Before you plan your next Florida bass fishing trip, you are going to want to first figure out what part of Florida you are going to be visiting. Central and North Florida offer incredibly different fishing styles, than South Florida does, so if you are going to be north of St. Petersburg, you are going to want to take this into account. The southern half of the state has consistent fishing year round, with some exotic species thrown into the mix. When you go bass fishing in Southern Florida, there is no telling what you are going to have blow up on your lure.

In the deep south of Florida, the everglades, and freshwater canals south of Titusville, anglers can get themselves into the hard hitting Peacock bass of the Amazon Jungle. These fish were migrated into the freshwater systems of southern Florida for their ability to coexist in Florida’s natural climate. They grow to large sizes, while not as big as in the Amazon, but still put up incredible fights. If budget is an issue, and you are looking to catch some Peacocks, without having to travel to the Amazon, than a Florida bass fishing trip may be just what you had in mind.

It does not take long to discover why Florida fishing has remained a staple industry in the minds of outdoorsmen across the country and around the world. Whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor, or simply a tourist looking to waste away a luxurious afternoon on a deep-sea fishing excursion, the possibilities are endless: from lakes and rivers to the Gulf to the ocean; from small skiffs to large sea cruisers; from saltwater sailfish to freshwater bass. Where is a fisherman to start? Here are a few suggestions.

Named after New London fishing master Captain Leonard Destin, the village of Destin refers to itself as the Luckiest Fishing Village in the World and boasts one of the largest fleets of fishing boats in the whole state of Florida. Known for white beaches and emerald-green waters, Destin is located in northwest Florida, and is one of the gems of Florida’s emerald coast. More than just a tiny Florida fishing village, Destin now hosts over four million tourists per year, many of which make the pilgrimage specifically for its spectacular Florida fishing.

A favorite of the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett alike, this chain of islands off the southern tip of Florida is no stranger to any well-seasoned, Florida fishing seeker. From the northern hub of Key Largo to the southern bookend of Key West, the Florida Keys are home to some of the greatest fishing in North America. Clear waters, a long fishing season, and a wide range of fish to pursue keep the tiny islands buzzing with traffic. Whether you are chartering a boat or bringing your own, many online fishing sites recommend hiring a guide for the day to navigate your way offshore.

No Florida fishing excursion would be complete without making a stop in one of the main hubs of freshwater bass fishing: Lake Okeechobee. Known as the speckled perch capital of the world, Lake Okeechobee’s name is derived from two Hitchiti words meaning “big water”. The second-largest lake wholly enclosed within the borders of the United States behind Lake Michigan, Lake Okeechobee is home to largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bream, and bluegill and hosts several major bass-fishing contests every year. Along with customary array of boat rental options, for anyone seeking to enjoy the majestic scenery of the wetlands, Lake Okeechobee also offers airboat rentals and tours.

If all you are seeking is afternoon in the sunshine with good company, a cold beverage, and a wet line, there are many, many notable and casual pier fishing options throughout the state. All of the aforementioned locations, Destin, the Keys, Lake Okeechobee, offer pier fishing as a viable alternative to bass boats, guides, GPS’s, and high seas. Many of the popular tourist destinations such as Jacksonville and St. Petersburg also boast their share of piers to cast a line in, many of which are probably only a short walk from your condo or hotel room. Pier fishing guides can be obtained online or at a variety of travel information kiosks.

Florida fishing has something for everyone. From the Panhandle’s Gulf waters down to the Keys, amateur or pro, Florida’s ample seas can keep your party busy for days at a time. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

Florida is home to some of the best fishing in all of America, especially southwest Florida. Offering both saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing, there is something for every fishing enthusiast out there. No matter if you are in it for the relaxation while fishing for catfish, or if you are in it for the adventure and rush of trying to catch a prize marlin, your next Florida fishing trip might just be the best you have ever had.

The finest in backwater fishing is offered in southwest Florida. For those that are unfamiliar with backwater fishing, also known as backcountry fishing, it is fishing in the vast networks of mangrove islands, tidal creeks, and bays that occupy the region. Saltwater fish are attracted by the acres of oyster bars, miles of shorelines and sea grass beds that occupy the area. The state’s most hunted game fish, the snook, the tarpon, the redfish, and the spotted sea trout all inhabit these waters. Thousands of angler visit Florida every year the opportunity of catching all four types of fish in a day, which is known as the Grand Slam.

Maybe the most important factor helping the fantastic fishing reputation of the region are the ample tracks of saltwater and freshwater wetlands that are protected by both federal and state laws. The Charlotte Harbor area and other large sounds are labeled as aquatic preserves and have strict laws that protect marine life and the quality of the water.

Southwest Florida fishing may not seem like it would be paradise for fans of freshwater fishing. In fact, there are only a few natural lakes in the region with only one allowing the public to use it, Lake Trafford. There are other lakes; however, the other lakes are all manufactured for golf courses and private housing areas. Some of these are stocked with an assortment of fish for fishing including panfish, bass, and catfish. However, because these lakes are usually found on private property, the only people allowed to fish from them are members and guests.

Do not deduce the restrictions on synthetic lakes and lack of natural lakes with shortages of places to freshwater fish in Florida. There are plenty of freshwater canals that offer fantastic fishing. The three largest canals are Lehigh Acres, Golden Gate, and Cape Coral. Bass and panfish are locally famous in some parts of the canal systems. There are boat ramps and bridges for people to fish from in each system and plenty of banks as well.

