Florida is known as the "Fishing Capital of the World" due to its great resources and responsible management. Florida is the southeasternmost US State with the Atlantic on one side and Gulf on Mexico. The latest report documented that Florida ranked #1 with 3.1 million anglers, and the total expenditures summed at $5 billion.

 

Top Catches In Florida

Florida has many prestigious species of fish that are prized. Florida waters yield great results, as the area is affluent both in species and numbers. Let's have a look at some of the popular game fish worthy of pursuing on your next travel adventure.

Tarpon

Tarpon needs no introduction. Everyone knows that the "Silver King" takes the number one spot in the market. Called a top game fish in Florida, it has a rich history with this silver beast. It is beautiful, big, and puts up a great fight, leaping out of the water to shake the hook. Look no further than the tarpon if you are looking for the ultimate fishing story and genuinely want to test your endurance. They are strong, majestic, and worthy.

Snapper

The waters around Florida hold various Snapper species; each one is more interesting than the next. You will find Vermillion, beloved red snapper, and Mutton in these blue waters. If you are visiting Florida, bottom fishing for Red Snapper is something you shouldn't miss.

This beautiful snapper is a trophy for any avid angler, and reeling it in is a real feat. Pulling snapper out of the deepest depths is not easy, but there is nothing more fun than a fishing challenge. Snappers are prized for their tender meat; this delicious fish will reward you with a fantastic meal in return, leaving you craving more.

Bonefish

It is the most beloved light tackle fish; Bonefish is an agile swimmer and a prized inshore game fish. It doesn't grow large, but it more than makes up for that with the fight it puts up.

The flats around the Florida West are known to be very fish-rich. While dipping your rod in the water, you will have some excellent specimens in no time. Bonefish can be very touchy and aggressive, but the effort is worth it. The bony structure does not make it excellent table fare, and its game qualities make it a catch-and-release fish. Test your fly fishing abilities on these speedsters and get the drag-burning adrenaline that you desire.

Mahi-Mahi

If you are looking for a marine photo opportunity, there is no fish more photogenic than the exclusive Mahi-Mahi. You will find this fish by heading out a bit offshore in literally any direction, as these Mahi-Mahi fishes inhabit the waters all around Florida. Fishing for this stunning yellow and green fish is an adventure, and you should also make sure to try it out while you are in that area. Because of its large size, it's a trophy game fish everyone admires. There is nothing better than a blackened Mahi sandwich, capture the photo of a lifetime and then eat like a king and queen.


Grouper

Grouper is the other bottom-dweller everyone loves to target. Are you looking for something to break the records? If yes, some species of grouper can get pretty big in Florida. Snowy, Black, Gag, and the majestic Goliath variety are all in the cards. Red and Gag Grouper will probably be most prevalent, and pulling these beasts out is itself an adventure and workout. The biggest of them is Goliath and if you happen to catch her, snap a once-in-a-lifetime photo while it is still in the water before releasing. They are beautiful and big, but they are also protected in Florida waters.


Billfish

Billfish is another unavoidable fish family if you are in deep Florida waters. Billfish are the most significant game-fish an avid angler can reel in while deep-sea fishing. Just go and sail offshore for the day of adventure and expect to fight Blue and White Marin, Sailfish, as well as the iconic Swordfish. Fishing for these sport fish is for the more experienced, but you will have the time of your life if the conditions are right. The fun doesn't have to end there as numerous fish species live in the waters around Florida, and you need a lot of time to mention them all.

Types Of Fishing In Florida

Florida includes a wide variety of habitats; there's a range of different types of fishing you can try out. You will find everything from flats and mangroves to deep waters not far from shore in Florida. Keep on reading the article further to find your preferred way of exploring the area.

Party Boat Fishing

The charter business in Florida is enormous; there is no denying that. Fishing is the main outdoor activity one prefers to do in the area. So, it's not difficult to find a charter anywhere you go. Though renting a charter boat can turn out to be quite expensive. Fortunately, there is an alternative. The popular way of fishing and saving here is hopping aboard a party boat. Primarily this is a shared trip on a charter boat, which means you will have more fun as it becomes less expensive. Head out on the boat and enjoy an excellent time with friends without breaking the bank; this is the trip to take. Keep in mind that party boats typically venture to grounds with grunts and more undersized snapper and grouper. It is more affordable, don't have high expectations for that trophy catch.

