Florida is often one of the first spots that come to mind when someone thinks of fishing or vacation. This tropical paradise and “fishing capital of the world” is undoubtedly at the top of the list of best family fishing destinations. Florida fishing is ideal for every style, age, and skill level because it has endless fishing opportunities available all year.
Our goal is simple - the Great Florida Fishing blog is the go-to resource for fishing inspiration!
Somewhere between the endless blue and the hum of a spinning reel, you realize that Florida isn’t just a place—it’s a state of mind. Here, fishing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life, a ritual of sunrise casts and sunset stories, best shared over a cold beer with the scent of salt air in your nose.
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Every spring, the emerald-green waters of Florida’s Panhandle come alive with one of the most anticipated migrations in sport fishing—the Cobia Run. When the water starts warming up, these heavyweight bruisers move through the Gulf, hugging the coastline, providing one of the most thrilling sight-fishing opportunities in the country.
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Planning is the cornerstone of any great fishing adventure, and Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach deliver a world-class experience for anglers ready to embrace Florida’s pristine waters. Whether you're chasing the acrobatics of tarpon, the power of redfish, or the thrill of cobia, this guide ensures you're prepared to hook the fish of your dreams while uncovering the best fishing seasons Florida has to offer.
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Through the #BuildBackTheBite initiative, Great Florida Fishing is shining a spotlight on the resilience and determination of local charters, guides, and accommodations in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach and Charlotte Harbor.
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Caught it, now savor it! Discover Destin's Gulf-to-Table tradition where local chefs transform your fresh catch into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Explore top restaurants and start planning your unforgettable boat-to-table adventure today!
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Cast your line and make a difference at The Flamingo Fishing Classic benefiting the Jake Owen Foundation.
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Florida’s vibrant fishing communities have faced tough challenges in the wake of recent storms, but their resilience is undeniable.
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The #BuildBackTheBite campaign is dedicated to helping Florida’s local charters, guides, and accommodations recover from the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida’s beloved fishing communities have faced significant challenges, with local charter captains, guides, and accommodations among the hardest hit. These storms may have battered the coastline, but they haven’t shaken the resilience and determination that define Florida’s spirit.
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Discover the ultimate Florida Keys fishing adventure where luxury meets thrilling deep-sea and flats fishing. From private villas to world-class charters, experience a journey like no other.
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Experience the thrill of 2024 Red Snapper and Grouper fishing in Destin, Florida! From charter fishing trips to a boat-to-table dining experience, this is the ultimate adventure for anglers of all levels.
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The legendary largemouth bass you know and love has a new name – introducing the Florida bass! Recent genetics studies have confirmed what anglers and biologists have long suspected: the Florida bass is a unique species. The American Fisheries Society has officially recognized the Florida bass as distinct from the largemouth bass, solidifying its special status.
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It's official! Governor Ron DeSantis has announced an unprecedented 103-day recreational red snapper season for the Gulf in 2024, setting the stage for a thrilling fishing experience across Florida’s renowned coastal waters.
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Welcome to Fernandina Beach, a gem on Amelia Island, famously known as the "Isle of 8 Flags." Beyond its rich history and beautiful, pristine coastline, it boasts some of the most exhilarating fishing opportunities in Florida.
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Florida is a paradise for anglers, and one of the crown jewels in its fishing repertoire is the Mahi, also known as Dolphin fish. These vibrant, acrobatic fish are not only a thrill to catch but also a delight to eat. For out-of-area anglers planning to bring their boat to the Sunshine State, the Mahi fishing season is an opportunity you won't want to miss.
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Florida is renowned for its year-round sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and, most importantly, its bass fishing. As the calendar turns to spring, the bass fishing season in the Sunshine State kicks into high gear, especially in Central Florida. This region, often referred to as the "Bass Fishing Capital of the World," offers some of the best spots for anglers looking to reel in that trophy catch.
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Southeast Florida boaters seeking a premium docking experience will find Perry Marina in Key West to be an exceptional choice. Offering more than just a place to moor your boat, Perry Marina provides a community atmosphere with a rich local history, making it a standout destination for long-term dockage.
