Florida is widely considered the fishing capital of the world, offering an unparalleled variety of freshwater and saltwater opportunities. Anglers can target trophy largemouth bass in inland lakes or pursue legendary saltwater species like tarpon, snook, and sailfish along its thousands of miles of coastline and reef systems.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Largemouth Bass
Open year-round; Florida is the premier destination for trophy bass, with a state-wide limit of 5 fish, though only one may be over 16 inches.
Snook
Strictly regulated seasonal harvest; typically closed Dec 15-Jan 31 and June 1-Aug 31 in Atlantic waters, and Dec 1-end of Feb and May 1-Aug 31 in Gulf waters.
Red Drum (Redfish)
Year-round availability with regional management zones; harvest is generally limited to a 18-27 inch slot limit and 1 fish per person.
Tarpon
Peak season is May through July; strictly catch-and-release except for world record pursuits requiring a specific $50 harvest tag.
Spotted Seatrout
Open year-round with regional bag limits (3-5 fish); slot limit is 15-19 inches with one fish over 19 inches allowed per vessel.
Gag Grouper
Highly seasonal in Gulf state waters, typically opening in early autumn; 24-inch minimum size and 2 fish daily bag limit.
Gray (Mangrove) Snapper
Year-round harvest in state waters; 10-inch minimum size and a 5-fish per person bag limit.
Top Waters
Lake Okeechobee
A massive freshwater lake known globally for its prolific largemouth bass and black crappie populations.
Florida Keys
World-class destination for flats fishing (bonefish, permit) and offshore adventures for sailfish and mahi-mahi.
Mosquito Lagoon
Famous for sight-fishing redfish in shallow grass flats within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
St. Johns River
One of the few rivers that flows north, offering diverse fishing for bass, striped bass, and seasonal shad runs.
Tampa Bay
The largest open-water estuary in Florida, providing exceptional year-round action for snook, trout, and redfish.
Destin Harbor / Emerald Coast
Known as the Luckiest Fishing Village in the World, providing quick access to deep Gulf waters for snapper and grouper.
Everglades National Park
A unique wilderness where anglers can catch both freshwater bass and saltwater snook in the same back-country creek.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Florida's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Dream Catcher Charters
Charter/GuideKey West, FL
Professional backcountry, reef, and wreck fishing guides specializing in Florida Keys light tackle.
Native Sons Fishing Guides
Charter/GuideMerritt Island, FL
Specializing in shallow water sight-fishing for redfish and trout in the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon.
Capt. Hippo Fishing Charters
Charter/GuideCrystal River, FL
Expert inshore guides for redfish, trout, and seasonal scalloping in the Nature Coast waters.
Naples Saltwater Fishing
Charter/GuideNaples, FL
Inshore and nearshore fishing charters targeting snook, tarpon, and shark in Southwest Florida.
Fins and Grins Charters
Charter/GuideDestin, FL
Family-friendly Gulf of Mexico charters specializing in bottom fishing and trolling for reef species.
Half Hitch Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopPanama City Beach, FL
A premier Panhandle outfitter providing a massive selection of tackle, frozen bait, and local knowledge.
Strike-Zone Fishing
Bait & Tackle ShopJacksonville, FL
Large independent retailer offering extensive gear for Northeast Florida inshore and offshore anglers.
Juno Bait
Bait & Tackle ShopJuno Beach, FL
Local shop catering to surf casters, pier fishers, and offshore enthusiasts in the Palm Beach area.
Seven Seas Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopKey Largo, FL
A classic Keys tackle shop offering live bait, custom rigs, and local fishing reports.
Tight Lines Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopPensacola, FL
Dedicated local shop providing fresh bait and expert advice for Pensacola Bay and Gulf fishing.
Lott Bros. Fishing Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopNorth Palm Beach, FL
Family-owned since 1962, known for custom rod repair and high-end offshore trolling equipment.
Fish Tales Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopCrystal River, FL
A full-service shop providing everything needed for the Crystal River and Homosassa fishing grounds.
Loggerhead Marina
MarinaJupiter, FL
Top-tier marina facility offering dry storage and quick access to the Jupiter Inlet.
Snook Bight Marina
MarinaFort Myers Beach, FL
Full-service marina on Estero Island featuring boat rentals, storage, and a waterfront restaurant.
Pirate's Cove Resort & Marina
MarinaStuart, FL
Historic marina located in the Sailfish Capital of the World with tournament-ready facilities.
Pier 66 Marina
MarinaFort Lauderdale, FL
Luxury mega-yacht facility and sportfish hub in the heart of the yachting capital.
Orlando Outfitters
Fly ShopOrlando, FL
Central Florida's source for fly fishing gear, casting lessons, and destination travel advice.
Ole Florida Fly Shop
Fly ShopBoca Raton, FL
Dedicated fly shop offering premium fly tying materials and technical clothing for salt and fresh water.
The Saltwater Angler
Fly ShopKey West, FL
Specialists in tropical fly fishing gear and guided flats trips for tarpon and bonefish.
Seven Seas Fly Shop
Fly ShopJacksonville, FL
Focused on fly fishing the Northeast Florida marshes and seasonal flood tides for tailing redfish.
MarineMax Clearwater
Boat DealerClearwater, FL
Major dealer for premium fishing brands like Boston Whaler and Sea Ray in the Tampa Bay region.
Boaters Exchange
Boat DealerRockledge, FL
Award-winning dealership representing Everglades, Maverick, and Hewes fishing boats.
Nautical Ventures
Boat DealerDania Beach, FL
Outfitter for a wide range of watercraft, from high-speed fishing tenders to specialized fishing kayaks.
Sundance Marine
Boat DealerPompano Beach, FL
South Florida dealer specializing in center consoles and offshore fishing vessels.
Bull Bay Rods
Rod BuilderLakeland, FL
Manufacturer of high-performance custom fishing rods designed for Florida's unique species.
Blackfin Rods
Rod BuilderHobe Sound, FL
Hand-crafting premium American-made offshore and inshore fishing rods since 1997.
Crowder Rods
Rod BuilderStuart, FL
Manufacturer of a full line of custom fishing rods for every application from flats to blue water.
Connley Fishing
Rod BuilderWest Palm Beach, FL
Specialists in custom saltwater trolling and kite fishing rods for the tournament circuit.
Custom Rod & Reel
Rod BuilderLighthouse Point, FL
Custom shop offering specialized rod builds and reel repair for serious saltwater anglers.
Sewell Rods
Rod BuilderClearwater, FL
Boutique rod builder known for high-tech carbon fiber blanks and lightweight inshore designs.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.