Overall, Florida fishing is fantastic for whatever it is you are looking for. Although at times it may not look as if you will find what you are looking for, sometimes, it is right there in front of you the whole time. Whereas other states offer public lakes, Florida offers you areas to fish from in a slightly different and more exotic way. Florida fishing is fun for the angler of all levels and will sure to satisfy your fishing needs.

Florida is known for it’s beautiful cities, and pristine white sand beaches, but one little known fact about Florida is that the state offers some of the best bass fishing in North America. Short of Texas, and California with their deep water reservoirs, Bass Fishing Florida style has got to be some of the best fishing, as well as the biggest fish that you are going to find north of Mexico.  Not only does bass fishing in Florida offer amazing largemouth fishing, but there are some other brute bass that roam the fresh waters of inland Florida.

Peacock bass fishing in Florida is quickly catching on, with more and more anglers figuring out that these fish are thriving in Florida’s tropical waters.  Going out on a guided peacock bass fishing trip is one of the best ways to get to know this species, and while they are usually pretty eager to chase and attack a lure, you are going to need to figure out where to find them during certain conditions.  Peacock bass grow to amazing sizes, and while the Florida variety doesn’t grow near as large as the fish you will find deep in the Amazon, there are some huge numbers being recorded, with the records getting larger and larger each new fishing season.

Kissimmee – The Heart of Florida

A Florida bass fishing guide will be your best bet at catching a large amount of fish while you are down there.  The lakes that you find your trophy fish in are loaded down with smaller fish, and it takes a different technique to target the larger fish, and consistently bring them on the boat.  This is where requesting the services of a bass fishing guide can give you the best advantage.  The guides in Florida have fished the waters for years, and know where to find the large fish, as well as how to effectively target them without getting hammered by the tiny fish.

As you can see, a Florida bass fishing trip could be just the relief that you are looking for if life is starting to get you down.  Thankfully, these types of trips don’t usually cost too much as long as you are inside of the United States.  When you start having to come into the country from outside our borders, it tends to add to the price, but for some of the best bass fishing in the United States, it is well worth it.  If you haven’t gotten it yet, there is a lot more to Florida bass fishing than most people have thought about.  Bass fishing Florida style really is about connecting with trophy fish, even the peacock variety.

What could be better than charter fishing in Destin Florida anytime of the year? If you want to take clients, friends or family out for some best charter fishing trips then read on. Fishing charters usually charge by the person with a time frame stipulation, like two hours, half or whole day. The charters are great for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate retreat excursions, and of course a memory your kids will never forget.

The average price when using outer banks fishing charters varies, but is quite competitive since the market is flood with charter fishing boats. Price start around $100.00 per person with a six-person minimum. Of course, if you have a dozen people in your fishing party the price will go quite a bit. These are usually called private fishing charters and you and the people in your part will be the only ones going out with the boat. If you only have a couple of people, then you would around to the local companies and see who is doing what is called “available groupings”. This where they pair you up with others that do not have enough for a private party.

Destin fishing charters offer year round fishing and depending on what type of seafood you would like to catch for eating or making a trophy will decide which month you will go fishing. May through October holds the widest varieties of your favorite fish like Red Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna and Redfish. January through April are pretty slim as far as varieties and what is in season, but you fun and a great catch can be still be had for all.

Deep-sea fishing charters have safety rules, and a general etiquette to follow. You may be paying for the private party, but the captain is still in charge and his warning and commands must still be heeded. His concern is to get you out in the ocean, and let you have the time of your life wrestling the biggest fish you have ever come in contact with in your life. But, at the same time your safety and well being are his first responsibility.

One last thing, be sure and ask the charter-booking agent about food and beverages, some supply everything and others do not. Also ask about if alcohol is allowed. You do not want to show up with a couple coolers of beer to have to leave them on the dock to go fishing.

Tarpon fishing has got to be one of the most exciting fishing trips that you can possibly take if you are located around Florida, or even planning to travel down south as far as Costa Rica. If this sounds like you, you are going to have one of the best fishing trips that you have ever experienced. There are a lot of methods for catching these silver bullets of the sea, but Tarpon fly fishing has quickly caught on, and more and more tarpon fishing charters are using this method to track down your favorite species. A tarpon fishing guide isn’t all that expensive either, so you can easily grab the camera, call up your closest charter and arrange a date to pull some monsters from the depths.

Tarpon fishing Florida Keys style can bring you some of the most amazing action you have ever seen before. The fish down in Florida grow to huge sizes, and the numbers are almost out of control. There is a huge problem with fishing for tarpon that far south though, the sharks. You have to be quick on the line otherwise the sharks stand a great chance of taking part of your fish for a meal, leaving you with a half of a tarpon strapped onto a hook. This is never a pretty sight.

photo credit: P Keigan

Tarpon fishing Costa Rica style means that you are going to be on some of the most beautiful, crystal clear water that the big green earth has to offer. The fish in Costa Rica also grow to huge sizes, often ranging upwards of 150lbs and heavier. The fishing is fast paced, with rods bending left and right, so you and your charter don’t have to work real hard to get some poundage on the boat.

In order to get the most from your trip while you’re fly fishing for tarpon, you are going to want to remember that the Florida and Costa Rican sun can really beat down on you. Make sure you wear adequate protection to ensure that you don’t come back home with any new sun spots, or long lasting sun damage. Spending a few days out on the water tarpon fishing can be a great way to enjoy catching the silver bullets of the sea, as well as working on your tan. Just make sure you stay safe, and get your fish to the boat quickly.