Your Fishing Escape

Florida bass fishing is known around the world. Not only for the massive Lake Okeechobee, but also for the professional tournament winning anglers, such as Roland Martin. The tropical temperatures and climate in Florida allows for the largemouth bass to grow to incredibly large sizes, and because of this, anglers around the world flock to the state on a regular basis, in search for that next trophy fish. While the worlds largest fish wasn’t caught in Florida, the fact remains, that on average, more people catch large trophy fish in Florida, than in any other state in America.

Before you plan your next Florida bass fishing trip, you are going to want to first figure out what part of Florida you are going to be visiting. Central and North Florida offer incredibly different fishing styles, than South Florida does, so if you are going to be north of St. Petersburg, you are going to want to take this into account. The southern half of the state has consistent fishing year round, with some exotic species thrown into the mix. When you go bass fishing in Southern Florida, there is no telling what you are going to have blow up on your lure.

In the deep south of Florida, the everglades, and freshwater canals south of Titusville, anglers can get themselves into the hard hitting Peacock bass of the Amazon Jungle. These fish were migrated into the freshwater systems of southern Florida for their ability to coexist in Florida’s natural climate. They grow to large sizes, while not as big as in the Amazon, but still put up incredible fights. If budget is an issue, and you are looking to catch some Peacocks, without having to travel to the Amazon, than a Florida bass fishing trip may be just what you had in mind.

It does not take long to discover why Florida fishing has remained a staple industry in the minds of outdoorsmen across the country and around the world. Whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor, or simply a tourist looking to waste away a luxurious afternoon on a deep-sea fishing excursion, the possibilities are endless: from lakes and rivers to the Gulf to the ocean; from small skiffs to large sea cruisers; from saltwater sailfish to freshwater bass. Where is a fisherman to start? Here are a few suggestions.

Named after New London fishing master Captain Leonard Destin, the village of Destin refers to itself as the Luckiest Fishing Village in the World and boasts one of the largest fleets of fishing boats in the whole state of Florida. Known for white beaches and emerald-green waters, Destin is located in northwest Florida, and is one of the gems of Florida’s emerald coast. More than just a tiny Florida fishing village, Destin now hosts over four million tourists per year, many of which make the pilgrimage specifically for its spectacular Florida fishing.

A favorite of the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett alike, this chain of islands off the southern tip of Florida is no stranger to any well-seasoned, Florida fishing seeker. From the northern hub of Key Largo to the southern bookend of Key West, the Florida Keys are home to some of the greatest fishing in North America. Clear waters, a long fishing season, and a wide range of fish to pursue keep the tiny islands buzzing with traffic. Whether you are chartering a boat or bringing your own, many online fishing sites recommend hiring a guide for the day to navigate your way offshore.

No Florida fishing excursion would be complete without making a stop in one of the main hubs of freshwater bass fishing: Lake Okeechobee. Known as the speckled perch capital of the world, Lake Okeechobee’s name is derived from two Hitchiti words meaning “big water”. The second-largest lake wholly enclosed within the borders of the United States behind Lake Michigan, Lake Okeechobee is home to largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bream, and bluegill and hosts several major bass-fishing contests every year. Along with customary array of boat rental options, for anyone seeking to enjoy the majestic scenery of the wetlands, Lake Okeechobee also offers airboat rentals and tours.

If all you are seeking is afternoon in the sunshine with good company, a cold beverage, and a wet line, there are many, many notable and casual pier fishing options throughout the state. All of the aforementioned locations, Destin, the Keys, Lake Okeechobee, offer pier fishing as a viable alternative to bass boats, guides, GPS’s, and high seas. Many of the popular tourist destinations such as Jacksonville and St. Petersburg also boast their share of piers to cast a line in, many of which are probably only a short walk from your condo or hotel room. Pier fishing guides can be obtained online or at a variety of travel information kiosks.

Florida fishing has something for everyone. From the Panhandle’s Gulf waters down to the Keys, amateur or pro, Florida’s ample seas can keep your party busy for days at a time. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.