Charter Fishing

Charter fishing is a tradition in Florida. You might wonder why charter fishing is considered so good? Well, it is just because fishing from a charter boat is convenient and easy. It takes you to the fishing grounds in no time, and you can cover a larger area than by other means. Whenever you decide to visit, be sure to research to find quality and experienced licensed captains. Under the guidance of experienced captains, you are guaranteed to have a productive fishing excursion. Contact Me Capt. Joshua Taylor or Capt. Chris Canning for a fantastic time in Tampa Bay.

Shore Fishing

Shore fishing and wade fishing in Florida is just as fun. Surrounded by tropical beaches, surf fishing will yield great results in Snook, Jacks, Permit, and Mackerel. For more action, explore some of the bridges. The Bahia Honda Bridge is a fantastic place to sink your line for some mighty Tarpon. However, it might be less exciting than party boat fishing; fishing from the shore is a great way to unwind and enjoy your day. You can cast a line and relax soaking in the sun and with the beautiful views. Sounds pretty nice, right?

Kayak Fishing

Are you searching for the most immersive experience in Florida? Look no further than Kayak Fishing. It is a popular way to explore the waters in Florida, and it's a great way to connect with wildlife and explore areas that aren't available to larger vessels. Getting personal and close with the natural life in Florida is a unique experience. It is a way to put your fishing skills to the test in the tropical setting. Here you can enjoy the crystal clear waters, the abundance of wildlife and not to mention the stunning scenery all around. I love taking the OldTown Autopilot out and cruising in secluded areas. The stealth approach allows me to catch big fish and frequently.

The 3 Best Fishing Piers In Florida

Want to do some epic saltwater fishing in beautiful sunny Florida but not bother with the cost and headaches of maritime vessels or charter fishing trips in Florida? Then how about giving pier fishing a try? With hundreds of oceans and gulf fishing piers along some of the best beaches in Florida to choose from, anglers find their favorite spots, all without the need to set sail. Let's look at the three best fishing piers in Florida.

Skyway Fishing Pier

Skyway Fishing Pier is one of the best in Florida. It is technically considered one of the largest fishing piers in the world. After the new skyway bridge opened (when the old one got destroyed because of bad weather and a string of unfortunate events), the two remaining spans of the old bridge were turned into the "world's longest" fishing piers. The rubble from the center of the old bridge was turned into an artificial reef and helped produce giant Grouper, Cobia, Tarpon, and sharks.

• Opening hours - 24/7
• Cost - $4.00 per vehicle plus $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children (6 to 12 years old). Kids 5 and under are free.
• License required - No

Cocoa Fishing Pier

One of the world's best fishing piers is located in beautiful Cocoa Beach, Florida, and has been the heart and soul of the Cocoa beach waterfront since 1962 and the anglers have been dropping and casting lines from its planks ever since then. Depending on the time of year you are fishing from Cocoa Beach Pier, you will have the opportunity to haul in Pompano, Redfish, Wahoo, Snapper, Whiting, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Bluefish, Flounder, Sea Trout, Jack, Grouper, Black drum, and Croaker. The fantastic thing about fishing in the cocoa fishing pier is that you will still have a great time even if the fish aren't biting. With delicious restaurants and bars to choose from, there is no shortage of good times.

• Opening hours - 6:00a.m. to 10:00p.m.
• Cost - $7.00 adults, $5.00 seniors (+55), and kids under 12 (fishing), $2.00 spectators.
• License required - No

 

Daytona Beach Pier

Daytona Beach Pier is the most recognizable landmark on all of Daytona Beach. The pier was refurbished in 2009, and the old casino building was turned into the present-day Joe's Crab Shack. But here, the question is what you can catch while fishing off the Daytona beach? Depending on the season, Daytona Beach Pier is known for producing Flounder, Whiting, Pompano, Sheepshead, Trout, and numerous shark species to reel in.

• Opening hours - 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m., March 16th to October 31st & 7:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., November 1st to March 15th.
• Cost - Free to fish.
• License Required - No