fishing THE OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE

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FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 1 welcome

2 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE NO The best fishing stories start 26 with you getting away.

PINE ISLAND SOUND, FL

Islandology is our way of life. It’s trying a new, secluded spot and finding no matter what you catch – you’re hooked. Plan your trip at FortMyers-Sanibel.com best of fishing

4 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE best of fishing

THE BEST OF florida fishing

Approximately one million registered Florida boaters and 100,000 out-of-state boaters turn to the Sunshine State for fi shing and recreation. A statewide favorite pastime, fi shing is easily enjoyed year round thanks to the state’s diverse species and habitats, the ideal climate and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s hands-on conservation efforts.

Panama City Beach FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 5 best of fishing

Florida Fishing by the Numbers

, 76 miles OF TIDAL SHORELINE

Destin

644 MARINE RAMPS

Everglades City

Port Canaveral

1, 9 FRESHWATER RAMPS

6 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE best of fishing

1 ,500+ MILES OF STREAMS AND CANALS Cape Coral

Naples Pier

Photo by VisitStPeteClearwater.com 7,700 LAKES 4,000+ Jacksonville INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH ASSOCIATION WORLD RECORDS– MORE THAN ANY OTHER STATE OR COUNTRY

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 7 best of fishing SALTWATER FISHING

Florida’s diverse saltwater habitats make for an abundance of fi shing experiences. Anglers reel in everything from tarpon and redfi sh to the Goliath Grouper and Dolphinfi sh. Types of saltwater fi shing include pier and surf fi shing, backwater and flats fi shing, bay fi shing and deep-sea fi shing. Sport fi shing is available inshore and offshore.

Tarpon in Islamorada

Tarpon fi shing near Boca Grande

8 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE best of fishing

Bass fishing in Okeechobee

Photo by Bass 2 Billfish FRESHWATER FISHING

Each year, more than a million anglers fish Florida's 3 million acres of lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,500 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals. Common freshwater catches include the American Shad, Bluegill, Florida Gar, Redbreast Sunfish, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass and Largemouth Bass.

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 9 best of fishing

10 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE best of fishing

Bridge fi shing in the Florida Keys DIVERSE HABITATS

Florida's inland and coastal waters vary drastically, housing an abundance of fi sh species from bass to tarpon. Anglers can cast a line in freshwater lakes, rivers and streams, go inshore fi shing from piers or from shore, and go deep-sea fi shing or coral-reef diving. The is an especially unique habitat. About one-third of these tropical wetlands is covered by water, housing snapper, redfi sh, sea trout and more.

Christ of the Deep, Coral Reef State Park

TarponThe Springs Everglades FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 11 best of fishing FISHING VILLAGES

Explore Florida’s historic fishing communities for a taste of fresh seafood and picturesque views. Tarpon Springs is known for its Greek heritage and storied sponge docks, while in Cortez, you’ll get a dose of waterfront Old Florida, including the Florida Maritime Museum. Other notable fishing towns include Apalachicola, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, St. Marks, Boca Grande, Punta Gorda, Matlacha, Goodland and Everglades City.

Apalachicola

12 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE best of fishing

A Cortez marina, Photo by Rick Schwartz FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 13 hiring a guide

HOW TO HIRE A fishing guide Learning new waters can be challenging. With so many unique habitats and different bodies of water in Florida, charters are often the best bet for yielding the most rewarding catches without the hours of research and planning. Here are some tips for securing a charter that best suits your desired fishing experience.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION State. While it is possible to catch both Before scheduling a charter, decide freshwater and saltwater species in the whether you are fishing for a certain same day, most anglers choose one or species, maybe tarpon or grouper, and the other. whether you have a specific location in mind. If you’re targeting a type of fish SIZE OF PARTIES & LICENSES such as bonefish or permit, that narrows Bass guides, the pros who work the your search considerably. Head to the rivers and lakes in the interior of the Florida Keys, the best place in the state state, usually limit their trips to one to fish for both species. If you are travel- or two paying customers. Saltwater limited and still want to wet a line, let the guides, of two varieties–either inshore season determine what you fish for. If or offshore–vary on number of the kingfish are running, fish for kingfish. passengers depending on the size of the vessel and location. Most fishing FRESHWATER VS. SALTWATER guides and charter boat captains have Florida is the fishing capital of the a U.S. Coast Guard-issued license world for good reason. With more allowing up to six passengers. In than 7,750 lakes, 10,500 miles of rivers, addition, most, but not all, charter boat 2,276 miles of shoreline and more world captains also have a fishing license records than any other state (or country issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife for that matter), fishing opportunities Conservation Commission, which are rich and varied in the Sunshine covers their passengers as well. When

14 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE hiring a guide

Tarpon fi shing, Boca Grande

Family fi shing charters, St. Pete/Clearwater

The Port St. Joe fi shing charters

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 15 hiring a guide

Bass fi shing charters, Polk County

16 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE hiring a guide

hiring a guide, feel free to ask if they have the appropriate licenses, how long they have been guiding and if they are a full- time or part-time charter boat captain.

BAIT & EQUIPMENT USAGE Most fi shing guides will do whatever it takes to catch fi sh. Some, however, are purists and fi sh only with artifi cial lures. Make your intentions clear before you hire a guide. If you want to fi sh with a fly rod, choose a captain who specializes in fly fi shing. Generally speaking, a captain who uses live bait will catch more fi sh than a captain who does not. Most captains also provide rods and reels as well as tackle.

TAKE HOME RULES If you’re looking to feast on your fi nds, double check with your guide before booking the charter. While most guides Key West Bight Marina allow their customers to take home fi sh, some are strictly catch and release. Many offshore captains do not let their clients “catch their limit.” The regulations may allow you to keep a certain number of fi sh, but the captain may say that you can only take one home.

PRICING Fishing charter prices vary, but count on paying at least $200 for a half-day inshore or freshwater charter; more if you plan to book the captain for the whole day. The price of offshore charters will vary depending on the distance NEED A required to catch fi sh. If you fi nd the fi shing experience a good one, the GUIDE? captain and mate will appreciate a tip. Use the same standards you would for Find a guide at a fi ne dinner–15 to 20 percent. fl orida-guides.com

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 17 Every year, 8 billion plastic bags are thrown away in the U.S. Bring a reusable bag on your vacation, or buy one as a souvenir.