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For Miami and Southeast Florida boaters seeking the perfect weekend escape, Perry Marina in Key West offers an unparalleled experience. With its close proximity to prime fishing spots, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch services, Perry Marina is the ideal destination for a memorable weekend on the water.
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Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable fishing journey in the Sunshine State? Known as the "Fishing Capital of the World," Florida beckons anglers and boating enthusiasts to its waters, especially during the sailfish season.
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As the winter chill sets in, many anglers pack away their gear, mistakenly believing it's time for a seasonal break. However, in Florida, winter ushers in some of the most exhilarating fishing experiences.
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Are you ready to cast your worries away and embark on the ultimate fishing adventure? Look no further than the Sunshine State, where fishing vacations in Florida offer an unbeatable combination of breathtaking landscapes, abundant marine life, and thrilling angling opportunities.
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If you're a fisherman or fisherwoman, you probably have some fond memories of fishing with your dad, grandfather, or other family member!
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Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the 2023 Gulf red snapper recreational season which will total 70 days, the longest combined season since the state assumed management of red snapper. The season includes both a 46-day summer season and a 24-day fall season.
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Florida is known worldwide for its exceptional fishing. From freshwater to saltwater, Florida offers a variety of fishing spots that attract anglers from all over the world.
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Maybe it’s a bachelor’s party where a bunch of high school and college friends are getting together to send off a beloved friend into wedded bliss.
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Looking for an adventure? Try fishing the second largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States! That’s right, Lake Okeechobee commonly referred to as Bass Capital of the World is waiting for you to take a break from the rest of the world and explore this natural beauty.
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Cedar Key is a quiet island community nestled among many tiny keys on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Located 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, our island sits three miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. Highway 24 is the only road coming into town.
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It’s the stuff angling dreams are made of: Your vacation has been great — and it’s about to get even better, thanks to a charter fishing trip, which you hope helps you check some exotic species off your bucket list. But this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’ve chosen the wrong charter.
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For a truly well-rounded tarpon fishing vacation, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach checks all the boxes.
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Hurricane Ian made landfall on Sept. 28, 2022, near Fort Myers, Fla., bringing with it a devastating storm surge, flooding, and strong winds. Fort Myers, Naples, and surrounding areas experienced catastrophic damage that will take months to years to fully recover.
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The 2022 spiny lobster season opens with the two-day recreational mini-season on July 27 and 28, followed by the regular commercial and recreational lobster season, which starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31, 2023.
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Many of us dream of landing a Florida trophy bass and setting a new personal best! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program provides great rewards while commemorating anglers’ accomplishments.
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For more than seven decades, people have come from near and far to the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” to compete in the longest running tradition in the area — the Destin Fishing Rodeo. If you've never participated, this might be the year to join in the fun!
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Panama City Beach’s 27 miles of sugar-white sands and turquoise waters have beckoned generations of visitors seeking fun in the Florida sun. Lesser known, however, is its world-class fishery and easy access to a wide variety of angling experiences few other destinations can match.
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The 2022 recreational bay scallop season from the Fenholloway River through the Suwannee River opens June 15 and will remain open through Labor Day (Sept. 5).
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The recreational red snapper season will start June 17 in Gulf state and federal waters off Florida and remain open through July 31 with 12 days in the fall.
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites residents and visitors to go fishing in Florida during two license-free weekends: June 4-5 for saltwater and June 11-12 for freshwater.
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Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) new Florida Fishing Pier Finder, an interactive map that allows anglers to find publicly-accessed fishing piers, jetties and fishing-specific bridges in freshwater and saltwater locations throughout the state.
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Starting May 1, the following regulations will go into effect for recreational harvest of dolphinfish in Atlantic state waters: 1. Five fish per person daily recreational bag limit; 2. 30 fish per vessel private recreational daily vessel limit.
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Governor Ron DeSantis announced the 2022 Gulf red snapper recreational season which will total 57 days, the longest season since the state assumed management of red snapper and will include both a summer and fall season.
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The cat is out of the bag – rather, the fish is out of the net! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) revealed all 10 freshwater locations across the state where pink-tagged bass worth big prizes are swimming right now.
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