The Best Florida Fishing Spots
Florida has some of the most scenic boating and diverse fishing in the country. From the Atlantic Coast, over to the Gulf of Mexico, and all the way down to the Keys, Florida has a wide landscape of fishing opportunities. From the many reefs, mangroves, and flats to the unique wrecks and deep water trenches – Florida has everything to offer an enthusiastic angler. It’s not called the “Sportfishing Capital of the World” for nothing.
We have developed an angler’s guide to some of the best Florida fishing spots.
Destin
Otherwise known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, Destin is a well-respected boating and fishing town. It’s located between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, making it the perfect mix of inshore and offshore fishing. If you’re a competitive fisherman, the Destin Fishing Rodeo and Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic may spike your interest.
Possible Catches
- Grouper
- Snapper
- Amberjack
- Mahi Mahi
- Tuna
- Wahoo
- Billfish
Other Things to Do
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Big Kahuna’s Water Park
- Several White Sand Beaches
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The Florida Keys
Nothing really compares to fishing in the most southern part of Florida – The Keys. With a 100-mile stretch of small islands, surrounded by clear-blue waters and lots of fish, it’s a fisherman’s paradise. The Keys have some of the most famous fishing towns – Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West.
Deep sea fishing is very popular here. With spots like the Marathon Humps, you’ll most definitely encounter an abundance of hungry fish. You can also head over to the reefs or cast out from dry land for a more relaxed experience. Regardless, the fish in the Florida Keys are always kicking.
Possible Catches
- Bonefish
- Snook
- Tarpoon
- Permit
- Marlin
- Sailfish
- Tuna
Other Things to Do
- Several Beaches with Turquoise Waters
- Scuba Diving
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Mallory Square
Miami is mostly known for its vibrant culture and lively nightlife. However, for active anglers, it’s also one of the most coveted fisheries in Florida. For deep sea fishing enthusiasts, you can check out the famous Sailfish Alley for some big fish. Closer to shore, Biscayne Bay houses a variety of fish. Night fishing is also very popular, with the city lights guiding your fishing adventure.
Possible Catches
- Sailfish
- Wahoo
- Tuna
- Mahi Mahi
- Tarpoon (night fishing)
Other Things to Do
- Several Beaches, including the popular South Beach
- Restaurants & Bars
- Local State Parks
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
- Bayside Marketplace
- Miami Seaquarium
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Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is known for its inshore fishing. Across the bay, the cities of St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, and Clearwater offer a wide range of fishing opportunities. You can do everything from fly fishing to bottom fishing, and even some offshore fishing in the Florida Middle Grounds.
Possible Catches
- Red and Black Drum
- Snook
- Jack Crevalle
- Spotted Seatrout
- Sheepshead
- Amberjack
- Blackfin Tuna
- Red Snapper
- Gag Grouper
Other Things to Do
- Northern waterways filled with alligators
- Tampa Riverwalk
- Beautiful Beaches
- Sunshine Skyway Bridge
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- Busch Gardens
Fort Myers
Fort Myers is located in Southwest Florida. Between the many waterways and Cape Coral, it is a great spot for spectacular inshore fishing. What attracts most fisherman to this area are the many usable fishing techniques. You can go fly fishing in the bay or bottom fishing over by the reefs. Some spots to highlight are San Carlos Bay, Matlacha Pass, and Pine Island Sound.
Possible Catches
- Snook
- Trout
- Redfish
- Goliath Grouper
- Tarpon
- Various Sharks
- Mangrove
- Snapper
- Cobia
Other Things to Do
- Hiking
- Bird Watching
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Visit the Buttery Estates
- Sanibel Lighthouse
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Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a vacation destination year-round, with stunning beaches and many inshore fishing opportunities. This spot boasts long stretches of white-sand beaches, where many anglers will cast out their lines off the surf. There are countless shallow flats where you can watch the fish as they come up on your line. Offshore, deep sea fishing is also popular in PCB.
Possible Catches
- Redfish
- Tarpon
- Cobia
- Jack Crevelle
- Amberjack
- Red Snapper
- King Mackerel
- Spanish Mackerel
Other Things to Do
- Many Beaches
- St. Andrew State Park
- Peir Park
- Shell Island
- Gulf World Marine Park
- Panama City Beach Winery
- ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory
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Naples
Naples is nestled in the heart of Florida’s Paradise Coast. There are beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and of course, fantastic fishing. Naples is unique in that great fishing is available year-round. You can go backcountry fishing through the mangroves, browse the inland canals, and cast over flats. Offshore fishing is also an option. Additionally, Marco Island is only a 30-minute drive from Naples and houses excellent fish.
Possible Catches
- Spotted Seatrout
- Blacktip Shark
- Tarpon
- Snook
- Permit
- Mahi Mahi
- Tuna
- Snapper
- Grouper
Other Things to Do
- High-end shopping
- Restaurants & Bars
- Naples Botanical Garden
- Naples Pier
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Lowdermilk Beach
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