1. Learn about Your Destination – Enjoy a rewarding experience by learning more about the natural environment, culture and history that make every destination unique. 2. Don’t Leave Your Good Habits at Home – While traveling, continue to recycle; use water wisely, and turn off lights as you would at home. 3. Be a Fuel-Efficient Traveler – Book direct flights, rent smaller cars, and keep your own vehicle operating at maximum efficiency. Once in your destination, walk or bike as much as possible. 4. Make Informed Decisions – Seek out destinations or companies that engage in energy efficiency or recycling programs and that take actions to preserve their communities and natural environment. 5. Be a Good Guest – Remember that you are a guest in your destination. Engage with locals, but respect their privacy, traditions and local community. 6. Support Locals – As a visitor, the money you spend on your trip can help support the local artisans, farmers and business owners whose livelihoods depend on tourism. 7. Dispose of Your Waste Properly – Leave a beautiful place for others to enjoy. Recycle where possible, and always dispose of your waste with care. 8. Protect Your Natural Surroundings – Be mindful of the plants, animals and ecosystems that you impact. Avoid feeding wildlife; stay on designated trails, and strictly follow all fire restrictions. 9. Make Your Travel Zero Emissions – As an additional step, consider the option of purchasing carbon credits to fully offset your travel’s impact on climate change. 10. Bring Your Experiences Home – Continue practicing your sustainable habits at home, and encourage friends and family to travel with the same care.

Sponsored by:

Developed and managed by the For more tips and resources on traveling Center for Sustainable Tourism. with care – see: www.TravelCareCode.org www.sustainabletourism.org tips & info tips & info TO KNOW

Thanks in part to Florida’s wildlife conservation efforts, fi shing remains a favorite pastime. Before hitting the water, here are some tips and restrictions from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). For more information, visit myfwc.com/fi shing.

FISHING LICENSES Ten Thousand Islands Florida residents and visitors are required by the FWC to have a Florida freshwater or saltwater fi shing license on them while fi shing. This includes all actions from casting a line to catching and releasing. A saltwater fi shing license is also required to attempt to take any native or non-native marine organisms, such as crabs, lobsters and marine plants from the ocean. For several exemptions to the rules, visit the FWC’s website.

FISHING SEASONS Tarpon fi shing, Boca Grande & REGULATIONS Florida’s fi shing laws help to manage natural resources and ensure the future of fi shing. Regulations vary based on the species and type of fi shing. For a PUBLIC BOAT RAMP ACCESS full list of seasons and regulations, visit Want to head out on the water without the FWC’s website. a guide? Accessing the water is easy TIPS FOR HIRING A GUIDE with more than 1,800 public boat ramps located around the state. Hiring a fi shing guide or a charter are Visit myfwc.com/boatramps to fi nd a great ways to hit the water and fi nd convenient public boat ramp near you. the best fi shing spots. Experienced guides will ensure you are properly equipped and following FWC guidelines. For more information, go to fl orida- guides.com or visit local convention FLORIDA REGULATIONS and visitors bureau websites to fi nd For a full list of rules, regulations and recommended guides or charters for seasons, visit myfwc.com/fi shing a specifi c area.

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 19

North

22 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE North

North

From surf fi shing on the white sands of Fernandina Beach to fi shing the state's largest river near Apalachicola, North Florida is teeming with diverse fi shing environments. Reel in a smorgasbord of species at a state park or head deep into the Gulf of Mexico for charter-led adventures for billfi sh and tuna. It’s not all far-out gulf angling and lake dives though–inshore fi shing yields everything from grouper and snapper to cobia, depending on the season.

Fernandina Beach FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 23 northwest Northwest

Marianna 10

Navarre Pensacola Destin Fort Walton Pensacola Beach Sandestin Beach Panama Panama City City Beach Mexico Beach

Port St. Joe Apalachicola

St. George Island

Whether surf fi shing on white-sand beaches, paddling a blackwater creek or trolling across the sapphire Gulf of Mexico, Northwest Florida offers a unique combination of places to score great fi shing in stunning habitats. Top fishing spots

Gulf Islands National Seashore Vast Pensacola Bay is so deep in places encompasses pristine barrier islands, that anglers—even kayaking anglers— the clear, green surf of the Gulf of actually catch red snapper (typically Mexico and grass-bottomed bayous. a deepwater, offshore reef fi sh) inside Tarpon and cobia migrate along these the bay. Skinny-water afi cionados explore beaches, as do pompano and Spanish grassy shorelines in search of trout, mackerel. Giant red drum stack up in redfi sh and flounder. Shore anglers, check the passes that connect the bayous out the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge. to the Gulf. The bayou’s lush seagrass meadows yield spotted sea trout, red Highly migratory species such as tunas drum and flounder. and billfi sh return to the Gulf of Mexico each spring and summer to spawn in The Escambia River, near Pensacola, is the Gulf’s gyre currents, while snappers, accessible from three fi sh camps along groupers and amberjacks thrive year- Hwy. 90 near Pace. It boasts the largest round on the natural and man-made diversity of freshwater fi sh species reefs. Day and multi-day adventures in (85) in Florida, including the iconic Destin, Pensacola or Panama City will largemouth and spotted bass. Lower wear out your arms. Capt. Gary Jarvis, reaches offer redfi sh, trout and flounder. out of Destin, is one of the best.

24 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE northwest

Mexico Beach

Panama City Beach Grilled Mackerel

Choctawhatchee Bay, near Destin, the best-kept secrets in the pursuit of offers consistent action for redfi sh, the Silver King. Capt. Christian Yergens trout and flounder. is an eagle-eyed fly fi shing guide who spends the season in hot pursuit of the Off Panama City Beach, the water gets King. Offshore anglers wrestle snappers, deep in a short distance, luring offshore groupers and amberjacks off a complex species close to shore. While anglers of artifi cial reefs. fi shing from any of PCB’s immaculate piers catch the usual suspects in the St. George Island State Park is a gem. surf zone, such as croaker, whiting Catch a smorgasbord of fi sh along the and pompano, they also intercept cobia east end of St. George’s Island right and king mackerel. Every now and then, from shore. Mackerel, flounder, trout and someone lands a sailfi sh. Inshore waters pompano are all in the mix. Apalachicola offer excellent flats fi shing, while offshore Bay is synonymous with oysters, and anglers bout with tunas, marlin and redfi sh, trout and flounder hide among reef fi sh, especially red snapper and oyster reefs in the Bay. gag grouper. Dead Lake offers excellent panfi sh For those who love sight fi shing for giant action for redear sunfi sh and bluegill, migrating tarpon, the nearshore waters especially during the spring and on Mexico Beach offer some of one of summer months.

