The Best Fishing Spots in Florida (and the Fish You Can Catch at Each One)
Florida is known globally as the Fishing Capital of the World, offering everything from inshore saltwater action to deep offshore battles and legendary freshwater bass fishing. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or building your bucket list, here are the best fishing spots in Florida — and the types of fish you can expect to catch at each one.
1. Florida Keys – Islamorada, Marathon & Key West
The Florida Keys consistently rank as the top fishing destination in the state thanks to its warm water, coral reefs, and both Gulf and Atlantic access.
Fish You Can Catch
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Tarpon
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Bonefish
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Permit
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Snook
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Mahi-Mahi
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Sailfish
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Yellowtail Snapper
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Blackfin Tuna
Why It’s Great
Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” the Keys offer unbeatable inshore, offshore, and flats fishing.
2. Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is one of the most productive inshore fisheries in Florida, with sprawling grass flats and mangrove shorelines.
Fish You Can Catch
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Redfish
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Spotted Sea Trout
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Black Drum
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Spanish Mackerel
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Sheepshead
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Tarpon
Why It’s Great
It’s one of the few places where anglers regularly score an inshore slam: snook, redfish, and trout in one trip.
3. Destin – “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”
Destin features some of the closest deep-water access in Florida, making offshore fishing incredibly productive.
Fish You Can Catch
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Red Snapper
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Grouper
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Amberjack
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King Mackerel
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Mahi-Mahi
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Wahoo
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Yellowfin Tuna
Why It’s Great
Short travel time to deep water means more time with lines in the water.
4. Lake Okeechobee
Florida’s most famous freshwater destination, Lake Okeechobee offers world-class bass fishing.
Fish You Can Catch
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Largemouth Bass
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Crappie (Speck)
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Bluegill
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Sunfish
Why It’s Great
The lake produces trophy bass year-round and is a hotspot for major tournaments.
5. Jupiter & Palm Beach
These South Florida towns offer deep, fast-moving ocean currents that attract pelagic predators.
Fish You Can Catch
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Sailfish
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Kingfish
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Wahoo
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Mahi-Mahi
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Goliath Grouper
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Snook
Why It’s Great
Winter sailfishing here is some of the best in the world.
6. Mosquito Lagoon – New Smyrna Beach / Titusville
This shallow-water paradise is famous for crystal-clear flats and sight-fishing opportunities.
Fish You Can Catch
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Redfish (including bull reds)
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Sea Trout
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Black Drum
Why It’s Great
A top location for sight-casting shallow-water game fish.
7. Jacksonville & St. Augustine
Northeast Florida offers strong seasonal fishing with access to inshore and nearshore habitats.
Fish You Can Catch
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Bull Redfish
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Flounder
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Sheepshead
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Tarpon
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Kingfish
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Black Drum
Why It’s Great
Rivers, inlets, and the Atlantic converge to create a year-round fishery.
8. Everglades National Park – Flamingo & 10,000 Islands
A remote, pristine ecosystem loaded with backcountry fishing opportunities.
Fish You Can Catch
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Snook
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Redfish
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Tarpon
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Sea Trout
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Sharks
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Tripletail
Why It’s Great
Home to some of the best snook and juvenile tarpon fishing in the world.
9. Miami & Biscayne Bay
The perfect mix of inshore flats and immediate access to bluewater offshore fishing.
Fish You Can Catch
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Tarpon
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Bonefish
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Permit
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Mahi-Mahi
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Wahoo
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Swordfish
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Sailfish
Why It’s Great
You can go from sight-casting bonefish to fighting a sailfish within the same day.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer casting to redfish on a shallow flat, chasing tarpon in crystal-blue channels, or targeting trophy bass, Florida offers endless fishing opportunities. These top locations provide some of the richest and most diverse fisheries in the world — and each comes with a memorable catch.
