The Best Fishing Spots in Florida

by Pablo Koch-Schick

Ever felt the thrill of a tarpon breaking the water’s surface? Or reeled in a monster red snapper just as the sun dipped behind the Siesta Key horizon? If not, you’re missing out on what makes fishing in Florida a true sport, an obsession, and for many, a lifestyle.

From saltwater fishing in the Atlantic Ocean to bass fishing in Lake Okeechobee, Florida is the capital of the world for casting lines and making memories. Whether you’re a newbie dreaming of your first catch or a seasoned angler chasing big game fish, this complete guide will take you through the best fishing spots in Florida, with expert tips to help you book your next adventure today.

Here’s a list of some of the best Florida fishing towns you can’t miss:

1. St. Petersburg: A Perfect Mix of Inshore and Offshore Gold

Known for its world-class fishing, St. Petersburg offers calm waters and a wide array of fish species from the Gulf of Mexico to grass flats near shore.

You can target snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon inshore, or head offshore to battle yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, grouper, and king mackerel.

Want to make the most of your St. Pete experience? Book a private charter with Reel Coquina and let the pros show you hidden gems like Fort De Soto Park and Weedon Island Preserve.

Pro Tip: Bring live bait, light tackle for the flats, and always carry your valid Florida fishing license.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Try Weedon Island Preserve for kayak fishing with redfish and trout.

  • Sunset bite? Fort De Soto Pier is killer for snook and snapper.

  • Spring = prime tarpon fishing near the Skyway Bridge.

  • Book a charter to access hidden offshore reefs.

  • Bring your camera, dolphins love crashing the fishing party.

 

fishing charter St. Pete Florida

2. Clearwater & Tampa Bay: Where the Action Never Stops

The Tampa Bay area is a backcountry fishing haven where sight fishing for redfish along the seagrass meadows is a must. For deep-sea fishing, Clearwater offers fast access to reefs full of Spanish mackerel, amberjack, and bottom fishing favorites like snapper and black drum.

Need a break from fishing? Try a sunset and dolphin cruise for the perfect end to your day on the water.

Best Time: Early fall for fewer crowds and prime conditions.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Use live bait near the bridge pylons for massive sheepshead.

  • Kayak anglers love the Hillsborough River for snook and bass.

  • Look out for manatees when fishing in winter; they love the warm shallows.

  • Fish light tackle along mangroves for sight fishing thrills.

  • Pair your fishing trip with a sunset cruise for an unforgettable day.

 

Best fishing charter in Clearwater, Florida

The Best Places to Fish in Florida

3. Destin: The “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”

Destin lives up to its name with over 300 offshore fishing sites. Hop on a charter boat, explore sand bars, or cast from the East Pass Jetties. The calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay are ideal for inshore fishing, while bottom fishing offshore will hook you up with grouper, snapper, and mackerel.

No boat? No problem. The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is loaded with action, and local tackle shops are ready to gear you up.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Don't miss the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, no boat, no problem!

  • You'll often catch dolphins shadowing your baitfish offshore.

  • Hit up the Harbor Boardwalk post-fishing for fresh eats and local vibes.

  • Surfcast at East Pass Jetty during sunrise, perfect for Spanish mackerel.

  • Try bottom fishing over sunken barges for red snapper.

The Best Places to Fish in st petersburg

4. The Florida Keys: Saltwater Paradise

The Florida Keys are legendary for a reason. Where else can you fight marlin, chase bonefish in shallow waters, or troll for king mackerel all in a single day?

From Key West to Islamorada, every cast offers a shot at trophy game fish. Whether you're sight fishing or cruising the reef line, this is saltwater fishing at its finest.

Planning your dream trip? Check out Reel Coquina’s website for booking options, fishing tips, and gear recommendations.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Use shrimp-tipped jigs for aggressive yellowtail snapper.

  • Night fishing around bridges = tarpon feeding frenzy.

  • Charter trips often include gear, bait, and GPS-tracked honey holes.

  • Pair fishing with snorkeling to see fish you don’t catch.

  • Grab a lobster tail dinner at local docks, fresh catch guaranteed.

Caught something worth keeping? Make the most of your fresh catch by learning how to fillet a fish like a pro. It’s easier than you think and way more satisfying than relying on a restaurant!

The Best Places to Fish in Florida

5. Everglades National Park: Wildlife Meets Fishing

Welcome to Florida’s wild heart. The Everglades National Park is a dream for freshwater fishing and bird watching. You'll find largemouth bass, snook, and tarpon swimming through shallow waters and scenic hikes.

