropping and jigging. COASTAL WATERS In coastal areas, closer to shore, the ocean bottom may have sections of exposed rock, coral or debris. These areas of uneven bottom provide a great ambush spot for predatory fish as well as crevices for smaller fish to take shelter. Fish live at all depths in coastal water and many stay close to the bottom. Many feed near cover, such as a rock or a coral reef, where they can ambush prey. Other fish roam at all depths of the water column, searching for an easy meal. Most saltwater anglers fish in coastal waters because there are dozens of different fish species there, and these areas are often very easy to access. Many marine fish migrate up and down the coastline seasonally. Smart anglers monitor water temperatures, winds, currents, seasons and tides to determine which species they should target.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING Love saltwater fishing? Whether you prefer to fish from a boat or a pier, for gamefish or dinner, Florida saltwater fishing has what you're looking for. When it comes to designing the ultimate saltwater fishing destination, Florida serves as the ultimate blueprint. Why so? Because its geography offers access to the Gulf Stream, reefs, wrecks, estuaries, bays, inlets and rivers. Added together they afford the chance to fish for everything from bonefish to billfish - all in the same day if desired. Here's a rundown of these popular angling haunts for Florida saltwater fishing and successful techniques for what you might encounter. Gulf Stream It's deep, it's blue, and it's full of large game fish that can turn the shape of a rod into a pretzel. Here lurk awesome battlers such as blue marlin, wahoo, sailfish, dolphin, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, and sharks longer than the width of some boats. Trolling lures and baits is the best bet, although offshore fly fishing has increased in popularity. Flats It's amazing how a fat snook or redfish can traverse shallow waters about the length of your hand, but best results occur in water two feet or less in depth, particularly with sea grasses and bottom contours and sediments conducive to homesteading by crabs, shrimps and other fish munchies. Wading is popular (taking care to slide your feet to ward off stingrays), as is casting from shorelines. The ultimate challenge is sight-fishing from a boat being silently poled by a guide. Unsurpassed flats fishing is the hallmark of the Florida Keys. Bays Being relatively shallow and easier on the kidneys than fishing offshore, bay waters teem with a hodgepodge of game fish favorites. Take a variety of rods and reels - light, medium and heavy - to aptly duel with whatever slurps up your bait or make-believe morsel. Some of the fishier hot spots are Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay, Whitewater Bay, Chokoloskee Bay, Ponce de Leon Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Tampa Bay, Homosassa Bay, Waccasassa Bay, Apalachee Bay, West and East bays (Panama City) and Pensacola Bay.
Jetties Look for concrete or rocky jetties that line both sides of a choice spot such as Sebastian Inlet. Many inlets are angler-friendly, providing access and facilities. Jockey to find a good casting stage for shots at tarpon, snook, redfish, jacks and mackerel that congregate during tidal changes. Free-line a floating live crab or shrimp with the current or cast a lead-head jig or lure upcurrent and work it back to you. Bridges Night fishing is best, especially on a full-moon phase. Cast a jig tipped with a shrimp up-current and hop it back to the piling. You'll lose a few rigs in the rocks but you'll also catch more snook and tarpon than anyone else. Many of the Keys bridges are perfect for this, as well as the Sunshine Skyway off Tampa. Some bridges offer catwalks and other facilities. Some bridges do not allow fishing, so follow posted regulations. Piers No boat? No problem. Just walk to deeper water. Pier anglers regularly catch Spanish mackerel, snook, tarpon, sheepshead, redfish, trout and other stars of the fishing world. Pilings themselves serve as an attractant, and lights shown in the water at night become fish magnets. Excellent pier fishing can be found in Broward and Miami-Dade counties as well as in the Panhandle. Shoreline Islands, beaches and even rocky coastal areas can be fished with good results. Move along quietly as fish can hear the slightest noises or even see you. Either soak a bait on the bottom or cast parallel to the beach to tempt snook or reds hunting the troughs for chewables. Rivers Mangrove shorelines and overhanging trees provide fish with a respite from direct sunlight. Drift along promising banks and cast the edges of the shoreline and near dead tree limbs, stumps and other obstructions. Anchor at a promising spot and cast up-current to work your offering past target points.