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 25 northwest Marinas, Piers & Related Attractions

1 Pensacola Beach Marina, Pensacola Beach Marianna 2 6 Quintette Landing, Pace Navarre 3 Pensacola 1 4 HarborWalk Marina, Destin Fort Destin Sandestin 3 Pensacola Walton 5 Beach Beach Panama Panama City City Beach Mexico Beach

Port St. Joe Apalachicola

St. George 4 Bud & Alley's Waterfront Island Restaurant, Seaside 5 Russell Fields and M.B. Miller piers, Panama City Beach 6 Wildlife Management Area

Scalloping

Scalloping is a fun, full-immersion experience. Scallopers snorkel in the calm Gulf shallows over waving Fresh scallops seagrass meadows in search of the succulent bay scallop. In North Florida, go scalloping in St. Teresa, Alligator Point and Panacea. Farther south, favorite scalloping destinations include Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, and Homosassa. The season typically lasts through the summer into the early fall. Season dates and possession limits are subject to change. For up-to-date info, visit myfwc.com/fi shing/saltwater/ recreational/bay-scallops.

26 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE realFUN Beach Bait your hooks. Cast your lines. The turquoise Gulf Coast waters of Panama City Beach are waiting. VisitPanamaCityBeach.com

Get Your U.S. Olympic License Tag Today!

Help drive the Olympic dream while showing your support of TEAM USA by purchasing a U.S. Olympic license tag for your vehicle(s). These license tags feature the USA/5-Ring logo in full color, Support Florida’s Amateur Sports and Olympic Dreams and most states include the tag-line “Go By purchasing an Olympic Spirit License plate, 50% of the Team USA” while others use the tag-line annual fees collected for the sale and renewal of the tag support “Olympic Spirit”. the Florida Sports Foundation’s amateur sports efforts — The Sunshine State Games and Florida Senior Games. The remaining funds support the United States Olympic Your U.S. Olympic license tag purchase may Movement and Florida’s Olympians. For questions about these be tax deductible. Please consult a tax advisor programs, call the Florida Sports Foundation at (727) 724-3082. for more information. Annual Use Fee: $15 (plus normal tag fees) Visit www.flasportstags.com or your local tag agency for purchase.

teamusa.org/LicensePlates North central North central

10 White Tallahassee Springs

Wakulla Wellborn Springs Perry Branford

High Springs 75 Gainesville

Williston North Central Florida offers anglers many Suwannee

Cedar fi shing opportunities in scenic wilderness Key settings, including creeks and rivers passing through hardwood hammocks, verdant salt marshes and unique sinkhole lakes. Top fishing spots

Lake Talquin, near Tallahassee, offers seasonal tarpon and cobia fi shery, superb fi shing for largemouth bass, plus and lots of redfi sh, trout and flounder, one of the healthiest striped bass fi sheries among other hard-fi ghting and tasty in the state. These fi sh grow to more than species available year-round. 40 pounds. Panfi sh are abundant here, too. State Park offers Lake Jackson, also near Tallahassee, anglers access to excellent freshwater is a “sinkhole lake” that's a source of fi shing, and it's about the only place you community pride and is nationally can catch the endemic Suwannee bass. renowned for its largemouth bass. This stunning river’s also full of catfi sh, This aquatic preserve has benefi ted largemouth bass and panfi sh. tremendously from quite a bit of stewardship and is one of the region’s Steinhatchee Falls is a beautiful place most beautiful, productive and interesting to camp and enjoy great light-tackle places to fi sh. During the summer, big bass fi shing for a variety of freshwater smash topwater lures in the pitch dark. species. It's family-friendly, too. Be sure to bring ultra-light tackle and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and lightweight fly rods. Downstream, adjacent Apalachee Bay are part of the where the meets “Forgotten Coast.” Anglers enjoy solitude the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy some of the and fi sh that get little pressure in a state’s best shallow-water fi shing for wilderness setting. There’s an excellent redfi sh and trout.

28 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE North central

Suwannee River

Lake Jackson St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Catch a mess of fi sh and soak up Florida’s well-kept bass fi shing secret. Crappie literary history at Lake Lochloosa and fi shing can be excellent in open water. , near Gainesville. Lochloosa tends to be more productive. Work the lily Cedar Key’s glorious coastal marshes pads for crappie and heavier vegetation and seagrass flats offer excellent inshore for bass. connects these two fi shing for trout and redfi sh. Offshore, productive lakes, which is where Marjorie anglers experience some of the Gulf’s Kinnan Rawlings penned The Yearling and best grouper and snapper fi shing, with Cross Creek. cobia seasonally in the mix. Late-June to July through September, Cedar Key Newnan’s Lake, near Gainesville, is is also a very popular destination for best known for bream and catfi sh, but scallop hunters. this special fi sh management area is a

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 29 North central Marinas, Piers & Related Attractions

1 Spirit of the Suwannee 2 Music Park & Campground, 1

Live Oak Tallahassee White Springs

Wakulla Wellborn K & K Fish Camp, Springs Tallahassee Perry Branford

Cedar Key Fishing Pier, Cedar Key High 3 Springs

Gainesville

Williston Suwannee 3 Cedar Key

Florida Folk Festival at Suwannee Music Park

Bottom-fishing Tips

Bottom-fi shing is a popular method for reeling in fi sh along the bottom of the sea floor, including grouper and snapper. Bottom-bouncing is one technique where a lure is dragged along the sea or lake floor, creating clouds of sand or mud and attracting bottom fi sh. For stronger currents, use a heavier weight to sink the bait to the bottom. Always rig your weight below your bait and check the bait regularly to ensure it is still on the hook. Florida Grouper

30 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE AROUND FLORIDA?

Photo by Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge Photo by Aaron

Florida’s fi shing scene varies drastically based on location and season – water temperatures and migration patterns can affect what fi sh species you catch. Use our seasonal fi shing calendar to fi nd out what to expect in your region before hitting the water.

at fl asports.com/fi shing/seasonal-fi shing

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 31 northeast Northeast

Yulee Amelia Island Jacksonville Atlantic Beach 10 Ponte 295 Vedra Beach Green Cove Springs 95 St. Augustine

Northeast Florida is Palm Coast Flagler the picture of diversity for Crescent City Beach anglers. Troll the wild Atlantic, stalk the salt marshes or explore the mighty St. Johns River and its teeming lakes. Top fishing spots

