Specialist Fishing » Florida Fishing

Florida Fishing Destinations

Josh — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:24:14 +0000

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 Fishing

Josh — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:20:41 +0000

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 Fishing Trips

Joshua — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:05:41 +0000

What type of fishing do you prefer? It’s doesn’t matter when you go on a Florida fishing trip, because they have just about everything an American angler would want to catch. Plus, if you need or want to take your family with you there is every type of resort, amusement park, and entertainment you can imagine. This will keep them busy so you can get down to the art of catching those huge large mouth bass.

Florida bass fishing trips can be planned very easily and often worked into a double themed vacation. Say for example the three or four days you and the family go to Disneyworld and enjoy the rides. Then escape to central Florida for the rest of the trip to one of their many lakes to go bass fishing and relax and get some peace from the Disney crowd before going home.

Deep sea fishing trips in Florida are the best bang for the buck for many reasons. First off, the vast amount of fish species that are available to catch, and then the fact that there is an over abundance of fishing charters so the competition can be pretty high and brings the prices down.

Weather plays a huge factor when planning Florida deep sea fishing trips – Be prepared to have your fishing trip postponed or canceled if the weather turns for the worse. Most contracts with fishing charters state that they cannot be held responsible for weather conditions and you might have eat the fees that you paid.

Saving the best for last and the Florida Keys fishing trips are the cream of the crop. The beautiful scenery, the laid back Jimmy Buffet lifestyle and, of course the excellent fishing opportunities in the beautiful blue waters of the keys. Talk about variety, you can go catch Dolphin, Sailfish, Marling, Kingfish and Wahoo out in the deep sea. Or you can set an anchor just off the reefs and get your share of Grouper and Snapper too.

While in the keys check out the backcountry, which is the Florida bay. You can catch an abundance of Sea Trout, Redfish, Bonefish, and Silver King Tarpon. Just ask your guide what this little excursion will run you. It may be worth staying an extra day to fish these tranquil waters.

Always make sure you have to correct fishing license while in Florida. You do not want to get caught without one, because the fines are out of this world. But, on fishing charters they usually make that a part of the package so everyone in the party will be legal.