Fishing in lakes and ponds is a good place to start because they are great places for fish to live. They produce abundant plant food and offer plenty of cover for fish to hide. Learn tips, where to find fish, shoreline structures and more. LAKE AND PONDS: FISHING TIPS Shoreline structures like docks, logs, stumps, brush and rocks provide shelter, shade and protection for fish. All of which means lakes and ponds are prime fishing spots. You can fish lakes and ponds from the shore or from a boat. You can find fish in shallow or deep water, in open water or near natural or man-made structures. In lakes, you ll catch freshwater fish species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, pickerel, perch, panfish, trout, even salmon. Get to know your lake structure. Points, inlets, holes, sunken islands, dams, submerged objects (manmade or natural) and reeds and weeds are all considered structure. You should always fish in and around structure. It's a simple formula. 1. Structure creates shallows
2. Shallows create plant growth 3. Plant growth attracts bait fish 4. Bait fish attract game fish, the fish you want to catch CLIFFS AND STEEP SHORE BANKS A sheer cliff or bank that goes straight down into deep water provides no structure, break line or gradual path to deeper water. So it doesn't attract fish. On the other hand, a cliff or bank that has an underwater shelf or slopes gradually toward deeper water does attract fish. Look for crumbled-off rock at the underwater base of sharp cliffs. Deep-water fish may be attracted to these rocks for food or spawning. ROCKS Rocks are often some of the best fishing places. They provide fish with shelter (cover), food and a possible place to mate. Remember, always fish structure. If the rocks are in deeper water or on the edge of deeper water, they provide an even better place for lake and pond fishing. Just be careful not to snag your bait.
LAKE AND POND FISHING POINTS WITH BREAK LINES A point extends out from the shoreline and slopes gradually down and into deeper water. It is a good place to fish. But a point with a quick drop-off or one that doesn't extend into deeper water isn't a good fishing place. 1. The sloping-out formation of a point creates a break line. 2. A break line draws fish from deeper water to shallow water in search of food. 3. Fish the tip of the point and the corners of the point (the part that curves back into the shore). DRIFT LINES AND WIND Have you ever noticed lines on the water during a breezy day? The breeze is actually pushing surface water around the lake which, in turn, pushes surface food around. Look for the drift lines and you'll find fish. Stronger winds can actually push bait fish closer to shore, bringing game fish closer to shore to feed. Sometimes really strong winds can make for good fishing, stirring up everything from microscopic food to lunker fish. But it's pretty tricky and can be dangerous. So it s best to go with a pro or experienced guide.
WEED BEDS Weed beds are structure. They provide food and shelter for bait fish, which attract game fish. Look for weed beds that lead to deeper water and create a break line. Or look for sunken weed beds in deep, open water. ISLANDS AND SAND BARS These sunken or partially sunken bodies of land will attract both bait fish and game fish if they create a break line where the land slopes gradually down and into deeper water. Water currents run around islands, too, carrying small plant food and aquatic animals that float on the surface. That can also attract bait fish and game fish. LAKE AND POND FISHING HOLES Holes are glacially formed basins that are lower than the rest of the lake. Water in holes is cooler, attracting deep-water fish on hot, summer days. You'll need a topographical map to find them.