An ideal destination for families, species. Shore anglers catch plenty of Fernandina Beach is surrounded by a flounder, trout and redfi sh near the dam. maze of salt creeks and marshes full of This ecological gem is great for paddle redfi sh, trout and flounder. It’s one of the craft. Marshes produce trophy trout, few places on the Atlantic Coast where jumbo redfi sh and “doormat” flounder. surf fi shermen catch spotted seatrout, plus pompano, croakers and whiting. Off the shore of St. Augustine, long after Summer baitfi sh runs attract tarpon you lose sight of land, you encounter and cobia just outside the surf line. the edge of the continental shelf and the Gulf Stream’s sapphire-blue waters. The Amelia Island State Park offers surf “ledge,” as it’s called, offers some of the fi shermen easy access. Pompano, trout, world’s best big-game fi shing. Trolling whiting, bluefi sh and Spanish mackerel yields massive marlin, huge yellowfi n are all on the menu. Check out the mile- tuna, speedy wahoo and acrobatic long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier, mahi mahi. Bottom-fi shing yields bruiser which spans Nassau Sound. Pier fi shing amberjacks, snappers and burly groupers. yields tarpon, red and black drum, plus Capt. Robert Johnson at Jodie Lynn tasty saltwater panfi sh. Charters is one of the best big-game captains in the area. Guana River Wildlife Management Area/ Guana Tolomato Matanzas National The long pole brigade carts down Estuarine Research Reserve includes a Flagler Beach after pompano, croakers landlocked lake brimming with saltwater and whiting, as well as bluefi sh and

32 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE north east

Fernandina Beach, photo by Dupain Charles Along the St. Johns River

Crab crumble in St. Augustine Flagler Beach

Spanish mackerel. Pier anglers also Doctors Inlet is just upstream on catch these surf-zone species, plus red the St. Johns River from downtown drum, cobia and king mackerel. From the Jacksonville. From shore or by boat, , anglers explore this stretch of river offers great fi shing vast salt marshes full of redfi sh, trout along with a diverse population of and flounder, as well as sheepshead species. Fishing for largemouth bass, and black drum. shellcrackers and crappie can be exceptional year-round. Springs cool The St. Johns River is one of the few parts of this stretch and keep the fi sh north-flowing rivers in the eastern U.S. frisky and feeding even in the heat of Its headwaters are west of Vero Beach summer. Striped bass are present, in Central East Florida and it pours out as well as estuary residents such as into the ocean in Mayport, north of redfi sh and trout. You never know Jacksonville. Sections in the vicinity what’s going to hit next. of Cocoa/Orlando boast one of the few remaining shad fi sheries. They’re Located southwest of Palatka, a blast on fly and light tackle. The St. Rodman Reservoir is arguably Florida’s Johns flows through many lakes fi lled best lunker bass fi shery. Double-digit with bass, crappie and bream. Its lower fi sh are common. Rodman also reaches near Jacksonville produce trophy supports strong populations of seatrout, red drum and flounder, plus jumbo bream and crappie. gigantic black drum and sheepshead.

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 33 northeast Marinas, Piers & Related Attractions

1 Beach Marine, Jacksonville Beach Yulee Amelia Island Conch House Marina Resort, St. Augustine 5 7 Jacksonville Atlantic 1 Crystal Cove Marina, Palatka Beach 3 Ponte Vedra Beach Georgetown Marina & Lodge, Georgetown 2 6 4 Green Cove Springs St. Augustine 5 BlackFly Outfi tter, Jacksonville 3 4 Palm Coast 8 Saltwater Flytyers at Oyster 6 Flagler Creek Outfi tters, St. Augustine Crescent City Beach 7 Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier, Jacksonville Beach 8 Flagler Beach Fishing Pier, Flagler Beach

Flyfishing St. Johns River The sport of flyfi shing has a strong but underground presence in this part of the Sunshine State. Northeast Florida is a great destination for all skill levels. The freshwater lakes and rivers are great places to cast popping bugs at explosive bass and bream. The salt marshes offer exciting sight fi shing for redfi sh waving their blue-tinged tails in the air while feeding in inches of water. You can also sight cast for tarpon, jumbo jacks and cobia along the beaches.

34 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE central

36 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE central

central

Central Florida is rich in national parks, many with premium boating amenities. The lakes and rivers here claim some of the most notable fi shing in the state. Fish the Great Lakes region for bass, panfi sh and crappie. To the east, fi sh from Fort Pierce Inlet State Park or the Lagoon, the Northern hemisphere's most biodiverse lagoon. To the west, head to the Nature Coast to catch scallops in the seagrass. From Clearwater Beach, board a charter into Tampa Bay in search of snapper and grouper, or opt to stay inshore for snook, redfi sh and trout–not to mention the giant tarpon.

Clearwater Beach Pier FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 37 central west central west

Central West Florida fi shing is synonymous with Dunnellon Crystal Inverness the Tampa Bay River watershed, one of the greatest urban Brooksville fi sheries in the Dade City 75 nation. Rural lakes, Tarpon quiet rivers and the Springs Tampa 4 Clearwater wild blue Gulf of 275 75 Mexico also beckon. St. Petersburg St. Pete Beach

Top fishing spots

Near Tarpon Springs, Lake Tarpon and king mackerel, among other hard- produces big bass and high numbers fi ghting, delicious deep-sea denizens. of fi sh that get little pressure. It’s ranked Inshore/nearshore guides put you on among the state’s top 10 bass fi sheries. snook, redfi sh and trout, plus giant Anglers score working the vegetation and tarpon. Catch pinfi sh for bait right in open water when bass are chasing off the dock before hitting the water. showering shad. The lake also produces big stringers of panfi sh and crappie. On the northern end of Tampa Bay, Safety Harbor’s shorelines are lined with In Clearwater Beach, The Clearwater mangroves and crisscrossed by creeks. Beach Marina is an epicenter of The town hosts an epic tarpon fi shery sportfi shing. Hop on a half-day or full-day May through July. Redfi sh and trout are headboat charter and be assured of a abundant, as are snook. It’s one of the mess of grunts, snapper and grouper. best places to catch an “inshore slam.” World-class charter captains such as Capt. Mike Colby and the Double Hook John's Pass Village & Boardwalk in Charterboat team operate out of the Madeira Beach is a lively waterfront Clearwater City Municipal Marina. where residents and visitors dine and They’ll put you on snappers, groupers depart on inshore and offshore fi shing

38 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE central west

Fort De Soto Park, Photo by VisitStPeteClearwater.com

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, John's Pass, Madeira Beach Photo by CityofStPete

adventures. Offshore, the focus is mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, snapper, generally on bottom-fi shing for delicious pompano and more. Find snacks, drinks, snappers, grunts and groupers. King bait and fi shing supplies onsite. mackerel and cobia are also prizes. Nearshore and inshore, anglers tangle Tampa Bay is Florida's largest open- with Spanish mackerel and tarpon, as water estuary. Most species caught well as redfi sh, trout and snook in the offshore, such as gag grouper, grow up in Intracoastal Waterway. the Bay. Big migratory fi sh like tarpon and cobia constantly move in and out, while Fort De Soto Park offers one of the state's redfi sh, snook and trout are caught inside nicest boat ramps. The mangrove islands year-round. Book an offshore charter, and seagrass meadows surrounding it take a nearshore trip along the beaches produce a bevy of speckled trout, redfi sh (especially in spring) and explore the and snook. The Gulf Pier, Bay Pier and grassy coves and mangrove shorelines nearby beaches offer great surf fi shing for inside the Bay. Spanish mackerel, pompano and snook. You never know what you’ll catch fi shing To the north, Crystal River is best known near the gateway to Tampa Bay. for its seasonal tarpon fi shery and flyfi shing for some of the largest Silver When the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge Kings. The shallows teem with redfi sh was built over Tampa Bay, planners turned and trout. The offshore topography the old bridge into the world's longest consists of towering rock ledges and fi shing pier. The Skyway Fishing Pier State hollowed-out limestone that offer Park serves up snook, tarpon, grouper, excellent bottom-fi shing and action black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king for smoker kingfi sh and cobia.

