What Fish Can Be Caught in the State of Florida?
Florida, often called the "Fishing Capital of the World," offers diverse opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. With over 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers, and 2,276 miles of coastline, the state provides a perfect setting for those who wish to enjoy fishing. In this article, we will explore the fish species that can be caught in Florida, the methods used to catch them, and where to find them. We’ll also discuss the types of boats available for rent and the best places to use them for different fishing experiences.
Fish of Florida: Where and How to Catch Them
1️⃣ Red Snapper
- Where: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Coast.
- How to catch: Caught using jigs or bottom rigs with bait such as shrimp or squid. The best time to catch them is from spring through fall.
2️⃣ Grouper
- Where: Deepwater reefs and rocky areas.
- How to catch: Use bottom rigs with heavy tackle and live or frozen bait, such as sardines, squid, or small fish.
3️⃣ Spanish Mackerel
- Where: Atlantic coast and Gulf shorelines.
- How to catch: Use spoons or artificial lures, typically caught by trolling or spinning.
4️⃣ Tarpon
- Where: Bays, river mouths, coastal waters.
- How to catch: Live bait, including shrimp and crabs. Often caught using trolling or spinning.
5️⃣ African Pompano
- Where: Coastal reefs and deeper waters.
- How to catch: Use live bait and metal jigs, typically at depths around 100-300 feet.
6️⃣ King Mackerel
- Where: Deep waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
- How to catch: Caught by trolling with large live baits such as small mackerel or lures.
7️⃣ Redfish
- Where: Mangrove swamps, bays, and river mouths.
- How to catch: Often caught using live bait (shrimp, crabs) or artificial lures.
8️⃣ Spotted Seatrout
- Where: Coastal waters, bays, and estuaries.
- How to catch: Spinning and bottom rigs with lures that mimic small fish.
9️⃣ Blue Marlin
- Where: Open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
- How to catch: Trolling with large artificial lures, often from larger vessels.
🔟 Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish)
- Where: Open ocean, near floating objects.
- How to catch: Trolling and jigging using large lures and live bait.
1️⃣1️⃣ Flounder
- Where: River mouths, shallow waters, bays.
- How to catch: Bottom rigs with live bait, often small fish or shrimp.
1️⃣2️⃣ Sharks
- Where: Open waters and coastal zones.
- How to catch: Bottom rigs with large bait, often caught at night.
1️⃣3️⃣ Lemon Shark
- Where: Shallow waters near reefs and shorelines.
- How to catch: Heavy tackle and large bait (fish, squid).
1️⃣4️⃣ Snook
- Where: Mangrove swamps, river mouths, and bays.
- How to catch: Spinning or bottom rigs with live fish or artificial lures.
1️⃣5️⃣ Tuna
- Where: Deep waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
- How to catch: Trolling with large lures, live baits, or spoons.
1️⃣6️⃣ Black Drum
- Where: Shallow waters, sandy areas, and estuaries.
- How to catch: Bottom rigs with shrimp or crabs.
1️⃣7️⃣ Lobster
- Where: Reefs and coral zones.
- How to catch: Caught by hand using scuba or snorkeling gear.
1️⃣8️⃣ Barracuda
- Where: Coastal reefs and deeper waters.
- How to catch: Caught on jigs or trolling with metal lures.
1️⃣9️⃣ Bonefish
- Where: Shallow sandy flats and bays.
- How to catch: Fly fishing or small artificial lures.
2️⃣0️⃣ Tripletail
- Where: Near floating objects and buoys.
- How to catch: Spinning or bottom rigs with live bait.
2️⃣1️⃣ Cobia
- Where: Deep waters and reefs.
- How to catch: Caught using bottom rigs with live bait or jigs.
2️⃣2️⃣ Sheepshead
- Where: Piers, docks, rocky areas.
- How to catch: Bottom rigs with shrimp or crabs.
2️⃣3️⃣ Spot
- Where: Coastal waters, bays.
- How to catch: Bottom rigs with bait like worms or shrimp.
2️⃣4️⃣ Ladyfish
- Where: Coastal waters and estuaries.
- How to catch: Spinning with artificial lures.
2️⃣5️⃣ Wahoo
- Where: Open waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
- How to catch: Trolling with large spoons and lures.
Renting Watercraft for Fishing in Florida
Florida offers a wide variety of watercraft for fishing, from kayaks to large yachts. Let’s look at the different types of boats you can rent, the best places to use them, and what types of fish you can catch.
Kayak
Where to use:
- Bays, mangroves, shallow waters.
- Popular locations: Key Largo, Everglades National Park, Chokoloskee Bay.
Advantages:
- Easy access to shallow areas, maneuverability, and environmentally friendly.
Fish:
- Snook, redfish, tarpon, spotted seatrout.
Boat
Where to use:
- Coastal waters, bays, shallow waters, and rivers.
- Popular locations: Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Advantages:
- Convenience for nearshore fishing, capacity for small groups, and wider range of access.
Fish:
- Redfish, Spanish mackerel, African pompano, tarpon.
Catamaran (or Pontoon)
A catamaran, also known as a pontoon boat, is a stable and comfortable vessel ideal for fishing in deeper waters.
Where to use:
- Open waters, reefs, deep zones, and distant ocean areas.
- Popular locations: Reefs off Key West, Biscayne Bay, Naples offshore reefs.
Advantages:
- Catamarans provide more space and stability, making them perfect for extended fishing trips. The stable design also reduces seasickness, making them popular for family fishing or beginners.
Fish:
- Mahi-mahi, barracuda, king mackerel, blue marlin.
Yacht
For those seeking deep-sea adventures and the thrill of open-ocean fishing, a yacht is the ultimate choice.
Where to use:
- Open waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, including distant reefs and areas beyond the continental shelf.
- Popular locations: Deepwater spots off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Key West.
Advantages:
- Yachts offer maximum comfort and safety for deep-sea fishing. They are equipped with amenities for long trips, including sleeping quarters, kitchens, and relaxation areas. Yachts are the top choice for multi-hour or even multi-day fishing expeditions.
Fish:
- Blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, sharks, mahi-mahi.
Fishing in Florida offers a unique experience with the opportunity to catch a vast array of fish species in various locations, from shallow flats to deep offshore waters. With a variety of fish to catch and many rental options, every angler can find the perfect way to enjoy their fishing adventure. Kayaks, boats, catamarans, and yachts provide a range of possibilities, each offering a different approach based on location, depth, and water conditions. Choosing the right vessel and method ensures an unforgettable time in one of the world’s premier fishing destinations — the state of Florida.