OPEN WATER Good luck. If you're not in shallow water, and there are no weeds or other natural or man-made structure in sight above or below the water you're in open water, and you're not in one of the best fishing places. But you might be right above a stream or river channel that deep-water fish use to go from one side of the lake to the other in search of food. Or, you might be above a deep hole or drop-off where deep-water fish rest from the current. Still, it's tough to catch fish in either of these places. Sometimes, in early spring and late fall, when there's very little vegetation anywhere, bait fish will roam open lake waters in search of plankton. During those times, you can look for small fish on the surface in the open water. If you see a bunch of small fish, it's a good bet larger fish are lurking below. SPRING HOLES This is one of our favorite freshwater fishing tips. When water boils up from the bottom of the lake, it creates a spring hole. In the summer, deepwater fish are attracted to these holes because the water coming up is always cooler. Even when the hole is not in deep water, spring holes can attract unsuspecting, deep-water lunkers. But spring holes are really tough to find. If you re up for the challenge, use a water temperature gauge in the summer to locate the outer edges of the cold water zone and the depth of the layer. Spring holes are sometimes found in boat harbors that have been dredged, which open up springs, causing colder water to collect in areas sheltered from wind. After the water freezes, look for open water along icebound shorelines, which could indicate inflowing springs where the water is warmer in winter than the lake water. Note these areas and return in the summer.
SUNKEN OBJECTS Trees, branches, logs, stumps and rocks are all considered to be structure. They all provide shelter, shade and protection for fish. So it's a good place to hook a fish. Always watch your line, and be extra careful if you're in a boat so you a void hitting any objects. LILY PADS The insects and other aquatic critters that live on and around lily pads always attract smaller bait fish; and bait fish always attract bigger fish. Huge patches of lily pads can also create shade, which also attracts fish. Cast into the edges and openings. Otherwise, you may tangle up your gear. GRADUAL SHORES Like any structure that tilts gradually down and into deeper water, a gradual-sloping shoreline can provide plant food, attract fish and create a path out of and back into deeper water. However, a really gradual slope will create a large expanse of shallow water that will not attract fish. PIERS DOCKS AND PILINGS Wherever there's structure there's food, shelter and fish. Weeds, barnacles and other food sources can attach to anything. Docks and piers provide shelter from the sun and a nice resting spot for both big and small fish.
INSIDE TURNS AND COVES THE OPPOSITE OF A POINT An inside turn is a small inlet that cuts into the shore and is one of the best fishing places. If the water in the turn is shallow, you've got another break line, and another great place to catch fish. A cove is a larger version of an inside turn. With more shoreline, more shallows and more protection, and hopefully more fish. Smaller fish will patrol a cove for plant food and bait fish, and game fish may arrive early in the morning or late at night. SHORELINE SHALLOWS Water along the shore provides a lot of structure and food. So it attracts fish. Bait fish come in for the plant food. Pan fish, such as crappies, sunfish, bluegill and perch, come in for the bait fish. Early in the morning or late at night - game fish will swim into the shallows to sneak up on both the bait fish and the pan fish. Yup, it's possible to land a big pike or even a muskie close to shore. INLETS AND OUTLETS All natural lakes are fed by a river or a stream of some sort. So they have inlets and outlets for the water. Wherever there is incoming or outgoing water, there's going to be a lot of food, and a lot of fish. WALKWAYS AND BRIDGES Walkways are like piers, but are specially built fishing platforms that are near or run parallel to bridges, piers, shoreline bulkheads, or similar structures. An example is a walkway along a bridge, but constructed at a lower level. This keeps anglers safe from
auto traffic and puts them closer to the water. Lake and pond fishing isn't always allowed from bridges because of the danger from traffic. Bridges where angling is permitted must be fished carefully. RIPPLES, CURRENTS, SWIRLS AND SPRAYS Call it what you will, but it might be a fish. It might be baitfish feeding. It might be baitfish trying to jump out of the water to escape game fish. Or, it might be bubbles and rings from a big fish that just went down to eat a minnow. Cast quickly, and you might get lucky. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FRESHWATER FISHING IN FLORIDA From largemouth bass to sturgeon, Florida's lakes and rivers are home to many varieties of freshwater fish. Ready to try your luck freshwater fishing in Florida? Here are some hot spots and tips. Along the highways and byways of Florida lie canals, lakes, ponds and rivers teeming with a huge variety of freshwater bait-busters. Largemouth bass take the stage as the biggest star, but anyone who's jousted with a feisty bluegill, a tenacious crappie or a scrappy peacock bass knows the challenge and fun of these light-tackle showdowns. And would you believe there are sturgeons in Florida? Yep, the Suwannee River boasts a surprisingly large number of them. It would be a virtual sin to start any discussion about Florida's freshwater fishing scene other than with Lake Okeechobee. Lake O comprises a 730-square-mile area and is the second-largest body of fresh water in the U.S., holding more than a trillion gallons of water. Most fishing takes place along the south, west and north portions of the lake within a mile of the shoreline. Look for hyacinths, hydrillas and other water plants where big bass ambush shiners, bluegills and other scaled groceries. They also pounce on frogs, crickets, worms, grasshoppers and pretty much any fish smaller than itself. Plastic imitations of those baits work well. While a number of bass subspecies abound, the most interesting newcomer is the peacock bass.