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 39 central west Marinas, Piers & Related Attractions

Dunnellon 6 Crystal River Inverness

Brooksville

Dade City Tarpon Springs 1 Tampa Clearwater 2 3 5 St. Pete 4 Beach St. Petersburg Clearwater Beach Marina

1 Clearwater Beach Marina, 4 Tierra Verde Boat Rentals, Tierra Verde Clearwater Beach 5 Capt. K’s Bait, Tackle & Fishing Bar Fly Safety Harbor, Safety Harbor Charters, St. Petersburg 3 John's Pass Village & 6 Plantation on Crystal River, Crystal River Boardwalk, Madeira Beach kayak fishing

River systems draining down into the Gulf of Mexico create a myriad of immersions for the paddling angler. In blackwater creeks flowing through towering hardwood hammocks, anglers release almost every species of bass found in North America. In brackish lower reaches, paddlers maneuver between marshy islands in stealthy pursuit of redfi sh and spotted seatrout. A few popular paddles include the Perdido River, Basin Bayou and the Chipola Paddling Trail. Photo by topodesigns

40 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE InShore Near Shore Offshore Dolphin Tours Jet Ski Rental johnspassvillage.net

tiny fishing ad.indd 1 10/4/16 12:33 PM Get Your Florida Fishing License

Before casting out, remember to purchase your Florida fi shing Did You Know... license from any Florida tax collectors’ license-free offi ce or online. Florida fishing days residents and visitors are required to have a The waters are open to all fi shing license provided fi shermen on license-free by the Florida Fish and fi shing days without a Florida Wildlife Conservation fi shing license. These days, Commission to attempt planned by the FWC, are intended to take fi sh, whether it to promote boating and fi shing across the state as fun and be casting a line, catch healthy outdoor activities. and release, or catch and keep. SALTWATER LICENSE-FREE FISHING DAYS: • First Saturday & Sunday in June GET A • First Saturday in September LICENSE • Saturday following Thanksgiving For more information FRESHWATER LICENSE-FREE or to purchase your FISHING DAYS: fl orida fi shing license • First Saturday & Sunday in April visit fl asports.com/ • Second Saturday & fi shing/licensing. Sunday in June

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 41 Immerse Yourself in Underwater Adventures

Catch the true spirit of the natural Florida Gulf Coast lifestyle in Crystal River. Whether you are looking for freshwater fi shing, a calm day of inshore angling, or the thrill of the o shore - Citrus County has got what you need.

Now’s the time to kick o those shoes, get your feet wet and catch an adventure.

Download our free visitor’s guide at www.discovercrystalriverfl .com/visitors-guide, or call 800.587.6667 to learn more. Recommended fi shing guides in Crystal River Captain Shawn Walker Captain Jeremiah Carlucci Salt River Outfi tters Crystal River Fishing Charters (352) 427-3610 (352) 228-7873 www.saltriveroutfi tters.com [email protected] shawn@saltriveroutfi tters.com www.facebook.com/saltriveroutfi tters

Captain Glen Touchton Captain Randy Hodges's Southern Fishing Guide Service Reel and Squeal Outfi tters (352) 422-6838 (352) 422-7586 souternfi [email protected] reelandsquealoutfi [email protected] www.southernfi shingguide.net www.reelandsqueal.wix.com/reelandsqueal www.facebook.com/reelandsquealoutfi tters

visitcitrus discovercrystalriver central central

Thousands of lakes, Ocala rivers and creeks Dunnellon drain the Florida 75 Sanford peninsula’s interior, Winter offering some of Clermont Garden Orlando the world’s best Lake Buena bass, panfi sh and Vista Kissimmee crappie fi sheries. 4 Haines City Here are some of Lakeland the highlights.

G u Sebring M l e f x o i c f Top fishingo Lake Placid spots

Magnifi cent Harris Chain of Lakes is also a favorite includes approximately 600 lakes, two destination for top-tier tournament bass- of which are Florida’s top “lunker lakes,” fi shing pros and for folks just looking for and Lake Kerr. You may lunkers. These lakes are challenging to enjoy fi shing the smaller lakes in perfect fi sh but yield some of the stockiest bass solitude. Lake Bryant is particularly good you’ll ever catch. Fishing for bream and for panfi sh. Cabins are available, and crappie is also exceptional. Enjoy the camping opportunities range from setting quaint surrounding towns of Tavares, up a tent in the woods to RV camping. Leesburg and Mount Dora.

Lake Panasoffkee is a unique 4,460- Tenoroc Fish Management Area, near acre special Fishery Management that Lakeland, offers a limited access, catch- connects with the Withlacootchee River, and-release bass fi shery in reclaimed which runs almost 160 miles to the Gulf phosphate pits. Residual phosphate of Mexico. Four spring creeks flow into left in the pits after mining fertilizes the the lake, which is rarely deeper than four ecosystem, which produces higher-than- feet. Anglers encounter large numbers normal growth rates for bass and other of school-sized bass, up to fi ve pounds fi sh. Tenoroc is one of the state’s offi cial along with the occasional bigger fi sh. top 10 bass fi sheries. Its bank fi shing Panfi sh are abundant as well. opportunities are perfect for kids.

The pride of quaint towns such as Kissimmee is a quaint, family-oriented Tavares, Leesburg and Mount Dora, the town with many fi shing adventures.