The biodiversity here is unmatched. You might spot a heron stalking its prey or an alligator basking while you reel in your next catch.

Pack bug spray, light tackle, and a camera; you’ll want to remember this.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Stick to seagrass meadows for topwater action.

  • Bring binoculars, over 350 species of birds to spot while casting.

  • Canoe routes double as quiet fishing channels.

  • Respect the locals (read: gators) and fish responsibly.

  • Go early morning for a misty, movie-scene vibe, and better largemouth bass.

places to fish in florida

6. Cape Coral & San Carlos Bay: Southwest Serenity

Cape Coral and San Carlos Bay are often overlooked but deliver incredible year-round fishing. With a network of canals and estuaries, they offer the perfect spots for inshore and backcountry fishing.

You’ll find jack crevalle, redfish, and trout patrolling the grass flats, with access to boat ramps for larger offshore excursions.

Head south of Fort Myers and let the tide lead the way.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Fish the sunset tide for crazy redfish runs.

  • Explore back canals for surprise jack crevalle blow-ups.

  • Watch for roseate spoonbills near the mangroves, a rare pink treat!

  • Easy access from public boat ramps = DIY dream trip.

  • Topwater poppers work magic in the calm morning waters.

7. Orlando & Lake Okeechobee: Bass Central

Away from the coasts? Lake Okeechobee and Orlando's many lakes still make Florida a freshwater paradise. Cast for largemouth bass, crappie, and even exotic species like peacock bass.

Hit a tackle shop for the latest lures and tips, and try fishing during sunrise or sunset for the most action.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Peacock bass love bright lures, think neon pink or chartreuse.

  • The magic hour is right before sunrise, don't miss it!

  • Fish Lake Tohopekaliga for trophy bass after an Orlando theme park run.

  • Bring a GoPro, bass jumps are epic here.

  • Keep an eye out for turtles and gators, they’ll try to steal your bait!

8. Canaveral & Mosquito Lagoon: East Coast Treasures

Mosquito Lagoon is legendary among inshore fishing enthusiasts. With vast seagrass meadows and shallow flats, it's perfect for sight fishing redfish and snook. Nearby Canaveral National Seashore offers great surf and kayak fishing opportunities.

And yes, tarpon fishing here is epic in late spring and summer.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Sight fishing in clear, shallow water = pure adrenaline.

  • Paddle quietly and cast soft plastics near grass flats.

  • Try the Haulover Canal for consistent redfish and black drum.

  • Fish sunrise sessions during the new moon for the best bites.

  • Don’t forget polarized sunglasses, you’ll literally see the catch before it bites.

9. Amelia Island to Jacksonville: Northeast Charm

Head to Amelia Island for surf fishing or St. Augustine for flounder and trout. In Jacksonville, you’ll find abundant freshwater and saltwater species, with urban lakes and ocean access all within reach.

It’s one of the few places where you can fish a pier at dawn, hit the beach by lunch, and end your day on a scenic hike with rod in hand.

Tips & Highlights:

  • Use cut bait for surf-caught redfish.

  • Shrimp is king at the Jacksonville piers, especially for flounder.

  • Surfcast at Fernandina Beach for black drum and whiting.

  • Grab lunch at the pier’s tackle shop and swap stories with locals.

  • Great spot for kids or beginners, pier fishing = instant action.

Bonus: Don't Skip These Hotspots

  • Siesta Key: Great for light tackle fishing and sandbar hopping.

  • Key West: Ideal for offshore fishing and chasing blackfin tuna.

  • South Florida: From Biscayne Bay to inland canals, you’ll find a diversity of fish species unrivaled in the U.S.

Curious what kind of fish you might land? Reel Coquina's fish gallery is packed with real catches from real guests. Get inspired and maybe even spot your next trophy.

What You Need Before You Go

  • A valid Florida fishing license

  • Region-appropriate gear (check local tackle shops)

  • A knowledgeable guide or a trusted charter

Wondering if you even need a license where you’re headed? Check out this guide to where you can fish without a license in Florida and save yourself the guesswork.

Ready to Cast Off?

Whether you're after trophy tarpon, laid-back bass fishing, or a thrilling deep-sea fishing run, Reel Coquina has you covered. Explore our St. Pete charters, unwind with a sunset cruise, or get to know us and see why we’re trusted by locals and visitors alike.

Book your next adventure today and fish Florida the way it was meant to be experienced.

MORE FISHING TIPS FOR ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

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