Peacocks are beautiful, with golden bodies and "peacock" markings toward the tail. They prefer the warmer waters of South Florida. While at times tough to fool on artificial baits, peacocks are awesome fighters. Bluegill and other members of the bream family are thin, round fish that easily fit into a pan - hence, the nickname "panfish." Seldom exceeding a pound, bluegill will nonetheless strike a lure even longer than itself with total malice, causing one to believe a fish twice its actual size is hooked up. While it's fun catching them on crickets and worms, watching a bluegill track and attack a top-water lure is great entertainment. Crappie are also a panfish and, though catchable on most any small lure or bait, represent a favorite target of fly fishers. They rise to take a pattern resembling a bug and on light fly gear will thrash and fight very well. Here's a review of lakes, rivers and canals in addition to Lake Okeechobee that are worthy of a visit for freshwater fishing in Florida: Tamiami Canal Paralleling the Tamiami Trail (US 41) starting just west of Miami to Naples, this canal has been the scene of hand-to-fin combat for three generations. Cane poles, fly rods and spin gear can reach across most areas of the canal - just watch out for alligators and water moccasins. Canals in South Florida The canals built for hurricane control in Miami hold good quantities of bass, as do many residential ponds. Lake Trafford Near Immokalee and SR 29, this lake is consistent for good catches. Lake Istokpoga Off US Hwy. 27 south of Sebring lays a virtual honey hole for freshwater anglers. Try "flipping," which involves dropping your bait within the length of your rod where you see the water or foliage moving in hopes it's a bass lying there waiting to slurp up your plastic worm. Lake Alfred It's not far from Auburndale and close to I-4, but of late it's produced some of the biggest bass in the state, with many 10-pound-plus lunkers reaching boat side.