44 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE central

Ocala National Forest

Kissimmee Chain of Lakes

The greater Kissimmee Chain of Lakes from 12 to 200 acres. To keep fi shing watershed just south of Orlando forms pressure down and catch rates up, the headwaters of the Kissimmee- Mosaic is only open four days Okeechobee-Everglades system and per week. It’s another top lunker consists of more than two-dozen lakes, destination in a state full of bass. including 18,810-acre . This easily accessible lake makes for Winter Haven Chain of Lakes excellent bass and crappie fi shing near includes nine interconnected lakes the Kissimmee Marina. Toho experts fi sh totaling 6,000 acres within the city the moving water near the mouths of its limits. The lakes are chock full of tributaries. Nearby offers bass, bream and crappie. Anglers more remote, beautiful and productive blind cast to docks and vegetation, waters. Paddling anglers should explore or sight fi sh to bedding fi sh in the Arbuckle Creek. sandy shallows.

The restored is a Lake Walk-in-Water, near Lake haven for big bass. Anglers in the know Wales, is arguably the region’s target the river's deep oxbows, which are best producer of both lunkers especially productive toward the lower and bass. Don’t come undergunned. reaches of the river. The vegetation is thick and some of the biggest fi sh are caught off Mosaic Fish Management Area, near the tangled brush fi sh attractors Fort Meade, offers anglers the choice installed by fi shery managers. of 12 reclaimed phosphate pits ranging

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 45 central Marinas, Piers & Related Attractions

Ocala

Dunnellon

2 Sanford Winter 3 Clermont Garden Orlando

Lake Buena 1 Vista Kissimmee

Haines City Lakeland 4

Fisherman's Cove, Tavares

Sebring

Lake Placid

1 Kissimmee River Park 3 Wekiva Island, Longwood & Marina, Kissimmee 4 Camp Mack’s River Resort, Fisherman’s Cove, Tavares Lake Wales FWC’s TrophyCatch

The Kissimmee River is one of the best black crappie fi sheries in the region. The most catches occur in the winter, when temperatures drop. Anglers in the know focus on deep oxbows and the lowest stretch of the river before it flows toward . Night fi shing with minnows around lights is a top tactic.

Fresh crappie

46 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE Florida's Best Freshwater Fishing in Sebring

An angler, boater and water-lovers paradise awaits you in Sebring and the surrounding area located in South Central Florida. With more than 100 freshwater lakes, Sebring off ers some of the best lakes and creeks for freshwater fi shing in this area. Sebring is centrally located in the center of the state just 60 minutes south of Disney and no more than a day’s drive from most of Florida’s major cities. Great fi shing and easy access is readily available spring, summer, fall and winter. leads the state in the most 10+ pound bass caught, and the lake is ranked #6 in the Southeast by BassMaster. For more information, please request a copy of our Lakes & Fishing Brochure www.VisitSebring.com ♦ (800) 454-6021 central east central east

Teeming bays and estuaries and verdant Daytona Beach marshes are typical of 4 DeLand New Smyrna Central East Florida’s Beach fi sh-fi lled waters.

Offshore, the mighty Titusville Cape Canaveral/ Gulf Stream current— Port Canaveral an ocean river—serves as a highway for the biggest, strongest Melbourne

fi sh in the Atlantic. Sebastian 95 Vero Beach

G u M l e f x o ic f o Top fishing Okeechobee Port St. Lucie spots

The Basin, near Within the Cape Canaveral National Ormond Beach, is one of the state’s Seashore and Merritt Island National most underrated estuaries. Fly Wildlife Refuge, anglers explore the fi shermen and anglers using light northern reaches of the 156-mile Indian tackle work the shorelines of a beautiful River Lagoon complex, which includes and complex salt marsh ecosystem, the Banana, Mosquito and Indian River focusing especially on flowing creek lagoons. Those waters boast diverse mouths. Acrobatic snook and tarpon, fi shing for trophy redfi sh and speckled as well as dogged redfi sh, ambushing trout. Snook, giant black drum and trout and flounder, let the creeks carry tarpon are also in the mix. shrimp and minnows to them. Sebastian Inlet and the waters Cape Canaveral National Seashore, surrounding the state park offer specifi cally Playalinda beach, offers anglers access to surf fi shing, piers exceptional surf fi shing along natural and jetties. Wade fi shing in the Indian beaches. It’s a beautiful place for River Lagoon, not to mention fi shing in adults and kids to wet a line. Delicious the rowdy waters of the inlet itself, is pompano are a favorite target, along also a big draw. Fishing from the north with tasty whiting. Much of the year, jetty pier, anglers catch brutes including Spanish mackerel and bluefi sh invade bull redfi sh, humongous black drum the surf zone. and goliath groupers. Snook fi shing

48 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE central east

Tomoka River Basin

Cape Canaveral National Seashore is unmatched in any of the waters surrounding the park. The inlet produces doormat-sized flounder, tasty mangrove snappers year-round and plenty of bluefi sh and Spanish mackerel. Trophy speckled trout lurk inside the .

The St. Sebastian River flows into the Indian River Lagoon just north of Sebastian Inlet at St. Sebastian River to mention fi shing in the deep waters Preserve State Park. Upriver, snook and of the inlet itself. The beaches and jetty tarpon mix in with largemouth bass on the north side are legendary snook and panfi sh. It’s great for anglers spots. Anglers catch quite a few snook fi shing from paddle craft. The wider, from the pier on the south jetty, plus saltier lower river produces more flounder and sheepshead. Surf fi shermen redfi sh and trout. The preserve target pompano and whiting on South allows primitive camping. Hutchinson Island beaches.

Stick Marsh/Farm 13, near Fellsmere, Lake Garcia is a productive shallow is a 6,500-acre impoundment managed marsh lake near Fellsmere. Its bass as a catch-and-release-only bass fi shery. get little pressure. It’s close to gorgeous Consequently, it’s attained top 10 , which also offers status among Florida’s trophy bass accommodations and great fi shing. lakes. Boaters exploring the marsh should exercise caution due to the The mighty Kissimmee River drains many submerged stumps. into Lake Okeechobee near Buckhead Ridge. In winter, the area boasts one Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is of America’s best black crappie fi sheries. perfect for surf fi shing and wade Big bass are also caught in the glorious fi shing in the Indian River Lagoon, not marshes of this legendary lake.

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 49 central east Marinas, Piers & Related Attractions 1 Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier, 6 Eddy Creek Fishing Pier, Canaveral Daytona Beach National Seashore Fort Pierce City Marina, Fort Pierce 7 Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Beach 3 Capt. Hiram’s Resort, Sebastian 8 Deep Six Dive & Watersports, Middleton’s Fish Camp, Vero Beach 4 Vero Beach 5 Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore 1 Daytona Beach

DeLand New Smyrna Beach

6 5 Titusville Cape Canaveral/ Port Canaveral

Melbourne

4 7 3 Sebastian 8 Vero Beach Fort Pierce City Marina 2

Okeechobee Port St. Lucie scuba scouting

Free diving and scuba diving for giant spiny lobsters is popular from Fort Pierce Inlet State Park to North Hutchinson Spiny lobster Island. A continuous line of towering limestone reef runs just about the entire length of the island, in about 10 to 30 feet of water. Florida's regular lobster season runs August 6 through March 31.

50 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE Visit the Sebastian Visit River Area Okeechobee ...where there’s always a catch

A Fisherman's Paradise

GoFishSebastian.com 772-589-5969

Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council www.visitokeechobeecounty.com 863­763­3959 On FL’s Central East Coast

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON FLORIDA SPORTS…

Follow us online for updates from Florida’s sporting world!

@Fla_Sports facebook.com/ @fl a_sports FloridaSportsFoundation south

52 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE south

south

From the uninhabited shores of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Florida to Lake Istokpoga (which has one of the state's highest largemouth bass catch rates) in the Southeast, fi shing this region of Florida is known to be exciting. In the Florida Keys, reel in the big catches, from mahi to marlin. Islamorada is known as the sport fi shing capital of the world. Here, you can cast out on the flats, catch spiny lobsters and even dive the reefs and wrecks for a shot at spearfi shing.

The Florida Keys FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 53 southwest southwest

Anna Maria Island

Bradenton Sarasota Tarpon put Southwest Arcadia Venice 75 Charlotte Florida on the map. The Harbor Palmdale region remains one of Boca Grande the world’s best places to Fort Myers intercept the “Silver King,” Sanibel among many other exciting Island species found along the Naples 75

Gulf Coast and in scenic Marco Island Everglades Everglades waterways. National Everglades Park City Top fishing spots

The offers up about Pass Fishing Piers. Anglers with boats 46 miles of productive waters before often focus on the waters behind Lido pouring out into Tampa Bay. The lower Key. Capt. Geoff Page is a great guide river, near Bradenton, produces plenty with a wealth of information. of tarpon, snook and redfi sh. Pier anglers reel in their catches from the Like most great Everglades rivers, Green Bridge Fishing Pier. The stunning tides make the saltier the upper river begins at Fort Hamer Park. closer you fi sh to the Gulf of Mexico. The Upriver, anglers score great fi shing for brackish waters make for diverse fi shing snook, bass and redfi sh, as well as opportunities, ranging from bass and trout, especially in the cooler months. freshwater panfi sh to snook, redfi sh and tarpon. Fishing can be superb for snook Sarasota Bay is renowned for fi shing. upriver in the winter, where they mix with The Bay’s vast seagrass meadows bass near Myakka River State Park. and mangroves offer snook, trout and redfi sh, plus saltwater panfi sh including Florida’s second-largest open-water sheepshead and snappers. Wade estuary, Charlotte Harbor, offers more fi shermen and pier anglers enjoy ample fi shing opportunities than you can public access at places including the imagine. Launch from quaint towns such Causeway Park Fishing Pier and New as Punta Gorda, Matlacha and Charlotte

54 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE southwest

Sanibel Island

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Sarasota Bay

Harbor. Check out Bokeelia Pier on angler, visit Norm Zeigler’s Fly Shop for Pine Island. No matter where you information on hotspots and which baits visit this massive fi shery, Capt. Daniel and flies are catching fi sh. Andrews will make sure you catch a ride to great fi shing. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is where you want to fi sh if you In April through June, giant tarpon want to get “lost” in the best sense of flood into the notorious Boca Grande the word. This 35,000-acre labyrinth of Pass, which also produces snook mangroves and water holds such an and snapper. abundance of species that you never know what will hit next. Hiring a guide is Sanibel Island & J.N. "Ding" Darling strongly recommended. It’s hard to beat National Wildlife Refuge protect some this area for inshore and offshore fi shing of the best seagrass flats and mangrove diversity or convenience. For fi shing shorelines in Pine Island Sound, serving inshore or offshore trips out of the up mixed action for redfi sh and trout, Naples area, contact Capt. Will Geraghty as well as snook and tarpon. Whether at Grand Slam Light Tackle Sportfi shing. you're a fly fi sherman or conventional

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 55 southwest

Located on the north end of the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island and the adjacent Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve are legendary for snook, a small family of aggressive, acrobatic and delicious fi sh that you won’t fi nd in large numbers anywhere but South Florida.

Lake Trafford, a 1,500-acre lake near Immokalee, is something of a secret. It offers great fi shing for panfi sh and bass in a gorgeous setting teeming with wildlife. Fish from shore at the County Park and pier. Contact the Lake Trafford Marina for fi shing reports.

Chokoloskee offers great amenities for traveling anglers and access to the bountiful waters of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Everglades National Park. Accommodations range from overnight camping to monthly rentals. Guides are available on site; contact the Chokoloskee Island Park Marina. Gulf fi shing, Photo by Bass 2 Billfi sh Marinas, Piers & Related Attractions

1 2 Anna Rod and Reel Pier, Anna Maria Island Maria Bradenton 1 Island 3 Sarasota Historic Anna Maria City Pier, Arcadia 4 Anna Maria Island Venice Charlotte Harbor Palmdale Marina Jack, Sarasota Boca 3 Grande

Fort Myers 5 4 Fisherman’s Wharf Marina, Venice

Sanibel Island Salty Sam’s Marina, Fort Myers Beach 6 5 Naples Port of Naples Marina, Naples Marco 6 Island 7 Everglades City Chokoloskee Island Park Everglades National Park 7 & Marina, Chokoloskee

56 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE southwest Inside Tips on Landing Big fish

Southwest Florida is a paradise for saltwater fly fishermen. Waterways offer protection from winds along with great sight-fishing and blind-casting opportunities, plus mind-blowing visual action under the dock and bridge lights at night. During spring, the tarpon migration moves along the beaches and daisy-chaining schools of giant fish offer fly anglers shot after shot.

Naples Pier

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 57 Come drop a line in Florida’s most abundant fi shing waters and the tarpon fi shing capital of the world.

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is all about fi shing. At its heart is Charlotte Harbor, the state’s second-largest marine estuary. Fed by the Peace, Myakka and Caloosahatchee rivers, the harbor fl ows to the Gulf through Boca Grande Pass – the tarpon fi shing capital of the world. It means that from freshwater to inshore to offshore, the area has it all.

Getting on the fi sh is easy. You’ll fi nd guides, charters, marinas, tackle, and launch areas galore. And when the day’s done and you’re ready for fun, you’ll fi nd great times, dining and more all at great prices.