Disney World Yes, you read that right. Disney's two big lakes contain a huge population of bass that have learned to live with boat noise and crowds. You can't go on your own but two-hour excursions aboard pontoon boats with a guide are available - and it's all catch and release. Lake Talquin Just west of Tallahassee, this stump-strewn lake is the perfect environs for healthy bass. Go with heavier line than usual to deter the abrasion. Rivers are fish-filled and so beautiful you almost don't care what you catch. Examples include the Peace River, Withlacoochee River, Suwannee River, Steinhatchee River, Fenholloway River, Choclawhatchee River and many others. WHICH ARE THE MOST CATCH FISHES IN FLORIDA? Top 15 Florida Fish to Catch TARPON DOLPHINFISH RED DRUM REDEAR SUNFISH SPECKLED PEACOCK BASS LARGEMOUTH BASS SAILFISH STOTTED SEA TROUT SNOOK
SNAPPERS GROUPER MACKERELS ALLIGATOR GAR FLORIDA GAR BLUE CAT FISH BIGEYE TUNA TARPON WHERE TO CATCH TARPON? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BACKFLOW BAYS BREAKERS
JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS MANGROVES PIERS, DOCKS AND PILINGS SURF AND SHORE BAITFISH PATCHES BAYS AND ESTUARIES CHANNEL ENTRANCES MAN-MADE STRUCTURES NIGHT FISHING SALTWATER AND TIDES TIDAL FLATS HOW TO CATCH TARPON? Fishing methods include still fishing with live mullet, pinfish, crabs, shrimp, etc. or casting or trolling with spoons, plugs, and other artificial lures. The best fishing occurs at night when the tarpon is feeding. They are hard to hook because of their hard, bony mouths. Once hooked they put up a stubborn and spectacular fight, often leaping up to 10 feet out of the water. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: BAIT CASTING FLY FISHING SPIN CASTING SURF CASTING DRIFT FISHING JIGGING STILL FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR TARPON? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CRABS FLIES PLUGS SHRIMP SPOONS
CUT BAIT JIGS SALTWATER LIVE BAIT SOFT PLASTICS DOLPHINFISH WHERE TO CATCH DOLPHINFISH? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BAITFISH PATCHES DEEP SHORE WATER MERGING WATER REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS COASTAL WATERS FLOATING FOAM AND DEBRIS NIGHT FISHING HOW TO CATCH DOLPHINFISH? Hooked dolphin may leap or tailwalk, darting first in one direction, then another. It is believed that they can reach speeds up to 50 mph (80.5 kph) in short bursts. Successful fishing methods include trolling surface baits (flying fish, mullet, ballyhoo, squid, strip baits) or artificial lures; also live bait fishing or casting. If the first dolphin caught is kept in the water, it will usually hold the school, and often others will come near enough to be caught by casting. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
DRIFT FISHING SALTWATER TROLLING SALTWATER JIGGING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR DOLPHINFISH? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: PLUGS SPOONS SALTWATER LIVE BAIT SQUID RED DRUM WHERE TO CATCH RED DRUM? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: HOW TO CATCH RED DRUM? It is a strong, hard fighter when hooked. Fishing methods include drifting or still fishing on the bottom, jigging or casting from boats or from shore, and slow trolling. In some areas red drum may be stalked on the flats like bonefish. Baits and lures include crabs, shrimp, clams, jigs, plugs, spoons, strip bait, and streamer flies. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
DRIFT FISHING JIGGING SURF CASTING FLY FISHING STILL FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR RED DRUM? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CRABS FLIES PLUGS SHRIMP SPOONS CUT BAIT JIGS SALTWATER LIVE BAIT SOFT PLASTICS REDEAR SUNFISH WHERE TO CATCH REDEAR SUNFISH? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BAITFISH PATCHES DEEP SHORE WATER MERGING WATER REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS
COASTAL WATERS FLOATING FOAM AND DEBRIS NIGHT FISHING HOW TO CATCH REDEAR SUNFISH? It is less likely to be caught on artificials, such as spinners or poppers, than the other sunfishes. It prefers small live baits such as worms, grubs, and insects. Rarely, the redear will take a small fly or other small lure. It is strictly an angler s fish and has no commercial value. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: DRIFT FISHING STILL FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR REDEAR SUNFISH? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: BREAD OR DOUGH BALLS JIGS INSECTS MINNOWS SPECKLED PEACOCK BASS WHERE TO CATCH SPECKLED PEACOCK BASS? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BAITFISH PATCHES DEEP SHORE WATER MERGING WATER
REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS COASTAL WATERS FLOATING FOAM AND DEBRIS NIGHT FISHING HOW TO CATCH SPECKLED PEACOCK BASS? An excellent game fish, the speckled peacock can be caught on spin, bait-casting or fly tackle. Their pound-for-pound power is brutal, even when matched to heavy tackle. They will strike plugs, spoons, spinners, streamer flies and popping bugs. Their top water strikes are stunning in ferocity and they make spectacular jumps and strong runs. The larger they get, the more fiercely they fight. Considering they can grow to more than 30 pounds, be prepared for a battle when you hook into a speckled peacock! The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: BAIT CASTING FLY FISHING STILL FISHING DRIFT FISHING SPIN CASTING TROLLING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR SPECKLED PEACOCK BASS? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: FLIES MINNOWS SPINNER BAITS JIGS PLUGS SPOONS
LARGEMOUTH BASS WHERE TO CATCH LARGEMOUTH BASS? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BAITFISH PATCHES DEEP SHORE WATER MERGING WATER REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS COASTAL WATERS FLOATING FOAM AND DEBRIS NIGHT FISHING HOW TO CATCH LARGEMOUTH BASS? Much of its popularity is due to its pugnacious attitude and willingness to strike a lure or bait with explosive force. Research indicates that the largemouth bass is also the most intelligent freshwater fish, able to distinguish and avoid a particular type of lure after only one encounter with it. In fact, some bass lakes believed to be fished out contain plenty of bass, but the fish have learned to recognize virtually all the lures in common use on the lake. In such cases, a lure that is new to them will often work where others have failed. By comparison the brook trout will strike a particular lure two, three or four times before it learns; sunfish and crappies will take the same lure repeatedly. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: DRIFT FISHINGS TROLLING STILL FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR LARGEMOUTH BASS LURES? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:
INSECTS MINNOWS SOFT PLASTICS SPOONS JIGS PLUGS SPINNER BAITS SAILFISH WHERE TO CATCH SAILFISH? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BAITFISH PATCHES FLOATING FOAM AND DEBRIS DEEP SHORE WATER REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS HOW TO CATCH SAILFISH? It tires quickly and is considered a light tackle species. Fishing methods include trolling with strip baits, lures, feathers or spoons, as well as live bait fishing and kite fishing. The most action is found where sailfish are located on or near the surface where they feed. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: DRIFT FISHING
STILL FISHING SALTWATER TROLLING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR SAILFISH? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: SALTWATER LIVE BAIT SQUID SPOONS SPOTTED SEA TROUT WHERE TO CATCH SPOTTED SEA TROUT? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BACKFLOW BAYS AND ESTUARIES CURRENT EDGES EDDIES MERGING CURRENTS ROCK AND BOULDER POCKETS SCHOOLS STANDING WAVES BAYS CHANNEL ENTRANCES