Ready for your next Big One? Plan now at: PureFlorida.com/Fishing 5 TOP FISHINGIN PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD SPOTS BEACH

Nestled on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach calls fishermen with its mangrove-forested barrier islands, 830 miles of natural shoreline and one of the world’s largest protected marine estuaries. Check out these top fishing spots to cast your rod:

STUMP PASS BEACH STATE GILCHRIST PARK PIER: PARK: This mile-long stretch of The fishing pier at beach is layered with seashells and Gilchrist Park was one of the 1sprinkled with fossilized shark’s teeth. 4first fixtures of Fishermen’s Angle from the shore or launch a kayak Village. The pier is a prime spot for over the flats for flounder, snook, redfish, lady fish, toadfish and snook. whiting and snapper.

EL JOBEAN FISHING PIER: Reel in snook from 2the original pier that once connected Englewood and Port Charlotte. This spot runs aside FL-776 over the Myakka River. Be on the lookout for the endangered sawfish, and consult the Myakka River Tide Chart before venturing here.

PORT CHARLOTTE BEACH PARK: Located on the BOCA GRANDE FISHING PIER: harbor, this 16 acre park is fully What once served as a railway 3equipped with facilities. It features a to Boca Grande is now a paradise for swimming pool, picnic area, tennis 5fishermen along Gasparilla Sound. Here, courts, restrooms and more. Hand populations of grouper, black drum, white launch kayaks or drop in your boat grunt and sheepshead thrive. A toll to at a ramp. Pier fishing yields snook, access the island makes this a quiet and flounder, snapper and tarpon. low-key fishing spot.

www.PureFlorida.com/Fishing southeast southeast

An ocean river, the Gulf Stream current comes closest to North America Jensen Beach along Southeast Florida, 95 lapping at the region’s tawny Palm Beach Gardens West Palm beaches. The Gulf Stream’s Clewiston Beach warmth produces some of Delray Beach the world’s best deep-sea Boca fi shing, and its blue water Raton 75 Fort fi lls the reefs and estuaries Lauderdale with diverse fi sh species. Miami Coral Gables Key Biscayne Top 1 fishing Key Largo Islamorada

spots Marathon Key West

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and tarpon fi shing. The lower river and offers surf fi shing and beach-stalking Jupiter Inlet also hold snook and tarpon anglers a slice of wilderness. In the within sight of fi ne dining and nightlife. warmer months, anglers sight fi sh for Contact Fishing Headquarters for guides snook and tarpon in the clear water and information about inshore and just off the beach. Tasty croakers and offshore fi shing adventures. whiting are always in the surf zone, while bluefi sh, pompano and Spanish mackerel Clewiston and Moore Haven sit on invade the suds each fall through early the southwestern shores of Lake spring. Capt. Mike Conner is the local Okeechobee, which has made a rebound surf fi shing guru. as one of the nation’s top bass and crappie lakes. Some of the lake’s most The upper is one of productive marshes are short runs from two federally designated "Wild & Scenic" the marina. Lunker bass, jumbo panfi sh rivers in Florida. Paddling anglers catch and big stringers of crappie await. chunky largemouth bass, snook and Contact the Roland & Mary Ann Martin's tarpon while floating beneath towering Marina for guides and information. cypress. Downriver in Jonathon Dickinson State Park, cypress gives way Accessible from the upper Florida Keys or to mangrove forests and superb snook the towns of Flamingo or Chokoloskee,

60 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE southeast

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Clewiston Loxahatchee

Everglades National Park encompasses Anglers target them by day by dropping the southern tip of the Florida peninsula baits more than 1,000 feet deep. At night, and much of Florida Bay, which offers the fi sh follow squid and forage fi sh to the nation’s best flats fi shing. For a true the service, where anglers use lights to wilderness fi shing adventure, explore the attract them. Contact the Hillsboro Inlet backcountry waters of the Fishing Center. drainage and Whitewater Bay. Capt. Benny Blanco is a top guide out of Miami/ Miami is a go-to fi shing destination any Homestead. Marinas in the upper Keys time of year. In late winter, a shrimp hatch such as Robbie’s and Bud ‘N Mary’s can inspires a great tarpon bite, especially at also assist you. For information on tides, night. Snook fi shing is good on the right guides and fi shing reports, contact the tides. Offshore, fi shing for sailfi sh in Flamingo Marina. the winter months is off the charts. Contact Capt. Bouncer Smith, one Broadbill swordfi shing is all the rage in of the state’s most respected inshore Pompano Beach and in much of South and offshore experts. Capt. Ray Rosher Florida. Those outrageously strong and is a tournament champion who operates delicious fi sh reach 500 pounds, though several boats out of Miami. the world record is nearly 1,200 pounds.

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 61 southeast

Biscayne Bay National Park in Miami includes vast connected reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats. These flats offer challenging fi shing for some of the biggest bonefi sh and permit. Contact Capt. Joe Gonzalez.

Islamorada is known as the sport fi shing capital of the world. Flats anglers enjoy easy access to the Florida Bay, lobster hunters fi nd spiny treasure on the reefs and offshore anglers target some of the most powerful fi sh in the ocean, including sailfi sh, mahi and marlin. Contact Bud N’ Mary’s Marina.

Bahia Honda State Park was voted one of the nation’s top 10 family fi shing destinations. This park in the Lower Keys offers great fi shing for bonefi sh, tarpon and permit. You can also fi ll a cooler with snappers and other tasty reef fi sh. Biscayne Bay National Park Marinas, Jensen Beach

Piers & Related Palm Beach 4 Gardens West Palm Beach Attractions Clewiston Delray Beach Boca Dania Beach Fishing Everglades National Park 3 Raton 1 Pier, Dania Beach 5 Boat Tours, Homestead Fort 1 Lauderdale

Miamarina at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, 2 Coral Miami 6 Gables Bayside, Miami Islamorada Key Biscayne

Everglades Holiday Robbie’s Marina, 5 3 Park, Fort Lauderdale 7 Islamorada

Roland & Mary Ann 7 6 Key Largo 4 Martin's Marina & Islamorada Resort, Clewiston Marathon

Key West

62 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA FISHING GUIDE southeast

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Spearfishing & Diving Southeast Florida is the epicenter of the action during Florida’s spiny lobster mini-season. The action continues with much less pressure throughout the fall into the winter, with the season fi nally closing March 31. It’s also a great place to get SCUBA certifi ed.

Islamorada

FLASPORTS.COM/FISHING | 63 Make reel memories.

Stuart, located in Martin County, is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, and the northernmost point of the South Florida Reef, Martin County is home to 100 artificial reef systems and over 800 species of fish. Its climate, waterways and natural environment make it a mecca for fishermen and nautical explorers year-round. An array of unique shops, fine restaurants, great golf courses and quiet beaches make a day ashore fun, too. Inshore, offshore, salt water or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories. Plan your trip at discovermartin.com

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