DROP-OFFS MAN-MADE STRUCTURES RIPPLES, CURRENTS, SWIRLS AND SPRAYS SALTWATER AND TIDES SMALL POINTED WAVES SALTWATER WEED BEDS HOW TO CATCH SPOTTED SEA TROUT? This bottom dwelling, predatory fish feeds at any level. It may be taken by chumming from a drifting or anchored boat, by trolling, jigging, surfcasting or fly-fishing. Shrimp is the most popular and effective bait. Whenever shrimp are abundant, spotted seatrout feed on them almost exclusively. It may be caught in salt or brackish water and shows preference for shallow waters of estuaries. They rate highly as a food fish, but tend to spoil rapidly so should be eaten soon after capture. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: DRIFT FISHING JIGGING FLY FISHING STILL FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR SPOTTED SEA TROUT? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CUT BAIT JIGS SALTWATER LIVE BAIT SPOONS FLIES PLUGS SHRIMP
SNOOK WHERE TO CATCH SNOOK? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BACKFLOW BAYS BREAKERS JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS MANGROVES SURF AND SHORE BAITFISH PATCHES BAYS AND ESTUARIES CHANNEL ENTRANCES MAN-MADE STRUCTURES SALTWATER AND TIDES TIDAL FLATS HOW TO CATCH SNOOK? Its diet consist mainly of fish and crustaceans. Fishing methods include trolling or casting artificial lures or still fishing with live baits like sunfish, mullet, shrimp, crabs, or other small fish. Best fishing is said to be on the changing tide, especially high falling
tide around river mouths and coastal shores and night fishing from bridges and in ocean inlets. A flooding or rising tide is more productive at creek heads. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: DRIFT FISHING JIGGING SURF CASTING FLY FISHING STILL FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR SNOOK? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CRABS FLIES PLUGS SHRIMP SPOONS CUT BAIT JIGS SALTWATER LIVE BAIT SOFT PLASTICS
GROUPER WHERE TO CATCH RED GROUPER? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: COASTAL WATERS MAN-MADE STRUCTURES NIGHT FISHING ROCKY SEA FLOOR JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS MANGROVES REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS HOW TO CATCH RED GROUPER? Like other grouper, the red is usually caught while bottom fishing with cut or live bait. Unlike other grouper that are associated with reefs, reds can be taken on relatively light tackle. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: BOTTOM BOUNCING DRIFT FISHING STILL FISHING CHUMMING SALTWATER JIGGING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR RED GROUPER? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CUT BAIT SALTWATER LIVE BAIT
SQUID JIGS SHRIMP SNAPPERS WHERE TO CATCH RED SNAPPER? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: COASTAL WATERS ROCKY SEA FLOOR NIGHT FISHING HOW TO CATCH RED SNAPPER? The species feed primarily on fish, crustaceans, worms, and cephalopods. They tend to be nibblers and pickers and soft touch is needed when angling. Red snapper seem to prefer a still or slowly moving bait. Squid, whole fish and cut bait can be used to entice red snapper to bite. It is now closely protected and any anglers that fish in the Gulf of Mexico and use live or natural baits must use a circle hook. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: BOTTOM BOUNCING SALTWATER JIGGING DRIFT FISHING STILL FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR RED SNAPPER? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:
CUT BAIT SALTWATER LIVE BAIT JIGS SQUID MACKERELS WHERE TO CATCH SPANISH MACKEREL? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BAITFISH PATCHES BIRDS COASTAL WATERS FLOATING FOAM AND DEBRIS MAN-MADE STRUCTURES REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS SHORE POINTS BAYS AND ESTUARIES CHANNEL ENTRANCES DEEP SHORE WATER JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS MERGING WATER
RIP TIDES SURF AND SHORE HOW TO CATCH SPANISH MACKEREL? The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: BOTTOM BOUNCING DRIFT FISHING SALTWATER JIGGING STILL FISHING CHUMMING FLY FISHING SALTWATER TROLLING SURF CASTING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR SPANISH MACKEREL? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CUT BAIT JIGS SALTWATER LIVE BAIT SPOONS TROLLING LURES FLIES PLUGS SHRIMP SQUID
ALLIGATOR GAR WHERE TO CATCH ALLIGATOR GAR? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: CLIFFS AND STEEP SHORE BANKS FRESHWATER LAKES AND PONDS HOLES INSIDE TURNS AND COVES OPEN WATER ROCKS SPRING HOLES WALKWAYS AND BRIDGES DROP-OFFS GRADUAL SHORES INLETS AND OUTLETS ISLANDS OR SAND BARS POINTS AND BREAK LINES SHORELINE SHALLOWS SUNKEN OBJECTS HOW TO CATCH ALLIGATOR GAR? Because of its huge size and great strength, the alligator gar is popular with anglers. Obviously, it is not a fish that is easily caught, as its sharp teeth will cut most lines in an instant. They are edible, but are not highly rated by most people. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: BAIT CASTING
STILL FISHING DRIFT FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR ALLIGATOR? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CUT BAIT MINNOWS JIGS SPOONS FLORIDA GAR WHERE TO CATCH FLORIDA GAR? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: CLIFFS AND STEEP SHORE BANKS GRADUAL SHORES INSIDE TURNS AND COVES POINTS AND BREAK LINES SHORELINE SHALLOWS SUNKEN OBJECTS FRESHWATER LAKES AND PONDS INLETS AND OUTLETS ISLANDS OR SAND BARS ROCKS SPRING HOLES WALKWAYS AND BRIDGES
HOW TO CATCH FLORIDA GAR? These fish are usually taken using natural baits like cut bait and minnows or artificial baits like spoons or spinners. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: BAIT CASTING FLY FISHING STILL FISHING DRIFT FISHING SPIN CASTING TROLLING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR FLORIDA GAR? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CUT BAIT JIGS SPINNER BAITS FLIES MINNOWS SPOONS BLUE CATFISH WHERE TO CATCH BLUE CATFISH? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: CURRENT EDGES DROP-OFFS RIVERS AND STREAMS
UNDERCUTS DAMS AND FALLS RIPARIAN ZONES ROCK AND BOULDER POCKETS HOW TO CATCH BLUE CATFISH? The blue catfish is considered an excellent food and game fish. It prefers clean, swift-moving waters where it feeds primarily on fish and crayfish. It is a strong, well-toned fish with a fine, delicate flavor. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: DRIFT FISHING STILL FISHING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR BLUE CATFISH? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: BREAD OR DOUGH BALLS JIGS CUT BAIT MINNOWS
BIGEYE TUNA WHERE TO CATCH BIGEYE TUNA? The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish: BAITFISH PATCHES NIGHT FISHING ROCKY SEA FLOOR COASTAL WATERS REEFS, WRECKS, AND SHOALS THE OPEN OCEAN HOW TO CATCH BIGEYE TUNA? The diet of the bigeye tuna includes squid, crustaceans, mullet, sardines, small mackerels and some deep water species. Fishing methods include trolling deep with squid, mullet or other small baits, or artificial lures, and live bait fishing in deep waters with similar baits. It is an excellent food fish as well as sport fish and is a very important commercial species. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: DRIFT FISHING SALTWATER TROLLING SALTWATER JIGGING WHICH BAITS ARE USED FOR BIGEYE TUNA? The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish: CUT BAIT SALTWATER LIVE BAIT TROLLING LURES
World Records For Fish Caught In Saltwater Brown Bullhead 5lbs 11oz Robert Bengis Cedar Creek, FL March 28, 1995 Florida Gar 21lbs 3oz Jeff Sabol Boca Raton, FL June 3, 1981 Redeye Bass 8lbs 12oz Carl W. Davis Apalachicola River, FL Suwannee Bass 3lbs 14oz Ronnie Everett Suwannee River, FL Warmouth 2lbs 7oz Tony D. Dempsey Guess Lake, Holt, FL January 28, 1995 March 2, 1985 October 19, 1985 White Bass 6lbs 13oz Ronald L. Sprouse Lake Orange, VA July 31, 1989 White Catfish 18lbs 14oz Jim Miller Inverness, FL September 21, 1991 World Records For Fish Caught In Freshwater African Pompano 50lbs 8oz Tom Sargent Daytona Beach, FL April 21, 1990 Blackfin Tuna 45lbs 8oz Sam J. Burnett Key West, FL May 4, 1996 Cero Mackerel 17lbs 2oz G. Michael Mills Islamorada, FL April 5, 1986 Hammerhead 991lbs Allen Ogle Sarasota, FL May 30, 1982 Shark Horse-eye Jack 24lbs 8oz Tito Schnau Miami, FL Dec. 20, 1982 Jewfish 680lbs Lynn Joyner Fernandina May 20, 1961 Beach, FL King Mackerel 90lbs Norton I. Thomton Key West, FL Feb. 16, 1976 Permit 56lbs 2oz Thomas Sebestyen Ft. Lauderdale, FL June 30, 1997 Spotted Seatrout 17lbs 7oz Craig F. Carson Ft. Pierce, FL May 11, 1995 the future will come
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